dragonfly FIRENZA Plancha BBQ Grills User Manual
- June 3, 2024
- DragonFly
Table of Contents
dragonfly FIRENZA Plancha BBQ Grills
Dragonfly™ Plancha BBQ Grills
Thank you so much for buying a Dragonfly product. This manual contains setup
instructions, warranty conditions, and additional information about your
Dragonfly Plancha BBQ Grills.
General information
Dragonfly cooking units are modular products consisting of various separate
elements including a base, fire bowl, and cooking plate. All Dragonfly cooking
units are shipped in special packaging units.
Transport/packaging
The Dragonfly is shipped upside down. Our Dragonfly products are wrapped in an extra layer of packaging material to prevent damage during transport.
Setup of your Dragonfly
The exterior of the box features an explanation regarding how to unpack your
Dragonfly. Please note that all cooking units must be set up exactly as
explained in these setup instructions! We are not liable for any damage
resulting from incorrect setup attempts of Dragonfly cooking units.
Base & Fire bowl
First, place the base on a fireproof surface. We recommend placing the base with two people, due to its considerable weight. Then, place the fire bowl in the base’s hole so that it is level. If your surface is not entirely level, you can use the base’s adjustable feet to make sure that it is level. Please note that if the adjustable feet are extended too far, the Dragonfly unit may become unstable. We recommend a maximum difference in level of 10mm. If the level difference exceeds 10mm, we recommend levelling the surface before setting up the Dragonfly Plancha BBQ Grill. Once the Dragonfly has been set up, it must not be shifted. Shifting it could cause damage to the adjustable feet and/or the rivet nuts with which the adjustable feet are attached.
We do not accept warranty claims or liability for any damage resulting from
shifting your Dragonfly cooking unit. Please note that the Dragonfly Black has
a coating and is thus more sensitive to damage during setup. We are not liable
for any damage or consequential damage resulting from the setup of your
Dragonfly.
Cooking plate
We recommend that you do not roll the cooking plate during transport; burs may
form as a result, which prevents the cooking plate from being scraped down
properly with a spatula. We recommend lifting the cooking plate with 2 people,
due to its considerable weight. You can hold on to it using the thick outer
edge as well as the inner edge. When placing the cooking plate onto the fire
bowl, we recommend that 2 people hold the top’s inner edge and position it
over the fire bowl until it clicks into place. If the cooking plate does not
fit the fire bowl so that it is level, you can turn it until its ring settles
over the fire bowl.
Please note:
we recommend the use of gloves when placing the cooking plate. Also, please be
careful not to stain your clothes/fingers.
Usage
Always outside
All Dragonfly Plancha BBQ Grills are made to stand outside in all weather
conditions when used in conjunction with the appropriate rainproof cover. If
your base is made of Corten steel, it will already show signs of corrosion
when it arrives. The corrosion process may not yet have fully unfolded,
meaning that the unit’s color will change over time
as the corrosion process progresses. The natural layer of corrosion protects
against rust perforation. Please note that for a few months after purchase –
while your Corten model’s corrosion process is still incomplete – running
water may carry corroded material from the base and fire bowl to the surface
the unit is standing on. This can lead to staining on light-toned surfaces. We
are not liable for any damage resulting from this wastewater. If you have
purchased a black base for your Dragonfly, it’s protective coating will
prevent corrosion. It is important that you regularly treat the cooking plate
with oil, both its surface and its rim. The cooking plate is made of steel and
will corrode if oil is not baked into it. Once the oil has properly been baked
in, only minor corrosion will develop. When the cooking plate is not used for
longer periods, we recommend treating it with oil every 7-10 days to prevent
corrosion. 
