Because shutting down the Oklahoma Joe’s® Rider DLX Pellet Grill properly is so important, we made it really simple. Following our shutdown procedure after each and every use will help keep your grill clean, your pellets fresh and your grill running properly, cook after cook.

Shutting down the Rider DLX is a simple, 3-step procedure:

1. When you’re finished cooking, turn the control knob to the Shutdown position.

The shutdown process will begin by flashing the message “DRN HOP” on the Pit Control Screen, indicating it’s time to drain unused pellets into the pellet storage bucket, included with your Rider DLX.

Pull the pellet release handle 2 to 3 times to shake loose and drain unused pellets.

HOT TIP: Pellet grills with software versions previous to 04 or 05 (as displayed at Startup) will NOT flash a “DRN HOP” message, but you still need to drain unused pellets immediately before starting the shutdown process.

2. Next, the Pit Control Screen will flash the message “Cooling”, indicating that the shutdown burn and cooling process has begun. The auger will continue to feed unused pellets to the fire pot. The blower fan will continue to stoke the fire to burn through the pellets in the fire pot, clearing the system for the next use. This process will take about 30 minutes total and have the added benefit of running a high temp burn off, cleaning the heat baffle.

HOT TIP: If the hopper is not drained before the shutdown process, the system will automatically run a shutdown burn without clearing the auger tube.

3. The grill will automatically power off when the shutdown burn is complete. Once it’s cool, you can unplug the grill and empty the ash pan.

WARNING: The shutdown burn MUST be allowed to complete before powering off your pellet grill.

When you allow the shutdown burn to run after every use, startups are a breeze.

1. Load the QuickDraw Hopper with wood pellets.

HOT TIP: Filter and discard pellet dust to avoid pouring it into the hopper as it can cause the auger to jam. Our Pellet Bucket Kit includes a wire-mesh filter that sifts out wood dust.

2. Before starting, always check the fire pot to make sure it is clear of any ashes from previous cooks.
3. Power the grill on using the Power button on the Pit Control Panel.
4. Turn the control knob to the desired set temperature.

HOT TIP: Designed to preheat rapidly, the thick cast-iron grates get hotter than the set temperature. Allow 5 to 10 minutes for the grates to cool enough to match the set temperature before loading your food.

5. Allow Preheat cycle to complete.

HOT TIP: The letters “PRE” on the Pit Control Screen will change to the actual temperature reading when your grill is preheated. If using the grilling settings (orange temp settings), you maybe have to allow 5-10 additional minutes for the grill to reach grilling temps. Reference temp readout on the pit control screen to monitor.

6. Add food.
7. When finished, always run through the Shutdown process before powering off your grill.

The shutdown cycle takes about 30 minutes total to run a high temp burn off, cleaning the heat baffle as well as clearing the auger tube and fire pot.