HOME RETAIL GROUP Excel 300T User manual

Excel 300T Gas BBQ
Dimensions
Width - 119.6cm
Depth - 55.6cm
Height - 102.3cm
Issue 2 - 21/11/12
Important – Please read the instructions before using the appliance
If you need help or have damaged or missing parts, call the Customer Helpline:
08450 778888 (Homebase) / 08456 400800 (Argos)
Assembly Instructions - Please keep for future reference 246124

This barbecue can use either propane or butane or propane / butane mixed LPG (liquid petroleum gas)
bottled gas. Propane bottles, will supply gas all year round, even on cold winter days. Butane bottles will
supply sufficient gas in summer, but it may affect the performance of the barbecue and restrict the heat output
available from the burners, particularly once the gas temperature starts to fall below +10°C.Aspanner may be
required to change gas bottles. Check that you have the correct gas bottle and regulator for your barbecue.
Do not stand the gas bottle on the trolley base.
• The hose should hang freely with no bends, twisting, tension, folds, or kinks that could obstruct free flow
of gas. Always inspect the hose for cuts, cracks, or excessive wear before use.
• Apart from the connection point, no part of the hose should touch any hot barbecue parts. If the hose
shows any sign of damage it must be replaced with a hose suitable for use with LP gas which meets the
national standards for the country of use.
• The length of hose should not exceed 1.5 metres.
YOUMUSTHAVETHEPROPERREGULATORANDBOTTLEINORDERFORTHEBARBECUETOOPERATE
SAFELY AND EFFICIENTLY. USE OF AN INCORRECT OR FAULTY REGULATOR IS DANGEROUS AND
• Retain these instructions for future reference.
• This product is for outdoor use only. Do not use indoors.
• Do not use the barbecue or store gas bottles below ground level. LP gas is heavier than air so if a leak
occurs the gas will collect at a low level and could ignite in the presence of a flame or spark.
• For use with LPG bottled gas only. A suitable regulator must be used for butane, propane or mixes.
• Remove plastic wrap from any part before lighting.
• Do not use within 1m of any flammable structure or surface. Do not use under any combustible surface.
• LP gas bottles should never be placed directly underneath the barbecue.
• LP gas bottles should never be stored or used laid on their side, in the horizontal position.Aleak would be
very serious and liquid could enter the gas line with serious result.
• Never store gas bottles indoors.
• Do not move the appliance during use.
• Open the barbecue hood before lighting.
• Once lit, do not move the barbecue until it has completely cooled, after use.
• This barbecue must not be left unattended when lit.
• The hood handle can become very hot. Grip only the centre of the handle. Always use oven gloves when
cooking or carrying out any adjustments to the barbecue.
• Use purpose designed barbecue tools with long, heat resistant handles.
• Use caution when opening the hood, as hot steam inside is released upon opening.
• Warning: accessible parts may be very hot. Keep young children and pets away.
• Turn off the gas supply at the gas bottle after use.
• Never cover a barbecue until it has completely cooled.
• Use this barbecue only on a stable, flat surface.
• Before you use your barbecue, perform a leak test. This is the only safe and sure way to detect any gas
leaking from joints and connections of the barbecue after assembly.
• Leak test annually, and whenever the gas bottle is removed or replaced.
• Do not store flammable materials near this barbecue.
• Do not use aerosols near this barbecue.
• Failure to follow the manual’s instructions could result in serious injury or damage.
• Modification of the barbecue may be dangerous, is not permitted and will nullify any warranty.
• If you have any queries regarding these instructions, contact your local dealer.
Safety and Care Advice
Important Information
Gas & Regualtor and Hose
1

