Are you trying to light your gas grill and having a tough time? We are here to help!
In this TheGrillingDad.com article, you will discover:
- How to light a gas grill
- Tips for troubleshooting a gas grill
- And much more!
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What You Need to Know About Lighting a Gas Grill
A gas grill is one of the most convenient grills in the marketplace. Typically they are easy to use and hold temperature really well compared to other types of grills like those which run on charcoal.
But occasionally, it can be a bit difficult to get your gas grill to light, and you may need to try a few tips and tricks. There may also come a time when your gas grill won’t light at all, and what do you do then?
Read on to find out more about how to light your gas grill!
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What You Need to Light Your Gas Grill
Usually, you don’t need any special materials in order to light your gas grill. Rather, you just need the grill itself! But occasionally, you may have difficulty getting your gas grill to light. In that case, you may want to have the following on hand:
- Long matches
- Long lighter
Don’t use these until you’ve tried lighting the grill without them, though–as normally, you shouldn’t need them! They’re only for certain situations, which we will discuss later.
How to Light Your Gas Grill
Ready to start cooking? Here are step-by-step instructions for lighting your gas grill.
Step 1: Open the Lid
This step is critical, you must open your grill lid. If you don’t, you could cause an explosion.
Step 2: Check the Gas Tank
Your gas grill certainly won’t light if there isn’t any gas in it! Check to be sure you have some before going on to the next step.
Step 3: Turn on the Gas
Press the knob on your grill to start the gas. (Not sure which knob this is? Check your owner’s manual!)
Step 4: Press the Ignition
While the gas is flowing, press the ignition button or hit the switch until the grill lights.
Step 5: Double-Check
Let the flame burn for about 30 seconds, then carefully hold your hand near the grill to ensure you feel heat. Then close the grill and let it preheat for 10-15 minutes, and you are ready to grill!
Related >> How To Start a Gas Grill Without an Automatic Starter
Troubleshooting Tips: Gas Grill Won’t Light
Are you having issues getting your gas grill to light following the above instructions? Then follow the following troubleshooting tips to try and get to the bottom of the issue!
Try Again
Before you begin troubleshooting, it is common practice to try and light your gas grill a second time. Give the grill 1-2 minutes to let built-up gas dissipate, then try the steps for lighting your grill a second time.
Check the Ignition Batteries
Most ignition switches are powered by batteries. Try replacing these first before you do anything else.
Light the Grill Manually
If the grill still won’t light after the batteries have been changed, then it may be time to try and light the grill manually. Double-check your manual to ensure there are no specific instructions or locations for manually lighting a gas grill.
If your grill doesn’t specify, take a long lighter or match in a match holder, and hold it near the burner while you turn the gas knob. As soon as it lights, remove the match or lighter and extinguish it.
Change the Gas Tank
Every now and then, you could get a gas tank that has a bad dial. It may tell you there is gas when there really isn’t. In this case, the grill should light fine once you switch out the gas tank following the above steps.
Clean Your Grill Burner
Sometimes grill burners get clogged with bits of debris and food which prevents the gas from escaping. Try to clean your grill thoroughly, using a toothpick to get all the bits out of the burner. Also, check the gas hose to ensure nothing is clogging it! Then try to light your grill again.
Call Customer Service
If you have tried all of the above troubleshooting tips and still can’t get your grill to light, there is likely a more serious problem. You will need to contact the customer service of your grill (if it is under warranty) or see if there is a repair man in the area. You may need to replace parts on your grill, or if your grill is old, a new one might be in order.
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Final Thoughts on Lighting a Gas Grill
Overall, lighting a gas grill is very easy when all the parts work properly. If you find yourself struggling to light your gas grill, try again, and then consider manual ignition. If it still doesn’t work after you try all the troubleshooting tips, then it may be time to look at a new grill!
