Joe ElsonDo you know that nearly 42 million homes in the United States use propane grills? Naturally, therefore, how to use propane seems a silly topic to write about, especially for those who have been grilling for years.
However, some people are just starting and might need a step-by-step guide. Even for experienced grillers, there is always room for improvement. So let’s start with telling the basics of using a propane grill to help beginners and refresh the memories of seasoned grillers.
How to Turn On a Propane Grill?
- Place your grill in a well-ventilated area.
- Open the lid of the grill.
- Find the control knobs on the grill’s front panel.
- Turn each control knob to the “Off” position (typically labeled with an “O” or “Off”).
- To open the propane tank valve, slowly turn it counterclockwise. Avoid turning it too quickly.
- Give the propane tank valve a few seconds so that gas may flow into the grill.
- Use a long-reach lighter or the electronic ignition system incorporated into the grill to light it.
- Now, turn on the burner you want to use by turning the corresponding control knob to the “High” position.
- Close the grill lid and let it preheat for a few minutes.
- Adjust the temperature as required by turning the control knob up or down.
- Start grilling your favorite food!
How to Turn Off a Propane Grill?
- If the lid is open, close it to ensure safety.
- Turn off all burners on the grill by rotating their control knobs clockwise.
- Find the propane tank valve on the grill’s side or back.
- Now, close the valve.
- Once the valve is closed, check the grill to ensure the flames have been extinguished and the burners no longer emit heat.
- Before moving or storing the grill, give it time to cool down completely. It might take some time.
- When you are done using the grill for the day, disconnect the propane tank from the grill and store it outdoors in a well-ventilated area, far from any potential fire sources.
Temperature Control in a Propane Grill
A propane grill allows you to set up several heat zones or temperature levels for direct or indirect grilling.
- Direct grilling can help you cook food quickly at higher temperatures. For example, it assists in making seafood, grilled pizza, boneless chicken breasts, and kebabs.
- Indirect grilling is helpful when you require gentler heat. In this case, heat is not directly given to the food. It is required when making whole chicken or smoked turkey.
By using propane, you can make the use of both simultaneously. On one side of the grill, you can turn on the burners. Use that to grill directly. For indirect grilling, use the side where the burners are not lit.
Propane Tank Refilling Frequency for Grilling
How often you use your propane tank defines when you may need to refill your propane tank. Depending on the size of your grill, the typical grilling time for a barbeque tank is between 10 and 20 hours.
Therefore, it is advisable to keep your tank at least 20% filled before getting a refill. However, even at this level, there is still enough fuel in the tank to heat your grill, and the tank’s structural integrity remains the same.