Warnings
• Before proceeding, make certain that you understand the IMPORTANT INFORMATION section of this
manual.
• Your barbecue is not designed to be used with more than 50% of the cooking area as a solid plate — this
includes baking dishes. Full coverage will cause excessive build-up of heat and damage the barbecue.
This is not covered by warranty.
Preparation Before Cooking
To prevent foods from sticking to the cooking surface, please use a long handled brush to apply a light coat of
cooking or vegetable oil before each barbecuing session. (Note: When cooking for the first time, paint colours
may change slightly as a result. This is normal and should be expected.)
Selecting a Location
This barbecue is for outdoor use only and should be placed in a well-ventilated area, and on a safe and even
surface. Never place your barbecue below ground level. Take care to ensure that it is not placed UNDER any
combustible surface. The sides of the barbecue should NEVER be closer than 1 metre from any combustible
surface,includingtreesandfencesandmakesurethattherearenoheatsourcesnearthebarbecue(cigarettes,
open flames, spark etc.). Keep this barbecue away from any flammable materials!
Precautions
Do not obstruct any ventilation openings in the barbecue body.
Secure the gas bottle on the bottle holder and always tighten it with the black strap provided.
Should you need to install or change the gas bottle, confirm that the barbecue is switched off, and that there
are no sources of ignition (cigarettes, open flame, sparks, etc.) near before proceeding.
Connecting a Gas Hose to the Barbecue
Connect the gas hose to the gas rail inlet on the left hand side of the barbecue. Do not overtighten. Do not use
any sealing tape, paste or liquid on the connection.
Fixing a Regulator to the Gas Bottle
Confirm all barbecue control knobs are in the off position. Connect the regulator to the gas bottle according to
your regulator and bottle dealer’s instructions.
Leak Testing(Always perform a leak test in a well-ventilated area)
Confirm all control knobs are in the off position. Detach the barbecue control panel located across the front
of the barbecue body by pulling off the control knobs and removing the control panel retaining screws. Turn
the gas on / open the gas control valve on the gas bottle or regulator. Check for leaks by brushing a solution
of ½ water and ½ liquid detergent / soap over all the gas system joints, including all valve connections,
hose connections, and regulator connections. NEVER USE AN OPEN FLAME to test for leaks at any time. If
bubbles form over any of the joints, there is a leak. Turn off the gas supply at the gas bottle. Retighten all joints.
Repeat test. If bubbles form again, do not use the barbecue and contact your local distributor for assistance.
Always wipe the mixed solution (½ water and ½ liquid detergent / soap) from all joints and connections after
leak testing. Install the control panel back. Leak test annually, and whenever the gas bottle is removed or
replaced. Check that the hose connections are tight and leak test each time you reconnect the gas bottle.
WILL INVALIDATE ANY WARRANTY. Please consult your local gas dealer for the most suitable gas bottles
and regulators.
2
Safety and Care Advice
Installation
Operation

