Vulcan Griddle Troubleshooting Guide

For optimal, even cooking, turn the burners on approximately 20-25 minutes before cooking to allow the unit to preheat. Season the griddle's cooking surface with a light coat of oil before use to reduce the risk of cooked food sticking to the surface. If your unit has more than one burner, each burner can be set to a different temperature to cook a variety of products simultaneously.

If there is no spark to ignite the pilot gas or the pilot gas sparks but does not ignite, here are some things to check for with each issue to help diagnose the problem.

Check the power switch. Turn the power switch to the ON position or call an authorized technician to replace if defective.

Check the gas supply. Turn on the gas supply if it is turned off or reconnect the gas supply if it is disconnected from the unit.

Check the gas pressure. If the gas pressure in your establishment is low, contact your gas provider to remedy.

Check the ignition module. Call an authorized technician to check for a malfunctioning ignition module and repair if needed.

Check the flame sense circuit. Call an authorized technician to check for a malfunctioning flame sense circuit and repair if needed.

Check the pilot safety valve. Call an authorized technician to check for a malfunctioning safety valve and repair if needed.

If the gas pilot will not stay lit, here are some things to check for with each issue to help diagnose the problem. Any parts that need to be replaced should be installed by an authorized service technician.

Check if there is too much air flow. Prevent air flow from blowing the pilot out.

Check if the gas supply is purged of air. If the gas supply is not purged of air, depress the pilot safety button until the air is purged.

Check for sufficient gas pressure. Check if the gas pressure is within the specified range and call an authorized service technician to adjust as needed.

Check for sufficient gas flow. Adjust the pilot valve to allow for more gas flow.

Check the thermocouple. Adjust the thermocouple if it is not sufficiently immersed in flame. If the thermocouple is malfunctioning, call an authorized technician to repair.

Check the pilot orifice. If the pilot orifice is obstructed, call an authorized technician.

If your griddle’s burners are experiencing uneven temperatures, it is most likely the result of an unlevel unit or a thermostat that needs to be recalibrated.

Check if the griddle is level. The griddle needs to be level both side-to-side and front-to-back. Unlevel griddles cause uneven temperatures, cold spots, and possible electrical damage to the griddle components.

Check if the thermostat / temperature controller needs to be calibrated. Calibrating the thermostat ensures the optimal temperature needed to cook your foods is being used for consistent results. To check if your griddle is properly calibrated, follow these instructions:

1. Most thermostats control a 12” zone of the griddle. Center point area of a cooking zone is located 6” from the side splash (left or right), every 12” across the width of the griddle, and 12” back from the front of the griddle.
2. Clean the center point areas of the cooking zone to ensure good contact with a surface probe. Note: It’s not recommended to use infrared thermometers.
3. Set the thermostats to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and allow the thermostat cycle light to cycle ON and OFF at least three times to stabilize the griddle surface temperatures.
4. Wait for the cycle light to go OFF and then measure the temperature for that zone. If the temperature measurement is 350 degrees Fahrenheit +/- 10 degrees Fahrenheit, then the thermostat is properly calibrated.
5. If your thermostat needs to be calibrated, reference your unit’s service manual for instructions.

If you are noticing build-up of gum on your Vulcan griddle, check for these common causes.

Check if the surface needs cleaning and/or seasoning. A dirty or un-seasoned griddle can cause grease to build up on the surface, which can cause flavor-transfer. It is important to clean and season your griddle regularly.

Check if the temperature is set too high. Set the griddle to a lower temperature.

Check how much cooking oil/fat you are using. Consistently using too much cooking oil/fat will cause build-up on your griddle and will most likely cause your food to be too greasy as well.

If you are noticing excessive smoking with your Vulcan griddle, check for these common causes.

Check if the temperature is set too high. Set the griddle to a lower temperature.

Check the moisture of your food. Make sure the food you are trying to cook doesn’t have excessive moisture or frost. This will cause steam to build up when cooking.