Helpful tips to keep your grilling season safe and enjoyable

Here are a few tips to help you get your gas grill prepped and operating safely and efficiently for the entire grilling season.

A clean grill is a happy grill

Don’t just “burn it off.” Clean your grill from the inside out using a sponge and soapy water. A charred coating on grates doesn’t add flavor — it’s just dirt that hinders cooking performance and the formation of grill marks. When prepping your grill, spray water through burner tubes where insects like to hide during winter, and empty the grease pan to prevent fires. If you’re using an older grill, take the time to check the fuel lines for cracks or leaks (try the soapy water test below). No matter the age of your grill, keeping it in peak form is time well spent.

Season your grill for better performance

Before you use your grill, spray the grates with a high-heat cooking spray like canola oil while the grates are cold. Then, turn the grill on to medium heat for about 10-15 minutes until the oil burns off or starts to smoke. That’s it. Some grates have a porcelain enamel on them that doesn’t require seasoning, so check your grill’s manual and avoid any unnecessary effort. Seasoning will help keep your grill rust-free.

Gearing up for grilling success

Invest in a good pair of tongs to flip meat and veggies. Tongs are much easier to use than a spatula, as food won’t slide around and fall through the grates. Tongs also discourage you from flattening meat (which dries it out) or using a BBQ fork (which lets flavorful juices escape). Don’t get caught without an extra propane tank on hand—nothing is worse than running out of fuel with a half-cooked meal on the grate.

Grilling safety do’s & don’ts

10 Tips to keep your summer grilling season safe and stress-free

1. When refilling the cylinder, ask your propane supplier to check for dents, damage, rust, or leaks.
2. After filling or exchanging, take the cylinder home immediately and keep your vehicle ventilated during the trip.
3. Always use or store cylinders outdoors in an upright (vertical) position. Never store spare cylinders near the grill.
4. After connecting the cylinder to a propane gas grill, use a leak-detection solution (a 50/50 mixture of water and liquid soap) to check connections for tightness.
5. Always make sure the grill lid is open when lighting the grill.
6. If you suspect a gas leak, turn off the gas supply valve immediately.
7. Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from the grilling area and never leave the grill unattended.
8. Do not smoke while handling a propane cylinder.
9. When not in use, turn off grill burner controls and close the cylinder valve.
10. Grilling provides more opportunity to enjoy the outdoors right from your backyard. Use these helpful tips to keep every cookout safe.

(According to the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), 84% of gas grill owners say it is important to follow basic safe grilling tips, yet only one-in-three say they feel fully knowledgeable about them.)

The “Soapy Water Test”

A simple 7-step way to check for propane leaks in and around your grill:

1. Begin by making sure the valve of your propane cylinder is completely closed.
2. Pour dish detergent into a bowl of water or a spray bottle.
3. Using the spray bottle or a sponge, apply the soapy water to the entire hose assembly, including the tank’s valve and regulator.
4. Open the valve of your propane cylinder without turning on your grill. This pressurizes the hose line.
5. Check the entire line running from the cylinder valve to where the hose attaches to your grill. If there is a leak, you’ll see bubbles forming and may smell gas.
6. If you see bubbles or smell gas, shut the cylinder valve immediately. Do not use the grill until the leak is fixed or the cylinder/hose is replaced.
7. If there is no leak, simply rinse off the assembly with clean water.

Be sure to check for leaks at the beginning of every season and any time you replace or refill your propane tank.

Outdoor propane is for more than just the backyard grill

The uses for outdoor propane don’t stop with grilling burgers or ribs. Propane lighting fixtures add great curb appeal to walkways and patios while extending your outdoor evening activities. Whether it’s a grill, outdoor lighting, a custom fire feature, or a complete outdoor kitchen, the team at Colby & Gale is ready to provide professional service, installation, and propane supply to power all your outdoor products. Call us at 207-563-3414 to learn more.