How to Use a Gas BBQ Grill
Find out how to use a gas BBQ grill and invite family and friends to a fun outdoor cook out. Do not be intimidated because they are fairly straightforward and easy to use. A quick checklist of purchasing the propane, checking the gas flow, cleaning the grates and buying the poultry, beef or fish to grill and you are ready to go.
Required Items
- Gas grill
- Propane tank
- Lava rocks
- Soap water
Setup the BBQ grill in a convenient location, not too close to your house and on level ground. If you have purchased a used grill, you should look it over carefully to see if it needs cleaning.
Remove the grill (grate) from the inside and check the lava rocks to see that they are still clean. Lava rocks should be arranged in a single layer and never stacked, if your grill uses them.
Check the propane tank to see if it is connected to the grill correctly. Look for punctures and cracks on the tank or any hoses. The control valve should be tightly closed. Use a little soapy water on top of the connection on the gas tank leading to the valve. Watch for bubbles because they can be a sign of a gas leak.
Prepare to grill. Turn the valve of the gas tank to open and open the lid to the grill. Never start your gas grill with the lid closed. Turn on the control for gas flow and tap the lighter switch to ignite your grill. Let the grill preheat for about 10 minutes or so. Sometimes it may be necessary to move lava rocks around for better distribution of heat. If everything looks good, go ahead and barbeque.
- Turn off the grill and cleanup. After cooking, turn the grill to high and burn off drippings, sauce and grease. Wipe off all the grill components that may have gotten dirty while cooking. Turn off the propane tank and gas flow control.