Char-Griller Akorn 6520 User manual

AKORN®
Keep your receipt with this manual for
Warranty.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
1-912-638-4724
[e-mail]
Model #6520
Contents of this manual are Trademarked and Copyrighted by Char-Griller | A&J Manufacturing.
Using the information contained in this manual without consent of Char-Griller and/or A&J
Manufacturing is strictly prohibited.
OM_6520_ED_ E.2
OWNER’S MANUAL

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety Warnings & Warranty...............................A-1
Assembly Instructions ..................................... B-1
Product Usage .................................................. C-1
Recipes .............................................................. D-1
Accessories ....................................................... E-1

A-1
IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNINGS
READ ALL SAFETY WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE
ASSEMBLING AND OPERATING YOUR GRILL
Read the following instructions carefully and be sure your appliance is properly assembled, installed,
and maintained. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious bodily injury and/or property
damage. If you have any questions concerning assembly or operation, call 912-638-4724.
• Use caution when assembling and operating your grill to avoid scrapes or cuts from sharp edges.
• Do not use gasoline, kerosene or alcohol for lighting charcoal. Use of any of these or similar
products could cause an explosion possibly leading to severe bodily injury.
• Do not used lighter fluid on already lit coals.
• Keep children & pets away from grill. Supervision is necessary and do not leave grill unattended
when in use.
• Use caution when moving grill to prevent strains.
• Keep grill at least 15 feet from any combustible material (decks, buildings, fences, trees, bushes,
etc).
• When adding charcoal and/or wood, use extreme caution.
• Never move grill when it is in use or when it contains hot coals or ashes, keep the grill in a level
position at all times while in use.
• ALWAYS latch lid when lid is in closed position.
• Do not place grill near flammable liquids, gases or where flammable vapors may be present.
• When opening grill, first open slightly to let a small amount of air in for a few seconds. This prevents
large amounts of oxygen from getting to suffocated coals which may cause dangerous flash back.
• Use caution since flames can flare-up when fresh air suddenly comes in contact with fire. When
opening the lid, keep hands, face and body safe from hot steam and flame flare-ups.
• Removing excess fat before cooking will help prevent flare-ups.
• Keep your grill clean to help prevent flare-ups.
• Always put charcoal on top of the fire grate and not directly into the bottom of the grill.
WARNING: FUELS USED IN WOOD OR CHARCOAL BURNING APPLIANCES, AND THE PRODUCTS OF COMBUSTION OF SUCH FUELS, CAN EXPOSE
YOU TO CHEMICALS INCLUDING CARBON BLACK, WHICH IS KNOWN TO THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA TO CAUSE CANCER, AND CARBON MONOXIDE,
WHICH IS KNOWN TO THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA TO CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS OR OTHER REPRODUCTIVE HARM. For more information go to:
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
ADVERTENCIA: LOS COMBUSTIBLES USADOS EN EQUIPOS PARA QUEMAR MADERA O CARBÓN, ASÍ COMO LOS PRODUCTOS DE TAL COMBUSTIÓN,
PUEDEN EXPONERTE A SUSTANCIAS QUÍMICAS, ENTRE ELLAS EL NEGRO DE HUMO Y EL MONÓXIDO DE CARBONO, QUE EL ESTADO DE CALIFORNIA
RECONOCE COMO CAUSA, RESPECTIVAMENTE, DE CÁNCER Y DE MALFORMACIONES CONGÉNITAS Y OTROS DAÑOS AL SISTEMA REPRODUCTOR.
Para más información, visite www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

A-2
• Do not exceed a temperature of 700˚F.
• Do not allow charcoal and/or wood to rest on the walls of grill. Doing so will greatly reduce the life of
the grill
• Always wear oven mitts to protect hands from burns, especially when adjusting dampers. Avoid
touching hot surfaces.
• When opening lid, make sure it is pushed all the way back so it rests against the lid support bracket.
Use extreme caution as hood could fall back to a closed position and cause bodily injury.
• Close lid and all dampers to help suffocate flame.
• Always hold an open lid from the handle to prevent it from closing unexpectedly.
• Never leave coals and ashes unattended. Before grill can be left unattended, coals and ashes must
be removed. Use caution to protect yourself and property.
• Carefully place remaining coals and ashes in a noncombustible metal container and saturate
completely with water. Allow coals and water to remain in metal container 24 hours prior to
disposing.
• To protect against bacteria that could cause illness, keep all meats refrigerated and thaw in
refrigerator or microwave. Keep raw meats separate from other foods, and wash everything that
comes in contact with raw meat.
• Cook meat thoroughly, and refrigerate leftovers immediately.
• Use a calibrated food thermometer and the USDA guidelines to ensure that meat, poultry, seafood,
and other cooked foods reach a safe minimum internal temperature.
• Grill is for use outdoors and in well-ventilated areas, only.
• Always have a fire extinguisher near at all times. Maintain and check your fire extinguisher regularly.
IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNINGS
(Continued)

