How To Use a Propane Grill

Your “day one” primer — from attaching the propane cylinder to cleaning up.

Customers often come to us asking for suggestions about switching from charcoal grilling to a propane freestanding grill. While grilling with charcoal has its advantages (especially when you’re slow cooking or smoking), propane has been the country’s most popular barbecue fuel for some time. It’s clean-burning, with no chemical taste or overpowering smokiness. Propane grills heat up quickly and offer precise temperature control.

It all adds up to a convenient, clean and adaptable barbecue setup.

At Superior Propane, our propane appliance experts advise northern Arizona customers about which propane grilling products are best. We also help them secure the fuel they need to get started.

Here’s a breakdown of crucial steps to start using your new propane grill.

Attaching your propane cylinder.

Most freestanding grills have a storage space in a compartment underneath the cooking area where you place and connect to your propane cylinder. Here is the process:

1. Slide the cylinder into the compartment in an upright position.
2. Many grills have a restraining bolt that secures your cylinder in place. Tighten this bolt as directed by your owner’s manual.
3. Attach the grill’s pressure regulator (connected to the hose) to the cylinder valve and tighten it by turning it all the way to the right.

Checking for gas leaks.

Once your propane cylinder is connected to the grill, you’re just about ready for your cookout. But first, it’s important to check for leaks in your cylinder, grill connections and hoses. Here is a simple leak test you can do yourself!

1. Mix a 50/50 solution of water and dish soap in a spray bottle.
2. Spray the solution on your cylinder valve, regulator and hose.
3. Open the cylinder valve and look for bubbling. If you see bubbles, there could be a leak.
4. Tighten all connections, then reopen the cylinder valve. If there is still bubbling, your cylinder or grill connections may need to be replaced.

Using the grill for the first time.

Once you’ve confirmed that your cylinder is attached securely and there are no leaks, you’re ready for your first cooking session. Most modern propane grills have a push-button ignitor. Hold this button down while slowly turning the knobs on your grill. You should see a row of blue flames for each lit burner. Here are some things to consider with your first grilling session:

• If the burners don’t light, turn off the burner knob and wait two minutes for the gas to dissipate. Then, try again.
• Make sure you have everything you need with you — including food, marinades, towels, utensils and your favorite beverage — before you light the grill. It’s never a good idea to leave a lit grill unattended.
• Once you’re finished cooking, turn off the grill and close the cylinder valve. After the grill cools down, run a scouring brush over the grates.
• Be sure to give your grill a thorough cleaning every six months to prevent the accumulation of grease.

Refilling your propane cylinder with Superior Propane!

Generally, a 20-pound propane cylinder (the standard grill tank size) will provide 18 to 20 hours of cooking time on a medium grill. When it’s time for more fuel, we recommend you come to one of our convenient propane refill stations in the greater Flagstaff, Williams, Prescott and Sedona region. Refilling a propane cylinder is typically a better value than exchanging it at a gas station or big box store.

If you have any questions about grilling with propane, don’t hesitate to contact Superior Propane. We’re here to help!