BRINKMANN 810-5503-s Vertical Smoker Owner’s Manual

: July 6, 2024
: Brinkmann

Table of Contents

BRINKMANN 810-5503-s Vertical Smoker
IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNINGS
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
PREPARATION FOR USE & LIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
AFTER-USE SAFETY
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

BRINKMANN 810-5503-s Vertical Smoker

ASSEMBLY AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

WARNING
HAZARDOUS EXPLOSION MAY RESULT IF THESE WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS ARE IGNORED. READ AND FOLLOW ALL WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY, INCLUDING DEATH OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

NOTICE TO INSTALLER:
LEAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS WITH THE GRILL OWNER FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNINGS

WE WANT YOU TO ASSEMBLE AND USE YOUR SMOKER AS SAFELY AS POSSIBLE. THE PURPOSE OF THIS SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL IS TO ATTRACT YOUR ATTENTION TO POSSIBLE HAZARDS AS YOU ASSEMBLE AND USE YOUR SMOKER. WHEN YOU SEE THE SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL, PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE INFORMATION THAT FOLLOWS!

READ ALL SAFETY WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE ASSEMBLING AND OPERATING YOUR SMOKER.

WARNING

Only use this smoker on a hard, level, non-combustible, stable surface (concrete, ground, etc.) capable of supporting the weight of the smoker. Never use on wooden or other surfaces that could burn.
Proper clearance of 10 feet between the smoker and combustible material (bushes, trees, wooden decks, fences, buildings, etc.) or construction should be maintained at all times when the smoker is in use. Do not place the smoker under a roof overhang or other enclosed area.
FOR OUTDOOR USE ONLY. Do not operate a smoker indoors or in an enclosed area.
For household use only. Do not use this smoker for other than its intended purpose.
We recommend the use of a Charcoal Chimney Starter to avoid the dangers associated with charcoal lighting fluid. If you choose to use charcoal lighting fluid, only use lighting fluid approved for lighting charcoal. Carefully read the manufacturer’s warnings and instructions on the charcoal lighting fluid and charcoal before the use of their product. Store charcoal lighting fluid safely away from the smoker.
When using charcoal lighting fluid, allow the charcoal to burn with the smoker box door open until covered with light ash (approximately 20 minutes). This will allow charcoal lighting fluid to burn off. Failure to do this could trap fumes from charcoal lighting fluid in the smoker and may result in a flash fire or explosion when the smoker box door is opened.
Never use charcoal that has been pre-treated with lighter fluid. Use only a high-grade plain charcoal or charcoal/wood mixture.
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.
Never add charcoal lighting fluid to hot or even warm coals as flashback may occur causing severe burns.
Place the smoker in an area where children and pets cannot come into contact with the unit. Close supervision is necessary when the oker is in use.
Do not leave the smoker unattended when in use.
When adding charcoal and/or wood, use extreme caution and follow instructions in the “Adding Charcoal/Wood During Cooking” section of this manual.
To avoid overturning/spilling the pan of hot liquid, never pull the water pan bracket out more than 4”. Refer to the illustration in the “Adding Water During Cooking” section of this manual.
Do not store or use sma oker near gasoline or other flammable liquids, gases o, or where flammable vapors may be present.

WARNING

The smoker is hot when in use. To avoid burns:
DO NOT attempt to move the smoker.
Wear protective gloves or oven mitts.
DO NOT touch any hot smoker surfaces.
DO NOT wear loose clothing or allow hair to come in contact with a smoker.
Use caution since flames can flare up when fresh air suddenly comes in contact with fire. When opening the door, keep hands, face, and body a safe distance from hot steam and flame flare-ups.
Do not allow charcoal and/or wood to rest on the walls of the smoker. Doing so will greatly reduce the life of the metal and finish of your smoker.
Use caution when assembling and operating your smoker to avoid scrapes or cuts from possible sharp edges of metal parts. Use caution when reaching into or under the smoker.
In windy weather, place the oker in an outdoor area that is protected from the wind.
Never leave coals and ashes in the smoker unattended. Before the smoker can be left unattended, the remaining coals and ashes must be removed from the smoker. Use caution to protect yourself and your property. Carefully place the remaining coals and ashes in a noncombustible metal container and saturate them completely with water. Allow coals and water to remain in a metal container 24 hours before disposal.
Extinguished coals and ashes should be placed at a safe distance from all structures and combustible and flammable materials.
With a garden hose, completely wet the surface beneath and around the smoker to extinguish any ashes, coals, or embers that may have fallen during the cooking or cleaning process.
After each use and the smoker has cooled completely, clean the smoker thoroughly and reapply a light coat of oil to the interior to prevent rusting. Cover the smoker to protect it from excessive rusting.
Use caution when lifting or moving a smoker to prevent strains and back injuries. Moving a smoker may require the help of an additional person.
We advise that a fire extinguisher be on hand. Refer to your local authority to determine the proper size and type of fire extinguisher.
Accessory attachments not manufactured by The Brinkmann Corporation for this particular product are not recommended and may lead to personal injury or property damage.
Store the smoker out of reach of children and in a dry location when not in use.
Do not attempt to service smokers other than normal maintenance as explained in the “After-Use Safety” and “Proper Care & Maintenance” sections of this manual. Repairs should be performed by The Brinkmann Corporation only.
Properly dispose of all packaging material.

