Harbor Freight Tools 90898 Assembly And Operating Instructions Manual

®

Model 90898

ASSEMBLY AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

3491 Mission Oaks Blvd., Camarillo, CA 93011

Visit our Web site at: http://www.harborfreight.com

Copyright 2003 by Harbor Freight Tools®. All rights reserved. No portion of this
manual or any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in any shape or form

without the express written consent of Harbor Freight Tools.

For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.

ELECTRIC SMOKER OVEN

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SAVE THIS MANUAL

You will need this manual for the safety warnings and precautions, assembly,
operating, inspection, maintenance and cleaning procedures, parts list and as­sembly diagram. Keep your invoice with this manual. Write the invoice number
on the inside of the front cover. Keep this manual and invoice in a safe and dry
place for future reference.

GENERAL SAFETY RULES

WARNING!

READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL INSTRUCTIONS

Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in

electric shock, fire, and/or serious injury .

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

COOKING AREA

1. Keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered and dark areasinvite
accidents.

2. Do not operate the Smoker Oven in explosive atmospheres, such as in the
presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust. Smoker Ovens may create
sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.

3. Keep bystanders, children, and visitors away while operating an Smoker
Oven. The Smoker Oven generates dangerous heat. Provide barriers or shields
as needed.

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Warning: Only use the Electric Smoker Oven outside , in a co v ered, w ell v entilated area.
Never use inside a house, garage or other enclosed area.
Warning: The Electric Smoker Oven emits smok e containing carbon monoxide, an
odorless, colorless gas that can cause severe injury or death, if inhaled.

Power Supply 110V, 60Hz, 800 Watts
Overall Dimensions 17-3/16” x 21” x 25-1/16” (outside)
Smoking Chamber Dimensions 13-7/16” x 14” x 15”
Approximate Smoking Area 539 Sq. Inches
Stated Weight Capacity 20 Lbs. Cut Meat or 10 Lbs. Ribs
T emperature Range 90 to 250 Degrees F

Warning! Do not exceed the maximum wood capacity of 8 ounces.
Exceeding the wood capacity can start a fire.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

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ELECTRICAL SAFETY

4. Grounded products must be plugged into an outlet properly installed and
grounded in accordance with all codes and ordinances. Never remove the
grounding prong or modify the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter
plugs. Check with a qualified electrician if you are in doubt as to whether
the outlet is properly grounded. If the products should electrically malfunction

or break down, grounding provides a low resistance path to carry electricity away
from the user.

5. Double insulated products are equipped with a polarized plug (one blade is

wider than the other). This plug will fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If
the plug does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not
fit, contact a qualified electrician to install a polarized outlet. Do not
change the plug in any way. Double insulation eliminates the need for the

three wire grounded power cord and grounded power supply system.

6. Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators,
ranges, and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your
body is grounded.

7. Do not expose the Smoker Oven to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a
Oven Smoker will increase the risk of electric shock.

8. Do not abuse the Power Cord. Never use the Power Cord to carry the tools

or pull the Plug from an outlet. Keep the Power Cord away from heat, oil,
sharp edges, or moving parts. Replace damaged Power Cords immedi­ately. Damaged Power Cords increase the risk of electric shock.

9. When operating a power tool outside, use an outdoor extension cord
marked “W-A” or “W”. These extension cords are rated for outdoor use, and

reduce the risk of electric shock.

PERSONAL SAFETY

10. Stay alert. Watch what you are doing, and use common sense when oper­ating the Smoker Oven. Do not use a product while tired or under the
influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. A moment of inattention while

operating the Smoker Oven may result in serious personal injury.

11. Dress properly . Do not wear loose c lothing or jewelry. Contain long hair.
Keep your hair, clothing, and gloves a wa y from mo ving parts. Loose
clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be caught in moving parts.

SKU 90898 PAGE 3

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12. Avoid accidental starting. Be sure the Thermostat (1) is off before plugging
in.

13. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Proper
footing and balance enables better control when loading or unloading the Smoker
Oven.

14. Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection. Wear ANSI approved
safety goggles when setting up the Smoker Oven.

SMOKER OVEN USE AND CARE

15. Do not use the Smoker Oven if the Thermostat (1) does not turn it on or off.
If the Smoker Oven cannot be controlled with the Thermostat (1), it is dangerous
and must be replaced.

16. Disconnect the Power Cord Plug from the power source before making any
adjustments, changing accessories, or storing the Smoker Oven. Such
preventive safety measures reduce the risk of star ting the product accidentally.

17. Store idle products out of reach of children and other untrained persons.
Smoker Ovens are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.

18. Maintain products with care. Keep the Smoker Oven clean. Do not use a
damaged Smoker Oven. Tag damaged products “Do not use” until repaired.

19. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, and

any other condition that may affect the product’s operation. If damaged,
have the Smoker Oven serviced before using. Many accidents are caused by

poorly maintained products.

20. Use only accessories that are recommended by the manufacturer for your
model. Accessories that may be suitable for one product may become hazard­ous when used on anotherproduct.

21. Oven service must be performed only by qualified repair personnel.
Service or maintenance performed by unqualified personnel could result in a risk
of injury.

22. When servicing a product, use only identical replacement parts. Follow

instructions in the

“Inspection, Maintenance, And Cleaning”

section of this

manual. Use of unauthorized parts or failure to follow maintenance instructions

may create a risk of electric shock or injury.

SKU 90898 PAGE 4

SERVICE

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SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES

1. Maintain labels and nameplates on the Smoker Oven These contain important
information. If unreadable or missing, contact Harbor Freight Tools for a
replacement.

2. Maintain a safe working environment. Keep the w ork area well lit. Mak e sure
there is adequate surrounding workspace. Always keep the work area free of
obstructions, grease, oil, trash, and other debris. Do not use a Smoker Oven in
areas near flammable chemicals, dusts, and vapors. Do not use this product in a
damp or wet location.

3. Warning! Do not exceed the maximum w ood capacity of 8 ounces.

Exceeding the wood capacity can start a fire.

4. During operation the Smoker Oven becomes very hot. Keep all people and
pets clear of the area. Allow the Oven to cool before servicing.

5. Do not operate a wet Smoker Oven.

6. Do not operate a dirty Smoker Oven. Failure to keep the Smoker Ov en clean
will result in fumes that will spoil the taste of the meat, and will deteriorate the
oven interior.

7. Clean the Wood Box (6) after each use.

8. Do not leave the Smoker Oven unattended with the door open. Risk of fire
exists if the door is left open.

9. Only add wood to the proper compartment The Wood Box (6) has two com­partments. Only add wood to the top compartment of the Wood Box (6). The
bottom compartment contains the heat element. If you add wood to the bottom
compartment you will start a fire.

SKU 90898 PAGE 5

WARNING! People with pacemakers should consult their physician(s)
before using this product. Operation of electrical equipment in close proximity to
a heart pacemaker could cause interference or failure of the pacemaker.

Warning! The Smoker Oven emits smoke containing carbon monoxide, an
ordorless, colorless gas which can cause severe injury or death. Locate the
Smoker Oven in an outside, covered, well ventilated area.

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GROUNDING

WARNING!

GROUNDED T OOLS: T OOLS WITH THREE PRONG PLUGS

1. Products marked with “Grounding Required” have a three wire cord and three
prong grounding plug. The plug must be connected to a properly grounded
outlet. If the product should electrically malfunction or break down, grounding
provides a low resistance path to carry electricity away from the user, reducing
the risk of electric shock. (See Figure A.)

2. The grounding prong in the plug is connected through the green wire inside the
cord to the grounding system in the tool. The green wire in the cord must be the
only wire connected to the tool’s grounding system and must never be attached
to an electrically “live” terminal. (See Figure A.)

3. Your tool must be plugged into an appropriate outlet, proper ly installed and
grounded in accordance with all codes and ordinances. The plug and outlet
should look like those in the following illustration. (See Figure A.)

FIGURE A

SKU 90898 PAGE 6

Improperly connecting the grounding wire can result in the risk of electric shoc k.
Check with a qualified electrician if you are in doubt as to whether the outlet is
properly gr ounded. Do not modify the po wer cord plug provided with the tool.
Never remove the grounding prong from the plug. Do not use the tool if the
power cord or plug is damaged. If damaged, ha ve it repaired by a service facil­ity before use. If the plug will not fit the outlet, have a proper outlet installed b y a
qualified electrician.

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FIGURE B

SKU 90898 PAGE 7

DOUBLE INSULATED PRODUCTS WITH TWO PRONG PLUGS

4. Products marked “Double Insulated” do not require grounding. They have a
special double insulation system which satisfies OSHA requirements and com
plies with the applicable standards of Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., the
CanadianStandard Association, and the National Electrical Code.

(See Figure B.)

5. Double insulated products may be used in either of the 120 volt outlets shown in
the following illustration. (See Figure B.)

EXTENSION CORDS

1.

Grounded

products require a three wire extension cord.

Double Insulated

products can use either a two or three wire extension cord.

2. As the distance from the supply outlet increases, you must use a heavier gauge
extension cord. Using extension cords with inadequately sized wire causes a
serious drop in voltage, resulting in loss of power and possible product damage.

(See Figure C, next page.)

3. The smaller the gauge number of the wire, the greater the capacity of the cord.
For example, a 14 gauge cord can carry a higher current than a 16 gauge cord.

(See Figure C.)

4. When using more than one extension cord to make up the total length, make
sure each cord contains at least the minimum wire size required.

(See Figure C.)