Any corrosion that does develop can be removed using steel wool. In the event of excessive corrosion (see fig.), we recommend polishing its surface with a wire brush attached to a drill. It is best to heat the cooking plate beforehand because that will loosen up the layer of corrosion. Once the cooking plate has been thoroughly polished, you will be able to wipe away the polishing residue with a cloth. Once you treat the cooking plate with oil, it will be good as new again. n order to properly protect your cooking plate from corrosion, you must also place an appropriate rainproof cover over your Dragonfly whenever it is left outdoors. To prevent the fire bowl from getting clogged, we recommend that you remove the ashes from the fire bowl after every use.
Wood
For optimum user comfort, we recommend using dry wood to prevent smoke
formation during cooking. Moreover, kiln-dried wood is much easier to light.
Stack the pieces of wood two by two, with the bark facing outwards to further
prevent smoke formation. Kiln-dried beech wood is best, because it burns down
to a mass of embers that heat up the cooking plate optimally. This mass of
embers is easily shifted around if you want to direct the heat elsewhere. When
you light the fire and add new wood to the fire, it will generally smoke for a
bit until it catches fire properly.
Initial use
Upon initial use, it is important to light a smaller fire for roughly 30
minutes to allow the cooking plate to settle properly. During manufacture, the
middle of the cooking plate was pressed down just slightly. When the cooking
plate is heated, it will be pressed down even further, and if you light too
big a fire during your initial use of your Dragonfly, this may cause the
cooking plate to be pressed down too far during future use. it is very
important to prepare the cooking plate properly using the aforementioned
process. In some cases, the cooking plate may instead bulge upwards in the
middle a nd thus become convex.
This means the steel is incorrectly stressed. If this happens, please contact your dealer. If you light a fire that is too big using wood that reaches very high temperatures, such as the kind of hardwood that is used in construction, this may cause the cooking plate to warp entirely. We do not accept warranty claims for any damage resulting from such incorrect usage. All Dragonfly cooking plates are treated with oil during manufacture for protection against corrosion. Once you have prepped the cooking plate properly using a small fire, you can start building a larger fire. Considering the fact that Dragonfly cooking plate tops are 10mm thick, it takes quite a sizeable fire to get them heated through properly. Once the cooking plate is well heated, drizzle on olive oil and spread it with a kitchen towel.
Do this 2-3 times. Then scrape down the cooking plate with a spatula and push the scrapings into the fire. Initially, the cooking plate will give off a black substance. Simply drizzle it with olive oil a few more times, spread out the oil, and scrape down the cooking plate. Once all you can manage to scrape off is beige scrapings, the cooking plate is clean and ready for use. Simply drizzle on olive oil once more and spread it out, and start cooking! We recommend using olive oil the first 2-3 times you use your Dragonfly. Olive oil has a lower combustion point, which will help the cooking plate get a nice brown-black hue. After the first few uses, you can start using oil types with higher combustion points, such as sunflower oil or groundnut oil. Baking the oil into the cooking plate also protects it from corrosion. However, if the cooking plate is not used for longer periods on end, the oil will dry out and the cooking plate will start corroding when the weather is humid. To prevent such corrosion from forming.
Cooking
It will take between 25 to 45 minutes, depending on the weather conditions and
the outside temperature, for the cooking plate to reach a temperature of
around 300˚C on the inner edge and around 200˚C on the outer edge. Start by
building a fire using the method mentioned on page 6. Once your initial fire’s
wood is burning properly, spread out the embers under the edges of the cooking
plate and add new wood with the bark facing up. Repeat this process as needed,
for as long as you require the cooking plate to remain hot. You will notice
that it will take a lot more wood during autumn and winter to keep the cooking
plate hot than during spring and summer. If there is a breeze, the cooking
plate will be hottest where the wind leaves the Dragonfly cooking unit, i.e.
in the direction of the wind.
You can compensate for this by pushing more hot embers into the opposite direction. Once the cooking plate is starting to heat up, you must first scrape it down using the spatula and then rub it with an oiled cloth. Once the cooking plate is hot enough for cooking, add some oil where you intend to place the food. Whenever the cooking plate starts to appear dry and matte, you will need to add extra oil, to ensure that the cooking plate is always sufficiently greased. You will need to add more oil when cooking fish and vegetables than when cooking fatty meats.