USE CAUTION AND COMMON SENSE WHEN OPERATING YOUR SMOKER. FAILURE TO ADHERE TO SAFETY WARNINGS AND GUIDELINES IN THIS MANUAL COULD RESULT IN BODILY INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

READ ALL SAFETY WARNINGS & ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE ASSEMBLING OR OPERATING YOUR SMOKER. FOR COVERS, ACCESSORIES, AND OTHER PRODUCTS, PLEASE VISIT US ONLINE AT: www.brinkmann.net (Proof of purchase will be required.) Inspect the contents of the box to ensure all parts are included and undamaged.

We recommend two people work together when assembling this unit. The following tool is required to assemble this Vertical Smoker:

Adjustable Wrench
Phillips Screwdriver

PARTS LIST – VERTICAL SMOKER

1 Smoker box
2 Cooking grills
1 Water pan
1 Water pan bracket
1 Wire Rack
4 Legs
1 Charcoal pan
2 Door handles
1 Temperature gauge
2 Side handles
8 Side rails
4 Air vent dampers

PARTS BAG CONTAINS

20 M6 X 12 mm Phillips head bolts
4 M5 X 10 mm Phillips head bolts
8 M6 nuts
4 Star washers

Choose a good, cleared assembly area and get a friend to help you put your smoker together. Carefully remove all components from the Smoker Box. Lay cardboard down to protect the smoker finish and assembly area.

Step 1
Mount the door handle with two M5 X 10 mm bolts. Insert each bolt through the door from the inside. Then thread the bolts into the handle. Tighten each bolt securely. Repthe eat steps for the bottom door.

Step 2
Attach side handles to the smoker using four M6 X 12 mm Phillips head bolts, star washers, and M6 nuts.

WARNING: Use caution when lifting or moving a smoker to prevent strains and back injuries. Moving a smoker may require the help of an additional person.

NOTE: With the help of a friend, turn the smoker box upside down. Make sure the door is securely latched to avoid injury.

Step 3
Attach legs to the bottom of the smoker using twelve M6 X 12 mm Phillips head bolts.

WARNING: Use caution when lifting or moving a smoker to prevent strains and back injuries. Moving a smoker may require the help of an additional person.
NOTE: With the help of a friend, turn the smoker box with legs to an upright position.

Step 4
Attach four air vent dampers to the sides of the smoker box using four M6 X 12 mm Phillips head bolts and M6 nuts.

Step 5
Insert eight side rails into the smoker box sides. These will form the shelves for the cooking grill water pan bracket and charcoal pan.

Step 6
Place the charcoal pan into the bottom shelves of the smoker box.

Step 7
Place the water pan into the water pan bracket. Place the water pan bracket onto the shelves above the charcoal pan.

Step 8
Place the cooking grills onto the two upper smoker box shelves.

PREPARATION FOR USE & LIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS

PLACE THE SMOKER OUTDOORS ON A HARD, LEVEL, NON-COMBUSTIBLE SURFACE
AWAY FROM ROOF OVERHANG OR ANY COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL. NEVER USE ON WOODEN OR OTHER SURFACES THAT COULD BURN. PLACE THE SMOKER AWAY FROM OPEN WINDOWS OR DOORS TO PREVENT SMOKE FROM ENTERING YOUR HOUSE. IN WINDY WEATHER, PLACE THE SMOKER IN AN OUTDOOR AREA THAT IS PROTECTED FROM THE WIND.

READ ALL SAFETY WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATING YOUR SMOKER.

