pit boss owners manual SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS! TIPS & REC I PE S I N S I D E ! Pit Boss 440 Deluxe Pit Boss 340 BLACK COPPER (PB440D) (PB340) WARNING: Please read the entire manual before installation and use of this pellet fuel-burning appliance. Failure to follow these instructions could result in property damage, bodily injury or even death. Contact local building or fire officials about restrictions and installation inspection requirements in your area.
Dangers & Warnings “A MAJOR CAUSE OF FIRES IS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN REQUIRED CLEARANCES (AIR SPACES) TO COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS. IT IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE THAT THIS PRODUCT BE INSTALLED ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS.” WARNING: DO NOT touch any part of your “Pit Boss Pellet Smoker/Grill” while the smoker is HOT. Serious bodily injury could result. YOU MUST keep the entire grill a minimum 12 inches, or a safe distance, from all combustibles.
Dangers & Warnings WARNING: DO NOT over-fire your “Pit Boss”. Improper Use Can Cause Uncontrolled Fire. FUEL—WOOD PELLETS This pellet cooking appliance is designed and approved for pelletized, all natural, wood fuel only. Any other type of fuel burned in this appliance will void the warranty and safety listing. ONLY USE all natural wood pellets, designed for burning in pellet bbq grills. DO NOT use fuel labeled as having additives.
INTRODUCTION THANK YOU! Congratulations on your purchase of this “Pit Boss” Pellet Smoker/Grill. With the proper set-up, operation and maintenance, this BBQ will provide you with years of cooking enjoyment, never ending compliments and will allow you to produce “Competition Quality BBQ In Your Own Back Yard”. Think of your “Pit Boss” as an extra stove available to bake, roast, grill and smoke food. Barbecuing provides a form of entertainment, which is relaxed and casual.
CONTENTS DANGERS & WARNINGS 2 SAFETY TESTING 4 UNPACKING YOUR PIT BOSS SMOKER 6 ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS LEGS & SHELF 7 CART & STOPPER 8 HANDLE, THERMOMETER, & STACK 9 SIDE SHELF & BUCKET 10 WORKING COMPONENTS 11 POWER & PREPERATION 12 KNOWLEDGE IS POWER HOW YOUR PIT BOSS SMOKER WORKS 13 SPECS 14 ABOUT WOOD PELLETS 22 OPERATION GETTING STARTED 15 PIT BOSS CONTROL 16 LIGHTING - AUTOMATIC / MANUAL 19 SHUTTING OFF YOUR SMOKER 21 MAINTENANCE 21 GRILLING TIPS AND TECHNIQUES 22 TR
Section One: ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS When you open your smoker/grill, please ensure you have and can identify all the following parts: NOTE: Numbers following part names throughout this manual refer to the component diagram below. Parts List Item Part# Description 1. xxxx QTY Lid Stopper 1 2. Upper Cooking Rack 1 3. Cooking Grids 2 4. Grease Tray / Spout 1 5. Flame Diffuser 1 Note: some models may include the “2 Pc Flame Broiler” and not Parts 3 & 4 2pc Flame Broiler (optional) 6.
Section One: ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS ASSEMBLING & MOUNTING THE LEGS & SHELF Parts Needed: 2 Legs w/ wheels 2 Legs #10, #11 #13, #14 Hardware Required: Screw 1/4”- 20* 1/2” x 20 (A) 1 Barrel #6 1 Bottom Shelf 340—Open Grid 440D—Solid #12 Tools Required: 1– Phillips Screwdriver Installation Steps Step 1 Attach legs to barrel: To ease installation, gently lay the barrel on its end, not the hopper end.
Section One: ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS ASSEMBLING & MOUNTING THE CART … CON’T Step 2 Install Bottom Shelf Assembly: Models 340—Open Shelf Model 440D—Solid Shelf Install the Bottom Shelf (#12) to all four legs. Using 4 of the 1/4” x #20 x 1/2” screws (A) and your Screw driver, hand start then secure the screws firmly to the leg frame. Note: Ensure the shelf is installed so the flat surface is facing up NOW, securely tighten ALL 16 leg screws (A) Part Needed: ASSEMBLING—HOPPER TO BARREL 1.
Section One: ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS ASSEMBLING THE LID HANDLE Parts Needed: 16 1 x Stainless Handle 17 2 x Decorative Bezel 4 x Insulation Washers Hardware Required: Screw 1/4”- 20* 1/2” x 2 (A) Installation Steps Insert one screw (A) from inside the lid, through the hole provided in the lid. Place one insulation washer, then a Bezel (6) and finally another washer over the screw, then line-up the handle (5) with the threaded end of the screw.