5. If you are using one extension cord for more than one product, add the name
plate amperes and use the sum to determine the required minimum cord size.

(See Figure C.)

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6. If you are using an extension cord outdoors, make sure it is marked with the
suffix “W-A” (“W” in Canada) to indicate it is acceptable for outdoor use.

7. Make sure your extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical condition.
Always replace a damaged extension cord or have it repaired by a qualified
electrician before using it.

8. Protect your extension cords from sharp objects, excessive heat, and damp or
wet areas.

SKU 90898 PAGE 8

SYMBOLOGY

Double Insulated
Canadian Standards

Association
Underwriters

Laboratories, Inc.
Volts Alternating Current

Amperes

No Load Revolutions
per Minute (RPM)

n

o

xxxx/min.

A

V ~

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UNPACKING

When unpacking, check to make sure all the parts shown on the Parts List on page 12
are included. If any parts are missing or broken, please call Harbor Freight Tools at the
number shown on the cover of this manual as soon as possible.
Remove the packing that protects the Wood Box (6) and Grills (5, 5a) and place them in
the Smoker Oven. See the Assembly Drawing on page 12 and FIGURE 1 below.

ASSEMBLY AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

NOTE: For additional information regarding the parts listed in the following pages, refer

to the

Assembly Diagram on page 12.

SKU 90898 PAGE 9

Caution: Do not plug in the Power Cord (3) during oven preparation. Wait until
the Smoker Oven is loaded with meat and the door is closed and locked.

Location

Choose a dry, well ventilated, sheltered OUTDOOR location that is adjacent to a 115
Volt power supply, protected by a breaker or fuse rated at a minimum of 15 amps. Smoke
will escape from the vent hole on the top of the Smoker Oven.

Preparing for Cooking (See the Assembly Drawing on page 12 and FIGURE 1).

1. Line the bottom of the Smoker Oven with aluminum foil. Make sure to punch a hole in

the foil corresponding to the drain hole located on the floor of the Smoker Oven.

2. Place a small pan (not included) on the floor beneath the drain hole. Put another

pan (not included) under the trough on the front, bottom of the oven. The pans will
catch excess drippings.

3. Cover the lid of the Wood Box (6) with foil. Discard and replace it after every use.

4. Add no more than 8 oz. of wood to the top compartment of the Wood Box (6). Do

not put wood in the bottom compartment
of the Wood Box (6), or a fire will
start. Wood selection is discussed
on page 10. Close the Wood Box (6)
completely.

Warning! Do not change the
location of the Wood Box (6). It is
protecting the heating element. It must
be flush against the back wall of the
oven.

FIGURE 1

Top Compartment
(Put wood here)

Bottom Compartment
(NO WOOD HERE)

Trough

Wide Mesh
Grill (5)

Fine Mesh
Grill (5a)

Wood Box (6)

Warning: Only use the Electric Oven Smoker outside , in a co v ered, w ell v entilated area.
Never use inside a house, garage or other enclosed area.
Warning: The Electric Oven Smoker emits smok e containing carbon monoxide, an
odorless, colorless gas that can cause severe injury or death, if inhaled.

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SKU 90898 PAGE 10

ASSEMBLY AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS (continued)

Seasoning the Smoker Oven

Before you cook your first load of meat/poultry, you need to season the oven. Place
approximately 8 ounces of wood in Wood Box (6) as stated on page 9 under “Preparing
for Cooking”. Make sure the Wood Box (6) is in the proper position covering the
Heater (8), and flush against the back wall of the oven. Close the Wood Box (6)
completely. Close the door and lock it by turning the Door Lock (2). See the Assembly
Drawing on page 12. Plug in the unit. Set the Thermostat (1) knob to 200 degrees. Let
the Smoker Oven smoke for at least 4 hours without meat or poultry. The Thermostat
(1) knob ranges from 90 to 250 degrees. Turn the knob clockwise to turn on the unit.

Shut Down Procedure: Turn the Thermostat (1) knob counterclockwise to turn it off.
Always unplug the unit when it is not in use. Unlock the Door Lock (2), and open the
door. After the Smoker Oven cools down, use gloves to carefully remove the Wood Box
(6). When you’re sure the oven is completely cool, remove any wood chips from the
Heater (8). Rake them to the foil on the bottom of the unit. Remove and replace the
foil. Replace the Wood Box (6).

Wood Selection

1. You may use any fruit/nut hardwood having good smoke flavoring abilities.

Examples are hickory, mesquite, apple, cherry, alder, beech, pecan, maple, oak, button­wood, and mangrove. Only use dry wood. Wet wood releases acids that may damage
the Heater (8). Do not use real small chips, sawdust, or oversized logs. Never exceed

the 8 oz. maximum capacity.
Loading the Oven with Meat (Also see Smoking Tips on page 11)

Warning! Do not exceed the maximum cooking capacity of 20 Lbs. of meat or 10 Lbs.

of Ribs. Do not overload the Smoker Oven.