Curing Your Smoker

Before your first use of the Brinkmann Vertical Smoker, follow the instructions below carefully to cure your smoker. Curing your smoker will minimize damage to the exterior finish as well as rid the smoker of paint odor that can impart unnatural flavors to the first meal prepared on your Brinkmann Vertical Smoker.

IMPORTANT: To protect your smoker from excessive rust, the unit must be properly cured and covered at all times when not in use. A cover for your Vertical Smoker may be ordered directly from Brinkmann by calling 1-800-468-5252.

Step 1
Remove the water pan from the smoker. Lightly coat all interior surfaces of the Vertical Smoker including cooking grills with vegetable oil or vegetable oil spray. Do not coat the charcoal pan.

Step 2
Follow the instructions below carefully to build a fire. You may use charcoal and/or a charcoal/wood mixture as fuel in the Vertical Smoker (see “Adding Charcoal/Wood During Cooking” section of this manual).

WARNING: Never use charcoal that has been pre-treated with lighter fluid. Use only a high-grade plain charcoal or charcoal/wood mixture. If using a Charcoal Chimney Starter, follow all manufacturer’s warnings and instructions regarding the use of their product. You will need to remove the lower cooking grills to allow enough clearance for a Charcoal Chimney Starter. Start with 5 to 6 pounds of charcoal. This should be enough charcoal to cook with, once the curing process has been completed. When charcoal is burning strong, carefully place hot coals in the center of the charcoal pan then replace the cooking grills.

NOTE: To extend the life of your smoker, make sure that hot coals and wood do not touch the walls of smoker.

IF USING CHARCOAL CHIMNEY STARTER, PROCEED TO STEP 5
If you choose to use charcoal lighting fluid, ONLY use charcoal lighting fluid approved for lighting charcoal. Do not use gasoline, kerosene, alcohol or other flammable material for lighting charcoal. Follow all manufacturer’s warnings and instructions regarding the use of their product. Start with 5 to 6 pounds of charcoal. This should be enough charcoal to cook with, once the curing process has been completed. Place the charcoal in center of charcoal pan.

Step 3
Saturate charcoal with lighting fluid. With the smoker box door open wait 2 to 3 minutes to allow lighting fluid to soak into the charcoal. Store charcoal lighting fluid safely away from the smoker.

Step 4
With the smoker box door open, stand back and carefully light charcoal. Allow to burn until covered with a light ash (approximately 20 minutes).

WARNING: Charcoal lighting fluid must be allowed to completely burn off before closing the smoker box door (approximately 20 minutes). Failure to do this could trap fumes from charcoal lighting fluid in the smoker box and may result in a flash-fire or explosion when door is opened.

Step 5
With coals burning strong, close the smoker box door. Allow the charcoal to burn uninterrupted for 2 hours.

Step 6
Increase the temperature on the heat indicator. This can be achieved by adjusting the air vent dampers or by adding more charcoal and/or charcoal/wood mixture (see “Adding Charcoal/Wood During Cooking” section of this manual). Maintain the fire for 1 hour then allow the unit to cool completely.

NOTE: The exterior of the smoker mustn’t be scraped or rubbed during the curing process.

IMPORTANT: To protect your smoker from excessive rust, the unit must be cured periodically and covered at all times when not in use. A cover can be ordered directly from Brinkmann by calling 1-800-468-5252.

YOUR BRINKMANN VERTICAL SMOKER IS NOW CURED AND READY FOR USE.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

PLACE THE SMOKER OUTDOORS ON A HARD, LEVEL, NON-COMBUSTIBLE SURFACE AWAY FROM ROOF OVERHANG OR ANY COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL. NEVER USE ON WOODEN OR OTHER SURFACES THAT COULD BURN. PLACE THE SMOKER AWAY FROM OPEN WINDOWS OR DOORS TO PREVENT SMOKE FROM ENTERING YOUR HOUSE. IN WINDY WEATHER, PLACE THE SMOKER IN AN OUTDOOR AREA THAT IS PROTECTED FROM THE WIND.

READ ALL SAFETY WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATING YOUR SMOKER.

Smoking

Step 1
Remove the water pan bracket and water pan from the smoker. Follow the instructions below carefully to build a fire. You may use charcoal and/or charcoal/wood mixture as fuel in the Vertical Smoker (see “Adding Charcoal/Wood During Cooking” section of this manual).

WARNING: Never use charcoal that has been pre-treated with lighter fluid. Use only a high-grade plain charcoal or charcoal/wood mixture. If using a Charcoal Chimney Starter, follow all manufacturer’s warnings and instructions regarding the use of their product. You will need to remove the lower cooking grills to allow enough clearance for a Charcoal Chimney Starter. Start with 5 to 6 pounds of charcoal. When charcoal is burning strong, carefully place hot coals in the center of the charcoal pan and replace the cooking grills.