Section One: ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS ATTACHING THE SIDE SHELF HANDLE Part Needed: #7 2 Side Handle—340 Or Stainless Tray Holder— 420D Insulated Felt Spacers Hardware Required: Screw 1/4”- 20* 1/2” 4 x 4 (A) Installation Steps Using your wrench secure all four screws (A) through the handle (7) and insulated felt spacers, onto the barrel. Ensure a tight fit, without over tightening. IMPORTANT: DO NOT use the Chrome Side Shelf Handle to move or lift the unit. Because of the size, it will break.
Section One: ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS PLACING THE COOKING COMPONENTS Parts Included: Model 330 Upper Cooking Rack Cooking Grids Flavor / Grease Tray Flame / Heat Deflector Model 440D Upper Cooking Rack Cooking Grids 2 pc Flame Broiler FLAME DIFFUSER (4) The Flame Diffuser is used to direct flame and heat evenly to the ends of the barrel. Placement is directly over the burn pot and grate area.
Section One: ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS HOOKING UP TO POWER NOTE: Before plugging your Pit Boss into any electrical outlet ensure the Temperature Dial is in the “OFF” position. AT HOME This appliance requires 110 Volt, 60Hz, 5 amp service. It must use a 3 prong grounded plug. The control uses a 5 amp 120Volt Fast-Blow fuse to protect the board from the igniter. GFI Outlets This appliance will work on most GFI Outlets. Recommended size 15 amp.
Section Two: OPERATION HOW IT WORKS 101 natural wood bbq pellets are poured A All in the hopper. (3) B Turn Temperature Dial (20) to the “OFF” setting. C Plug the smoker / grill into a grounded, 110 volt, electrical outlet. D Select the desired cooking temperature, using the Temperature Dial. (20) The Auger (6) begins to feed pellets from the Hopper (3) to the Burn Pot. (8) The Igniter (7) or hot rod, activates for 5 minutes, and along with the Draft Fan (5) ignite the pellets.
Knowledge is Power Your New 340 & 440D Wood Pellet Fired Smokin Grills Large 7 lb Hopper capacity Easy flip up top, with rounded edges Dome Thermometer Upper Cooking Shelf Embossed Lid for added strength and décor. Fan Forced Combustion, and Convection Cooking. Electric Igniter eliminates the need for matches & starter fluids. Digital Oven Temperature 170 to 500 degrees, giving more cooking options; hot smoking to searing.
Section Two: OPERATION GETTING STARTED With today’s lifestyle of striving to eat healthy and nutritious foods, one factor to consider is the importance of reducing fat intake. One of the best ways to cut down on fat in your diet is to use a low fat method of cooking, such as grilling. Throughout this manual, you will notice the emphasis on grilling food slowly at LOW or MEDIUM temperature settings.
Section Two: OPERATION PIT BOSS CONTROL OVERVIEW LCD SCREEN Displays Grill Temperature, Smoke Settings (P Setting), igniter and temperature status, and error messages. TEMPERATURE DIAL Select the following: Smoke, High, or one of 8 temperatures. “P” SET (recessed push button) Select one of 7 temperature fine tunings. Allows for Larger temperature control to fit your cooking style HIGH - HIGH TEMPERATURE MODE Grill operates at the Highest heat level.
Section Two: OPERATION PIT BOSS CONTROL CONNECTING TO AC POWER 1. Temperature Dial must be in the OFF position. 2. Plug the power cord into a 110 V grounded electrical outlet. 3. If “ErP” is displayed, the Temperature Dial was not set to OFF. This causes an inadvertent start error, which halts the Ignition sequence. To clear the error, turn the Temperature Dial to OFF, wait 2 seconds, then set the desired cooking temperature. NOTE: This safety feature keeps unintentional starts from occurring. 4.
Section Two: OPERATION PIT BOSS CONTROL UNDERSTANDING THE “P” SETTING The main benefit to the P SETTING Control Button is that it allows you, the Pit Master, to fine tune your Pit Boss Pellet Grill to compensate for ambient temperatures, humidity, wind, environmental changes, pellet fuel type and quality. This ensures a World Championship Result, everytime. When the Temperature Dial is set on SMOKE or HIGH, the Auger turns on, delivers fuel for 18 seconds, then turns off.
Section Two: OPERATION STANDARD LIGHTING PROCEDURE NOTE: Always clean or check your burn pot before each use. This will ensure proper ignition, heat output and many continuous happy grilling experiences. Automatic Start Up 1. Ensure the POWER switch is in the “OFF” position. 2. Plug the POWER CORD into a 110V grounded outlet. DO NOT break the ground end off the cord or use a non-grounded outlet or extension cord. NOTE: When plugged into a GFI, ensure it is at least 15 amps.
