Camp Chef PG24MZG, PG24MZGC - PELLET GRILL AND SMOKER Manual

PG24MZG PARTS

Assembly Instructions

Remove all loose parts from the inside of the grill and hopper. Lay a blanket or piece of cardboard down to protect the grill.

Attach the Legs

With the help of another person flip the grill upside down on the blanket or cardboard. The grill lid and hopper lid will swing open when doing this so be careful not to damage the lids. The grill may also want to roll on its lid so one person should hold the grill steady while the other person assembles the bottom legs and wheels.

1. Assemble the legs as shown in Fig. 1. Finger tighten hardware.
   
2. With the help of another person, stand the grill upright. Be careful as the lid on the hopper and grill will close as the grill is stood upright.
3. Tighten all hardware assembled in the previous steps.

Attach Chimney and Chimney Cap

1. Install chimney to grill as shown in Fig 2. Make sure to install the gasket between the grill and the chimney.
   
2. Tighten all hardware.
3. Install 1/4-20 x 3 Bolt through chimney cap and secure using Qty (1) 1/4-20 nut. Thread second nut onto bolt leaving approximately 1.5 in to the top of the cap. Thread cap assembly down into the chimney bracket until the lower nut hits the bracket. See Fig 2.
4. The height of the chimney cap can be adjusted for summer and winter. In the summer the gap should be approximately 1-1/2 in. In the winter the gap should be approximately ½ in.
5. Tighten all hardware.

Install Handle

1. Install the handle as shown in Fig 3.
   
2. Tighten all hardware.

Install Hopper Handle

1. Install hopper handle as shown in Fig. 4.
   

Install Hopper Lid

1. Install hopper lid as shown in Fig. 5.
   

Install Shelf Brackets

1. Install the brackets as shown in Fig 6.
   
2. Tighten all hardware.

Install Shelf

(Optional-Do not install if installing sear box)

1. Install shelf as shown in Fig 7.
   
2. Tighten all hardware

Installation Instructions

1. Install side shelf brackets as shown in Fig 8.
   
2. Remove the screws from the side of the grill.
3. Install the brackets as shown in Fig 9.
   
4. Install the front shelf to the brackets as shown in Fig 10.
   

Grease Bucket

1. Hang grease bucket from tube as shown in Fig 11.
   

Ash Cup

1. Install Ash Cup as shown in Fig 11. Never use grill without Ash Cup in place.

Install Drip Tray

1. Install the Drip Tray as shown in Fig 12 and Fig 13.
   

Warming Rack and Cooking Grate

1. Install the cooking grate as shown in Fig 14.
   

Clean-out Knob Assembly Installation

Hand tighten the burner clean-out knob as shown in Fig 15.

Clean-out Port Knob

1. Clean-out Port knob must be pushed in when grill is on. Make sure pullout lock is pushed down and locks the knob to prevent inadvertent opening of the clean-out port.
   
2. Lift pullout lock and pull clean-out port knob to empty ash into ash cup.
   
3. See instructions for burner clean-out.

Hopper Clean-out Knob Assembly Installation

Hand tighten the hopper clean-out knob as shown 18.

Burner Clean-out

Before each use the burner should be cleaned out by lifting the pullout lock and pulling the clean-out port knob on the right side of the grill to open the burner clean-out. This will allow the ash from previous use to fall into the cup under the grill. The cup should be removed and emptied and then reinstalled before each use.

Never Operate the Pellet grill without the ash cup in place. Make sure the burner clean-out port is closed and locked before starting the grill.

Never open the burner clean-out port when the grill is hot.
After cleaning out the burner make sure to close the burner clean-out by pushing the clean-out port knob in on the right side of the grill. Make sure to lift the pullout lock and push the clean-out port knob all the way in and lock in place with the pullout lock. Every 50 hours of use, remove the grill grates, grease tray, and heat deflector and clean the inside of the grill. If you notice a lot of ash blowing around in the grill it is time to vacuum it out.

