Vent-a-Hood 812-3450-0 (Hickory) - Manual (Page 12)

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Step 5
With coals burning well, carefully add wood chunks using long cook-
ing tongs (see “Flavoring Wood” and “Adding Charcoal/Wood During
Cooking” sections of this manual.)
Step 6
Place cooking grill on grill support lips. Use charcoal tray adjusters to
position charcoal tray to lowest level.
WARNING: Always wear oven mitts/gloves when adjusting cooking levels
to protect your hands from burns.
Step 7
Place food on right side of cooking grill and close lid. Adjust the side
air vents to regulate cooking temperature.
NOTE: Do not fully close side air vents and lid unless trying to cool the
grill down or suffocate a flame.
Step 8
By closing the side air vents more, the burning intensity is slowed and
smoke is contained within the grill, imparting more smoke flavor to
food. The ideal smoking temperature is between 175°F and 250°F or
“IDEAL” reading on the heat gauge.
Step 9
For large cuts of meat, allow approximately one hour of cooking time
per pound of meat. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure food
is fully cooked before removing from grill.
Step 10
Allow grill to cool completely, then follow instructions in the
“After-Use Safety” and “Proper Care & Maintenance” sections of this
manual.
During the smoking process, avoid the temptation to open lid to check
food. Opening the lid allows heat and smoke to escape, making addi-
tional cooking time necessary.
Food closest to the charcoal will cook and brown faster. Rotate food
midway through the cooking cycle. If food is excessively browned or
flavored with smoke, wrap food in aluminum foil after the first few
hours of smoking. This will allow food to continue cooking without
further browning or smoke flavoring.
When cooking fish or extra lean cuts of meat, you may want to try
water smoking to keep the food moist. Before starting a fire, place
charcoal tray to lowest level. Use a flat bottom metal pan shallow
enough to fit between charcoal grate and cooking grill as a water pan.
Set the metal pan on charcoal grate under food and cooking grill. Fill
with water or marinade until q full. Build your fire on the opposite
side of water pan.
CAUTION: Always use oven mitts/gloves to protect your hands. Liquid
in water pan will be extremely hot and can scald or burn.
Always allow liquid to cool completely before handling. Do
not allow liquid to completely evaporate from water pan.
Lower Charcoal Tray Level
(Smoking)
Smoke Cooking Tips