Section Two: OPERATION MANUAL LIGHTING PROCEDURE IF FOR ANY REASON YOUR ELECTRIC IGNITER FAILS, YOU CAN START YOUR GRILL USING THIS MANUAL METHOD. NOTE: Always clean or check your burn pot before each use. This will ensure proper ignition, heat output and many continuous happy grilling experiences. Manual Start Up 1. Ensure the Temperature Dial is in the “OFF” position. 2. Plug the POWER CORD into a 110V grounded outlet.
Section Two: OPERATION SHUTTING OFF YOUR GRILL Your “Pit Boss” Pellet Grill will give you many years of flavorful service with minimum cleaning. An important step is allowing the grill and cooking grids to “Self Clean” by running the grill on HIGH temperature for 5—10 minutes after each use. When finished cooking on your grill, turn the Temperature Dial to HIGH. Let your grill run for 5 to 10 minutes to go through its normal cleaning method.
Section Three: TIPS & TECHNIQUES 100% Natural Hardwood Wood Pellets They are no thicker than the eraser on the end of a pencil. People who see them for the first time think they look like rabbit food, but there is nothing small about the heat energy or flavor in a wood pellet. These clean burning wood pellets generate about 8200 BTU’s per pound with very little ash (.3lb/40lb bag) and low moisture content (5-7%) and are “carbon neutral”.
Section Three: TIPS & TECHNIQUES Just because the bright coloured leafs are gone and the golf clubs are put away for another season, doesn’t mean you have to stop barbecuing. The clean crisp fresh air, the heavenly aroma of flavoured wood pellets and food cooking, may be just what the doctor ordered to cure those winter blahs. Holiday grilling also frees up your oven space for other important menu items.
Section Three: TIPS & TECHNIQUES Here are some helpful tips and techniques passed on to us from many Pit Boss Grill owners, our staff, families and lots and lots of practise: TIP: Sugar based sauces are best applied near the end of cooking to prevent burning. Before preheating the grill, make sure it is safe, clean and hygienic. Always preheat your grill before cooking.
Section Three: TIPS & TECHNIQUES 3 Three Basic Rules for Food Safety 1. Keep everything in the kitchen and cooking area clean. 2. Keep hot foods hot (above 140ºF) 3. Keep cold foods cold (below 37ºF) We want you to enjoy healthy and safe grill cooking, so following are some hints for basic barbecue hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with hot, soapy water before starting any meal preparation and after handling fresh meat, fish and poultry.
Section Four: TROUBLE SHOOTING Proper cleaning, maintenance and the use of clean, dry, quality fuel will prevent common grill operational problems. However, when your Pit Boss Wood Pellet Grill is simply operating poorly, or not at all, the following trouble shooting tips may be helpful. The following is not an exhaustive list. For further details or updated information, please check: our website www.pitboss-grills.
Section Four: TROUBLE SHOOTING Problem Grill will NOT Start Cause Solution Power Ensure unit is plugged in. Verify there is power at the electrical outlet. Check and reset the Ground Fault Interrupter, if necessary. If igniter not working, check 5 amp fuse found on the back of the control. Replace if necessary. Temperature Dial Ensure Temperature Dial is in OFF position. Turn Temperature Dial to SMOKE. LCD SCREEN will light up, Remove Cooking Grids and Flavor/Grease Tray.
Section Four: TROUBLE SHOOTING The Pit Boss Digital Temperature Control system is an intricate and valuable piece of technology. For protection from power surges and electrical shorts, the control utilizes a 5 amp, 120 Volt Fast—Blow Fuse. It is recommended to unplug your grill from any electrical connection, when not in use. This will help to protect from electrical surges and storms.
Section Four: TROUBLE SHOOTING PARTS LIST REPLACEMENT ITEMS Item Part# Description 1. xxxx QTY Lid Stopper 1 2. Upper Cooking Rack 1 3. Cooking Grids 2 4. Grease Tray / Spout 1 5. Flame Diffuser 1 2 pc Flame Broiler 6. Main Barrel 1 7. Serving Tray (440D only) 1 8. Side Handle 340—black 440D—Stainless 1 9. 74400 Grease Bucket 1 10. Rear Leg with Wheel 1 11. Front Leg with Wheel w/ bottle opener (440D) 1 12. Bottom Shelf 340—Open Grid 440D—Solid 1 13. Rear Leg 1 14.
Section Four: TROUBLE SHOOTING PARTS LIST Pellet Feed System Nylon Bushing Auger Shaft Look Nut REPLACEMENT ITEMS Part No.
