VERMONT Castings VER MON T CA STIN GS User’s Manual For Models VC500 Gas Barbecue Grill 50001563 03/03 Rev.
Warnings FOR YOUR SAFETY If you smell gas: • • • • Shut off gas to the appliance Extinguish any open flame Open lid If odor continues, immediately call your gas supplier or fire department. FOR YOUR SAFETY Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and liquids in the vicinity of this or any other appliance. An LP cylinder not connected for use shall not be stored in the vicinity of this or any other appliance.
Warnings SIGNAL WORDS: The Signal Words used in this Manual, and their intended meanings, are as follows : DANGER: Indicates that a failure to observe the safety instructions could result in death or catastrophic bodily injury. WARNING: Indicates that a failure to observe the safety instructions could result in serious bodily injury. CAUTION: Indicates that a failure to observe the safety instructions could result in property damage or minor bodily injury.
Warnings A. SAFE LOCATIONS FOR USE OF THIS OUTDOOR GRILL DANGER: • Never use this outdoor Grill inside any building, garage, shed or breezeway, or inside any boat, trailer or recreational vehicle, to prevent a possible fire and to prevent the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning or asphyxiation. WARNINGS: • Always confirm that this Grill is not positioned under a combustible object (e.g., an awning or umbrella) or in a covered area (e.g.
Warnings B. SAFE USE OF LP (PROPANE) GAS DANGER: • Never install a propane cylinder that is more than 80 % full, as the contents may lack adequate room for expansion when exposed to heat. Propane vapor may then be vented through the pressure release valve, which could accumulate in a pool and later result in a fire or explosion. Always instruct your certified propane fuel supplier to confirm by weight that your cylinder is not more than 80 % full. An empty cylinder will weigh about 18 lb.
Safety • Always promptly shut off the gas supply and immediately extinguish all flames if you smell gas. Always seek assistance from your gas supplier or local Fire Department if the gas smell persists, because of the danger of fire or explosion. • Always confirm that there are no gas leaks before lighting this Grill. Apply a 50/50 solution of liquid soap and water to the gas supply line connectors with a brush or spray bottle, and watch for bubbles. Never use a match or open flame to test for gas leaks.
Table of Contents Safety Important Warnings .................................................................. i - v Clearance Requirements................................................................ ii Table of Contents .......................................................................... 1 Fuels ............................................................................................. 2 Safety.............................................................................................
Safety FUELS WARNING: Never use Natural Gas in a Grill that has been configured to burn Propane Gas, and never use Propane Gas in a Grill that has been configured to use Natural Gas, to avoid possible bodily injury. Always consult the Rating Label on the back of your Grill to confirm which fuel must be used with the Grill. WARNING: Use only the pressure regulator and type I propane gas supply coupling and hose that is originally provided with this appliance or as specified, (see Fig. 2).
Safety DANGER: a) Do not store a spare LP - Gas Cylinder under or near this appliance b) Never fill the cylinder beyond 80% full; and c) If the information in a) and b) is not followed exactly, a fire causing death or serious injury may occur. WARNING: Always confirm that the openings in the cylinder compartment of the Grill are free of any obstructions that would restrict the circulation of ventilation air.
Gas Hookup Hooking Up to the LP (Propane) Gas Supply T VERMON Castings FOR YOUR SAFETY 1. WARNING: Never store or use gasoline or any other volatile substance in the vicinity of this Grill. VERM ONT CAST INGS 2. WARNING: Never store a spare propane cylinder in the vicinity of this Grill, or in the vicinity of any other potential heat source. LP (PROPANE) GAS SUPPLY CONNECTION 1. Always place the propane tank in the tank locator hole in the bottom pan of the cylinder compartment. 2.
Gas Hookup Natural Gas Supply Connection TO CONNECT: 1. Push back the Sleeve on the Socket as shown below (see Fig. 6a). 2. Insert Plug and release the Sleeve (see Fig. 6b). 3. Push the Plug until Sleeve snaps forward to lock the Plug in the Socket. Retract Sleeve Fig. 6a • WARNING: Always conduct the following safety tests before lighting the Grill, to prevent a possible fire or explosion (see leak test below). TO DISCONNECT: Release Sleeve Release Sleeve 1. Push Sleeve back and pull the Plug out.