Lighting the Barbecue
• Open the barbecue hood or lid before lighting. Never light your barbecue with the hood or lid closed.
• Ensure all knobs are in the off position. Open the gas control valve on the gas bottle or regulator.
• Push and turn the leftmost control knob to the high position. Press the ignition button rapidly several times
until left portion of the burner is lit.
• If burner fails to ignite after following above procedure, turn all the knobs to the off position. Close the gas
valve on the gas bottle. Wait 5 minutes. Reattempt all of the above steps. If the barbecue still fails to light,
please refer to the manual ignition instructions below.
• After successful lighting of the left side, turn the rightmost control knob to the high position. The remaining
portion of the burner should ignite automatically.
• After ignition, turn the burners to the high position for 3-5 minutes in order to pre-heat the barbecue. This
should be done before each cooking session. The hood or lid should be open during preheating.
• After completion of preheating, turn the burner to the low position for best cooking results.
Manual Ignition Instructions
• Open the barbecue hood or lid before lighting. Never light your barbecue with the hood or lid closed.
• Ensure all knobs are in the off position. Open the gas control valve on the gas bottle or regulator.
• Insert lit match through the right match-lighting hole on the underside of the barbecue body and place near
rightmost burner porthole.
• Push and turn the rightmost control knob anti-clockwise to the high position, taking care to protect yourself
from the flames.
• After the right portion of the burner is lit, light the remaining portion of the burner.
• If burner fails to ignite, contact your local dealer for assistance.
• After ignition, turn the burners to the high position for 3-5 minutes in order to pre-heat the barbecue. This
should be done before each cooking session. The hood or lid should be open during preheating.
• After completion of preheating, turn all burners to the low position for best cooking results.
Lighting the Side Burner
Push and turn the side burner control knob anti-clockwise to the high position. Push the ignitor button rapidly
until the side burner ignites. If the side burner fails to ignite, turn the control knob to the OFF position and wait
five minutes before attempting to re-light following the above procedure. If the side burner still fails to ignite,
turn the control knob off, wait five minutes and light with match.
When using the side-burner, care should be taken to ensure that pans are central and flat on the side-burner
grid.
Grill Cooking
The burners heat up the lava rock underneath the grill, which in turn heats the food on the grill. The natural
food juices produced during cooking fall onto the hot lava rock below and vaporise. The subsequent rising
smoke bastes the food, as it travels upwards, imparting that unique barbecued flavour.
Roasting Hood Cooking
Barbecues equipped with a roasting hood give the option to form an ‘oven’ for roasting or baking food, such
as joints of meat or whole chickens, etc. More even cooking of food will actually be achieved by using the
barbecue with the hood down. However, this should only be done with the burners on low.
For best results, place the food you wish to bake or roast on a metal baking tray and set it on one side of the
cooking grill.
Turn the burner directly under the food to the OFF position and turn all other burners to a LOW to MEDIUM
position.
Close the hood to cook the food ‘indirectly’. Avoid lifting the hood unnecessarily as heat is lost every time the
hood is opened. If the hood is opened during cooking please allow extra time for the barbecue to regain its
temperature and complete the cooking. Use the temperature gauge (if applicable) to monitor the heat of the
Safety and Care Advice
3

barbecue.
If the internal heat becomes too high, turn the burners down to the low position. It is not necessary or advisable
to have all of the burners on high when the hood is closed.
DO NOT ALLOW YOUR BARBECUE TO OVERHEAT. Take care when opening the hood as hot steam can
be released on opening.
Warming Rack
Warming racks are a convenient way to keep cooked food warm or to warm items such as bread rolls. It is
advisable to place food (particularly fatty foods) to the front of the warming rack to avoid the possibility of juices
and fat running down the back of your barbecue.Always check that your warming rack is properly fitted before
use.
Flare-Up Control
Flare-ups occur when meat is barbecued, and its fat and juices fall upon the hot lava rock. Smoke of course
helps give food its barbecued flavour, but it is best to avoid excessive flare-up to prevent food being burned. To
control flare-ups, it isABSOLUTELY ESSENTIALto trim away excess fat from meat and poultry before grilling,
use cooking sauces and marinades sparingly and try to avoid very cheap cuts of meat or meat products as
these tend to have a high fat and water content. Also, the burners should always be placed on the low setting
during cooking.
When flare-ups do occur, they can usually be extinguished by applying baking soda or salt directly onto the
lava rock. Always protect your hands when handling anything near the cooking surface of the barbecue and
take care to protect yourself from the flames.
If a fat fire occurs, please see the instructions given below.
Fat Fires
Empty and clean the drip tray (and foil liner, if applicable) of food debris after each cooking session. If the
barbecue is to be used for large gatherings, it will be necessary to turn off and cool the barbecue every two
hours to remove food debris from the drip tray (and foil liner, if applicable) and clean it out. The time between
cleaning may need to be reduced if very fatty foods or cheap meat products are being cooked. Failure to do
this may result in a fat fire, which may cause injury and could seriously damage the barbecue.
In the event of a fat fire:
• If safe to do so, turn all control knobs to the ‘off’ position.
• Turn off the gas supply at the gas bottle.
• Keep everyone at a safe distance from the barbecue and wait until the fire has burnt out.
• Do not close the hood or lid of the barbecue.
• NEVER DOUSE A BARBECUE WITH WATER. IF AN EXTINGUISHER IS USED, IT SHOULD BE A
POWDER TYPE.
• DO NOT REMOVE THE DRIP TRAY.
• If the fire does not seem to be abating or appears to be worsening, contact your local Fire Brigade for
assistance.
End of Cooking Session
After each cooking session, turn the barbecue burners to the “high” position and burn for 5 minutes. This
procedure will burn off cooking residue, thus making cleaning easier. Make sure the hood is open during this
process.
Turning Off Your Barbecue
When you have finished using your barbecue, turn all the control valves fully clockwise to the “Off” position,
then switch off the gas supply at the bottle. Wait until the barbecue is sufficiently cool before closing its hood.
Safety and Care Advice
4

