Gas Grill FAQ

Troubleshooting tips for gas grill owners

My gas grill barbecue does not get hot enough and will only stay lit for a short time.

There could be several sources of this problem.

First, check to see that you are not out of propane fuel.

Another cause could be that the excess flow regulator on your gas grill has been activated. This could be a result of a leak in the system or a burner valve being open when the cylinder was opened.

In the case of a leak, perform a leak test by brushing soapy water on all connections. A leak will cause the soapy water to bubble.

If you think the burner valve on your gas grill was open when you opened the cylinder, turn the valve to the off position, close the valve on the propane cylinder, and disconnect the regulator from the tank. Then, reconnect the regulator to the tank, slowly open the valve on the tank, and then turn a main burner valve to the lighting position as you normally would.

What causes uneven heat while cooking with my gas grill?

Although not considered normal, uneven heat with your gas grill could be caused by a blockage in the burner venturi tubes. It is possible for small insects or debris to get inside the venturi tubes of the burner. Any blockage inside these tubes could cause uneven heat. Cleaning instructions for gas grills can be found in the owner's manual.

What causes a yellow flame in my gas grill and how can I fix it?

A yellow flame in a gas grill can be caused by one of two things: an improper air/propane mixture or a dirty burner.

Try adjusting the air vent behind the control knob on your gas grill to allow more or less air to be mixed with the propane and will generally result in a blue flame. (A blue flame with yellow tips is optimal for grilling.)

If adjusting the air vent yields no results, you will need to clean out your burner. Even brand new burners can be clogged, usually with dust or other particles from storage or transit.

A couple of blasts with an air compressor through your gas grill's air vent should be enough flush out anything that may be clogging the burner.

If you don't have an air compressor handy a garden hose may be used instead. However, if you use a garden hose you will need to dump the water out of the burner and allow the gas grill to dry for approximately 30 minutes before the gas grill can be used.

I can't get any heat out of my gas grill burner. Even when I turn the gas grill on high, I still only get a tiny flame.

Your gas grill is operating in low flow mode. Low flow mode is a safety feature activated when the regulator thinks there is a propane leak somewhere in your gas grill.

To correct the problem, double check that the propane hose has been attached to the stove with a wrench, not just finger tight. Confirm that all control knobs are turned to the "off" position.

Remove the hose from the propane tank and wait approximately 30 seconds to reset the regulator. Reconnect the hose to the propane tank on your gas grill and slowly turn the propane tank on, allowing the propane to fill the stove manifold.

Next, turn the control knob to "warm" and relight the burner on your gas grill. After the burner has been lit, turn the propane tank on fully. If you still have a low flame, you may have a propane leak.

How can I check for gas leaks on my gas grill?

To test for a leak on your propane gas grill, pour soapy water over the valves, manifold, and hose. Turn on the propane tank and watch for bubbles to form. Any bubbling will indicate the position of a leak.

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