Vulcan Griddle Troubleshooting Guide

How Long Does It Take a Vulcan Griddle to Heat Up?

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.

How to Light the Pilot on a Vulcan Griddle

We will take you through the steps on how to light the pilot on some of Vulcan's most popular griddle models. If the pilot fails to light after these steps, turn off the main gas shut-off valve and contact an authorized service technician.

Electric Ignition System

1. Turn the griddle shut-off valve to the OFF position. Wait 5 minutes to allow any gas in the burner compartment to escape.

2. Turn the griddle shut-off valve to the ON position.

3. Push and hold the power switch in the ON position. The switch will illuminate and you will hear a "clicking" sound.

4. While continuing to hold the power switch in the ON position, press and hold the red button on the pilot safety valve while the electric igniters light the corresponding pilots.

5. Watch for the pilot burners to light (this can be seen through the pilot sight holes). When the gas at the pilot has been burning for approximately 45 seconds, release the red button on the pilot safety valve.

6. Repeat steps 1-5 until all pilots are lit. If the pilot does not remain lit, try repeating the operation and allowing more time before releasing the red button. If the electronic ignition system fails, the pilot burners can be manually lit.

Manual Ignition System

1. Turn the main gas shut-off valve to the OFF position. Wait 5 minutes to allow any gas in the burner compartment to escape.

2. Turn the main gas shut-off valve to the ON position.

3. Press and hold the red button on the pilot safety valve and reach under the front of the unit to light the corresponding pilot with an outside ignition source.

4. Watch for the pilot burners to light (this can be seen through the pilot sight holes). When the gas at the pilot has been burning for approximately 45 seconds, release the red button on the pilot safety valve.

5. Repeat steps 1-4 until all pilots are lit. If the pilot does not remain lit, try repeating the operation and allowing more time before releasing the red button.

Standing Pilot System

1. Turn the main gas shut-off valve and all burner control knobs to the OFF position. Wait 5 minutes to allow any gas in the burner compartment to escape.

2. Turn the main gas shut-off valve to the ON position.

3. While looking through the pilot sight holes, reach under the front of the unit and through the pilot cutout to light the corresponding pilot with an outside ignition source. It may be necessary to adjust the pilot valve to increase gas to the pilot.

4. Repeat steps 1-3 until all pilots are lit.

5. To light main burners, turn individual burner control knobs to the full ON position.

Vulcan Griddle Surface Temperature Is Inconsistent

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.

First 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.

You should also 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.

Vulcan Griddle Has Noticeable Build-up

If you are noticing a 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.

Vulcan Griddle Is Excessively Smoking

If you are experiencing excessive smoking with your Vulcan griddle, here are some common causes to look out for. You should also make sure you are using an oil with a high enough smoke point to handle the high heat of your flat top.

• 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.