Regularly clean your barbecue between uses and especially after extended periods of storage. Ensure the
barbecue and its components are sufficiently cool before cleaning. Do not leave the barbecue exposed to
outside weather conditions or stored in damp, moist areas.
• Never handle hot parts with unprotected hands.
• Never douse the barbecue with water when its surfaces are hot.
In order to extend the life and maintain the condition of your barbecue, we strongly recommend that the unit be
covered when left outside for any length of time, especially during the winter months. Heavy-duty Outback®
barbecue covers and other accessories are available from your local Outback® stockist.
Even when your barbecue is covered for its protection, it must be inspected on a regular basis as damp or
condensation can form which may result in damage to the barbecue. It may be necessary to dry the barbecue
and the inside of the cover. It is possible for mould to grow on any fat remaining on parts of the barbecue. This
should be cleaned off smooth surfaces with hot soapy water.
Any rust that is found that does not come into contact with the food should be treated with a rust inhibitor and
painted with barbecue paint or a heat resistant paint.
A chrome cleaner may be used on chrome parts if required. To prevent rusting, wipe chrome plated warming
racks etc. with cooking oil after rinsing and drying.
Cooking Surfaces & Warming Rack
When the barbecue has cooled, clean with hot soapy water. To remove any food residue, use a mild cream
cleaner on a non-abrasive pad. Do not use scouring pads or powders as they can permanently damage
the finish. Rinse well and dry thoroughly. Due to the weight of the cooking surfaces, we do not recommend
cleaning in a dishwasher.
It is quite normal for surface rust to be present on the cooking surface. If rust appears between uses or in
storage, clean with a soft brass wire brush. Be careful not to damage the cooking surface, re-oil and cure.
Burner
Your burner has been preset for optimal flame performance. You will normally see a blue flame, possibly with
a small yellow tip when the burner is alight. If the flame pattern is significantly yellow, this could be a problem
caused by grease from cooking blocking the burner, or debris or insects in the burner portholes or venturi
tubes. This can result in the flow of the gas and air mixture being restricted or blocked which may result in a
fire behind the control panel causing serious damage to your barbecue. If this happens, and if safe to do so,
the gas should be immediately turned off at the bottle.
Burner should be inspected, removed and cleaned on a regular basis, at least annually, in addition to the
following conditions:
1. Bringing the barbecue out of storage.
2. One or more of the burners do not ignite.
3. The burner flame pattern is significantly yellow.
4. The gas ignites behind the control panel.
5. When heavy build up is found.
Provided that they are operating correctly, in normal usage, burning off the residue after cooking will keep the
burners clean.
To clean a burner fully, remove it from the barbecue. A soft wire brush can be used to remove corrosion from
the burner surfaces. Use a pipe cleaner or piece of wire to clear obstructions in the burner portholes and
Safety and Care Advice
Care and Maintenance
5

