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Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the name Evo come from?
What makes the Evo Flattop different than an open flame grill?
Where did flattop cooking originate?
What other types of flattop cooking devices are currently being used in the world today?
What is "seasoning" and how is it done?
How can I prevent food from falling off the cook surface when I sauté?
How often should I clean the cook surface with the cleaning kit?
How can I speed up the cleaning time when cooking very fatty foods?
What should I do with the cooking surface when I'm planning a long term break from cooking?
What about the Ceramic Coated Cook Surface?
What do I do if the Evo outdoor model won't start?
My Evo was made to run on propane but I now have natural gas available outside, can I switch?
Why do Evo's cost more than my old grill?
I need further assistance, where should I go?

Where does the name Evo come from?

The Evo circular flattop is a breakthrough product - the next evolution in cooking. The outdoor grill market had reached parity with open flame grilling, and now Evo lets you create new experiences in cooking and entertaining. It combines the time-honored utility of a solid flattop cooking surface with modern technology to offer a wide variety of cooking techniques not found with other outdoor grilling systems or indoor appliances. Evo continues to evolve as we adapt our iconic design to tomorrow's needs and aspirations.

We pronounce it both "EE-vo" and "EE-vee-oh".

What makes the Evo Flattop different than an open flame grill?

One of the main distinctions is with an Evo Flattop you can control the heat and thus the cooking process. Cooking with grates allows the foods and their juices to fall into the fire and become fuels which ignite thereby changing the chemistry and timing of cooking.

The Evo Flattop is also like a giant cast iron sauté pan. Because of its size and uniform temperature, the cooking surface can do the job of many sauté pans at the same time, allowing one or more people to cook more than one dish at the same time. While open flame appliances tend to scatter guests, an Evo invites family and friends to gather around and share in the creation of a meal.

A cast iron pan is perfect for blackened catfish and seared steaks. Evo's flattop cooking surface works in the same way. In addition to blackening, searing and sautéing, the Evo's flattop has a multitude of recipe possibilities, including making flatbreads, steaming vegetables and seafood, and even smoking salmon. So to say Evo is just a grill or griddle is a major understatement, since its direct and indirect cooking versatility allows many culinary techniques.

Where did flattop cooking originate?

The first flattops were most likely flat rocks that were heated by direct contact with fire. Used as a cooking implement and incorporated into a fire pit, these flat rocks became very hot and were used as a place for cooking and warming foods safe from direct contact from open flame. As we evolved to incorporate better heat conducting material into the cooking process, flat metal plates replaced flat stones. The metal plates were soon built into frames positioned over an open flame fired by wood, peat, oil or gas. Those early flattop metal cooking platforms were the originators of today's innovations that we call a flattop cooking station.

What other types of flattop cooking devices are currently being used in the world today?

The most common flattop cooking devices are griddles, teppanyaki grills, Mongolian grills and French flattops. Other common flattop appliances include crepe makers and Tavas. Tavas are used for making flatbreads from India, and crepe makers are used for French crepes, buckwheat galettes, and Russian pancakes. Additionally, the Spanish and Portugese cultures embrace the plancha as their flattop cooking platform, and the Australian barbie is also a flattop appliance. So flattop cooking is more universal than you probably imagined, its global popularity surpassing the American barbecue.

What is "seasoning" and how is it done?

The cook surface of a good cast iron pan and the Evo flattop are designed to hold a fine layer of cooking oil on its surface. Referred to as “seasoning” in the culinary world, the term refers to the fact that the surface gets better after many applications of oil over the years. Seasoning does two things: it promotes a non stick cooking surface and prevents oxidation of a seasoned steel cook surface when not in use. Routine cleaning of the cook surface (see Use & Care section) will actually re-season the cooktop as you clean up, so we suggest you do this after every cooking session. It only takes a few seconds yet is so beneficial!