Filling the Auger Tube

Only use the feed setting when hopper has run out of pellets. Feed setting is not for normal use.
The first time you use your grill or any time the hopper has run out of pellets you will need to fill the auger tube. This simply means you must fill the auger tube with pellets until pellets reach the burner. This is done by selecting FEED from the main menu: With the controller powered on press the selector knob to enter the MENU. Rotate the knob until FEED is shown and press the selector knob again. This will turn the auger on and the controller will display "FEED" and a countdown timer. The auger will remain on for no more than 7 minutes. This is ample time for the pellets to reach the burner. To avoid over-filling of the burner with pellets, open the burner clean-out by pulling the knob on the right side of the grill, opening the clean-out slide. Once you hear pellets dropping into the ash cup you can close the clean-out by pushing the knob on the right side of the grill. FEED mode can then be cancelled from the controller by rotating the selector knob and pressing it, to confirm the cancel (Never operate the grill without the ash cup in place). Always make sure the burner clean-out port is closed by pushing in the knob on the right side of the grill before selecting any of the cook settings. Never open the burner clean-out port when the grill is hot.

Emptying the Hopper

This grill is equipped with a hopper drain to quickly remove the pellets from the hopper. This can be used to remove pellets if the grill is being stored for a long time or to remove pellets to change to a different flavor pellet.

Never remove the auger guard from the hopper while the pellet grill is on. Never operate the grill without the auger guard in place.

The instructions below must be followed when emptying the hopper.

1. Unplug the grill from the power source.
2. Hang a bucket or use a box to catch the pellets that will come out of the tube on the rear of the hopper.
3. Lift the pull-out lock on the left side of the hopper and pull the hopper clean-out knob.
4. Sweep the remaining pellets in the hopper towards the drain hole.
5. Push in the hopper clean-out knob and lock in place using the pull-out lock.
   

App quick start guide

(Optional)

1. Download the Camp Chef APP from the Apple APP store or Android Play Store.

2. Turn the Grill controller on using the main power switch.
3. Open the Camp Chef APP and follow the setup instructions for connecting the grill to your home 2.4 GHz WiFi network.

Do NOT leave this appliance unattended while in use. The user must remain in the immediate area of the product and have a clear view of the product at all times during operation.
Note - Some functions are only available from the controller. If attempting to start the grill from the APP it will prompt you to confirm starting the grill from the controller.
Temperature and Smoke settings can be adjusted from the APP. Shutdown can also be performed from the APP.
For more information visit https://www.campchef.com/app

Controller Explanation

Power Switch

Used to turn the main power onto the pellet grill. "0" is OFF, "|" is ON. See Fig 20. When the controller is first powered on, the Selector Knob must be pressed to enter the MENU.

Controller Functions

Rotate the dial to scroll through menus, adjust temperature, or smoke settings. Press the dial to select.

