Bayou Classic 500-535 - Manual (Page 10)

The heat and moisture retention property of ceramic grills creates a "pressure cooker" effect resulting in a
superior cooking performance. It can also result in a possible "flashback" of fire and steam toward the handle
as the lid is opened. Such a flashback can singe hair on your forearm, especially when cooking over 300˚F.
Flashbacks can be reduced or prevented by following the simple 2-STEP LID OPENING INSTRUCTION:
1) Slowly open the lid a few inches. Pause for a moment to release internal pressure...
2) Then open lid completely.
NOTE: Flashbacks are greater during the time when both top and bottom vents are closed. During
that time the fire is starved for oxygen and is being extinguished. As the lid is
opened, oxygenated air rushes in and is ignited by the hot coals.
By just barely opening the lid, the sudden rush of fresh air will burn inside the grill and
not around the handle.
Remember, opening the lid is a 2-STEP process.
NOTE: Check Felt Liner on Base & Lid. Grill must maintain a tight seal for proper cooking.
Felt Liner will occasionally need to be replaced. A roll of Replacement Felt is included.
CHARCOAL TIPS
1) Natural Lump Charcoal is recommended because it has that great smoky flavor and can be reused.
Lump Charcoal burns hotter than briquettes while producing less ash, thus reduced obstruction at bottom
air intake vent.
2) For general cooking, fill the Fire Bowl with charcoal up to the bottom of the Insulation Ring. If you want
to cook at a slow and lower temperature, refer to Air Vent Adjustments on Back Page.
3) The temperature is regulated by the air flow through the grill, therefore adjust both top and bottom vents
to reach the desired temperature. It may require some time to properly learn the vent settings.
Refer to Air Vent Adjustments on Back Page.
4) With lump charcoal, you can start cooking as soon as it starts to burn. You do not have to wait for lump
charcoal to turn completely white as with briquettes.
5) Close both top and bottom vents completely when cooking is finished. The fire will quickly extinguish and
any remaining charcoal can be reused.
LIGHTING
1) DO NOT USE LIGHTER FLUIDS! Use of lighter fluids can leave a chemical odor on the ceramic inserts.
2) Use only Natural Lump Charcoal found at most grocery stores.
3) You can use an electric starter, paraffin stick or a Charcoal Chimney.
4) Be certain that both top and bottom air vents are open when lighting.
CLEANING OUT THE ASHES
( Clean only when grill and ash are cool, before lighting )
1) Use a grill brush to stir the remaining coals so that all ashes fall to the bottom of the grill.
2) After most ashes are at the bottom of the grill, open the bottom air vent completely.
3) Place a pan or aluminum foil under the bottom air vent to catch the ashes.
4) Rake ashes out of the bottom air vent into a pan or aluminum foil.
5) Do Not remove Fire Bowl or Insulation Ring to clean ashes. Simply slide open air vent and rake out ash.
Operating Instructions
DANGER
Open and rake out ash.
9