If any food residue is left behind on the cooking plate, simply push it into the fire using the spatula. Rub the cooking plate down with an oiled cloth frequently, and it will be spotless again. We recommend that you do not allow a thick layer of residue to build up, because it will be hard to remove. It is better to scrape down the cooking plate frequently. Once you get used to using your Dragonfly, this should become a habit. Once you are done cooking, clean the cooking plate one last time using the procedure outlined on page 8, and if it is still lukewarm after that, rub it with oil once more. This ensures that it will be properly protected and ready for next time. If you use your Dragonfly Plancha BBQ Grill a lot, a smooth layer of carbon residue will build up on the griddle top, making it more comfortable to use. From time to time, this layer might come off here and there. When you spot it chipping in places, simply scrape off the chips using the spatula, and rub on new oil. The carbon residue layer will gradually renew itself this way.
Extinguishing the fire
The best way is to let the fire die out on its own. Please note that the ashes and the cooking plate can stay hot long after use.
Maintenance
Dragonfly Plancha BBQ Grills are relatively low-maintenance. As stated previously, corrosion may build up on your prepped cooking plate if you do not use your Dragonfly for an extended period of time, but such corrosion can easily be removed. If you do not prep your cooking plate properly, the corrosion may be extensive and you will need to use a wire brush to remove the corrosion.
Disclaimers
Corrosion
If you have purchased a Corten Dragonfly unit, it will show signs of corrosion
on delivery. Corten steel is a type of steel that corrodes very rapidly, and
it is precisely this corrosion that protects it against rust perforation. If
you allow nature to take its course, it will take 6-12 months for Corten steel
elements to corrode, depending on their location and the humidity level.
Unlike many manufacturers of Corten steel products, we provide buyers of our
products with an additional service by making sure that the corrosion process
has already started by the time our products are delivered. Depending on their
location and the humidity level, it will take another 3-6 months for this
superficial corrosion to turn into a proper layer of corrosion.
Therefore, any Corten steel elements that are less corroded than others upon delivery are not eligible for replacement. They will corrode naturally over time under the influence of the weather. While the corrosion is still superficial, Corten steel elements may cause orange stains on clothes, skin, and the surface they stand on. When it rains, water may also run off these elements, which may permanently stain light-toned stone or wooden surfaces. Under normal circumstances, the Corten steel will gradually develop a smooth, dark brown layer of corrosion that will not chip. However, this layer may chip in locations near the sea or the shore due to the high levels of salinity in such locations. The chipping will not cause any damage, but the chipped corrosion must be removed to prevent corrosion from forming on the surface the Dragonfly is placed on. We do not accept liability for any damage resulting from the corrosion of our products.
Wooden rings
Dragonfly Plancha BBQ Grills fit optional wooden ring support. Although we do
offer a larger cover to protect these rings from occasional rainfall, humid
weather may cause them to warp or crack. We, therefore, recommend that you
store these rings in a dry place after each use. We do not recommend leaving
them outside overnight, as changes in temperature and humidity can cause them
damage. If sharp or heavy objects are used to exert great force on these
surfaces, they will become irreparably damaged. We do not accept liability for
any damage resulting from the incorrect use of wooden rings.
Adjustable feet on Dragonfly™ cooking units
Once your Dragonfly has been set up, the adjustable feet can be used to make
them level. We do not recommend using these feet to adjust the overall height
of our cooking units, because they may become unstable if the adjustable feet
are extended by more than 10mm.
We do not accept liability for any damage resulting from the improper use of adjustable feet. Once Dragonfly cooking units have been set up, they must not be shifted. Shifting them could cause damage to the adjustable feet or the rivet nuts with which the feet are attached. We do not accept warranty claims or liability for any damage resulting from shifting and/or moving Dragonfly Plancha BBQ Grills.