SHUTDOWN
This setting must be used after each use. Select SHUTDOWN from the main menu. The fan will remain on for up to 20 minutes. This setting will burn up any extra pellets in the burner and cool down the grill. Do not turn the main power switch off when the grill is hot.
FEED - Select FEED from the main menu. This setting is used to feed pellets to the burner. It will be used the first time you use the grill to fill the auger tube and any time you may inadvertently run the hopper out of pellets. See instructions on filling the auger tube.
SET TEMP LOW SMOKE - Select SET TEMP from the main menu. Rotate dial to LOW SMOKE and press to confirm. This setting is used for smoking foods at an average temperature of 160F. This setting will produce large amounts of smoke.
SET TEMP HIGH SMOKE - Select SET TEMP from the main menu. Rotate dial to HIGH SMOKE and press to confirm. This setting is used for smoking foods at an average temperature of 220F. This setting will produce large amounts of smoke.
SET TEMP 160F TO 450F - Select SET TEMP from the main menu. Rotate dial to the desired temperature and press to confirm.
SET TEMP HIGH - Select SET TEMP from the main menu. Rotate dial to HIGH and press to confirm. This setting can be used to achieve temperatures up to 500F depending on ambient temperatures.
SET SMOKE – The SET SMOKE setting is available for temperatures from 160F – 350F. Select SET SMOKE from the main menu. Rotate dial to the desired SMOKE SETTING and press to confirm. The SMOKE SETTING can be adjusted from 1-10. A smoke setting of 1 will produce less smoke and maintain a more even temperature. As the smoke setting is increased more smoke will be produced. Note that as the smoke setting is increased temperature fluctuations will increase.
UNITS: This setting is used to change the temperature display units. Rotate the selector knob to change from degrees F to degrees C. Press the selector knob to confirm the selection.
ABOUT: When displayed, by pressing the selector knob, the firmware version of the controller program and WIFI module (if equipped), is shown. This information can be used to help customer service determine if programming updates are available and/or necessary for your controller.
"START": The digital readout will display "START" once the Set Temperature has been selected. The startup cycle is typically less than 8 minutes. A countdown timer will be displayed, showing the time remaining in Start Mode. When the Start cycle is complete the digital readout will display the temperature inside the grill and the set temperature and the grill will be in Run Mode. If, during the start cycle, the selector knob is rotated BYPASS or CANCEL will be displayed. If BYPASS is selected, the controller will stop the Start cycle and enter Run mode (see Bypass Mode section of this manual). If CANCEL is selected the controller will stop the Start cycle and enter Shutdown Mode. (see Shutdown section of this manual).
"SDOWN": The digital readout will display "SDOWN" and a countdown timer. After approximately 20 minutes the digital readout and fan will turn off.
"RTD ERROR": The digital readout will display "RTD ERROR" if there is a problem with the temperature sensor inside of the grill.
"- - -" (Probe Temperature): The digital readout will display "- - -" if either of the external probes are not plugged in or there is a problem with the probe.
"FLAME OUT": The digital readout will display "FLAME OUT" if the fire inside the grill has been extinguished.
"OVER TEMP": The digital readout will display "OVER TEMP" if the fire inside the grill has exceeded safe operating temperature.

Breaking In the Grill

We suggest turning the grill to 350F for ½ hour before cooking on the grill for the first time. This will burn off any manufacturing oils and cure the paint. Make sure to follow the instructions for filling the auger tube before breaking in the grill.

Always start the grill with the lid open. The lid must be closed after the start cycle.

Cooking

Once the auger tube has been properly filled you can begin cooking by selecting SET TEMP from the main menu and setting the desired temperature (press selector knob).
Upon confirming the set temperature the grill will go into Startup Mode. The controller will display START during the startup cycle and show a countdown timer. Typical start times are around 6 minutes. Once Start Mode is complete the controller will display the grill temperature and set temperature.

Do not over-fire the grill by over feeding pellets into the burner prior to startup. If flame is inadvertently extinguished never restart the grill without first cleaning out the burner. Improper use can cause an uncontrolled fire.

Direct Flame Mode

Pull grill knob out all the way to allow direct heat as shown in Fig 21. Best for burgers and steaks.

Always clean grease tray to remove excess grease drippings prior to cooking in Direct Flame Mode. A dirty grease tray may result in excessive flare ups or uncontrolled fire. If grease fire does occur, turn off grill using the main power switch and close the lid. Leave the lid closed until fire is extinguished. If an uncontrollable fire does occur, immediately call local fire department. Never put water on the fire.

Indirect Flame Mode

Push grill knob in all the way for indirect heat as shown in Fig 22. Best for chicken, slow smoking and low temps.

Shutdown

This setting must be used after each use. Select SHUTDOWN from the main menu. The fan will remain on for up to 20 minutes. This setting will burn up any extra pellets in the burner and cool down the grill. Do not turn the main power switch off when the grill is hot. After Shutdown Mode is complete the power switch should be switched to the OFF position. Before the grill can be used again, the power switch must be turned off and back on.