To season the Evo anew, coat the top area of the cook surface with 4-6 tablespoons of a vegetable oil like corn or canola oil. Using a paper towel, spread a thin layer of oil across the complete top area. Heat the grill to medium high and allow the oil to burn-in to the surface for 10 to 15 minutes (covering the cook surface with the hood helps this process). Reduce the heat to low and apply a second coat of oil and then repeat the process. After the second ‘seasoning,’ slightly cool the cook surface and use the cleaning pad supplied with your grill to lightly rub the surface smooth. Take care not to remove the seasoned oil build up you’ve just applied - the tip here is to smooth any rough oil build-up that may have occurred during the seasoning. Finish by wiping the cook surface down with another very thin coat of oil using clean dry rag. What you should observe is the coating on the cook surface is now covered with a thin layer of satin gloss oil, that when cool is smooth and slightly slick to the touch.

How can I prevent food from falling off the cook surface when I sauté?

If you are having trouble keeping the food on the slightly convex cook surface, you may want to try using two metal spatulas instead on one. The second spatula can be used as a guard to prevent the food from falling off the grill as you toss with the other spatula. Especially helpful when you have the cook surface covered with food! Two spatulas also work well for flipping fish, burgers, etc. Slide one spatula under the food while using the second spatula to prevent the food from sliding. Once foods have begun to cook or caramelize, then they are more likely to stay placed at any position on the cook surface. Remember a variety of utensils may be used when cooking on Evo - spatulas, tongs, knives, etc - as well as pots and pans.

If you have foods skimming off the cook surface when first placed on, it likely means the temperature is too hot. Moisture is vaporizing to create a hydroplaning effect. Remember the Evo Professional model can reach temperatures over 675 degrees – better for boiling water rather than cooking foods. Try starting up your Evo at a Medium setting.

How often should I clean the cook surface with the cleaning kit?

When you are done cooking on the flattop you should always scrape off the remaining food particles with a flat metal scraper or the side of a metal spatula and then rubdown the cooking surface with a thin coat of fresh oil. After the scrape and rub, you can then condition the cook surface with the cleaning kit if you like. Because this process takes less than a minute, we do it every time we cook with our Evo.

The ability to compartmentalize cooking on the large flattop means you generally clean up after the meal. However you may want to use the cleaning kit before dessert preparations to prevent any unwanted flavors from getting mixed with the dessert.

We also recommend using the cleaning kit before making pancakes, crepes or flat-breads. Not only will the food be easier to prepare, it will also cook more efficiently.

How can I speed up the cleaning time when cooking very fatty foods?

When cooking fatty foods (e.g. bacon, duck breasts) you can place tin foil in the drip pan where you anticipate the fats to run off. The foil will catch the fats for easy disposal once the grill has cooled down.

What should I do with the cooking surface when I'm planning a long term break from cooking?

Unless your steel cook surface is coated (e.g. ceramic covered), it is most important to protect the cook surface from prolonged moisture. Keeping your cook surface oiled will help to protect the falttop, just like you do with your cast iron pans. If the raw steel is exposed to moisture and the elements (i.e. left unseasoned) oxidation may start. A cleaning and application of oil will take care of this, but extended lack of attention may cause pitting to the surface. If you plan to be away or simply not cook for weeks, you should always store the cook surface in a dry place. Remember you have a fine piece of cookware here, so treat it right and you’ll enjoy it for decades to come!

What about the Ceramic Coated Cook Surface?

The cook surface that is provided with your Evo is manufactured from a low carbon grade of mild steel which helps retard oxidation. For Evo’s Elite series of products, the entire cook surface is coated with a durable black ceramic finish which will eliminate any oxidation. The ceramic coating is a secondary process which is fused to the cook surface in a kiln at 1500°F. The combination of binding a ceramic coating to a heavy steel substrate produces a very durable and high performance cooking surface. Properly maintained, this cook surface will provide a lifetime of continual service.

