Whether you’re simply looking to grill up some fish and veggies for a healthy family supper, or you’re fixing to feed a crowd for an end-of-summer barbecue, nothing is more frustrating than a propane grill that won’t light. The good news is that—most of the time—it’s a pretty easy problem to solve. Here are the X most-common reasons your grill won’t light—and how to fix it.
Since grill tanks don’t have a gauge, it can be easy to miscalculate how much propane is left in your cylinder. And if you aren’t the only “grill master” in your family, it can be even harder to know if you have enough fuel to cook.
This problem is a cinch to solve—or prevent from happening in the first place. One way to avoid finding yourself with an empty propane grill tank is to always keep a spare. When you have two tanks and use our convenient grill tank refill or exchange service, you’ll always be ready to fire up the grill.
Another option is to opt for a “built-in” grill that connects to your home’s main propane tank. If you host friends often, or use a large grill, it can become the centerpiece of an outdoor kitchen and entertaining area.
Another common reason that your grill won’t light can indicate a problem with your igniter. Most propane grill igniters are either piezo igniters or push-button igniters.
Push-button igniters are usually battery-powered, and the solution is easy: Simply replace the batteries.
If you have a piezo igniter, try to light the burners with a match or lighter. Inspect the grill for cracks in the ceramic tube and breaks in the metal tip. Make sure wires are plugged into the spark generator. If these troubleshooting tips do not work, you’ll need to contact a professional to properly diagnose and correct the problem.
If you have a fuel-regulator problem, your grill may light, but the flame will be sparse or very low. The problem is that fuel regulators can get stuck, limiting the amount of gas flowing from your propane cylinder to your grill. That means a lower grill temperature and low flames, which will affect cooking time and deliver poor results. To fix the problem, you need to “unstick” it by releasing the pressure on the regulator. Here’s how:
If you are having frequent igniter problems, it may be time to get a new grill.
Rand Wade has a great selection of grills to help you make the most of your outdoor living spaces, and our Snow Hill showroom is the perfect place to start planning the grill setup of your dreams.
We can set you up with anything from a basic, freestanding patio grill to a deluxe model with all the bells and whistles. For a real upgrade, browse our selection of full-featured built-in models with multilevel grills, griddle attachments and side burners, rotisseries and more for restaurant-quality results from leading brands including Wilmington Grills.
Whether you’re just looking to grill some steaks on the deck or planning the ultimate outdoor kitchen, our team of pros can help you create the perfect propane grilling setup for your outdoor space. Contact us today, or come by the showroom to see all your options.
