Preparation
- Remove the left drip tray
- Leave the right drip tray in place, as the hole in the hotplate can drain onto the right drip tray and down it the grease bin.
- Generally keep the flame vent closed as the hotplate will still get hot enough. If very high temperature are required for searing a steak, open the vent for just a few minutes. The hottest area will be above the open flame vent and will likely be visible through some colour change in the hot plate surface, especially if any oil has been spread on the surface.
- Hold the handles and carefully lower into place in the centre of the grill.
- Slide gently all the way to the left. A gap will remain on the right hand side.
- Take care not to hit the temperature sensor cage on the left.
Heat Source
The hot plate cooking mode uses both the heating element and wood pellets, providing more even temperatures and reduced wood pellet usage.
Grill Controls
Firing Up
- Shut the grill lid.
- With the grill powered on, press MENU, rotate to PRO MODES, press control knob to select.
- Rotate to Hot Plate Cooking and press control knob to select.
- Set temperature to LOW and pre-heat for 10-15 minutes. Once the grill has heated up to at least 160℃ / 320℉ pressing the control knob allows MEDIUM and HIGH heat settings to be chosen.
- The hot plate temperature will be 20-40℃ hotter than the grill’s displayed temperature, so once grill reaches 160℃ / 320℉ start testing the hot plate temperature with fine water spray for beading (see cooking section below).
- MEDIUM is ideal for when frequently opening the lid, HIGH for when the lid is continually open. The appropriate heat level will also depend on the temperature outside and how much food is beign cooked.
- Leaving the lid shut for a long time on MEDIUM or HIGH can result in very high temperature that may burn food, so it is important to regularly monitor food.
- If the temperature exceeds 250℃ / 482℉, which can happen at MEDIUM or HIGH with the lid shut, the controller will switch automatically back to LOW, preventing an excessively high temperature.
Pre-heat on the LOW setting with the lid shut.
MEDIUM and HIGH can only be used once pre-heated.
Shutting Down
- Once finished cooking, safely shut the grill down by pressing and holding the POWER button for 2 seconds, then selecting YES.
- The hot plate will stay hot for more than an hour, so take care when removing from the grill, and wear heat proof gloves.
Cooking
- During operation the surface of the hot plate may be significantly hotter than the grill temperature shown on the controller display. Do NOT use the grill temperature as main indication of the hot plate temperature. Physical testing (see next point) is required.
- To check if the grill is hot enough to start cooking, spray some water (fine spray only) on the hotplate.
- If the water it sizzles it is NOT hot enough yet.
- If the water forms tiny balls that roll around (know as the Leidenfrost effect) it is close to or above 200℃, the perfect temperature for hotplate cooking!
Never pour cold water or large pile of cold food on the hotplate while hot as it can cause the metal to permanently warp out of shape.
- Once up to temperature apply a generous amount of high smoke point cooking oil and place on food.
- Let the food to sit until a crust forms, allowing it to lift off the stainless steel more easily.
- Keep the grill lid shut as much as possible when cooking (use LOW or MEDIUM heat). Doing so will keep the temperature more stable and significantly reduce wood pellet usage.
- If cooking with the lid often, or continually open, the HIGH setting may be required to provide sufficient heat.
- For more information on how to cook on stainless steel, check out the video below.
Cleaning
- Clean the stainless steel the same as any stainless cookwear.
- Jif, Bar Keepers Friend or similar kitchen cleaning powder/cream are safe to use.
- Do not leave the hot plate outside exposed to weather as although it is made from 304 stainless steel it can still form surface rust in certain conditions. If any rust does appear, polish off with stainless steel cleaner and ultra-fine wire wool.
- The hotplate can be cleaned while sitting in place, with any soapy, dirty water pushed down through the drain hole. Be sure to check the grease bin to ensure it does not overflow! Empty and rinse out with hot water after any cleaning of the hotplate.
Safety
- The hot plate will stay hot for a long time after the cook is finished.
- Wait to cool down before removing, or use high temperature gloves when removing if still hot.
- Do not put a hot plate that is still hot anywhere somebody (or a pet) could accidentally touch it.
FAQs
Can the hotplate be left in for other cooking modes?
- Yes you can, in fact if doing indirect cooking, it helps provides more even temperatures and is much easier to clean up.
- As it is a deep flat surface, it is perfect to lay a shallow water tray underneath meat (a common method).
- The grill racks sit in place directly over the top.
- Remove the left drip tray, but leave the left drip tray in place.
Can I open the flame vent (pull the handle out) for more heat?
- Yes you can, and it will result in a very very hot zone above the fire ideal for searing.
- Opening the flame vent may actually be too hot for cooking anything other that a steak, so normally it is best to keep the vent closed.