Section Five: GRILL RECEIPES COOK TIME GUIDELINES The following cooking guidelines are just that “Guidelines”, and are in no way the only way to cook.. For best results and to become a true “Pit Master”, keep a record of what you cooked, at what temperature you cooked; how long you cooked for; what seasoning you used; what flavor of pellets you used; and the results. Then adjust to your taste for the next time. Most “Pit Masters” have very thick records. Practice makes perfect.
Section Five: GRILL RECEIPES A “C LASSIC ” B RISKET Makes 4 – 6 servings A whole beef brisket weighs 16 to 18 pounds and has three separate parts: the cap, the point, and the flat. Use the “Flat” section as it is lean, compact and produces handsome slices when you carve it. 1 5 to 8 lbs.
B LUE C HEESE S TEAK Makes 4 servings 4 T-bone Steaks or Rib –Eye (1” thick; about 10-12 ounces each) 4 Ounces Crumbled Blue Cheese ¼ Cup Green Onions and Tops (thinly sliced) Suggested Pit Boss Wood Pellet Flavour: Hickory, Competition Blend or Whiskey Barrel Preheat barbecue on PREHEAT . Trim excess fat from the beefsteaks and discard. Brush cast iron grate with olive oil. Place steaks on cooking grating. Sear on each side while still on PREHEAT.
M OM ’ S J UICY H AMBURGERS Makes 4 – 6 servings 2 Lbs. 3 Tsp. 2 Whole 2 Cups ½ Cup 6-8 2 Tablespoons Ground Beef or Buffalo Louisiana Grills “Chop House Steak Rub” Eggs, room temperature Dried, Fine Bread Crumbs, or Crushed Soda Crackers Prepared BBQ Sauce Hamburger or Kaiser Buns Melted Butter Suggested Pit Boss Wood Pellet Flavour: Hickory or Competition Blend Preheat barbecue on High then leave or reduce slightly (400—500°F) Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and blend together.
S HRIMP K ABOBS WITH C URRY B UTTER Makes 4 servings 2 Pounds Large shelled, deveined shrimp Curry Butter (see recipe below) Olive Oil Lime or Lime Wedges Fresh Dill or Parsley Sprigs Suggested Backwoods Pit Boss Pellet Flavour: Mesquite or Competition Blend Preheat barbecue then reduce to 275° to 325° F Soak wooden skewers in water for 1 hour. Prepare shrimp by gently pulling the shells away, and removing the vein with a paring knife. Make curry butter.
C ORNISH H ENS WITH M ANDARIN R ICE Makes 4 servings 4 Whole Cornish Game Hens Mandarin Rice (Below) Cooking Oil Paprika Orange Marmalade Suggested Pit Boss Wood Pellet Flavour: Hickory, Mesquite or Competition Blend Preheat barbecue then reduce to MEDIUM ( 275—350°F) Rinse Cornish hens and pat dry with paper towels. Prepare Mandarin Rice.
B EER -C AN C HICKEN Makes 2—6 servings 1 4– 6 lb. 1 12 oz. can 2-3 Tablespoons Whole Chicken Beer (chilled) “Louisiana Grills” - Key Lime Jerk or Chicken Rub Suggested Pit Boss Wood Pellet Flavour: Hickory, Apple or Competition Blend Preheat barbecue then reduce to MEDIUM (275°F—350°F) Pull tab off the chilled beer. Pour 1/2 can into a frosty mug. Leave 1/2 in the can to be used for recipe. Using a church key-style can opener, make a few more holes in top of beer can..
Section SIX: LIMITED WARRANTY The “Pit Boss” wood pellet barbecue line, manufactured by Dansons Inc., carries a one (1) year limited warranty for from the date of sale to the original owner only, against defects and workmanship on all steel parts, (excluding the burn pot and flame deflector), and one (1) year on electrical components. There is no specific warranty on the paint, burn pot, grill cover, probes, all gaskets or against damage caused from corrosion.
Exceptions to the Limited Warranty There is no written or implied performance warranty on “Pit Boss” appliances, as the manufacturer has no control over the installation, operations, cleaning, maintenance or the type of fuel burned. This limited warranty will not apply nor will Dansons assume responsibility if your appliance has not been installed, operated, cleaned and maintained in strict accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Burning other than quality wood pellets may void the warranty.
Important Notice DO NOT RETURN PRODUCT TO STORE!! CONTACT “PIT BOSS” CUSTOMER SERVICE FIRST 1-877-303-3134 OR service@pitboss-grills.com PARTS, SERVICE AND ACCESSORIES Dansons Inc. stands behind our Authorized Dealers. We strongly suggest that if you do need to order any parts or options or require service, that you first deal with your local dealer. Many dealers do stock parts and options. If for any reason you do not have a local dealer, Dansons Inc.
