Usage: Calphalon Even Sear Multi Grill CKCLIG1 Instruction Manual

Content

Overview

The Even Sear Multi Grill CKCLIG1 is a countertop electric grill designed for indoor household cooking. Its removable grill and griddle plates support different cooking styles, while the hinged lid can press food from above or open completely to provide a larger, horizontal cooking surface.

A temperature dial, preheating display, audible alerts, countdown timer, and rear drip tray make the grill suitable for foods such as vegetables, seafood, poultry, burgers, sausages, bacon, and steaks.

Specifications

  • Model: CKCLIG1
  • Temperature range: Low to 450°F
  • Cooking surfaces: Removable grill plates and removable griddle plates
  • Cooking positions: Closed-lid grilling and 180-degree horizontal operation
  • Controls: Temperature control dial, LED indicator lights, plus button, minus button, and cancel timer button
  • Timer display: One-minute increments
  • Fat-management system: Removable rear drip tray
  • Power connection: Polarized electrical plug
  • Recommended clearance: 6 inches from walls and on all sides
  • Intended use: Household countertop operation only

Detailed Description

The Even Sear Multi Grill CKCLIG1 uses heated cooking plates to prepare food from one or both sides. With the lid closed, the upper and lower plates contact the food for compact indoor grilling. The lid handle provides a safe gripping point, while the hinge release lever allows the appliance to open flat.

The cooking plates can be removed separately for washing. Plate-release buttons are located on the sides of the upper housing and lower base. Plate guides and clips hold each plate in place during operation.

The temperature control dial selects the cooking heat. LED indicators and the display communicate the heating status. During startup, the display shows PREHEATING. When the selected temperature is reached, an audible alert sounds and the display changes to READY TO COOK.

The removable drip tray fits into the rear of the unit and collects excess fat and cooking liquid. It must remain installed whenever the grill is operating.

Safety

  • Read all instructions before using the appliance.
  • Hot surfaces can cause burns. Handle the lid and controls only with appropriate care, and use protective oven mitts when moving an appliance containing hot oil or liquid.
  • Keep the grill, plug, and power cord away from water and other liquids. Never immerse the appliance, cord, or plug.
  • Use the grill on a dry, stable, level, heat-resistant surface. Keep at least 6 inches of open space from walls and other sides of the appliance.
  • Do not place the unit on or near wet surfaces, hot burners, other heat sources, or inside a heated oven.
  • Keep the power cord away from hot surfaces and prevent it from hanging over a counter edge.
  • Do not use the appliance outdoors, for commercial purposes, or for any purpose other than household countertop cooking.
  • Keep children away from the appliance and supervise use around children. The appliance is not intended for use by children or by people with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities.
  • Unplug the grill when it is not in use, before removing parts, and before cleaning. Allow it to cool completely first.
  • Do not use the appliance if the cord or plug is damaged, or if the grill has malfunctioned or been damaged. Do not splice or replace a damaged cord yourself.
  • Use only manufacturer-recommended accessories.
  • Never leave the grill plugged in when it is empty or unattended.
  • A hot grill can damage finished wood and other sensitive surfaces. Place a suitable heat pad or trivet underneath it.
  • A small amount of smoke or odor may occur during initial use and should lessen after the appliance has been used several times.

Power Cord and Plug

The polarized plug has one wider blade and is designed to fit a polarized outlet in only one direction. If it does not insert fully, reverse it. Do not modify or defeat this safety feature. Do not use an outlet that feels warm or holds the plug loosely.

If an extension cord is necessary, its electrical rating must be at least equal to the appliance rating. Route it so it cannot hang over a counter or create a trip hazard. For a grounded appliance, use a grounding-type three-wire cord.

Setup and Operation

Prepare the Grill

  1. Place the temperature control dial in the OFF position before connecting the appliance.
  2. Remove all packaging materials.
  3. Remove the cooking plates and drip tray.
  4. Wash the removable parts in warm, soapy water, rinse them with clean water, and dry them with a soft cloth.
  5. Reinstall each cooking plate by matching its guides with the clips and pressing it gently until it locks into position.
  6. Set the grill on a flat, heat-resistant surface. Do not place objects on top of it.