A-3
STOP! CALL FIRST!
Do NOT Return Product to Store.
This grill has been made according to the highest of quality standards. If you have any questions that
are not addressed in this manual or if you need parts please call our Customer Service Department at
1-912-638-4724 (USA) or email Char-Griller at: [e-mail] and have your serial number
handy.
Document Your Grill Model and Serial Numbers HERE:
(Model and Serial number are located on the back of the grill body or on the leg.)
_________________________ _________________________
(MODEL #) (SERIAL #)
REGISTERYOUR GRILL:
To take full advantage of the Char-Griller warranty be sure to register your grill by visiting
www.CharGriller.com/Register or calling Customer Service at 1-912-638-4724.
Registration provides important protections:
1. In the extremely unlikely event of a product recall Char-Griller can easily contact you and rectify the
issue.
2. If a warrantied part is broken or missing we can send you the needed parts promptly.
NOTE: You will need your model #, serial number, and a copy of the original sales receipt when
registering.
(example)

A-4
WARRANTY INFORMATION
A COPY OF THE DATED PROOF OF PURCHASE (RECEIPT) IS REQUIRED WHEN REGISTERING OR SUB-
MITTING A WARRANTY* CLAIM. PLEASE RETAIN A COPY OF THE RECEIPT FOR YOUR RECORDS.
Char-Griller will replace any defective part of its grillers/smokers, under warranty, as outlined below.
PLEASE READ THIS INFORMATION IN DETAIL AND IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS CONTACT CUSTOMER
SERVICE AT 912-638-4724 OR [email protected].
SURFACE RUST IS NOT CONSIDERED A MANUFACTURING OR MATERIALS DEFECT
Char-Griller grills are made of steel and if exposed to the elements rust will occur naturally. Please refer to the
section entitled, “Usage” to review how to care for your grill properly.
Surface issues such as scratches, dents, corrosion or discoloring by heat, abrasive and chemical clearers, surface
rust or the discoloration of steel surfaces are NOT covered under these warranties.
Warranties are for the replacement of defective parts only. Char-Griller is not responsible for damage resulting
from accident, alteration, misuse, abuse, hostile environments, improper installation, and installation not in accor-
dance with local codes of service of unit.
Excluded Under ALL Warranties
Paint; Surface Rust; Heat Damage; Incorrect Parts ordered by customer, including shipping; Worn Parts; Missing
or damaged parts not reported within two (2) months of purchase date; Defective parts not reported within one (1)
year of purchase date; Fading grill cover.
*NOTE: For warranty claims, photos and prepaid return of the item in question may be required. Misuse, abuse or
commercial use nullifies all warranties.
Charcoal / Pellet / Kamado Grills
Grill - Hood AND Bottom
(excludes removable Ash Pan) 5 years from date of purchase for rust
through / burn through
Ash Pan AND Defective Parts 1 year from date of purchase
Gas Grills
Grill Hood (TOP half) AND Main Burner Tubes
(exckudes Side Burner) 5 years from date of purchase for rust through / burn through
Grill Body (BOTTOM half)AND Side Burner
AND Defective Parts 1 year from date of purchase
Dual Fuel Grills (Gas & Charcoal)
Charcoal Grill - Hood AND Bottom AND Gas
Grill Hood (TOP half) AND Main Burner Tubes
(excludes Ash Pan and Side Burner)
5 years from date of purchase for rust
through / burn through
Ash Pan AND Defective Parts AND Gas Grill
Body (BOTTOM half)AND Side Burner 1 year from date of purchase
Parts, Accessories, and Grill Covers 1 year from date of purchase
(seam tears only for covers)

