Getting to Know Your Prime Controller

Control Knob Operation, Prime Controller Screen, Controller Functions, Indicator Lights

In this article...

Control Knob Operation

Prime Controller Screen

Prime Controller Functions

Indicator Lights on the Prime Controller

Control Knob Operation

CTP Dial 45 ArrowThe Control Knob on your Prime Pellet Grill is responsible for operating the Controller. To power up the controller screen, follow these simple steps:

  1. Push the control knob once to turn on the unit. As the controller flashes several times, it will eventually display a solid screen. This indicates that your unit is now powered on.
  2. Push the control knob again to access the function screen. Here, you can easily navigate through the various functions listed previously.
  3. Rotate the knob until you find the specific function you need.
  4. After selecting your preferred function, push the control button to lock it in.
  5. To turn off the unit, simply press and hold the control button. This action will initiate a 10-minute cool down timer. Once the timer reaches its end, the unit will automatically shut off.

By following these steps, you can effectively control and utilize the features of your Prime Pellet Grill.

Prime Controller Screen

controller ON

The digital screen on your Prime Pellet Grill serves as the central hub of information for your unit. To power on the unit, simply press the control button once. The LED screen will then display a range of functions to enhance your grilling experience:

  • Temperature: The screen will show the current temperature in either Fahrenheit or Celsius, depending on your preference.
  • Timer: You can easily set a timer to keep track of your cooking duration.
  • Meat Probe Temperatures: If you have a meat probe connected, the screen will display the temperatures of your meat to ensure perfect doneness.
  • Battery Level: If your unit is powered by a battery, the screen will indicate the remaining battery level.
  • A/C Adapter Icon: If your unit is powered by an A/C adapter, the screen will show an icon to indicate the power source.
  • Prime: This function allows you to prime the auger and ignite the pellets for quick and efficient heating.
  • Cleanout: Easily access the cleanout feature to remove any ash or debris from the grill.
  • Fan, Auger, Igniter Indicator: The screen will display indicators for the fan, auger, and igniter, ensuring you're aware of their status.
  • Battery REMOVE Indicator: If applicable, the screen will display a reminder to remove the battery when necessary.

With this comprehensive display of functions, you can easily monitor and control your Prime Pellet Grill for exceptional grilling results.

Prime Controller Functions

Operating the Cleanout Function

To access the Cleanout function on your Prime Pellet Grill, follow these steps:

  1. Push the control knob once to turn on the unit. The controller will flash and then display a solid screen, indicating that it is powered on.
  2. Push the control knob again to access the function screen. Here, you can find various functions, including Temperature (F/C), Time, Meat Probe Temperature, Prime, Cleanout, Battery level, A/C adapter, Fan, Auger, Igniter, and Battery removal indicators.
  3. Rotate the control knob to select the Cleanout function and push the button to lock it in.
  4. The Cleanout function is set to run for 90 minutes. During this time, the remaining pellets will be fed through the burn pot into a 5-gallon bucket below. You have the option to shut off the Cleanout function at any time. However, remember to reinsert the ash tray before starting the unit to avoid fire and injury.

Tips for Operating the Cleanout Function:

  • Before manually cleaning out the hopper, make sure the unit is turned off, the AC adapter is unplugged, and the battery is removed.
  • The unit must be cool before initiating the Cleanout function. Avoid using this function during startup or while cooking, as it may cause a fire inside the fire pot and damage your pellet grill.
  • To remove the ash, place a container underneath the pellet clean-out fire pot opening. Pull the ash tray spring and slide the ash tray forward, aligning it directly under the fire pot to remove any ash. Release the spring pin as you pull the tray forward to lock it into the ash clean-out position. Pull the ash tray spring pin once more to completely remove the tray and empty the ash.

Operating the Prime Function

The Prime function on your Prime Pellet Grill allows you to add pellets to the burn pot when starting up your unit or when you want to increase the amount of smoke during a smoke session.

To use the Prime function, simply rotate the control knob to select it. Then, push and hold the control knob to feed additional pellets into the burn pot. Once you have finished priming the pellets, release the control knob and the auger will stop feeding pellets. This ensures that you have the perfect amount of pellets for your grilling needs.

Setting the Desired Grill Temperature

To set the desired temperature on your Prime Pellet Grill, follow these steps:

  1. Press the control button to lock in the Temperature function.
  2. Rotate the knob to select your preferred temperature.
  3. Once you have selected the desired temperature, push the control button to start the unit and begin heating.

Setting the Desired Meat Probe Temperature

A meat probe can be connected to the left side of the grill, above the battery compartment. Once connected, the meat probe temperature will appear on the controller screen.