Cook With the Lid Closed

  1. Confirm that the drip tray is inserted into the slot at the rear of the appliance.
  2. Keep the lid closed and plug the grill into a suitable outlet.
  3. Turn the temperature dial from OFF to the desired setting, from Low through 450°F.
  4. Wait while the display shows PREHEATING.
  5. Begin cooking only after the alert sounds and the display reads READY TO COOK.
  6. Lift the lid by its handle and place food on the lower cooking plate.
  7. Close the lid and cook according to the food type, thickness, and desired result.
  8. Remove cooked food with non-metallic utensils to protect the ceramic cooking surface.
  9. Turn the temperature dial counter-clockwise to OFF, then unplug the appliance.

Always set the dial to OFF before plugging in the grill. Otherwise, the preheating cycle begins as soon as the appliance receives power.

Use the Countdown Timer

  1. Press the plus or minus button to select a cooking time.
  2. Hold either button to adjust the time more quickly.
  3. The selected time flashes twice and then begins counting down in one-minute increments.
  4. When the countdown ends, an audible alert sounds.
  5. Press CANCEL TIMER to stop the countdown before it finishes.

The timer is an alert function, not an automatic shutoff. After the timer reaches zero or is cancelled, the grill continues operating at the selected temperature until the dial is turned to OFF.

Open the Grill Flat

  1. Lift the lid handle to the open position.
  2. With the other hand, slide the hinge release lever upward.
  3. Push the handle backward and downward until the lid lies horizontally beside the lower cooking surface.
  4. Use both surfaces as an expanded cooking area.

Turn the grill off and unplug it whenever it is empty or unattended.

Suggested Cooking Times

Use these times as starting points rather than fixed rules. Food thickness, starting temperature, portion size, and personal preference affect the final cooking time.

  • Asparagus: 4–5 minutes
  • Zucchini: 3–5 minutes
  • Yellow squash: 3–5 minutes
  • Shrimp: 1–2 minutes
  • Scallops: 1–2 minutes
  • Salmon: 6–10 minutes
  • Chicken breast: 6–8 minutes
  • Turkey burgers: 4–6 minutes
  • Beef burgers: 4–6 minutes
  • Sausages: 3–7 minutes
  • Bacon: 6–8 minutes
  • Skirt steak: 3–5 minutes
  • New York strip steak: 6–8 minutes
  • Pork chops: 5–7 minutes

Cleaning and Maintenance

  1. Turn the temperature dial to OFF, unplug the appliance, and allow it to cool completely.
  2. Open the grill and remove the cooking plates one at a time.
  3. To remove the lower plate, press and hold the release button on the base, lift the plate, and pull it forward.
  4. To remove the upper plate, press and hold the release button on the upper housing, pull the plate slightly forward, and slide it upward and off.
  5. Soak the cooking plates in warm, soapy water, rinse them, and dry them with a soft cloth.
  6. Slide out the drip tray and discard its contents.
  7. Wash the drip tray in warm, soapy water and rinse it, or clean it in a dishwasher. Dry it after washing.
  8. Clean the exterior with a damp cloth as needed.
  9. Reinstall the cooking plates by aligning their guides with the clips and pressing them gently into place.
  10. Close the lid and return the dry drip tray to the rear slot.
  11. Wrap the cord in the storage area underneath the appliance.

Clean the grill after every use. Never immerse the Even Sear Multi Grill CKCLIG1, its electrical cord, or plug in water or any other liquid. Do not use metal tongs or a knife on the cooking plates because metal utensils can damage the ceramic coating. The appliance has no user-serviceable parts; electrical or mechanical repairs should be handled by an authorized service representative.

Troubleshooting

  • The grill starts heating immediately after plugging in: Turn the temperature dial to OFF before plugging in. If the dial was already set to a temperature, the preheating cycle can start immediately.
  • The display still shows PREHEATING: Keep the lid closed and wait for the alert and the READY TO COOK message before adding food.
  • Food cooks unevenly: Check that the selected plate is fully locked into position, allow the complete preheating cycle, and arrange food in a single layer when possible.
  • Grease or liquid collects beneath the appliance: Confirm that the drip tray is installed in the rear slot before cooking and empty it after the appliance cools.
  • The timer reaches zero but the grill remains hot: This is normal timer behavior. The countdown provides an audible alert but does not shut off the grill. Turn the temperature dial to OFF and unplug the unit.
  • The plug does not fit the outlet: Reverse the polarized plug once. If it still does not fit, do not modify the plug; have the outlet checked by a qualified electrician.
  • The appliance is damaged or malfunctions: Stop using it, unplug it, and do not attempt to repair, splice, or adjust electrical or mechanical components yourself.

