Quickstart Tips for Using Your Elite Griddle

Hooking Up Your Propane, Starting the Griddle, Regulating the Burner Temperature, Performance Tips, Cooling Your Griddle, Taking Your Griddle On-the-Go, Troubleshooting Flame Issues

In this article…

Hooking up Your Propane

Starting Your Griddle

Regulating the Burner Temperature

Griddling Tips for Optimal Performance

Cooling Your Griddle

Taking Your Griddle On-The-Go

Troubleshooting Flame Issues

The HALO Elite Outdoor Griddle is a culinary powerhouse, boasting two zones within one burner to provide you with precise control over your cooking surface. This ingenious design allows you to independently operate each zone and control cooking temperatures, ensuring an elevated and seamless cooking experience with no more cold zones! To make the most of this versatile outdoor cooking companion, proper setup and troubleshooting are crucial. In this article, we'll cover essential tips to help you hook up your propane, start your griddle, regulate burner temperature, and troubleshoot flame issues like a pro.

Hooking Up Your Propane:

Before you begin your outdoor griddling adventure, it's essential to hook up your propane tank properly. The HALO Elite1B Countertop Griddle offers two fuel options: a 1lb cylinder or a 20 lb LP tank. The full-size griddles operate on a 20 lb. LP tank. Here's how to set it up for each:

For a 1 lb. cylinder:

Ensure the control knob is in the OFF position.
Remove the plastic cap from the top of the propane cylinder, saving it for storage.
Screw the propane cylinder into the regulator, being careful not to cross-thread. Hand-tighten only.
The regulator is equipped with Quick Connect. Align the insert fitting on the regulator to the quick connect body on the side of the griddle. Pull back the spring-loaded coupling and insert it firmly into the quick connect coupling, then release. The regulator insert will snap in and lock in place. Perform a leak check at this connection.
Never operate the griddle with the propane cylinder upside down.

For a 20 lb. tank:

Place the LP tank on the tank support bracket and secure it with the tank retention wire or on a level and stable surface.
Attach the 20 lb. quick-connect regulator hose to the griddle and screw the other end to your propane tank.
Loosen the flow valve in a counterclockwise direction all the way to ensure proper propane flow.

Did you know all HALO Elite griddles are natural gas compatible? Convert your griddle to natural gas with the HALO Griddle Natural Gas Conversion Kit.

Starting Your Griddle:

To fire up your HALO Elite Griddle, follow these simple steps:

Open the lid during lighting.
On the tabletop griddle, push and turn the control knob to the right zone position. Press the electric igniter and hold for 3-5 seconds, then turn the knob to light the right and left zones of the burner.
On the full-size griddles, push and turn the control knob on the far left burner 90 degrees to the front zone position. Press the electronic igniter and hold for 3-5 seconds, then turn the knob to light the front and back zones of the burner.
To confirm the burner is lit, look through the burner viewing port above the control knob, then turn the control knob to light the back section.

Did you know you can find the lighting instructions conveniently positioned underneath the control panel? Simply rotate out from the griddle to access and follow the instructions.

Regulating the Burner Temperature:

With the Elite Griddle's two-zone burner, you can easily control the cooking temperature for each zone independently. The griddle comes equipped with an adjustable low-pressure regulator that allows you to set the operating pressure at either 11" water column or 9.5" water column. The lower pressure setting enables slightly lower temperatures, giving you more control over your cooking. Depending on your desired temperature, adjust the control knob accordingly.

Griddling Tips for Optimal Performance:

The HALO Elite Series griddles are equipped with a top-notch griddle plate that offers precise control over your cooking surface, allowing you to create delicious and versatile outdoor meals. To get the most out of your griddle plate and elevate your cooking experience, follow these griddling tips.

