There are a lot of reasons to love propane as a grilling fuel. It produces a near-instant cooking flame that you can precisely adjust. And unlike charcoal, which can be soaked through with various flammable fluids, propane imparts no chemical taste and almost no smoke or particulates. If you want your barbecue sauce, marinades, dry rubs, and the natural flavors of your meat, fish, and veggies to take center stage, propane is the way to go.
That said, if you depend on portable propane cylinders to fuel your cookouts, it’s important to keep an eye on your fuel levels and the condition of your tanks. Here are some practical tips to do just that.
One of the easiest ways to conserve propane is to close the cylinder valve every time you’re done grilling. Leaving the valve open can allow small amounts of gas to escape over time and place unnecessary wear on the tank’s components. Making this a habit helps improve both safety and fuel efficiency.
Many grilling jobs don’t require the burners to run at full blast. Using medium heat whenever possible reduces propane consumption while still delivering excellent cooking results. It’s also a good idea to preheat your grill with the lid closed. This allows the cooking chamber to reach the desired temperature more quickly, so your burners don’t have to run as long.
Nobody wants to run out of propane halfway through a backyard barbecue. Checking your fuel level before you start cooking can help you avoid interruptions. Many grills include built-in tank scales or gauges, and affordable external gauges are widely available. If your cylinder is running low, refill or exchange it before your next cookout.
A propane leak wastes fuel and creates a serious safety concern. Fortunately, checking for leaks is simple.
Mix a little dish soap with water and brush the solution onto the valve and hose connections. Then slowly open the tank valve without lighting the grill. If bubbles appear, you’ve found a leak. Stop using the cylinder until the problem has been repaired or the tank has been replaced.
North Carolina’s hot, humid summers can be tough on outdoor equipment, including propane cylinders. Store your tank outdoors in a well-ventilated location away from excessive heat, and always keep it upright. Never store propane cylinders inside your home or garage.
When transporting your cylinder, secure it in an upright position to prevent it from shifting during travel. Proper handling and storage will help extend the life of your tank while keeping your family safe.
Did you know that most portable propane tanks must be inspected or replaced after 12 years, per Department of Transportation regulations? It’s crucial that you have a DOT-certified crew inspect a grill cylinder 12 years after its manufacture date and then every five years after that.
The LG Jordan team is on hand to inspect and requalify your tanks. We can perform a full safety check, make any needed repairs, and swap out your tank, if necessary. While we’re at it, we can refill your cylinder for your next cookout at a price that’s generally way lower than the rates at a tank exchange.
Reach out to our team today if you have any questions about your propane grill or want to discuss upgrading to a top-rated standalone or built-in model. We proudly serve customers in Wake County and the surrounding region.