Do not use in closed-off spaces
Dragonfly cooking units are unsuitable for use in partially or entirely
closed-off spaces. Such use may cause an excess of dangerous fumes that may
result in carbon monoxide poisoning.
Do not use pure alcohol, petrol, or other Chemical substances
The use of pure alcohol, petrol, or other chemical substances when lighting
fires is very dangerous and may affect the food on the cooking plate. We are
not liable for any health issues resulting from using chemical substances when
lighting your Dragonfly Plancha BBQ Grill. Moreover, please make sure that the
area around your Dragonfly cooking unit is clear of any highly flammable
materials.
Do not leave your Dragonfly™ unattended
Please note that you should never leave your Dragonfly cooking unit is
unattended. Keep children and pets away from the unit.
Warning
- The Dragonfly will become very hot!
- Do not use your Dragonfly in a confined and/or habitable space (e.g. houses, tents, caravans, motor homes, boats). The danger of carbon monoxide poisoning fatality.
- Keep children and pets away!
- Do not use spirit or petrol for lighting or re-lighting!
- Use only firelighters in compliance with EN 1860-3/BS 7952:2001.
FAQs
Transport/packaging of your Dragonfly™
How will your Dragonfly™ be delivered?
Your Dragonfly cooking unit will be delivered in a packaging unit. It will be
shipped upside down.
What Will Be Delivered Along With Your Dragonfly™?
Your Dragonfly cooking unit will be delivered in a box and will consist of a
base, fire bowl and a cooking plate.
Cooking unit general information
What are Dragonfly™ Plancha BBQ Grills made of?
A Dragonfly unit’s cooking plate is made of steel. The base and fire bowl of
the Corten models are made of Corten steel. The bases and fire bowl of the
Black models are made of coated steel.
Is my Dragonfly™ portable?
Dragonfly models are delivered in three separate pieces and as such are easy
to move. We recommend moving the cooking plate with two people.
Can I leave my Dragonfly™ outside?
Your Dragonfly can be left outside in all weather conditions. However, the
cooking plate may start corroding over time if it is not oiled or properly
covered. If you do not have a cover for your Dragonfly we recommend oiling the
cooking plate every 7 to 10 days while it is not in use. As long as the bases
and fire bowls of our Black models are not scratched, they will not corrode.
How do I clean my Dragonfly™?
If you are not using a cover, we recommend oiling your Dragonfly cooking plate
once every 7 to 10 days, as aforementioned. After you use your Dragonfly, the
leftover ashes must be removed to prevent the fire bowl’s air vent from
clogging. Please note that the ashes will stay hot for a very long time;
therefore, make sure to only store leftover ashes in fireproof containers,
such as zinc buckets. Once the ashes have cooled, they can be removed with a
dustpan and brush and deposited into a regular waste bin.
Setup of your Dragonfly™
Will my Dragonfly™ show signs of corrosion upon delivery?
If you have purchased a Corten model, your Dragonfly’s corrosion process will
already have started upon delivery. As the unit stands outside, the corrosion
process will continue. Black units should show no signs of corrosion upon
delivery.
Why does the cooking plate feel sticky?
The cooking plate was oiled before transport to protect it against corrosion
forming.
Do I need to place anything underneath my Dragonfly™ to protect the surface
it stands on from damage?
The bottom of the base is not likely to heat up enough during average use to
damage your surface. However, water may run down Corten Dragonfly units and
cause stains on light-toned surfaces. To prevent stains, you can place a large
flat stone or slab beneath your Dragonfly.
How do I prepare my Dragonfly™ for its initial use?
Use the method described on pages 6-7. Once the cooking plate has been
prepped, your Dragonfly Plancha BBQ Grill will be ready for its first cooking
session. The food will stick to the cooking plate a little more at the
beginning than after 2-3 uses. Similar to an old-fashioned cast-iron frying
pan, a natural non-stick coating will develop over time.