  1. To turn on the unit, push the control knob once. The controller will flash and then display a solid screen, indicating that it is powered on.
  2. Push the control knob again to access the function screen, where you can find various options such as Temperature (F/C), Time, Meat Probe Temperature, Prime, and Cleanout functions, as well as indicators for Battery level, AC adapter, Fan, Auger, Igniter, and Battery removal (when applicable).
  3. To select the Meat Probe function, rotate the control knob and push the button to lock it in. Then, rotate the control knob to set the desired temperature for the meat probe and push the button to confirm.

Tips for Operating the Meat Probe Function:

  • When the meat probe is not in use, disconnect it from the jack receptacle and cover the port with the silicone cap.
  • It is recommended to use HALO brand meat probes to avoid damage. When the meat probe reaches the set temperature, the unit will go into WARM mode and the temperature will reduce to prevent overcooking before removing the food.

Temperature Unit Selection (Fahrenheit or Celsius)

The default temperature unit on the Prime Controller is set to Fahrenheit.

To select your preferred temperature unit on your Prime Pellet Grill, follow these steps:

  1. Rotate the control knob to the desired temperature unit: F (Fahrenheit) or C (Celsius).
  2. Push the control button to lock in your choice.

Setting the Desired Time 

To set the desired time on your Prime Pellet Grill, follow these simple steps:

  1. Rotate the control knob to select the Time function.
  2. Push the control button to lock in the Time function. This allows you to set the number of hours and minutes for your smoke session.
  3. Rotate the control knob to the desired number of hours, then push the control knob to confirm the hours.
  4. Rotate the control knob to set the desired number of minutes, then push the control knob to confirm the minutes.
  5. Once your unit is started, the timer will count down to zero, ensuring that your smoke session is timed perfectly.

Indicator Lights on the Prime Controller

Fan

The fan icon will illuminate when the fan is in operation. The fan performs several important functions:

  1. It supplies fresh air to the burn pot, which is crucial for combustion.
  2. The fan generates an even circulation of heat, ensuring that your food cooks evenly on all sides.
  3. It helps the pellets burn more efficiently, leading to optimal grilling performance.
  4. The fan also performs maintenance tasks by evacuating ashes from the burn pot during cooking and shutdown functions.

Auger: Pellet Feed System

The Auger function is an essential component of the pellet grill that helps deliver a consistent supply of pellets to the burn pot. During startup, you will see the Auger function icon appear, and it will periodically switch ON and OFF during cooking to feed the pellets.

Here's how the Auger function works:

  1. The Auger delivers the pellets from the pellet hopper, through the auger tube, and into the burn pot. This process is carefully controlled to ensure efficient combustion and optimal grilling performance.
  2. The amount of time the Auger feeds pellets depends on the temperature you have set for your grill. The higher the temperature, the longer the Auger will feed pellets to maintain the desired heat level.

By understanding the role of the Auger in the pellet feed system, you can appreciate its contribution to consistent heat and flavorful grilling results.

Pellet Low

When the pellet level in the hopper is low, an infrared sensor will detect it, and you will see the Pellet Low icon on the controller screen. To ensure uninterrupted cooking, we recommend adding more pellets to the hopper.

Power Source

  • Battery Icon: When you insert the battery into the unit, a battery icon will appear on the controller to indicate that the grill is powered by the battery.

  • A/C Adapter Icon: If you plug the AC adapter into the unit, an AC plug icon will appear on the controller to indicate that the grill is powered by AC power.

Both icons will be displayed on the controller when both the battery and AC adapter are plugged into the grill. In this state, the grill is powered but not turned on.

When the AC adapter is plugged in, the battery will charge inside the unit. On average, it takes between 5-6 hours for the battery to fully charge. An alternative way to charge the battery is to remove it from the unit and use a HALO charging dock, for purchase on our website.

Electonic Igniter 

The Igniter function icon will appear during startup and will turn on and off during cooking to maintain the desired temperature.

  • The igniter is an electronic ignition system that utilizes circuits, usually through transistors, to generate electric pulses. These pulses create a high voltage spark that can ignite the fuel mixture, resulting in improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
  • If the temperature falls 20 degrees below the set temperature, the igniter will automatically turn back on to maintain the desired heat level.

Battery Warning 

  • If the controller shows a red "REMOVE" icon, it means that you should promptly remove the battery from the unit to prevent any damage to it.
  • This indicates that the battery temperature is too high. Allow the grill to cool down to the surrounding temperature, then insert the battery again and restart the unit.
  • If this issue continues to persist, please contact our Consumer Service Team at 1-833-572-1688 for assistance.