Placement
Check your grill's manual for the required clearances; they vary by model and whether the grill is built in or freestanding.
- Grill is outdoors, never in a garage, enclosed porch or under a low, solid roof without proper ventilation
- Clearances to walls, fences, railings and siding meet the manufacturer's specifications
- No overhanging tree branches, palm fronds, or umbrellas directly above
- Built-in grill in a combustible island has an insulated jacket if the manufacturer requires one
- Grill sits on a level, stable surface; casters locked on carts
- Island cabinets that house propane tanks have vents near the bottom
- At least a few feet of clear space around the cook area for people to move
Gas supply
- Soap test done on all connections this season and after every tank change
- Hose has no cracks, brittleness, blisters, kinks or chew marks
- Hose isn't touching hot surfaces or hanging where it can be stepped on
- Regulator vent is clear and points down
- Propane tank is upright, in date, and has no dents or heavy rust
- Spare propane tanks stored outdoors, upright, away from the grill and out of the sun
- Natural gas shutoff valve is accessible and you know where it is
- Gas is turned off at the source when the grill isn't in use
Burners and ignition
- Every burner lights within a few seconds; no gas buildup before ignition
- Flames are blue and even, with small yellow tips at most
- No flames or heat around the knobs or under the control panel
- Burner tubes checked for spider webs after any break of more than a few weeks
- Knobs turn smoothly and return to off cleanly
- Hood is open when lighting the grill
Lighting a gas grill safely
- 1
Open the hood
Always light with the hood open so gas can't accumulate under it.
- 2
Open the supply slowly
Turn the propane tank valve or gas shutoff on slowly. Opening a propane tank fast can trip the regulator's flow limiter.
- 3
Light one burner
Turn one burner to light or high and press the igniter. It should light within a few seconds.
- 4
If it doesn't light, stop
Turn the knob off and wait at least five minutes with the hood open for gas to clear before trying again. Repeated attempts without waiting can build up gas and cause a flash.
- 5
Light the rest
Once one burner is lit, light the others, usually from the adjacent burner via crossover or with each burner's igniter.
Grease: the main cause of grill fires
Grease buildup in the firebox, on the heat plates and in the grease tray is fuel. Once it's thick enough, a hot cook can ignite it and the fire feeds itself. Grills that haven't been cleaned in a year or more, especially ones used for fatty food, are the ones that have grease fires.
- Burn off for 10 to 15 minutes after each cook.
- Empty or change the grease tray liner every few weeks of regular use.
- Scrape the firebox and heat plates every month or two.
- Get a full deep clean at least once a year. See how often to clean your grill.
Flare-up or grease fire?
| Flare-up | Grease fire | |
|---|---|---|
| What it looks like | Brief burst of flame when fat drips, dies down in seconds | Sustained flames that keep growing, often from under the grates or the grease tray |
| What to do | Move food to a cooler zone, close the hood briefly | Turn off burners and gas supply, close the hood, keep people back |
| Water? | No | Never. Water spreads a grease fire. |
| When to call 911 | Not needed | If it doesn't go out within a couple of minutes, flames come from the cabinet, or it spreads |
Kids, pets and people
- A fire extinguisher rated Class B or ABC within reach of the grill, and someone who knows how to use it
- A clear zone around the grill that kids and pets stay out of while it's hot
- Never leave a lit grill unattended
- Long-handled tools and heat-resistant gloves
- No loose sleeves, aprons or towels hanging near the flames
- Grill cooled completely before covering
- Ashes from charcoal or wood in a metal container, soaked, away from structures
Get it checked
Most of this checklist is easy to do yourself. If you'd like a second set of eyes, especially on an older built-in, a grill you just bought used, or one that's been through a fire or a long period unused, a grill inspection covers the gas connections, valves, burners, ignition and grease path. If you find a problem, our pages on gas smells, flare-ups and safety valves explain the next steps.
Common questions
Can I use my grill under a covered patio?
Only if the manufacturer allows it, the cover is high enough, and there's adequate ventilation. Many manufacturers require specific clearances to overhead combustibles. Check your manual and local codes.
How far should a grill be from the house?
Follow the clearances in the manufacturer's instructions; they vary by model. Many guidelines suggest keeping freestanding grills well away from siding, eaves and railings.
Is it safe to use a grill on a balcony?
It depends on local fire code, your building's rules and the type of grill. Many multifamily buildings restrict propane and charcoal on balconies. Check before you buy.
What fire extinguisher should I keep by the grill?
A Class B or multi-purpose ABC extinguisher is suitable for grease and gas fires. Check its gauge periodically.
Related guides and repairs
How to Do a Gas Leak Soap Test
How to check a propane or natural gas grill for leaks with soapy water, step by step, and what to do if you find bubbles.
TroubleshootingSpiders in Burner Tubes
Spider webs in burner venturi tubes are a common cause of weak flames and flashback fires. Here's how to spot it, clean it and prevent it.
SafetySanta Ana Winds, Ash and Your Outdoor Kitchen
What to do with your grill and outdoor kitchen before, during and after Santa Ana winds and wildfire ash, including how to clean ash safely and check gas appliances.
Buying advicePropane vs. Natural Gas Grills
How propane and natural gas grills differ in heat, convenience, setup and safety, and when converting a grill from one to the other makes sense.
Care & how-toHow Often Should You Clean Your Grill?
A realistic cleaning schedule for gas grills in LA: what to do after every cook, once a month, and once or twice a year, and what shortens the interval.
RepairGas Smell at the Grill
Smell gas at the grill? Safety steps first, then the common leak points and how a technician finds and fixes them.
RepairFlare-Ups & Grease Fires
Constant flare-ups and grease fires traced to their cause, with damaged parts replaced and the grease path cleared.
RepairRegulator & Hose Replacement
Worn propane regulators, cracked hoses and tired natural gas flex connectors replaced and leak tested.
RepairThermocouple & Safety Valve
Burners that go out when you release the knob: thermocouples and flame safety valves tested and replaced.
Want a safety check?
Call or text, or send a couple of photos. We'll inspect the gas, burners and grease path and tell you what we find.