OM6520 E.1 ™ & © Char-Griller / A&J Mfg. 4
Parts List
ItemDescriponQTY
1HoodAssembly1
2DamperAssembly1
3SideShelf1
4RightBackPanel1
5RightFrontPanel1
6RightL‐ShapeLeg2
7ShortLeg2
8CartSideFrame2
9LegExtender2
10LegBrace4
118”Wheel,PlascwithRubberTire2
12AxelCap2
13AxelRod1
14BoomShelfSecureBracket2
15BoomShelf,RightHalf1
16BoomShelf,LeHalf1
17LongLeg2
18LeL‐ShapeLeg2
19AshPanAssembly1
ItemDescriponQTY
20FireboxFrontSupportBracket1
21FireboxAssembly1
22FireBowl,3Handle,Porcelain1
23CharcoalGrate1
24OuterCookingGrate1
25InnerCookingGrate1
26ThermometerBezel1
27Thermometer1
28HandleEndCap,Right1
29HandleEndCap,Le 1
30Handle,Center1
31HingeAssembly1
32LeFrontPanel1
33LeBackPanel1
34AshPanHandle2
35LatchKit1
36ThermometerGasket1

OM6520 E.1 ™ & © Char-Griller / A&J Mfg. 5
Hardware Pack: 551084
HARDWARE LIST AND TOOLS REQUIRED
(Tools Not Included)
7/16" nut driver
STOP! CALL FIRST! DO NOT RETURN PRODUCT TO STORE.
CALL [phone]. This product has been built to the highest quality standards.
Call us should you have any questions not addressed in these instructions, or for service information.
No Returns on Used Grills
CAUTION: Do not attempt to move grill unless the lid is
latched, failing to do so may lead to damage or injury.
NOTICE: Read all operating and assembly instructions
before attempting to use your grill.
NOTICE: Always have a fire extinguisher near at all times.
Maintain and check your fire extinguisher regularly.
Have your grills serial number (located on the back of the grill body or on the leg) when
calling.
WARNING:
DO NOT OPERATE ABOVE 700°F / 371°C
Item Picture Description QTY
Hex Bolt—1/4”-20 x 1/2” 24
#6 Machine Screw 4
Hex Bolt—1/4”-20 x 1 3/4” 4
Hex Bolt—1/4”-20 x 1 1/2” 4
Axel Cap 2
Hex Bolt with Blue Locking Compound—1/4”-20 x 3/4” 8
Hex Nut—1/4”-20 12
Cotter Pin 2
Flat Washer 4
Hex Bolt—1/4”-20 x 2” 8
Utensil Hook 3

OM6520 E.1 ™ & © Char-Griller / A&J Mfg. 6
Short Legs
Right L-Shape Legs
Left L-Shape Legs
Long Legs
Hex Bolt
Step 1: Assemble Legs
(8) Hex Bolt --1/4”-20 x 1/2”
Step 2: Assemble Front and Back Panels
(4) #6 Machine Screw
Right Back Panel
Right Front Panel
Left Back Panel
Screws
Left Front Panel

OM6520 E.1 ™ & © Char-Griller / A&J Mfg. 7
Step 4: Attach Bottom Shelf to Leg Assembly
Step 3: Assemble Bottom Shelf
Bottom Shelf Braces
Hex Bolts
(2) Hex Bolt --1/4”-20 x 1/2”
Right Side Bottom Shelf
Left Side Bottom Shelf
NOTE: Insert
hook at each
corner of bottom
shelf into hole on
each Leg. Then
attach cart side
frames and leg
braces. Leg brace
with two cut slots
side goes on the
inside.
(8) Hex Bolt—1/4”-20 x 2”
Cart Side Frame
Hex Bolts
Leg Braces
Hex Nuts
Leg Assembly
Bottom Shelf Assembly
Cart Side Frame
Leg Assembly
(8) Hex Nut—1/4”-20

OM6520 E.1 ™ & © Char-Griller / A&J Mfg. 8
Step 5: Flip Cart Upside Down then install Wheels and Leg Extenders.
Step 6: Turn Cart right side up then install Front and Back Panels
Cart Assembly
Back Panel Assembly
Front Panel Assembly
(4) Hex Bolt --1/4”-20 x 1 3/4”
(4) Hex Nut --1/4”-20
Hex Bolts
Hex Nuts
Hex Bolts
(2) Axel Cap
(2) Cotter Pin
Flat Washer
(4) Flat Washer
Wheel
Axel Cap
Cotter Pin
Flat Washer
Wheel
Axel Rod
Leg Extender