Preheat the Griddle Plate: Before adding any ingredients, make sure to preheat your griddle plate to the desired cooking temperature. This step is crucial to achieving even cooking and preventing sticking. Allow the griddle to heat up for a few minutes, and you'll be ready to start cooking in no time.
Use High-Quality Cooking Oil: To prevent sticking and enhance flavors, use high-quality cooking oils with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil. Lightly coat the griddle plate with oil before adding ingredients to create a natural non-stick surface.
Distribute Heat Evenly: One of the advantages of HALO Elite Series Griddles is their two-zone burner, which allows you to control the temperature independently in each zone. Utilize this feature to create different heat zones on the griddle plate. Higher heat on one side can be used for searing, while lower heat on the other side is perfect for keeping cooked food warm.
Optimize Space with Zones: Take advantage of the separate cooking zones on your griddle plate to prepare various dishes simultaneously. For instance, you can cook bacon and eggs in one zone while sautéing vegetables in the other. This efficient use of space saves time and ensures all components of your meal are ready at the same time.
Cook in Batches: If you're cooking for a large group or preparing multiple servings, consider cooking in batches. Overcrowding the griddle plate can lead to uneven cooking and hinder the Maillard reaction, which creates that delightful golden-brown crust on grilled food. Give each ingredient enough space to cook evenly and achieve that perfect sear.
Keep a Clean Griddle: Frequent cleaning during and after cooking is essential for maintaining the griddle plate's non-stick surface and preventing cross-contamination of flavors. Use a flat-edge spatula or scraper to remove any food residues and keep the griddle clean between batches. Once done cooking, use a cloth to thoroughly clean the griddle plate. Pour water onto the hot griddle surface for tough food residue and let it boil the residue off. Avoid using harsh scrubbing tools that could damage the non-stick surface.
Experiment with Seasonings and Marinades: The griddle plate is a blank canvas for your culinary creations. Experiment with different seasonings, marinades, and sauces to elevate the flavors of your dishes. From savory spices to sweet glazes, the options are endless, and you can cater to different tastes and preferences.
Utilize Accessories: Make the most of your HALO Elite Series Griddle by utilizing compatible accessories. Griddle spatulas, scoops, tongs, squeeze bottles, and our patent-pending squeegee scraper can help you achieve professional-level results and make the cooking process more efficient. Visit our website for our Elite Griddle Kit and complete line of accessories to achieve the most out of your outdoor cooking experience.
Keep an Eye on the Temperature: Monitor the griddle plate's temperature closely throughout the cooking process. Adjust the burner settings as needed to maintain the desired heat level. This attention to temperature control ensures precise cooking and prevents overcooking or undercooking your dishes.

Cooling Your Griddle:

After cooking, allow the griddle to cool down before cleaning and storage. Leaving the lid open during the cooling process speeds up the process. Once cooled, follow the regular cleaning and storage tips (see Essential Tips for Maintaining Your Elite Griddle) to keep your griddle in pristine condition.

Taking Your Griddle On-The-Go:

The HALO Elite1B Griddle is perfectly sized for travel, but did you know that all full-size Elite griddles are travel-ready, too? Here's how to prepare your full-size griddle for transport:

Remove the Hose and Regulator assembly from the cylinder.
Loosen all 4 Knobs from the sides and back of the unit.
Lift the griddle from the cart with the help of a friend. You can remove the side tables if you like or leave them on.
With the help of a friend, place the griddle on a park bench or table, re-attach the LP tank, and you're ready to turn up the heat on the go!

Troubleshooting Flame Issues:

If you encounter any difficulties starting a flame on your HALO Elite Griddle, consider the following:

Ensure that the propane tank is correctly connected and has enough propane.
Check for any obstructions in the burner, gas orifices, or gas hose.
If issues persist, don't hesitate to call Halo Support at 1-833-572-1688 to troubleshoot with their Consumer Service Team.

Now that you have these quick start tips, it's time to fire up your Elite Griddle. Prepare a wide range of dishes with ease and enjoy the ultimate outdoor cooking experience with the Elite Griddle from HALO!