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How to Use a Gas Grill for the First Time [4 Important Safety Tips]

how to use a gas grill for the first time

If you are having your gas grill for the first time, this article is a must read. We can’t deny the fact that grilling is a fun activity. At present, there are still some people who chooses the traditional charcoal grills but most prefer to use gas grill since they are more easy and convenient to use. This how to use a gas grill for the first time article will guide you the proper way of utilizing the unit.

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What Is A Gas Grill?

A gas grill is a cooking equipment that lets you cook food hassle-free and fast. You don’t have to be a professional griller to use the gas grill. Check out this article on the best grills in the market.

The gas grill is preferred by many serious grillers. It is easy to use and is perfect for beginners who are starting to experience the amazing world of outdoor cooking. This is recommended for individuals who want to try out grilling or who want to have a taste of food cooked outdoors.

We suggest that you take time to go through the gas grill instructions manual before using it. You should follow the guide carefully and keep in mind the safety precautions included in the booklet.

Below are steps on how to use a gas grill for the first time.

What You Need: 

  • Gas grill
  • Propane tank
  • Leakage detection solution

Steps on How to Use a Gas Grill for the First Time

Step 1: Position the Grill on a Level Surface

Positioning the grill correctly and safely is the first thing you need to do. It should be set on the level ground. It should be placed at least 10 to 15 feet away from the house or any other structure or construction. Purchase some propane grill lava rocks and place them underneath the grill. Make sure you have read the instructions manual thoroughly on how to position and order the lava rocks. Then position your grill on the lava rocks.

The primary role of lava rocks is to distribute heat evenly. Since the wood or charcoal naturally keeps and distributes heat, lava rocks are unnecessary in charcoal grills, but you can use it. Gas grill, on the other hand, only have available heat when the fuel is running and open. The lava rocks maintain the heat in the grill and the available cooking area, even when the fuel supply is off.  

Step 2: Attach the Propane Tank

After positioning the gas grill, the next step is to connect the propane tank. Check the gas line for leaks or cracks or any sign of damage. If you notice one, you need to fix it first before connecting it to the grill. If you fail to do so it may result in serious damages.

Next, check the control valve if it is fastened tightly.  

The first thing you need to know how to use propane tank is where to position the tank. Place the tank on the stand with the valve opening facing the direction of the grill combination. When it comes to valve connection, refer to the gas grill instructions manual. You need the manual to determine what type of connection your gas grill requires.

Most of the time gas grills use screw valve connections, and you just need to attach and detach it with a screw nut. 

Step 3: Examine the Connection for Any Leakage

After completing the second step, it is important that you check the connection for any leak. Examining it visually may work for some but the safest way to do it is by using a leakage detection solution.

You can purchase one at any appliance store. If you want, you can make your solution at home. Simply combine equal parts of dishwashing soap or liquid and lukewarm water.

Apply the solution in the combination of the valve. Slowly open the control valve. If you notice there are no bubbles formed in the area where you applied the solution, then the connection is free of leaks. If there are bubbles, even if they are too small, do not take the risk, close the valve right away and do not use the grill.

Step 4: Open the Valve and Light the Grill

If you are very sure that your connection is free from any kind of leaks, it is time for you to light the grill. Make sure the valve on top of the grill is free, then open the lid. Turn on the gas flow control and set it to full and light the grill by squeezing the lighter. Some gas grills do not have a lighter shift on it, thus you need to buy a standard grill lighter separately.

Once the grill is ignited, you can now use the unit. If in case the gas fails to ignite, turn off the gas knob. Wait for a while and then repeat the step.

Safety Tips on How to Use the Propane Grill

For some minor problems in your gas grill, you can follow DIY quick fix tips. However, for bigger problems particularly involving the use of the propane tank, it is best to ask the help of a professional who has the expertise in dealing with propane or LPG tanks.

  • In storing the propane tanks, make sure that it is upright and vertically positioned outdoors.
  • It should be far from inflammable materials and liquids.
  • In transporting the propane tank, it should be in the upright and vertical position. Never transport the tank in a car with warm interior or in the trunk.
  • When transporting the tank, it should be carried in a vehicle that runs smoothly. Never transport it on a rough road or full of bumps. The liquefied petroleum in the tank has a very high pressure and vigorous movement may aggregate it and can result in an explosion.
  • You should not store a spare propane gas tank near the grill or indoors.