Bypass Mode

The bypass may be used if there is a power failure, or the grill is accidentally turned off, or anytime you need to restart the grill and it is still hot. The bypass mode should only be used if the grill has been off less than 3-4 minutes. This method is used to bypass the normal startup mode and get the grill cooking again quickly. The burner must still be hot enough to ignite new pellets or this method will not work. In order to initiate the bypass mode you must first select the cook setting you want. At this point the digital readout will display "START". BYPASS can be selected by turning the selector knob during startup mode and pressing the knob to confirm the selection. If the grill fails to ignite using the bypass mode then restart the grill using the normal startup procedures.

Meat Probes

This smoker has built in meat probes to measure the temperature of the food as it is being cooked. To use these probes insert the wire through the stainless flaps on the side of the firebox. Insert the probes into the food. Plug the connectors into the receptacles on the front of the control panel.

Do not use meat probes when grill temperature exceeds 350˚F. Damage to the probes may occur.
Do not allow meat probe wires to lie in the direct heat zones (as shown by shaded areas).

Direct heat will damage the meat probe wires. Always route the meat probes through ports on the side of the grill. Do not submerge wire in water. Not dishwasher safe.

Cleaning

Clean grates using a wire grill brush. This should be done with each use. DO NOT use oven cleaner or abrasive cleaners on the painted grill surfaces. Use warm soapy water on all painted surfaces. Clean grease pan, grease trough, and grease drain tube occasionally. A spatula can be used to scrape excess grease and a grill brush to brush clean. Do not allow grease to build up on the grease tray or in the grease trough as this can cause flare-ups inside the grill. Make sure not to obstruct the flow of grease off of the tray and into the grease trough. Make sure not to block the airflow to the temperature sensor on the left side of the grill.

Normal use will create a buildup of ash, grease, and creosote inside the grill. The grill must be thoroughly cleaned after every 50 hours of use or if a buildup of grease or creosote is noticed inside the grill. Clean the grill by removing all internal parts and thoroughly scrape away all grease and creosote from all internal surfaces including the grease drain and remove debris from the grill. The drip tray must always be cleaned prior to turning the grill to high or cooking in direct flame mode. Excessive buildup of grease and creosote may result in a grease fire. If a grease fire does occur, turn off the grill using the main power switch and close the lid. Leave the lid closed until the fire extinguishes itself. If an uncontrolled fire does occur, immediately call the local fire department. Never put water on a grease fire.

Chimney Cleaning

When wood pellets are burned slowly, they produce tar and other organic vapors that combine with expelled moisture to form creosote. The creosote vapors condense in a relatively cool oven chimney of a slow burning fire. As a result, creosote residue accumulates on the chimney. When ignited, this creosote makes an extremely hot fire. The chimney should be inspected every 50 hours of use to determine when grease and/or creosote buildup has occurred. When grease or creosote has accumulated, it should be removed to reduce risk of fire. Use a wire brush to clean the screen area of the chimney outlet on the inside of the grill with every 50 hours of use. The chimney must be removed and thoroughly cleaned to remove creosote and grease buildup every 200 hours of use.

Troubleshooting

Grill does not turn on.
Grill fails to turn on after switching the power button to the on position.

1. Make sure the grill is plugged into a powered outlet. Check the circuit breaker and/or GFCI switch. Test the outlet using another appliance.
2. Unplug the grill and check the fuse located in the front panel. If the fuse is blown replace only with 4.0 Amp 125V 5x20mm Fast Blow Fuse. Typical fuse marking will be 4A125V, F4A125V, 4A250V, or F4A250V. Make sure to confirm they are a Fast Blow Fuse. Actual fuse dimensions are 5.2x20mm.

If problem cannot be resolved please call customer service.

Controller Display Does Not Turn On After Update

1. Make sure the grill is plugged into a powered outlet and the switch is in the on ("-") position.
2. Leave the switch in the on position for 2 minutes. The screen may be blank but it is completing the update.
3. If display does not turn on, cycle power on the controller. Wait 3 second in the off position. The screen should now come on.