OM6520 E.1 ™ & © Char-Griller / A&J Mfg. 9
Step 8: Install Firebox to Cart
(4) Hex Bolt --1/4”-20 x 1/2”
Cart Assembly
Hex Bolts
Firebox Assembly
Step 7: Install Hinge Assembly and Front Support Bracket to Firebox
(4) Hex Bolt --1/4”-20 x 1/2”
Hinge Assembly
(4) Hex Bolt --1/4”-20 x 3/4”
With Blue Locking Com-
pound Coated
Hex Bolt --1/4”-20 x 3/4”
With Blue Locking Com-
pound
Firebox
Hex Bolt—1/4”-20 x 1/2
Firebox front
Support Bracket

OM6520 E.1 ™ & © Char-Griller / A&J Mfg. 10
Step 9: Install Hood to Firebox
Step 10: Install Handle to Hood
Hex Bolt
Hood
(4) Hex Bolt --1/4”-20 x 3/4” With
Blue Locking Compound Coated
Firebox
Left Handle End Cap
Handle
Right Handle End Cap
Hood
Hex Bolt With Blue Locking Com-
pound Coated
(4) Hex Bolt --
1/4”-20 x 1/2”

OM6520 E.1 ™ & © Char-Griller / A&J Mfg. 11
Step 11: Install Damper to Hood
Step 12: Install Ash Pan to Firebox
Hex Bolts
Ash Pan
Damper Assembly
Hood Assembly
Ash Pan Hanger Tab
Ash Pan
Hanger Wire
(2) Hex Bolt --1/4”-20 x 1/2”
NOTE: ASH PAN HANGER TAB MUST BE
ON TOP OF ASH PAN HANGER WIRE BE-
FORE PUSHING ASH PAN INWARD TO
CENTER.

OM6520 E.1 ™ & © Char-Griller / A&J Mfg. 12
Step 13: Install Side Shelf to Cart
Hex Bolts
Side Shelf
Step 14: Install Bezel, Thermometer, and Thermometer Gasket
(1) Wing Nut
Thermometer
Bezel
Hood
Wing Nut
Thermometer Gasket
(4) Hex Bolt—1/4”-20 x 1 1/2”

OM6520 E.1 ™ & © Char-Griller / A&J Mfg. 13
Step 15: Install Fire Bowl, Fire Grate, Outer/Inner Cooking Grates, and Utensil Hooks.
Inner Cooking Grate
Outer Cooking Grate
Fire Grate
Fire Bowl
Utensil, “S” Hooks
(3) Utensil, “S” Hook

C-1
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Setting Up
Set grill up on solid, at surface with adequate wind shelter. Do not move grill while hot, and do not
leave unattended during operation.
This appliance is designed for use outdoors, away from any ammable materials. It is important that
there are no overhead obstructions and that there is a minimum distance of 3 feet (90cm) from the side
or rear of the appliance. It is important that the ventilation openings of the appliance are not obstructed.
The barbecue must be used on a level, stable surface. The appliance should be protected from direct
drafts and positioned or protected against direct penetration by any trickling water (e.g. rain).
** PLEASE NOTE: NO RETURNS ON USED GRILLS **
Seasoning and Preparing the Grill
IMPORTANT! BEFORE YOU USE YOUR GRILL FOR THE FIRST TIME
YOU MUST SEASON THE CAST IRON COOKING GRATE.
Before you use your grill it is important to season it. Seasoning will burn o󰀨 coating used to protect your
grill during shipping and help protect your cast iron grates from rusting while preparing them for use.
1. Wash your cooking grates in warm soapy water.
2. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely with a towel. DO NOT AIR DRY. NEVER PUT YOUR
COOKING GRATE OR ANY PART OF YOUR GRILL IN YOUR DISHWASHER.
3. Once your cooking grate is dry apply a coating of vegetable oil or shortening to your cooking grate,
be sure to coat both sides thoroughly.
4. Build a medium sized re on the re grate. Always put charcoal on top of the re grate and not
directly into the bottom of the grill. For best results, we recommend using Lump Charcoal.
5. After coals ash over, spread out coals, replace cooking grates, close lid and heat at approximately
400° F for an hour. This process will burn o󰀨 any residue left from shipping and manufacturing as
well as season your cast iron cooking grate.
6. Seasoning should be done periodically to lengthen the life of your cooking grate.
TIP: Clean grates while warm using gloves and a baseball-sized aluminum foil ball.

