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The convenience, speed, and quality of cooking gas BBQs offer are second to none. Using one is as straightforward as turning a knob. But if you’ve never fired up a gas grill before, this guide will help you get started.
Preparing to Grill with Gas
Gas BBQs are perfect for easy outdoor cooking. They light up and preheat quickly, and you don’t have to clean up ashes afterwards. Just turn a knob, and you’re ready to start cooking burgers, meat, or steak — no need for a charcoal chimney. However, there are a few things you should do before your food meets the grill.
Clean it
Turn off and remove the fuel source, then remove and scrub the grates. Clean the BBQ parts or components, especially the burner tubes. Then, wipe the lid’s interior and exterior. Refer to the manual for specific cleaning instructions whenever possible.
Starting with a preheated gas BBQ ensures better food outcomes. Clean grates also create more distinct grill marks. So, whether your grill is hand-me-down or brand new, always make sure it’s ready to go before lighting it up.
Check out our guide, ‘Preparing and Cleaning Your BBQ for Use Again,’ for more tips.
Check the tank
After cleaning your grill, attach the fuel tank. Propane is the most commonly used heat source, though natural gas is also a great alternative. Determine which fuel your BBQ is suited for.
Always store the tank outside, even if you move the grill into a garden shed or garage. You can leave it under the BBQ as long as it’s disconnected and covered with a waterproof BBQ cover.
Read our ‘How to Safely Connect a Gas Canister to a BBQ’ to learn more.
How to Turn On and Off a Gas Grill?
- Turn on the gas: If your gas BBQ uses propane, attach the regulator to the valve at the top of the tank. Thread all the way to secure it, but don’t over tighten it. Then, open the propane tank or natural gas valve.
- Light the grill: Most modern gas BBQs have igniter buttons. If your grill has one, press and hold the button down while slowly turning the burner control knob closest to it. Once you see a row of small bluish flames, stop pressing the igniter. Tip: If the burner doesn’t light within a few seconds, wait two minutes before trying again. Consider using a lighter wand or long matches if your grill doesn’t have an igniter.
- Turn off the grill: When you’re finished grilling, turn off all the burners and give the grill grates a quick clean. Then, turn the valve on the propane tank clockwise until it stops. Once the grill has cooled down, cover it and store it in a dry, well-ventilated space.
Do I need to preheat gas grill?
Yes, but keep in mind that it needs less time to get hot than a charcoal grill. Once lit, turn the burners to high and preheat the grill for 10 to 15 minutes.
After preheating, you can start grilling! Adjust the heat by turning the burner knobs as needed for your recipe. You may turn off one or more burners if you want to create an indirect heat zone.
What is zone cooking?
Zone cooking is a method of grilling that combines direct and indirect heat. Direct heat comes from one or two burners set to high or medium-high. It’s perfect for searing and quick-cooking vegetables and shrimp.
In contrast, indirect heat involves turning off one or two burners next to the direct source.
It relies on convection for low and slow cooking, similar to baking in the oven. It’s ideal for cooking meat and vegetables to the correct internal temperature.
Round-up
And there you have it. You’ve just learned how to use a gas BBQ — easy, isn’t it? Just remember to clean the grill and check the tank before firing it up. Use indirect heat for anything that takes longer than 20 minutes to cook. Direct heat is suitable for quick-cooking items.
Shop BillOh today for a range of quality gas grills, including 6 burner gas BBQ models. Up next on your reading list: What Is the Best Gas BBQ?
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