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Last Updated on April 28, 2021
Propane grills offer great benefits for people who love to barbecue. They are easy to use, and small portable models are excellent for traveling or camping.
When using a propane grill, there are several safety considerations applicable both before and after use. They involve different aspects of using a propane grill, such as connecting and storing propane tanks safely.
These safety tips are easy to remember, and with practice, they become automatic. Knowing that you have taken all the necessary safety precautions, you can relax and enjoy a wonderful day barbecuing outside.
Safety Tips Before Using the Grill
Connecting a propane tank to a gas grill can seem complicated when doing it for the first time. The most important thing is to make sure the grill and propane tank are in good condition and that there’s no gas leaking from the hose or regulator.
Ensure the Tank is in Good Condition
Before connecting the propane tank to the grill, you must make sure your propane tank is in excellent condition. It’s very dangerous to use a damaged propane tank. First, check the outside of the tank for any dents, gouges or excessive rust, and any other visual signs of external damage.
Second, check the rubber gasket inside the valve of the tank. Point the valve towards the sun for better light. The rubber gasket should be perfectly round and intact. Look for any cracks or splits on the gasket as well. The rubber gasket is crucial for ensuring a safe connection between the grill and the tank’s hose.
Safely Secure the Tank on the Grill
Place the tank correctly on the grill. Most grills have a specific place right underneath them where you can tightly secure the tank. This will prevent anyone from kicking or knocking down the tank. Also, placing the tank a few feet further away from the grill than recommended by the manual could cause pressure on the connector and create a gas leak.
Perform a Gas Leak Test When Connecting Your Propane Tank
When connecting a propane tank to a grill, it’s essential to make sure that the tank is well connected and to check for gas leaks. There’s a quick gas leak test that only requires a bit of water and dishwashing soap. Before connecting the tank, prepare a mixture of soap and water in a spray bottle and leave it close by.
When connecting the hose to the tank’s valve, make sure the black plastic connector is as tight as possible. Turning the connector clockwise will tighten it. Before connecting the hose and the tank, both the grill and the tank’s valve should be completely off.
Even if you keep your tank permanently connected to the grill, it’s a good idea to perform this test and make sure the connector and hose are in good condition.
To perform the gas leak test, leave your grill completely off. Turn the tank’s valve on, allowing for gas to start flowing into the grill. Spray the valve, connector, and regulator with soapy water. Make sure you spray all three parts since they could all have leaks. If bubbles start appearing on the water, there’s a gas leak. If so, the tank, regulator, or connector should be replaced before using the grill.
Also, perform the gas leak test underneath the grill, where the hose connects to the grill. If you notice any bubbles on the water, you could try tightening the hose on that end. If you still see bubbles after this, the hose should be replaced.
The regulator is the small round metal piece close to the connector. It controls the flow of gas from the tank to the grill. They are generally pretty resistant, but you should replace them without exception every fifteen years.
Cleaning the Grill
After each cooking session, do some light cleaning to keep your grill in good condition and avoid grease build-up. Clean the grates and racks using a grill brush while they are still slightly warm. Make sure you get all the grease and bits of food. When you’re finished, wipe the grates down with a damp cloth.
In addition, every six months, you should perform a deep cleaning. If you have been barbecuing frequently, it’s safest to clean the grill after just three months. Many people do a deep cleaning at the beginning or end of the summer season because this is when the grill is used most often.
How to Store and Refill Propane Tanks
Once you have finished grilling, always remember to turn off the grill and the propane tank’s valve. Leaving the valve on is not only very dangerous because of gas buildup, but could also damage your grill.
It’s unnecessary to disconnect a propane tank from a grill as long as they are both kept outside. If you prefer to store the grill inside the house, always leave the propane tank outside and away from ignition sources. When storing a propane tank, remember to place it in an upright position. Also, you should always make sure your tank isn’t in an area where the temperature can exceed 120°F.
There’s one simple tip for refilling a propane tank. Never fill it all the way up since liquid propane expands inside the tank. Therefore, always fill it up to about 80% of the total capacity. And of course, if you are using the same tank over a long period, make sure it remains in perfect condition.
Relax and Enjoy Barbecuing on a Beautiful Day
Taking all these safety precautions before and after you use a propane grill ensures you have an excellent barbecuing experience. Remember to check your propane tanks for any damage and do a quick gas leak test before each use.
After you finish grilling, make sure both the grill and valve are off, then safely store your grill and propane tank. Wait until the grill has completely cooled down before covering it with a grill cover. Apply all these safety protocols, and you are unlikely to run into any problems while barbecuing with propane.