venturi tubes, taking care not to enlarge the portholes.
Clean the insect screen on the end of the venturi tube with a bristle brush (i.e. an old toothbrush).
You may need a torch to see into the venturi tube to make sure it is clear. Turn the burner up on end and lightly
tap against a hard surface like a piece of wood, to dislodge any debris from inside.
When refitting the burner, be careful to check that the venturi tubes of the burner fit over the valve outlets.
Flame Tamer
Remove any food residue from the flame tamer surface with a plastic or wooden scraper or brass wire brush.
Do not use a steel scraper or wire brush. Clean with hot soapy water and rinse well.
Grease Cup
After every use, empty and clean the grease cup of any fat or food particles, using a plastic or wooden scraper
if necessary.
Failure to keep it clean, and excessive build up can result in a fat fire. This can be hazardous and severely
damage the barbecue. This is not a fault in the barbecue and is therefore not covered by the terms of the
warranty. If required, the tray can be washed in hot soapy water.
Barbecue Body
Regularly remove excess grease or fat from the barbecue body using a cloth wrung out in hot soapy water
and dry thoroughly. Excess fat and food debris can be removed from inside the body using a soft plastic or
wooden scraper. It is not necessary to remove all the grease from the body. If you need to clean fully, use hot
soapy water and a cloth, or nylon-bristled brush only. Do not use abrasives. Remove cooking surfaces and
burners before full cleaning. Do not immerse the gas controls or manifold in water. Check burner operation
after carefully refitting into body.
Barbecue Hood & Trolley
Use a non-abrasive cloth or pad and clean with hot, soapy water. Do not use scouring pads or powders as
they can permanently damage the finish.
Fixings
All screws and bolts, etc. should be checked and tightened on a regular basis.
Storage
Ensure the barbecue is properly cooled before covering or storing. Store your barbecue in a cool dry place.
Cover the burners with aluminium foil in order to prevent insects or other debris from collecting in burner holes.
If the barbecue is to be stored indoors, the gas bottle must be disconnected and left outside. The gas bottle
should always be stored outside, in a dry, well-ventilated area, away from any sources of heat or ignition. Do
not let children tamper with the bottle.
When using the barbecue after extended periods of storage follow the cleaning procedures.
Safety and Care Advice
6

Components - Panels
Please check you have all the panels listed below
Hood and Body Assembly x1
1
Cooking Grill x1
4
Main Electrode Assembly x1
7
Control Panel Assembly x1
10
Grease Cup Holder x1
8
Body Heat Shield x1
11 Side Shelf x1 12
Grease Cup x1
9
Lava Rock x1
5Main Burner x1 6
Hood Handle x1
2Warming Rack x1 3
If you have damaged or missing components,
call the Customer Helpline:
08450 778888
(Homebase) / 08456 400800 (Argos).
7

Components - Panels
Please check you have all the panels listed below
Fixing Support x2
20
Left Front Leg x1
22
Side Shelf Bracket A x1
13
Side Burner Grid x1
16
Side Burner Knob x1
19
Side Burner x1
17 Side Burner Electrode x1 18
Side Shelf Bracket B x1
14 Side Burner Shelf x1 15
8
Hose Clip x1
21
Left Rear Leg x1
23 Gas Bottle Holder x1 24

Components - Panels
Please check you have all the panels listed below
Leg End Loop x1
27
Bottom Shelf x1
28
Wheel x2
31
Axle x1
29 Wheel Spacer x2 30
Right Rear Leg x1
26
Right Front Leg x1
25
9

Please check you have all the fittings listed below
ST4.0x10 Screw x3
M4x10 Bolt x1
M6x15 Bolt x28
Ruler - Use this ruler to help correctly identify the screws
Tools required
A
D
G
E
H
ST4.0x15 Screw x4
M5x10 Bolt x4
Shelf Spacer x4
B
ST4.8x15 Screw x2
C
Note: The quantities below are the correct amount to complete the assembly. In some cases more fittings
may be supplied than are required.
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 110 115 120 125 130 135 140 145 150 155 160 165 170
105
Components - Fittings
0 102030405060708090100110 120 130 140 150
01234 56
Phillips screwdriver
Ruler/tape measure
F
I
M5 Nut x2
M8 Locknut x2
10

