1. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Masterbuilt Portable Charcoal Grill and Smoker. This manual provides essential information for the safe assembly, operation, and maintenance of your grill. Please read all instructions carefully before use to ensure optimal performance and safety.
This portable charcoal grill combines the authentic flavor of charcoal with the convenience of precise temperature control, making it ideal for grilling and smoking on the go. Its collapsible cart design ensures easy transport and setup for various outdoor cooking environments.
Image: The Masterbuilt Portable Charcoal Grill and Smoker, featuring its black finish and integrated collapsible cart, ready for use.
2. Important Safety Information
Always follow basic safety precautions when operating this charcoal grill to reduce the risk of fire, burns, or other injuries.
- Outdoor Use Only: This grill is designed for outdoor use only. Do not operate indoors or in enclosed areas.
- Clearance: Maintain a minimum distance of 10 feet (3 meters) from combustible materials, structures, and other appliances.
- Stable Surface: Always operate the grill on a level, stable, non-combustible surface.
- Supervision: Never leave the grill unattended while in use. Keep children and pets away from the grill at all times.
- Hot Surfaces: The grill surfaces become extremely hot during operation. Use heat-resistant gloves or mitts when handling hot components.
- Fuel: Use only charcoal briquettes or lump charcoal as fuel. Do not use gasoline, kerosene, or alcohol for lighting or re-lighting charcoal.
- Ash Disposal: Allow charcoal to cool completely before disposing of ashes. Ashes should be wrapped in heavy-duty aluminum foil and placed in a non-combustible container.
- Ventilation: Ensure proper airflow around the grill. Do not block vents.
- Electrical Safety: If the grill uses an electrical component (e.g., fan for temperature control), ensure the power source is appropriate and connections are secure. Keep electrical components dry.
3. Assembly
The Masterbuilt Portable Charcoal Grill with Cart requires assembly. Please follow the detailed assembly instructions provided in the separate assembly guide included with your product. Ensure all parts are present before beginning assembly.
- Unpack all components and verify against the parts list.
- Assemble the main grill body and attach the collapsible cart mechanism.
- Secure all fasteners tightly. Do not overtighten.
- Ensure the cart folds and locks securely in both the open and collapsed positions.
Image: A person demonstrating the quick collapse feature of the grill's cart, highlighting its portability.
4. Setup
4.1 Initial Seasoning
Before first use, it is recommended to season your grill. This process helps to cure the internal components and remove any manufacturing oils.
- Ensure the grill is clean and free of debris.
- Add a small amount of charcoal to the MiniHopper.
- Light the charcoal and set the SteadyTemp dial to a medium temperature (e.g., 300°F / 150°C).
- Allow the grill to run for approximately 1-2 hours.
- Let the grill cool completely before storing or using for cooking.
4.2 Powering the Temperature Control
The SteadyTemp Analog Temperature Control requires power for its fan system. Locate the battery compartment, typically on the underside of the control panel, and insert the required batteries (e.g., AA batteries, refer to your assembly guide for exact type and quantity).
Image: A close-up view of the battery compartment, showing where batteries are inserted to power the grill's electronic components.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1 Fueling the Grill
Your Masterbuilt grill features a Charcoal MiniHopper designed for efficient fuel management.
- Open the lid of the Charcoal MiniHopper.
- Add up to 1.5 lbs of charcoal briquettes or 1 lb of small lump charcoal. This amount can provide up to 4 hours of cooking time.
- Close the MiniHopper lid securely.
Image: A close-up of the Charcoal MiniHopper, showing it filled with lump charcoal, ready for ignition.
5.2 Lighting the Charcoal
Use appropriate fire starters to ignite the charcoal in the MiniHopper. Follow the fire starter manufacturer's instructions.
- Place fire starters near the charcoal in the MiniHopper.
- Ignite the fire starters.
- Allow charcoal to ignite and begin to ash over before closing the grill lid.
5.3 Setting Temperature with SteadyTemp Dial
The SteadyTemp dial allows precise temperature control, ranging from 250°F to 500°F (121°C to 260°C).
- Once charcoal is lit, close the grill lid.
- Turn the SteadyTemp dial to your desired cooking temperature. The integrated fan will adjust airflow to maintain the set temperature.
- Allow the grill to preheat to the target temperature before placing food on the grates.
