Preparing a Gas Grill for Cooking

Preparing a Gas Grill for Cooking

An automatic ignition device, which makes starting the burners a very simple process, is a standard feature on most modern gas grills. On multiple burner gas grills, one burner is usually designated as the starter burner. Once it is lit, all of the other burners can be lit from this source (the fuel lines are joined to it). Before attempting to ignite the burners, make sure the valve on the gas tank is turned on. The gas tank is located below the grill unit. A hose connects the gas tank to the fuel lines of the grill. When you are sure that gas is flowing into the grill unit, turn the control knob for the primary burner to the "start" position and then push the ignition switch to light the burner.

Note: Before attempting to light the burners with the automatic ignition feature, it is very important to open the hood of the gas grill. The build up of gas that can occur within the confines of the closed hood prior to igniting the burners may cause an explosion once the burners are lit. Always follow the instructions for proper and safe use provided by the manufacturer.

If you are unable to see that the burner has lit, you can hold the palm of your hand over the grill grate in order to feel the heat rising from the burner.

When the primary burner is lit, the other burners may be ignited simply by switching on their respective control knobs to start the flow of gas. The control knobs for all of the burners should be turned to the "high" setting in order to preheat the grill properly.

While the grill is preheating, the hood should be closed to hold in the heat. The grill should be preheated for at least 10 minutes prior to cooking. The temperature under the grill hood should reach 500º F. Some gas grills are equipped with thermometers built into the hoods (as shown on the right front of the hood of the grill pictured), which provide a reasonably accurate temperature reading when the hood is closed.

The grate should be oiled before grilling any food. Use a long handled brush for this purpose. Oiling the grate will help prevent food from sticking to it and will make cleanup easier.

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