NOTE: To extend the life of your smoker, make sure that hot coals and wood do not touch the walls of the smoker

IF USING CHARCOAL CHIMNEY STARTER, PROCEED TO STEP 4
If you choose to use charcoal lighting fluid, ONLY use charcoal lighting fluid approved for lighting charcoal. Do not use gasoline, kerosene, alcohol, or other flammable material for lighting charcoal. Follow all manufacturer’s warnings and instructions regarding the use of their product. Place 5 to 6 pounds of charcoal on charcoal pan.

Step 2
Saturate charcoal with lighting fluid. With the smoker box door open wait 2 to 3 minutes to allow lighting fluid to soak into the charcoal. Store charcoal lighting fluid safely away from the smoker.

Step 3
With the smoker box door open, stand back carefully light charcoal, and allow it to burn until covered with light ash (approximately 20 minutes). Charcoal lighting fluid must be allowed to completely burn off before closing the smoker box door.

WARNING: Failure to do this could trap fumes from charcoal lighting fluid in the smoker box and may result in a flash fire or explosion when door is opened.

Step 4
With coals burning well, carefully add wood chunks using long cooking tongs (see “Flavoring Wood” and “Adding Charcoal/Wood During Cooking” sections of this manual.)

NOTE: Depending on the weather, a full pan of charcoal will burn for 5-6 hours.

Step 5
Replace the water pan bracket and water pan.

WARNING: To avoid overturning/spilling pan of hot liquid, never pull water pan bracket out more than 4”. Refer to the illustration in the “Adding Water During Cooking” section of this manual.

Step 6
Carefully fill the water pan with warm water or marinade to 1“ below the rim. A full pan holds 4 quarts / 1 gallon of water and will last 2-3 hours. Do not overfill and allow water to overflow from the water pan.

Step 7
Place food on the cooking grills in a single layer with space between each piece. This will allow smoke and moist heat to circulate evenly around all pieces. Close the smoker box door.

Step 8
After 2-3 hours of cooking, check water and charcoal levels by following the instructions in the “Adding Water During Cooking and Adding Charcoal/Wood During Cooking“ sections of this manual.

WARNING: Do not allow liquid in water pan to completely evaporate. Always keep water in the water pan as long as the coals are still burning.Water will evaporate and grease in water pan can catch on fire.

Step 9
The ideal smoking temperature is between 175°F and 250°F. For large cuts of meat, allow approximately one hour of cooking time per pound of meat. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure food is fully cooked before removing from the smoker.

Step 10
Allow smoker to cool completely, then follow instructions in the “After-Use Safety” and “Proper Care & Maintenance” sections of this manual.

Smoke Cooking Tips

During the smoking process, avoid the temptation to open the smoker’s box door to check the food. Opening the door allows heat and smoke to escape, making additional cooking time necessary. Food closest to the charcoal will cook and brown faster. Rotate food midway through the cooking cycle. If food is excessively browned or flavored with smoke, wrap food in aluminum foil after the first few hours of smoking. This will allow food to continue cooking without further browning or smoke flavoring.

CAUTION: Always use oven mitts/gloves to protect your hands. The liquid in a water pan will be extremely hot and can scald or burn. Always allow liquid to cool completely before handling. Do not allow liquid to completely evaporate from the water pan.

Flavoring Wood

To obtain your favorite smoke flavor, experiment by using chunks, sticks, or chips of flavor-producing wood such as hickory, pecan, apple, cherry, or mesquite. Most fruit or nut tree wood may be used for smoke flavoring. Do not use resinous wood such as pine as it will produce an unpleasant taste. Wood chunks or sticks 3″ to 4″ long and 1″ to 2″ thick work best. Unless the wood is still green, soak the wood in water for 30 minutes or wrap each piece in foil and tear several small holes in the foil to produce more smoke and prevent the wood from burning too quickly. A lot of wood is not required to obtain a good smoke flavor. A recommended amount for the Vertical Smoker is 5 to 6 wood chunks or sticks. Experiment by using more wood for a stronger smoke flavor or less wood for a milder smoke flavor. Additional flavoring wood should not have to be added during the cooking process. However, it may be necessary when cooking very large pieces of food. Follow instructions and cautions in the “Adding Charcoal/Wood During Cooking” section of this manual to avoid injury while adding wood.