Warranty

The Even Sear Multi Grill CKCLIG1 includes a three-year limited warranty for the original retail purchaser. The coverage applies to defects in materials and workmanship beginning on the date of the original purchase. Proof of purchase is required.

Warranty coverage may provide repair or replacement with a new, remanufactured, or comparable product or component. The warranty is not transferable and does not cover misuse, negligent operation, incorrect voltage or current, operation contrary to the instructions, disassembly, unauthorized repair or alteration, or damage caused by events such as fire, flooding, hurricanes, or tornadoes.

Attempting to repair or adjust the appliance's electrical or mechanical functions can void the warranty. Legal rights and warranty limitations may vary by jurisdiction.

Pros & Cons

  • Pros: Closed-lid grilling cooks from both sides; the temperature reaches 450°F; removable plates simplify cleanup; the drip tray collects excess fat; the lid opens flat for additional cooking space; the timer provides an audible cooking reminder.
  • Cons: The timer does not switch the appliance off; the grill must be monitored during operation; metal utensils can damage the cooking surface; the appliance requires complete cooling before cleaning and plate removal.

PDF

Faqs

How should I prepare the Even Sear Multi Grill CKCLIG1 before first use?

Remove all packaging, then take out the removable cooking plates and drip tray. Wash these parts in warm, soapy water, rinse them thoroughly, and dry them with a soft cloth. Reinstall the plates by aligning their guides with the clips and pressing gently until they lock in place. Set the grill on a flat, stable, heat-resistant surface, keep the temperature dial at OFF, and leave the appliance empty during initial setup.

Why must the temperature dial be set to OFF before plugging in the grill?

The Even Sear Multi Grill CKCLIG1 can begin its preheating cycle as soon as it is connected to power if a temperature is already selected. Before plugging it in, turn the temperature control dial fully to OFF. After the grill is connected, insert the drip tray, close the lid, and select the desired setting. Wait until the display changes from PREHEATING to READY TO COOK and the alert sounds before adding food.

How do I use the timer on the Even Sear Multi Grill CKCLIG1?

After selecting the cooking temperature, press the plus or minus button to set the desired time. The display changes in one-minute increments, and holding either button allows faster adjustment. Once the selected time flashes twice, the countdown begins. When it reaches zero, an alert sounds, but the grill continues heating at the chosen temperature. Use the cancel timer button to stop the countdown, then turn the temperature dial to OFF to shut down the appliance.

Can the Even Sear Multi Grill CKCLIG1 be opened flat for extra cooking space?

Yes. The CKCLIG1 can open to a horizontal 180-degree position, providing two cooking surfaces. Lift the lid handle, slide the hinge release lever upward with your other hand, then push the handle backward and down until the lid rests flat. Perform this adjustment carefully while the appliance is stable, and never leave the grill plugged in when it is empty or unattended. Turn the dial to OFF and unplug it after cooking.

How do I clean the cooking plates and drip tray safely?

Unplug the Even Sear Multi Grill and allow it to cool completely before cleaning. Remove the cooking plates one at a time using their release buttons, then wash them in warm, soapy water, rinse, and dry with a soft cloth. Slide out the drip tray, discard its contents, and wash it similarly; the tray may also be cleaned in a dishwasher. Wipe the grill exterior with a damp cloth only.

What should I do if food sticks to the ceramic cooking plates?

Use only non-metallic utensils with the Even Sear Multi Grill CKCLIG1. Metal tongs, knives, and similar tools can damage the ceramic coating, increasing the chance of sticking or surface wear. Allow the grill to finish preheating before placing food on the plate, and avoid forcing food loose while the surface is hot. After unplugging and cooling the unit, soak removable plates in warm, soapy water to loosen residue.

Why is the removable drip tray necessary when using the grill?

The removable drip tray collects excess fat and cooking juices released during grilling. It must be inserted into the slot at the rear of the Even Sear Multi Grill before operation; the appliance should not be used without it. Empty and wash the tray after every use, allowing it to cool first. Keeping the tray installed helps contain drippings and makes post-cooking cleanup more manageable.

What safety precautions should I follow when operating the Even Sear Multi Grill CKCLIG1?

Use the grill indoors on a dry, level, stable surface with at least six inches of clearance from walls and surrounding objects. Keep the cord away from hot surfaces and countertop edges, and never immerse the appliance, plug, or cord in water. Do not touch hot surfaces; use the handle and suitable oven mitts when necessary. Unplug the grill when it is not in use, before cleaning, and before removing parts.

More calphalon manuals

Leave a Comment