The Pit Boss Ultimate Griddle Series is a versatile outdoor cooking appliance designed for household use, offering a range of features for an enjoyable grilling experience. This griddle is equipped with a lift-off top and a cabinet for convenient storage and portability. It's crucial to read the entire manual before operating the device to ensure safe and trouble-free use.
Function Description
The Pit Boss Ultimate Griddle is primarily designed for outdoor cooking using liquid propane (LP) gas. It features multiple burners, allowing for varied heat zones and cooking flexibility. The griddle's hot plate is ceramic-coated, providing a durable and non-stick cooking surface. The unit is designed to be operated with a standard G30/G31 grill LP gas cylinder, which connects to the griddle via a regulator and tubing assembly.
The griddle's lift-off top design allows for easy removal of the firebox from the cart, making it convenient for tailgating or travel. This portability feature enhances its utility for various outdoor activities. The integrated cabinet provides a practical storage solution, keeping the gas cylinder and other accessories neatly tucked away.
Usage Features
Operating the Pit Boss griddle involves a straightforward lighting procedure. Users must open the lid, set control knobs to the "O" (OFF) position, and open the gas cylinder valve. The burner is then lit by pushing and turning the control knob counter-clockwise to the "light position" and pressing the igniter button. If the igniter fails, a manual lighting procedure using a lit match or long-nosed lighter is provided. It's important to ensure proper flame height and distribution across all burner ports for optimal performance.
The griddle includes a grease run-out and a grease cup, which are essential for managing cooking by-products and maintaining cleanliness during operation. The design also incorporates side shelves, offering additional workspace and convenience for placing utensils or ingredients. Some models include a trash bag holder, located under the left side shelf, which can accommodate standard plastic grocery bags or larger trash bags, simplifying waste management during cooking.
For safe operation, the griddle requires specific clearances from combustible materials, and it should never be used indoors or in enclosed, unventilated areas. The manual provides guidance on cooking in various weather conditions, suggesting adjustments for cold and hot temperatures to optimize cooking results. For instance, in cold weather, organizing ingredients beforehand and using a heated platter can enhance the experience, while in hot weather, adjusting cooking temperatures downward helps prevent flare-ups and overcooking.
Maintenance Features
Regular care and maintenance are vital for prolonging the lifespan and ensuring the safe operation of the Pit Boss griddle. The manual outlines a cleaning frequency table for different components.
The burner components should be cleaned whenever heavy build-up is observed, and regularly inspected for blockages from debris or insects. A clogged burner tube can lead to a fire, so it's recommended to remove the burner and wrap it in aluminum foil if storing the griddle for an extended period. Optimal flame performance is indicated by a blue flame with a small yellow tip; excessively yellow, orange, or irregular flames suggest the need to clean oil and food deposits from the burner surface and portholes to improve airflow.
The ceramic-coated hot plate requires cleaning and seasoning after each use to prevent rust, extend its life, and maintain a non-stick surface. This involves using a spatula or scraper to remove food and debris, followed by liberally applying an even coat of cooking oil (such as vegetable, olive, peanut, coconut, or sesame oil) to the cooking surface.
The grease cup should be checked and cleaned often, depending on the type of foods cooked, to prevent fire hazards from accumulated hot grease and debris. For overall protection against weather and pollutants, it is recommended to use a cover when the griddle is not in use or for long-term storage. When storing the unit, the gas cylinder must be removed and stored outdoors, while the griddle itself can be kept in a garage or shed.
Leak testing is a critical maintenance step that should be performed periodically, especially before first use, after changing the gas cylinder, or after prolonged storage. This involves applying a soapy water solution to connections and visually inspecting for bubbles, which indicate a leak. If a leak is detected and cannot be corrected, users are advised to contact their local Fire Department or Customer Care.
Troubleshooting tips are also provided to address common operational problems, such as the burner not lighting, grease fires, low heat, or gas leakage. These tips guide users through checks and solutions, often referring back to the care and maintenance instructions for resolution.