Connection Time Out

1. Exit and close the APP.
2. Cycle the power on the controller.
3. Wait 1 minute and the WiFi logo on the controller will light up.
4. At this point open the APP and follow the APP Quick Start Guide for connection instructions.

Grill does not heat up or digital readout displays Flame Out

1. Turn Power Off
2. Check hopper for pellets
3. Check firebox to see if there are pellets in the firebox. The easiest way to do this is to pull the burner clean-out lever. Then remove the cup from the bottom of the grill and check for pellets. Use a vacuum to clean-out any pellets that may be in the bottom of the grill.
   1. If there are a lot of pellets in the cup. Reinstall the cup and close the burner clean-out, remove the grill grates, grease tray, and heat deflector and vacuum out any pellets in the bottom of the grill. Try restarting the grill. If restarting the grill does not work and pellets are getting to the burner cup the heating rod may need to be replaced.
   2. If there are few or no pellets in the cup then turn the dial to the feed position and see if pellets fall out the bottom of the burner. If there are no pellets, check to see if the auger is turning. If the auger motor is turning but the auger is not, there may be a sheared auger pin. You can determine if the auger motor is turning by watching the small white fan at the end of the auger motor under the hopper. If the white fan is turning the auger motor is on. If the white fan is turning and the auger is not you will need to replace the auger shear pin.

If problem cannot be resolved please call customer service.

Digital Readout Displays RTD ERROR

1. Turn the power off and unplug the grill.
2. Check to make sure the sensor inside of the grill is connected properly to the electronic board under the hopper.
3. Call customer service for a replacement sensor.

Probe Temperatures Do Not Display (---)

1. Make sure the meat thermometer is connected properly to the controller.
2. Call customer service for a replacement meat thermometer.

Controller Displays Over Temp
This happens if the internal temperature of the grill exceeds normal operating temperatures. The grill must be cleaned before attempting to re-start the grill.

FOR OUTDOOR USE ONLY

If the information in this manual is not followed exactly, a fire or explosion may result causing property damage, personal injury or loss of life.

• To installer or person assembling this appliance: Leave this manual with this appliance for future reference.
• To consumer: Keep this manual with this appliance for future reference.

This instruction manual contains important information necessary for the proper assembly and safe use of this product. Read and follow all warnings and instructions before assembling and using this appliance. Do not discard this instruction manual.

Use Only Wood Pellet Fuel Specified By The Manufacturer. Do Not Use Pellet Fuel Labeled As Having Additives. Only use Camp Chef Premium Pellets with the following specifications. 8,000- 8,300 BTU/LB 0.75-0.85% Ash content

Contact local building or fire officials about restrictions and installation inspection requirements in your area.
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.

1. Never operate this appliance unattended.
2. Never operate this appliance within 10 ft (3 m) of a stored LP cylinder.
3. Never operate this appliance within 25 ft (7.5 m) of any flammable liquid.
4. If a fire should occur, keep away from appliance and immediately call your fire department. Do not attempt to extinguish an oil or grease fire with water.

Failure to follow these instructions could result in fire, explosion or burn hazard, which could cause property damage, personal injury or death.

Always store wood pellets away from heat producing appliances and other fuel containers. Pellets should be stored in a dry environment.