Assembly Instructions
Step 1
Step 2
Attach right front leg 25
and right rear leg 26 to
leg end loop 27 . The
legs are a push fit onto
the leg end loop.In case
of difficulty, they may
need tapping with a soft
faced mallet. Take care
not to damage the parts.
Attach the left front leg
22 and left rear leg 23
to the gas bottle holder
24 . The legs are a
push fit onto the gas
bottle holder. In case of
difficulty, they may need
tapping with a soft faced
mallet. Take care not to
damage the parts.
23
24
22
25 26
27
11

Assembly Instructions
Install bottom shelf 28
between right front leg
25 and right rear leg 26
using M6x15 bolts G.
Step 3
Step 4
Attach bottom shelf 28 to
the gas hottle holder 24
using ST4.8x15 screws
C. Take care not to over
tighten these screws
which will damage the
plastic gas bottle holder.
24
28
28
G
G
C
25 26
FRONT
12

Assembly Instructions
Thread axle 29 through
the clamping brackets
underneath the gas bottle
holder 24 and tighten the
clamping screws. Take
care not to over tighten
these screws which will
damage the plastic gas
bottle holder.
Slide a wheel spacer
30 over each end of the
axle. Place a wheel 31
over each end of the
axle. Secure the wheels
into place with the M8
locknuts I.
Step 5
29
I
I
Carefully turn the trolley
assembly over, right side
up.
Attach one fixing support
20 between left front leg
22 and left rear leg 23
using M6x15 bolts G.
Attach the other fixing
support 20 between right
front leg 25 and right
rear leg 26 using M6x15
bolts G.
NOTE: Ensure that
the flat top of fixing
support faces upwards.
Step 6
30
30
31
31
24
G
20
20
22
23
25
26
FRONT
FRONT
13

Assembly Instructions
Carefully place the hood
and body assembly 1
onto the tops of the legs.
Ensure the four supports
underneath the body fit
in with the legs. Align the
fixing holes and secure
with M6x15 bolts G.
WARNING: Do not
release the barbecue
body while the
barbecue has not been
properly seated. This
may result in injury
or damage to your
barbecue.
Step 8
Step 7
Attach hood handle 2
onto hood and body
assembly 1using the
M5x10 bolts E.
NOTE: Please fix the
right side first.
1
2
1
E
G
G
14

Assembly Instructions
Thread the grease cup
holder 8through the
guide hole in barbecue
body. Insert the grease
cup 9onto the grease
cup holder.
Step 10
Step 9
Attach the control panel
assembly 10 to left front
leg 22 and right front leg
25 using the M6x15 bolts
G.
G
10
8
9
22
25
G
15

Assembly Instructions
Step 11
a: Remove the retianing
nut from main electrode
assembly 7.
b: Insert the main
electrode into the hole
at the bottom of the
barbecue body and
secure with the retaining
nut.
c: Connect main
electrode wire onto the
end of ignition button
under the control panel.
7
b:
a:
c:
16

Assembly Instructions
Attach body heat shield
11 onto barbecue body
using the M5x10 bolts E
and M5 nuts F.
Step 13
Step 12
Place main burner 6
into barbecue body.
Ensure that the burner
venturi tubes are over the
ends of the gas valves.
They are a loose fit and
not a gas tight seal.
Secure the burner with
ST4.0x10 screws Afrom
underside.
6
11
A
A
11
E
F
17

Assembly Instructions
Lay the cooking grill 4
into place, ensuring it lies
level within the body.
Step 15
Step 14
Remove the plastic wrap
from lava rock 5. Lay
the lava rock into the
barbecue body, ensuring
it lies level within the
body.
18
5
4

Assembly Instructions
Attach the side shelf
bracket A 13 and side
shelf bracket B 14 to
the side shelf 12 using
ST4.0x15 screws B.
Step 17
Step 16
Attach warming rack
3to the hood and
barbecue body as
shown. Make sure that
the swing legs fix to the
body of the barbecue and
the shorter fixed legs go
through the holes in the
hood.
3
14
B
19
B
13
12