Image: A hand turning the SteadyTemp dial, demonstrating the ease of adjusting the grill's temperature.
5.4 Cooking
Place food directly on the cooking grates. Monitor internal food temperatures for safe cooking.
Image: Various skewers with meat and vegetables cooking on the grill grates, showcasing the cooking capacity.
5.5 Locking Lid for Transport
The grill features a lockable lid, allowing you to move the grill after cooking without having to dispose of ashes on site, provided the ashes are cool.
- Ensure the grill has cooled sufficiently before attempting to move it.
- Engage the lid lock mechanism to secure the lid to the grill body.
- Utilize the collapsible cart and wheels for easy transport.
Image: A person pulling the Masterbuilt grill, which is in its collapsed and portable configuration, demonstrating its ease of transport.
6. Maintenance
6.1 Cleaning the Grill
Regular cleaning ensures optimal performance and extends the life of your grill.
- Allow the grill to cool completely before cleaning.
- Remove cooking grates and clean with a grill brush or warm soapy water. Rinse thoroughly.
- Remove the ash pan and dispose of cooled ashes. Clean the ash pan with warm soapy water.
- Wipe down exterior surfaces with a damp cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
- Ensure all components are dry before reassembling or storing.
6.2 Ash Disposal
Always ensure ashes are completely cool before disposal. This can take several hours.
- Once ashes are cool, carefully remove the ash pan.
- Place ashes in a non-combustible container, such as a metal can with a tight-fitting lid.
- Do not dispose of hot ashes in plastic or paper containers.
6.3 Storage
Store the grill in a dry, protected area when not in use.
- Ensure the grill is clean and dry before storing.
- Consider using a grill cover to protect it from the elements.
- Store in a location inaccessible to children and pets.
7. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your Masterbuilt grill, refer to the following common troubleshooting steps:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Grill not reaching desired temperature | Insufficient charcoal; blocked airflow; low batteries in control unit. | Add more charcoal; check for ash buildup in MiniHopper or vents; replace batteries in the SteadyTemp control unit. |
| Temperature fluctuates significantly | Lid not fully closed; strong winds; fan malfunction. | Ensure lid is sealed; position grill away from strong winds; check battery level and fan operation. |
| Charcoal not lighting | Improper fire starter placement; damp charcoal. | Ensure fire starter is in direct contact with charcoal; use dry charcoal. |
| Cart not collapsing/extending smoothly | Obstruction; loose fasteners; damaged mechanism. | Check for debris; inspect and tighten fasteners; contact customer support if mechanism is damaged. |
8. Specifications
Key specifications for the Masterbuilt Portable Charcoal Grill and Smoker, Model MB20040722:
- Model Name: Portable Charcoal Grill with Cart
- Model Number: MB20040722
- Product Dimensions (D x W x H): 18.7" x 44.5" x 36.1" (47.5 cm x 113 cm x 91.7 cm)
- Item Weight: 52 Pounds (23.6 kg)
- Cooking Surface Area: Approximately 200 Square Inches
- Fuel Type: Charcoal (Briquettes or Lump Charcoal)
- Temperature Control: SteadyTemp Analog Dial (250°F - 500°F / 121°C - 260°C)
- Material: Metal (Powder Coated Finish)
- Special Features: Collapsible Cart, Portable, Lockable Lid, Charcoal MiniHopper
- Assembly Required: Yes
Image: A visual representation of the grill's dimensions (height, width, depth) and its cooking capacity for various food items.
9. Warranty and Support
9.1 Warranty Information
This Masterbuilt Portable Charcoal Grill and Smoker comes with a 1-Year Limited Warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers defects in material and workmanship under normal use and maintenance. Please retain your original purchase receipt as proof of purchase.
The warranty does not cover damage resulting from misuse, abuse, accidents, unauthorized modifications, or failure to follow the instructions in this manual. For full warranty terms and conditions, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the Masterbuilt official website.
9.2 Customer Support
For technical assistance, replacement parts, or warranty claims, please contact Masterbuilt Customer Support:
- Website: www.masterbuilt.com
- Phone: Refer to the Masterbuilt website for regional contact numbers.
- Email: Refer to the Masterbuilt website for customer service email.
When contacting support, please have your grill's model number (MB20040722) and serial number (if applicable) ready.