Normal use will create a buildup of ash, grease, and creosote inside the grill. The grill must be thoroughly cleaned after every 50 hours of use or if a buildup of grease or creosote is noticed inside the grill. Clean the grill by removing all internal parts and thoroughly scrape away all grease and creosote from all internal surfaces including the grease drain and remove debris from the grill. The drip tray must always be cleaned prior to turning the grill to high or cooking in direct flame mode. Excessive buildup of grease and creosote may result in a grease fire. If a grease fire does occur, turn off the grill using the main power switch and close the lid. Leave the lid closed until the fire extinguishes itself. If an uncontrolled fire does occur, immediately call the local fire department. Never put water on a grease fire.
CARBON MONOXIDE WARNING
Follow these guidelines to prevent this colorless, odorless gas from poisoning you, your family or others. Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and confusion. Carbon monoxide reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen. Low blood oxygen levels can result in loss of consciousness and death. See a doctor if you or others develop cold or flu-like symptoms while cooking or in the vicinity of this appliance. Carbon monoxide poisoning, which can easily be mistaken for a cold or flu, is often detected too late. Alcohol consumption and drug use increase the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is especially toxic to mother and child during pregnancy, infants, the elderly, smokers and people with blood or circulatory system problems, such as anemia, or heart disease.

1. Do NOT leave this appliance unattended while in use. The user must remain in the immediate area of the product and have a clear view of the product at all times during operation.
2. Keep children and pets away from burner at all times.
3. The use of alcohol, prescription or non-prescription drugs may impair your ability to properly assemble or safely operate this appliance.
4. For OUTDOOR use only. Do NOT use in a building, garage or any other enclosed area. Do NOT use in or on recreational vehicles or boats. NEVER use this appliance as a heater.
5. Do not operate appliance under ANY overhead construction. Keep a minimum clearance of 36 inches (0.9 m) from the sides, front and back of appliance to ANY construction. Keep the area clear of all combustible material and flammable liquids, including wood, dry plants and grass, brush, paper, and canvas.
6. This product is not intended for commercial use.
7. Always allow the appliance to cool before covering with the patio cover.
8. Always cover the appliance, with patio cover (if supplied), when not in use.
9. Always unplug grill before installing patio cover.
10. Use only on a level, stable non-combustible surface like bricks, concrete or dirt. Do not use this appliance on any surface that will burn or melt like wood, asphalt, vinyl or plastic.
11. Make sure burner clean-out is closed before starting the grill.
12. Make sure the grease bucket is in place before starting the grill.
13. In the event of a fire the dial should be turned to shutdown, close the lid, and leave it closed until the fire goes out. After allowing the grill to cool, follow the cleaning instructions before the next use.
14. Use only food grade hardwood pellets manufactured for use in pellet grills. Using softwood or heating pellets will void your warranty.
15. Do not allow the hopper to run out of pellets. Pellets can be added at any time. The hopper will hold approximately 18 pounds of pellets. The pellet usage will vary greatly depending on the ambient temperature as well as cooking temperature.
16. It is recommended that you not store pellets in the hopper for extended periods as they may absorb moisture from the air and clog the auger.
17. Keep the lid closed during cooking. The grill is designed to cook with the lid closed.
18. Note that the cooking temperature displayed on the digital readout is measured near the cooking surface on the left side of the grill. The actual temperature inside the cooking chamber will vary slightly throughout.
19. Do not use accessories not specified for use with appliance.
20. Never use gasoline, gasoline-type lantern fuel, kerosene, charcoal lighter fluid, or similar liquids to start or freshen up a fire in this appliance. Keep all such liquids well away from the appliance when in use.
21. Ashes should be placed in a metal container with a tight fitting lid. The closed container of ashes should be placed on a non combustible floor or on the ground, well away from all combustible materials, pending final disposal. When the ashes are disposed by burial in soil or otherwise locally dispersed they should be retained in the closed container until all cinders have thoroughly cooled.
22. Creosote – Formation and need for removal. When wood pellets are burned slowly, they produce tar and other organic vapors that combine with expelled moisture to form creosote. The creosote vapors condense in a relatively cool oven flue and exhaust hood of a slow burning fire. As a result, creosote residue accumulates on the flue lining and exhaust hood. When ignited, this creosote makes an extremely hot fire. The grease duct should be inspected every 50 hours to determine when grease and/or creosote build-up has occurred. When grease or creosote has accumulated, it should be removed to reduce risk of fire.

Do not work on this grill if it is plugged in. Electric shock may occur resulting in death or serious injury.

www.CampChef.com
1.800.650.2433