Regulating Heat

To maintain or increase temperature, fully open air vent dampers on the sides of the smoker box. If increased air circulation does not raise the temperature sufficiently, more wood and/or charcoal may need to be added during the cooking cycle. Follow the instructions in the “Adding Charcoal/Wood During Cooking” section of this manual.

NOTE: Dry wood burns hotter than charcoal, so you may want to increase the ratio of wood to charcoal to increase the cooking temperature. Hardwoods such as oak, hickory, mesquite, fruit, and nut wood are an excellent fuel because of their burning rate. When using wood as fuel, make sure the wood is seasoned and dry. DO NOT use resinous wood such as pine as it will produce an unpleasant taste.

Adding Water During Cooking

Check the water level in the water pan if the complete cooking process takes longer than 2 hours. A low water level can be detected by listening to the sound of water sizzling. Water can be added to the water pan through the smoker box door. Use caution and follow instructions carefully.

WARNING: Use caution since flames can flare up when fresh air suddenly comes in contact with fire. When opening the door, keep hands, face, and body a safe distance from hot steam and flame flare-ups.

Step 1
Stand back and carefully open the smoker box door allowing heat and steam to escape away from your face. Use caution since flames can flare up when fresh air suddenly comes in contact with fire. Inspect the water level in the pan.
WARNING: To avoid overturning/spilling the pan of hot liquid, never pull the water pan bracket out more than 4”. (See illustration)

Step 2
If the water level is low, extra water or marinade will need to be added to the water pan. Wearing oven mitts/gloves, slide-out water pan bracket no more than 4”.

Step 3
Fill the water pan to 1” below the rim. Pour slowly to avoid splashing or overfilling.

Step 4
Carefully slide the water pan bracket in completely, close the smoker box door, and allow the food to continue cooking.

Adding Charcoal/Wood During Cooking

Additional charcoal and/or wood may be required to maintain or increase cooking temperature.

WARNING: Use caution since flames can flare up when fresh air suddenly comes in contact with fire. When opening the door, keep hands, face, and body a safe distance from hot steam and flame flare-ups.

Step 1
Stand back and carefully open the smoker box door allowing heat and steam to escape away from your face. Use caution since flames can flare up when fresh air suddenly comes in contact with fire. Inspect the charcoal level in the pan.

Step 2
Wearing oven mitts/gloves, stand back a safe distance, and use long cooking tongs to lightly brush aside ashes on hot coals. Use cooking tongs to add charcoal and/or wood to the charcoal pan, being careful not to stir up ashes and sparks. If necessary, use your Charcoal Chimney Starter to light additional charcoal and/or wood and add to the existing fire.

WARNING: Never add charcoal lighting fluid to hot or even warm coals as flashbacks may occur causing severe burns.

Step 3
Close the smoker box door and allow food to continue cooking.

AFTER-USE SAFETY

WARNING

Always allow the smoker and all components to cool completely before handling.
Never leave coals and ashes in the smoker unattended. Make sure coals and ashes are completely extinguished before removing them.
Before the smoker can be left unattended, the remaining coals and ashes must be removed from the smoker. Use caution to protect yourself and your property. Place the remaining coals and ashes in a non-combustible metal container and completely saturate it with water. Allow coals and water to remain in a metal container 24 hours before disposal.
Extinguished coals and ashes should be placed at a safe distance from all structures and combustible materials.
With a garden hose, a completely wet surface beneath and around the smoker extinguishes any ashes, coals, or embers that may have fallen during the cooking or cleaning process.
Cover and store smoker in a protected area away from children and pets.

Proper Care & Maintenance

Cure your smoker periodically throughout the year to protect against excessive rust.
To protect your smoker from excessive rust, the unit must be properly cured and covered at all times when not in use. A smoker cover may be ordered directly from Brinkmann by calling 1-800-468-5252.
Wash cooking grills and water pan with hot, soapy water, rinse well, and dry. Lightly coat grills with vegetable oil or vegetable oil spray.
Clean the inside and outside of the smoker by wiping off with a damp cloth. Apply a light coat of vegetable oil or vegetable oil spray to the interior surface to prevent rusting. Do not coat the charcoal pan.
If rust appears on the exterior surface of your smoker, clean and buff the affected area with steel wool or fine grit emery cloth. Touch-up with good quality high-temperature resistant paint.
Never apply paint to the interior surface. Rust spots on the interior surface can be buffed, cleaned, and then lightly coated with vegetable oil or vegetable oil spray to minimize rusting.