Can Dragonfly™ products be moved with their adjustable Feet in position?
No, they cannot, because the weight of the Dragonfly may cause the adjustable
feet to bend or break and may damage the rivet nuts with which the adjustable
feet are attached.
Can the adjustable feet on Dragonfly™ products be used to adjust the height
level of the products considerably?
No, the adjustable feet are solely intended to ensure that Dragonfly Plancha
BBQ Grills can be made level when placed on uneven surfaces. The feet should
not be extended by more than 10mm, because Dragonfly may then become unstable
and the feet may bend or break.
Usage
How do I light my Dragonfly™
When you light your Dragonfly for the first time using the method described on
page 6, it is important that you let a low fire burn in it for 25 minutes
first, to allow the cooking plate to settle properly.
How long will it take for the Dragonfly™ to be ready for cooking?
Once the Dragonfly Plancha BBQ Grill has been lit, it will take between 25 to
45 minutes, depending on the weather conditions and the temperature outside,
for the cooking plate to reach around 300˚C on the inner edge and around 200
˚C on the outer edge.
Which type of oil should I use?
The first few times you light your Dragonfly, we recommend using olive oil.
Olive oil has a lower combustion point, which will help the cooking plate get
a nice brown-black hue. After the first few uses, you can start using natural
oil types like sunflower oil and groundnut oil, which have higher combustion
points.
How many people can I cook for on my Dragonfly™?
You can cook for 20 to 30 people on your Dragonfly unit.
What type of wood should I use?
You can use a variety of wood types in your Dragonfly, but kiln-dried beech
produces the best results. It burns down to a mass of embers that are easily
spread around, and provide heat for an extended period. Ashwood has similar
qualities. Oak is inferior because it produces a thinner type of ash. Birch
wood tends to burn up too quickly.
Can I use charcoal instead of wood?
Yes, you can use charcoal as fuel for your Dragonfly. However, charcoal might
not reach the same temperatures as firewood.
There are chips on my cooking plate; does that mean the steel is damaged?
Cooking on your Dragonfly regularly will cause a layer of carbon residue to
build up on the cooking plate. This layer might come off in some places when
the Dragonfly is not used for a while, resulting in chips forming. These chips
can be scraped off using a spatula. Then, just rub on a new layer of oil; a
smooth carbon residue layer will gradually build up again.
My cooking plate became convex during the initial use, so now the fat runs
off at the outside edge. What should I do?
During manufacturing, Dragonfly cooking plates were pressed down slightly in
the middle, and they are further pressed down slightly when first heated. In
very rare cases, the cooking plate may bulge upwards and become convex. If
this happens, please contact your dealer.
1-year warranty
A one-year warranty applies to the material and construction of all steel elements of Dragonfly Plancha BBQ Grills, provided the unit was purchased from an authorised dealer. This warranty is void for damage resulting from the improper use of your Dragonfly product – see the disclaimers on pages 11 to 13. To make a warranty claim, you must retain your receipt as proof of your purchase.
Dragonfly™ Grill
Grill
The Dragonfly grill is a robust accessory that can be used for various types
of cooking, combined with a pan or on its own. When using the grill, your food
may burn if the flames get too high. We are not liable for any health issues
resulting from eating burned food prepared on our grill. The grill must be
cleaned and oiled after every use. We are not liable for any corrosion forming
on the grill. Please note that you should place the grill and its holder over
the hole in the cooking plate before you start cooking. While you are cooking,
the grill will become very hot. For this reason, you should only ever remove
the grill from the griddle top by wearing heatproof gloves.
Dont’s
Please note that the optional Dragonfly grills should never be moved during
use! The grill can reach temperatures of approximately 300 °C and thus are not
suitable to be moved during or right after cooking without using heat-
resistant gloves. We are not liable for any burn injuries resulting from
touching the grills during or after cooking.
Do not use our grills indoors.
Contact details:
yourdragonfly.com
support@yourdragonfly.com.
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
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