Final Verdict

Make sure that you follow the above steps on how to use a gas grill for the first time to avoid accidents and injuries. It is important that you know the safety precautions in using the propane tank. Keep in mind, the propane tank is highly combustible thus it should be handled with care.

In case you are thinking that owning a gas grill has so much complicated safety checklist, you can always opt for an electric grill. Some grills can be used indoor which are just perfect for small-sized balcony, or apartment owners who enjoy grilling over the dining tables.

    Verner Ellen

    Hi, my name is Verner Ellen. I am a homebody whose interest is in getting the best home tools and equipments to help with the the everyday house chores. I also love fitness, cooking and grilling. Maintaining a clean and comfortable home is my lifelong passion.

    Braden Bills

    I want to make sure that I use the right gas for my grill. It makes sense that I would want to get a good propane tank! I’ll be sure to be safe with using it.

      Verner Ellen

      Yup, a propane tank can provide a lot of advantages to grilling. Stay safe!

    Derek Dewitt

    I recently got a propane grill, so thanks for the help setting it up for the first time. I like your point about checking for any leakage in the propane tank. I’ll be sure to get some detection solution to see if I notice any air bubbles.

    Tiffany Locke

    Thanks for explaining how to use a gas grill properly, such as how you need to put it into position and then connect the propane tank properly so the valve opening faces the direction of the grill combination. When figuring out where to put it, you might want to make sure you can reach the tank easily in case you need to refill it. Once you’ve set everything up, or even beforehand, it might help to make sure there’s a good propane supply company in your area so that you can get refills whenever necessary to ensure you have enough fuel.

      Verner Ellen

      Well said Tiffany.

    Sharon Wilson-Smith

    I appreciate that you talked about how you should make sure that your propane tank is far from inflammable materials and stored in upright and vertically positions outdoors. My husband and I are planning to use our propane grill again. We’re unsure how our children stored it when it was not in use for months, so I’ll make sure to have it inspected before ordering propane gas.

      Verner Ellen

      Yes, better to get it inspected. Safety always comes first.

    Lucy Tuazon

    Thank you for sharing this very informative article about gas grills, I’ve been thinking of buying one since we wanna have a barbeque party on my Mom’s birthday. It’s great to know that it’s easy to use and is perfect for beginners, I don’t want to blow up my entire house in trying to make a barbeque. Glad that you also share these steps in using a gas grill, I’ll take this all in mind.

      Verner Ellen

      Thanks for your kind words Lucy.

    Mark Murphy

    I really appreciate your tip to make sure that you completely go through the manual before you start your gas grill. My wife told me that we should try and throw a neighbor barbeque this weekend so we can get to know them better. I will be sure to tell my wife that we should try and read the manual of our grill before we cook anything!

    Calvin

    Most of the website write about gas grill but this is the first article about using it. Thank you for sharing! Love your content.

    Heather B. Geary

    Thank you for the information written about a gas grill. thanks for the sharing with us!

    Joy Butler

    I think attaching the propane tank is really important to the grill. I will have to remember that the next time I’m grilling. Thanks for the tips.

    Liv Smith

    I hadn’t thought of making grill be at least 10-15 feet away from the house to avoid the flames getting caught on to something. My husband loves barbecuing but he asked me to start the fire next weekend and I’ve never done it so I needed to find a way to be safe. I’m glad I found this article on how to use a gas grill for the first time, I’ll definitely keep all these points in mind.

    Elijah Samson

    Thanks for pointing out that propane tanks must not be near inflammable materials and must be stored outdoors. My husband and I are planning to have propane gas delivered to our house soon. This is because we want to organize a barbecue party so we can spend quality time with our children. Our propane tank was not used for months, so we’ll do all your tips to ensure our safety.

    Penelope Smith

    I want to start grilling soon. So, I liked that you pointed out that it would be smart to not store spare propane indoor or next to the grill. It might also be smart for me to get spare takes delivered to me. That way, I don’t mess up the tank.

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