Operation Control Functions PROPANE TANK VALVE WARNING: Never open the Tank Valve unless the Grill is being prepared for use, to prevent the pooling of propane vapor. Always open the Valve immediately before lighting the Grill, and always close it immediately after cooking has been completed. BURNER CONTROL VALVES There are five independent control valves for the main burners, and a separate control valve for the rotisserie burner (see Fig. 7). The OFF position is indicated by the dot above each knob.
Operation Lighting the Main Burners 1. Always open the Hood completely and always inspect the Grill and burners to confirm that all components are properly positioned before lighting the main burners. WARNING: Never stand with your head directly over the Grill when preparing to light the main burners, to prevent possible bodily injury. NOTE: When lighting the grill for the first time, burn with the main burners on HIGH for at least 30 minutes, to burn off any manufacturing residues. 2.
Operation Turning the Burners Off 1. Always turn the burner control knob(s) to the OFF position when cooking has been completed. 2. Promptly turn OFF the gas supply valve at the propane cylinder or at the main natural gas supply line. 3. Close the Hood of the Grill. FLARE-UPS “Flare-ups” sometimes occur when food drippings fall onto the hot sear plates or burners and ignite. Some flaring is normal and desirable, as it helps impart the unique flavors associated with grilled foods.
Operation Lighting the Rotisserie Burner The Rotisserie burner provides the steady, even heat required to cook poultry and roasts to self-basted perfection. TO START THE ROTISSERIE BURNER: 1. Always open the Hood completely before attempting to light the Grill. • WARNING: Never stand with your head directly over the Grill when preparing to light the Rotisserie burner, to prevent possible bodily injury. 2.
Operation Rotisserie Setup The Rotisserie burner is intended to be used for rotisserie cooking only. WARNING: Never use the main burners while using the Rotisserie burner, as that could result in igniting the drippings, or overheating your Grill. The Rotisserie assembly includes a Rotisserie counterweight for large or irregular forks food items ; using the counterweight will reduce the strain on the motor. Bushing 1. Remove the warming rack.
Operation Lighting the Side Burner WARNING: Never stand with your head directly over the Grill when preparing to light the side burner, to prevent possible bodily injury. 1. Turn the side burner control knob to HI (see Fig. 13). 2. Turn the Igniter Knob clockwise until the burner ignites. The burner should light within four clicks of the igniter. NOTE: Observe the flame pattern. Soft blue flames are normal ; hard blue flames or wavy yellow flames are not.
Operation Using the Smoker Box The Grill is equipped with a Rotisserie Burner Smoker Box. You can add a distinct, smoky flavor to your food by burning a variety of woods or herbs in this unit. The Smoker Box can also be used directly on top of the Sear Plate, over the Main Burner, when the Rotisserie Burner is not being used. 1. Always soak any wood chips or herbs that you wish to smoke for a half-hour or more. 2. Always pre-warm the Grill before adding your smoking agent to the Smoker Box. 3.
Cooking Methods of Cooking With its combination of burners and accessories your gas grill can provide for virtually every conceivable style of cooking. • The powerful Main burners deliver the middle and high range of temperatures desired for traditional barbecuing. This includes searing and finishing steaks, hamburgers, pork chops and the like, or grilling chicken parts, sausages, or kebabs with more moderate heat (see Fig. 15a).
Cooking One of the keys to extending your range of grilling capabilities is a fundamental understanding of the two common methods of cooking, Direct and Indirect cooking. In the Direct cooking method, food is placed directly above the heat source. This method is used in searing for example where you require high and immediate heat to quickly brown the outside layer of meats thereby sealing in their juices to enhance flavor.
Cooking Grilling Tips: A few helpful hints will ensure that your grilling results are perfect every time. • Apply a light coating of cooking oil to your cooking grids before grilling, to prevent foods from sticking. • Cook similar portion sizes together, so that they all cook evenly. • Use tongs to turn foods on the Grill. • Never pierce foods while they are cooking on the Grill, as this will dry them out.
Cooking Time Chart Type of Food Beef Burgers Weight/ Thickness Cooking Temperature 1 inch 400–450° F. Rare: 4–7 min. Medium: 7–10 min. Well Done: 10–12 min. 350° Rare: 18–20 min./lb. Medium: 20–25 min./lb. Well Done: 25–30 min./lb. 1 inch Maximum (To sear) 400–450° F. (To finish) Rare: 4–7 min. Medium: 7–10 min. Well Done: 10–12 min. 2 inches Maximum (To sear) 400–450° F. (To finish) Rare: 15–17 min. Medium: 17–19 min. Well Done: 19–22 min. 325–350° F. 30–45 min.
