A propane grill will provide delicious food and hours of summertime fun with friends and family. It allows you to cook a variety of food without the smoky flavor of charcoal. If you have this type of appliance, there are some safety steps you should take when using it in the summer to prevent accidents. To help you enjoy the season without issue, here are some safe handling tips for propane-based grills.

How to Use a Propane Grill Safely This Summer

1. Keep the Manufacturer’s Instructions on Hand

Place the machine’s manual in a safe, accessible place so you can reference it whenever you need. Follow the setup, lighting, relighting, maintenance, and storage instructions for your device for optimal safety. If the grill does not relight, for example, it may instruct you to turn the appliance off and leave the lid open for a few minutes before trying again to prevent gas flare-ups.

2. Select a Safe Location

Never use outdoor grills indoors. Grill at least five feet away from your home or trees, since embers can fly up. Make certain the patio, deck, or ground is stable enough for the appliance so it doesn’t tip over. 

3. Clean the Grill Regularly

Leftover food debris and grease can cause fires. To prevent accidents, clean your appliance and grease tray after every use or as recommended by your owner’s manual. Use a grill brush to dislodge stuck food and caked-on grease. Take the grills out and clean them with soapy water, doing the same for the lid and bottom. Get rid of black carbon flakes and stubborn grease with a putty knife.

4. Inspect the Tank for Damage

Before every use, inspect the gas tank for rust, leaks, dents, and any other signs of damage. If you spot rust or a dent, replace the tank. You may also apply a soapy water solution to the hose and valve using a sponge, then turn the gas on without igniting the grill. If there are bubbles anywhere on the gas line, a leak is present and you need the propane tank professionally repaired or replaced.

5. Never Leave Your Grill Unattended

During operation, do not leave your propane grill unattended for any reason, even if it is in perfect working order. This is especially important if small children or pets are present, since they may burn themselves. Wind changes can also cause problems for unattended grills, as embers or cooking food can get blown away and start fires. 

Get the propane tanks you need at Farmers Cooperative, the farm, garden, and hardware store serving Suwannee and Madison counties in Florida since 1946. Their large showroom has gardening and farming equipment like wheelbarrows and lumber. They also carry propane-powered appliances like water heaters and gas stoves. Learn more about their residential gas on their website or call (386) 362-1459 to place an order.