There are a few things to note with regard to handling your cook surface and protecting its ceramic coating from becoming scratched or gouged. Much like fine cookware, you should be careful when using heavy utensils. Avoid heavy impact techniques such as chopping and pounding. When removing the cook surface from the burner skirt, take care to rest it on heavy paper or cardboard to provide protection against scratches. Never use a wire brush or other aggressive implements to clean the cook surface.

What do I do if the Evo outdoor model won't start?

If the burners won't ignite there are a few simple things to do.

Check to see that the igniter battery is properly installed and that the battery is functional (has charge, and making contact). You should hear a clicking noise when you press and hold the igniter button. Evo uses standard batteries. See the Owner's Manual for type and location for your model.
If you are replacing a corroded battery, remember to clean the terminal points in the igniter assembly.
Check the propane tank to make sure there is enough gas in the tank and that the tank valve is open. To open the tank valve, turn the knob on the top of the LP tank counter clock wise until it comes to a stop. Be sure to have the Evo burner valves in the off position when you open the tank valve. If the burner valves are on when you open the tank valve, the regulator will think there is a leak in the system and automatically prevent gas from getting to the burners.
If the LP tank contains gas, but there is no gas pressure at the burners or the burners will not light, follow the next 6 steps:
• Make sure both control knobs on the Evo control panel are in the off position.
• Make sure the LP tank valve is in the closed position by turning tank valve knob clock-wise to a complete stop.
• Turn either one of the control panel knobs to the High position, and then back to the Off position. This bleeds the line.
• Disengage the hose from the propane tank then screw back on. This will reset the regulator.
• With both control panel knobs in the Off position, open the LP tank valve by turning the tank valve counter-clockwise to the full open position.
• Turn one or both front panel control knobs to the Lite position and depress electronic igniter to start burner.
Note: The process just explained is to reset the regulator supplied with your Evo. The new safety features built into
LP regulators are designed to prevent gas from being discharged in the event of a hose breakage. If there is no backpressure in the
LP regulator hose, hence if the control valves are not in the Off position prior to opening the LP tank valve, the regulator is designed to shut down.
If trouble persists, call you local Evo dealer or call Evo Customer Service at 866-626-1802.

My Evo was made to run on propane but I now have natural gas available outside, can I switch?

Yes! Evo outdoor models are available to run on either Propane (LP) or Natural Gas (NG). So if you ever want to switch, a simple conversion kit can be purchased to change from one gas type to the other (LP to NG, or NG to LP). Because the properties of these gases differ, the main change is to the jets within the gas valves – the orifices are different sizes. Also the hoses and some connectors are changed too. A simple conversion process but still best left to a professional.

Why do Evo's cost more than my old grill?

Simply answered - Evo's superior functionality, quality and longevity create greater value. If your old grills were as good, you wouldn’t need to repeatedly replace them!

All Evo Flattops are commercial grade appliances. We don’t just label them that as a marketing ploy. We mean the appliance you buy for home is the same one professional chefs are using at Five Star resorts and in commercial kitchens. In addition, our enhanced features and lifestyle benefits provide greater returns for your money. Evo's culinary versatility offers cooking techniques beyond simple grilling. And its unique design brings gathering friends around and entertaining guests to the forefront of your party. The innovative burner system offers better operating efficiency and Evo's top quality construction clearly separates our products from the manufacturers who seek cheaper appliances in offshore factories. Unlike most grated grills, there are no expected repair expenses (e.g. burner replacement) and planned obsolescence (e.g. replacing your grill every few years) - so factor in those costs when you compare other products to Evo with its Lifetime warranty. If you desire superior value and can afford the investment, then purchasing an Evo makes great sense.

I need further assistance, where should I go?

If you need any help with the use or care of your Evo grill, please give us a call and we’ll be glad to assist. You can reach us Monday thru Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm Pacific Standard Time direct at (503) 626-1802, or toll-free within the Continental United States at (866) 626-1802. Your inquiries may also be emailed to info@evoamerica.com.

Thank you for choosing Evo!