If you love cooking on your gas grill, you’re going to want to keep it in the best shape possible. A well cared for grill will last longer and perform better, making your cooking experience that much better.
Check The Tank
The tank on a gas grill is susceptible to deterioration. Checking your tank for corrosion is an important (and easy) part of your annual tune up. A little rust is not a big deal, but a tank must be in good shape to use safely. Visually inspect the tank to make sure it is in good shape, and then weigh the tank to see how full it is – you can also pour a cup of hot water over the tank and feel where the metal is hot (empty) and where it is still cool (full). If your tank has a gauge, then your life is much easier – just check the gauge! Remember, you tank should be kept outdoors, not inside your garage.
Check Grill For Gas Leaks
The fittings and hoses on your gas grill should be checked for leaks as part of your routine tune up. To do this, you can make a solution of dish soap and water (about half and half) and spray or brush it on susceptible the parts of your grill. You can use an empty spray bottle or a regular paint brush to apply the mixture. After application, turn on your gas and look for any soap bubbles that form. If you see a bubble, that means there is a leak in that part.
A leak in the fittings can usually be fixed by tightening the fittings; after you tighten, re-test to make sure the leak is gone. If there is a leak in a hose, replace it. This is also a good time to replace hoses that are old or in bad shape.
Check Venturi Tubes
If you store your gas grill in the garage during the winter, there is a chance that spiders and other insects have made a home in the “L” shaped tubes that are at the bottom of each burner. This is also a place that gathers dust, so cleaning these tubes is important. Remove the grill’s grate, and remove the burners (you’ll probably have a screw to remove the burner from its housing, and another to detach the igniter). Use a pipe cleaner to reach inside the tube and remove any debris. If there is any debris in the burner’s gas holes, remove with a tooth pick to get rid of clogs.
Clean and Inspect
Since your grill is now taken apart, you can clean up and inspect the outside, inside, burners, and etc. Clean the outside and inside of the grill with soap and water, and remove any build up with a wire brush or scrubbing sponge. This will help keep corrosion at bay. Do a final rinse with the hose, and wipe dry. Once the grill is put back together, turn it on to make sure everything is connected properly.
Examine all the parts for rust while you have them out of the grill – remember to replace anything that is worn out. When you give your grill an annual checkup, you ensure that it will run better and last longer.