1. Keep meat or poultry at least 1” (clearance) from the back, side, or front walls of the

oven.

2. Tr y to arrange loads so that the lower Grill (5a) has the lightest load. Overloading

the lowest grill will block the smoke from reaching the upper grills resulting in
undercooked meats from the upper grills.

3. For your first batch, load the Smoker Oven to only half capacity. Increase to a full

load on successive batches. This will help you to monitor cooking time and what
meat/poultry loads produces the desired results.

4. When the Smoker Oven is loaded as per the above instructions, close the door and

lock it by turning the Door Lock (2). See the Assembly Drawing on page 12.

Setting the Cooking Temperature

1. The Thermostat (1) knob ranges from 90 to 250 degrees. Turn the knob clockwise to

turn on the unit. It will take from 30 to 90 minutes to reach the desired heat (depending
on the load size).

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SKU 90898 PAGE 11

INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND CLEANING

1. WARNING! Make sure the Thermostat (1) of the Smoker Oven is in its
“OFF” position and that the unit is unplugged from its electrical outlet before
performing any inspection, maintenance, or cleaning procedures.

2. BEFORE EACH USE, inspect the general condition of the Smoker Oven. Check
for loose screws, misalignment or binding of moving parts, cracked or broken
parts, damaged electr ical wiring, and any other condition that may affect its safe
operation. If abnormal noise or vibration occurs, have the problem corrected
before further use. Do not use damaged equipment.

Smoking Tips

1. Do not preheat the Smoker Oven

2. Season and/or marinate your meat/poultry to give it different distinct flavors.

3. Use a meat thermometer to determine the internal temperature of smoked products.

(see an appropriate cookbook (not included).

4. You may use the Smoker Oven without wood, as a slow roasting oven.

Recommended Cooking Times:
Chickens - Smoke/cook @ 225 degrees for 3-4 hours.
Ribs - Smoke/cook @ 225 degrees for 3-4 hours.
Brisket - Smoke/cook @ 180 degrees for 12-14 hours (with fat untrimmed).

Note: The Smoker Oven must be kept clean. Grease should be removed regularly to
prevent build up that will result in strongly coating the walls. Do not attempt to restore
the oven walls to a “like new” state after each use. Do not use detergent, chemical
cleaners or oven cleaners. Caustic oven cleaners may damage the heating element.

After each load:

1. Disconnect from the power supply and allow the unit to thorougly cool.

2. Remove the Grills (5,5a) and scrape and wash with soap and water (they are dish-

washer safe).

3. Making sure it is completely cool, remove the Wood Box (6) and brush it off and wipe

it clean.

4. Brush any wood remnants off of the Heater (8) and onto the foil on the bottom.

5. Remove the foil and discard.

6. Remove all grease from the interior oven using paper towels or cloth.

7. Empty drip pans and clean.

8. Check that the drain hole on the bottom of the oven is clear of any obstructions.

9. Replace new foil on top of the Wood Box (6) and on the bottom of the oven. Make

sure to cut a hole in the foil on the bottom of the unit so that the drain hole is unob­structed.

10. Replace the Grills (5, 5a) and the Wood Box (60.

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SKU 90898 PAGE 12

THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR HAS PR O VIDED THE PARTS LIST AND ASSEMBLY
DIAGRAM IN THIS MANUAL AS A REFERENCE TOOL ONLY . NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER OR
DISTRIBUTOR MAKES ANY REPRESENTA TION OR W ARRANTY OF ANY KIND T O THE BUYER THAT
HE OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS TO THE PRODUCT, OR THAT HE OR SHE IS
QUALIFIED TO REPLACE ANY PARTS OF THE PRODUCT. IN FACT, THE MANUF A CTUER AND/OR
DISTRIBUTOR EXPRESSLY ST A TES THAT ALL REP AIRS AND P ARTS REPLA CEMENTS SHOULD BE
UNDERT AKEN BY CER TIFIED AND LICENSED TECHNICIANS, AND NO T BY THE BUYER. THE BUYER
ASSUMES ALL RISK AND LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER REPAIRS TO THE ORIGINAL
PRODUCT OR REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO , OR ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER INST ALLATION
OF REPLACEMENT P A RTS THERET O.

NOTE: Some parts are listed and shown for illustration purposes only, and are not
available individually as replacement parts.

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY

PARTS LIST and ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM

Close

Open

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

5a

Note: The Heater (8) is
not shown.

Part No. Description
1 Thermostat
2 Door Lock
3 Plug and Cord
4 Side Hanger (2)
5 Wide Mesh Grill
5a Fine Mesh Grill
6 Wood Box
7 Buffer Plate
8 Heater

Vent

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