C-2
Lighting Instructions
We recommend using Lump Charcoal because it contains no additives or llers. This makes for more
e󰀩cient burning, less ash and better tasting food than charcoal briquettes.
1. To start a charcoal re, make a pyramid of Lump Charcoal in the center of the re grate.
2. Light coals in several places. Fire starters are helpful during this step.
NOTE: Do not use gasoline, kerosene or alcohol for lighting charcoal. Use of any of these or similar
products could cause an explosion possibly leading to severe bodily injury.
3. Leave lid open until coals are ignited and smoke burns white with no ames.
4. After coals are lit but before they turn white, start regulating internal dome temp with dampers.
(Or, if you wish, begin grilling.)
MORE AIR FLOW MEANS MORE HEAT.
Refer to the chart above to help control the temperature in your AKORN grill.
NOTE: Do not let temperature go higher than desired temp because it is harder to bring temperature
down than to go up.
ALWAYS FOLLOW CHARCOAL AND LIGHTER FLUID MANUFACTURERS’
INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS. USE OUTDOORS ONLY ON NONCOMBUSTIBLE
SURFACE – 15’ AWAY FROM WOOD AND COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL.
Grill Operation & Tips
• Control heat with amount and type of fuel, Dual dampers, and (optional) adjustable re grate. Wood
burns hotter than coals and more airow equals more heat.
• Add water soaked hardwood chips for a smoked avor.
• Ashes left in bottom too long hold moisture and will rust through any thickness of steel. This grill is
made of steel and cast iron, which WILL RUST, ESPECIALLY IF NOT PROPERLY CARED FOR.
• Do not use self-starting charcoal as it will give unnatural avor. Burn lighter uid completely before
closing lid.
• After each use, coat vegetable oil on the interior grates to reduce rust

C-3
For LOW, SLOW and LONG grilling & Smoking (200° to 350° F)
Use approx one pound of computer mouse size or larger
size pieces of LUMP CHARCOAL to build re in center of
re grate. Start re as described above. When coals ignite,
CLOSE LID and begin to regulate temp with Dampers to
desired setting.
For HIGH Temp SEARING & grilling (350° to 650° F)
Use approx two - three pounds of mostly smaller golf ball
size pieces of LUMP CHARCOAL than normally to build
re in center of re grate. Start re as described above.
When coals ignite, CLOSE LID and begin to regulate
temp with Dampers to desired setting.
For Smoking:
1. Follow instructions for lower temperature cooking (350˚F and below).
2. Pre-soak wood chips for 35 minutes. Soak chunks for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until wood is
completely saturated.
3. After grill has reached desired temperature, sprinkle two handfuls of soaked wood chips or chunks
over the lit charcoals.
4. Let the chips begin to smoke by closing the lid.
5. You can begin cooking after a few minutes. More soaked chips may be added to the re later if
necessary,
Heat Gauge:
This heat gauge is accurate to +/- 10% of the actual temperature. We suggest verifying this with your
oven. If you require more precise temperature control, the use of a meat thermometer is recommended.
NOTE: Smoke may escape from areas other than the smokestack.
This should not a󰀨ect cooking.
NEVER EXCEED 700°F BECAUSE THIS WILL DAMAGE THE FINISH AND CONTRIBUTE TO RUST.
PAINT IS NOT WARRANTED AND WILL REQUIRE
TOUCH-UP. THIS UNIT IS NOT WARRANTED AGAINST RUST.
Light charcoal pile on TOP
for low re temperature
Light charcoal pile on
BOTTOM for low re temperature

C-4
Cooking with INDIRECT Heat on
a Kamado:
Smokin’ Stone™ and Pizza Stones are sold separately at CharGriller.com.
Both Stones can be used interchangably.
Smokin’ Stone, Grate, Drip Pan & Meat Rack
This is ideal for ROASTING large cuts of meat (low and slow). The meat
stays avorful and juicy as it slowly roasts and is basted in it’s own juices.
Add apple juice or beer to drip pan if desired.
Place a Pizza Stone or Smokin’ Stone™ directly on the Fire Grate in the
bottom of the AKORN; followed by the Cooking Grate, a Drip Pan (any
shallow aluminum pan will work), and a Meat Rack (sold separately).
Smokin’ Stone, Drip Pan, Grate & Meat Rack
This is another method of INDIRECT cooking. Also ideal for ROASTING
large cuts of meat and ribs, this method catches the meat’s drippings
below the grate.
Smokin’ Stone, Drip Pan & Meat Rack
This is a third method of INDIRECT cooking and an excellent way to cook
large turkeys, chicken or other fowl.
Visit CharGriller.com to purchase AKORN accessories.