Cooking Time Chart Weight/ Thickness Cooking Temperature Cooking Time 1 inch 400–450° F. 25–30 min. 1 inch 400–450° F. 12–15 min. 12–14 lb. Bone in 325–350° F. Medium: 20–25 min./lb. Well Done: 25–30 min./lb. 4–5 lb. Boneless 325–350° F. 50–60 min. Ribs Back, Side 5–6 lb. 325–350° F. Medium: 25–27 min./lb. Well Done: 27–30 min./lb. Roasts Butt, Loin, Shoulder 3–5 lb. 325–350° F. 1–11/2 hrs. 375–400° F. Medium: 30–35 min./lb. Well Done: 35–40 min./lb.
Cooking Time Chart Cooking Temperature Cooking Time Asparagus 325–350° F. 6–8 min. Cut off ends of stems. Lay across the grills. Beans 325–350° F. 30–35 min. Wrap in foil with butter or margarine. Turn over once. Carrots 325–350° F. 20–30 min. Cook directly on the grill. Corn on the Cob 325–350° F. 25–35 min. Soak in cold water for 15 minutes. Cook with husk on. Eggplant 325–350° F. 6–8 min./side Mushrooms 325–350° F. 6–8 min. Onions 325–350° F. 40–45 min. Wrap in foil.
Care & Maintenance Care & Cleaning WARNING: Always observe the following safety precautions, to prevent bodily injury and to assure that your Grill will operate properly : CAUTION: Always allow sufficient time for the Grill to cool fully before handling or cleaning any of its parts. BURNERS: NOTE: All of the burners should be inspected frequently and cleaned as often as is necessary.
Care & Maintenance • Rotisserie Burner Inspect the Rotisserie burner monthly, if it is used frequently. Remove the rear panel (four screws) to access the burner. Confirm that the burner ports and air shutter screen are clear of food residue, cobwebs or other insect debris (see Fig. 17). Rotisserie Burner Fig. 17 WARNING: A clogged venturi tube can cause a fire to occur beneath the Grill, due to a flashback of gas. • Use a wire brush to clean all ports on the sides of the burner (see Fig. 18). Fig.
Care & Maintenance DRIP TRAY The drip tray and grease cup, located under the burner pan in the bottom of the Grill body are provided to catch excess cooking fats and juices. The drip tray is accessible from the rear of the Grill. It is necessary to lift up the pan slightly while pulling it out (see Fig. 20). Check it for accumulations in the grease cup after each use of the Grill, and clean it as necessary. Use lightly abrasive or nonabrasive products only for cleaning the drip tray. Fig.
Care & Maintenance Maintenance BURNER ADJUSTMENT NOTE: It may be necessary to adjust the burners periodically, to compensate for variables in gas characteristics. If you notice that the burner flame pattern is irregular (see Figs. 9a, 9b & 9c), it may be necessary to adjust the air shutter opening at the front of the venturi tubes. • The shutters are accessible under the control panel at the front of the Grill (see Fig. 21). • Use a screwdriver to loosen the locking screws.
Troubleshooting Guide PROBLEM POTENTIAL CAUSE ACTION REQUIRED Turn on fuel supply and retry. Burner will not light Gas supply turned off Confirm the flow of gas by smell or by listening for the hiss of gas being emitted. Allow gas to clear before attempting to relight. Out of propane Weigh your propane cylinder. A standard 20 lb. cylinder will weigh about 18 lb. when it is empty and 38 lb. when it is 80 % full. WARNING: Never take a propane cylinder indoors for any purpose.
Troubleshooting Guide PROBLEM POTENTIAL CAUSE ACTION REQUIRED Uneven burn pattern or Flashback fire Blockage in the burner or gas system Confirm that the venturi tubes are not blocked by insects or other debris. Use a special venturi brush to clean (Fig. 16). Use a pin or needle to probe the orifice in the gas valve. Never enlarge the orifice (Fig. 18). Use a small nail or toothpick to clean the burner ports (Fig. 18).
◆ Lifetime Warranty • On all exterior Stainless Steel Components, such as the cart paneling & doors, shelving, condiment bins and handles, if so equipped. • On all castings (1 year on paint). ◆ 10 Year Warranty • On all porcelain on steel surfaces such as the hood and burn chamber. ◆ 5 Year Warranty • On all remaining parts. ◆ 1 Year (Accessories) • Rotisserie. • The warranty is nontransferable. • It does not cover failures due to misuse or improper installation or maintenance.
