Whether you just got your first Primo Ceramic Grill, or you’ve got every grill in the collection, there are a few key things every owner should know to get the most out of their grill and ensure it lasts for many seasons to come.
Proper Maintenance
The most fundamental maintenance step is to make sure the grill’s hardware is secure at all times. This check should include the handle and the bolts on the back where the lid connects to the hinge plate. These important hardware pieces can be jostled lose from constant use or simply from being exposed to outdoor temperature changes.
Additionally, check that the gaskets are completely sealed by using the “dollar-bill” test. With the grill open, place a dollar bill so that it will stick halfway out from where the grill seals on the sides when closed. After you close the grill, pull on the bill. If there is resistance and you can’t pull the bill out, you’re good to go. If you can pull it out, it’s time to replace the seal.
Always cover your grill when it’s not in use to ensure you don’t get mold and mildew on the inside of the grill. If you forget, the grill is self-cleaning. Just load it up with charcoal and get it higher than 500 degrees (make sure you use enough charcoal to reach this high temperature). Once it reaches 500 degrees, let the grill continue burning for 30 minutes. After cooling, it should be safe to use the grill.
Lastly, always clean out the extra ash from the bottom of the grill with your ash scoop. Make sure the grill is cool first!
Getting Your Grill Just Right
Always use natural lump charcoal; it burns hotter, longer, and cleaner than any other fuel source. Natural lump charcoal is also known as “carbonized hardwood” and gives your food a unique, smoky flavor. Never use a lighter fluid with your Primo Grill! Ceramic is a porous material and it will absorb the taste and smell of lighter fluid.
You can reuse charcoal that is not totally burnt to ash, but it is best practice to add some fresh charcoal to the fire box each time you grill. A good rule of thumb is to add at least 30% new charcoal for each session.
Primo Ceramic Grills are more than just grills, they can also be used as smoker, roaster and for baking and searing. To get the best result each time you use your Primo, first decide on which type of cooking you’d like to do and set up the charcoal in your fire box accordingly. For instance, for roasting and baking you’ll want to use the entire fire box as one unit, rather than using Primo’s dual cooking zone capabilities.
When you’re heating up your grill, it’s best to start with both the bottom draft door and top vent open. When you’re close to your target temperature, partially close the top vent. This will allow the grill’s internal temperature to stabilize. Once the temperature is stabilized, you can adjust the top vent opening to further refine the temperature. More air means a higher temperature, less air (closed top vent) will give you a lower temperature.
Finally, don’t forget to wrap your heat reflector plates with tin foil before each use. By using clean tin foil every time, the only smoke and smell will be coming from the charcoal, not leftover drippings from previous uses.