Grill Safety Tips

Grilling and summer seem to go hand-in-hand. Whether you’re firing up a gas grill or charcoal grill, make sure you do it safely with these simple tips.

Preparation

If you are using your grill for the first time in a few months, carefully inspect the grill to make sure that it was cleaned after the prior use. If not, refer to the video and printable instructions on How to Clean a Grill available online at Lowes.com/Videos. Also, inspect the grill for loose or missing parts. It’s also a good time to verify that fuel tanks are full or you have fresh briquettes and starter fluid. You can find starter fluid, briquettes and exchange your propane tanks at Lowe’s.

Gas Grill Safety

01 Follow grill instructions, especially those on safety.

Keep the manual nearby for quick reference.
If you no longer have the owner’s manual, check the manufacturer’s website
for any information you may need.

02 Keep the grill well maintained.

Clean the grill surface of grease and leftover food deposits before or after every use as they can ignite and create a grease fire.
Remove any build-up in the grease tray or grease cup. Dispose of old grease following your local recycling center’s guidelines. The tray can be cleaned with
dish soap.
It’s a good idea to thoroughly clean your grill once or twice a year.
Visually inspect all parts and make sure they are working properly before use. Inspect all hoses, burners and valves. For more information, refer to Grill Maintenance Tips at Lowes.com/Videos.

03 Use gas wisely.

When hooking up a propane tank, connect all the fittings following the manufacturer’s instructions. Then check for leaks every time you disconnect and reconnect the cylinder:

1. Apply a solution of soapy water (dish soap and water) on all fuel lines and connections with a clean brush.
TIP: You can use a clean basting brush from your grill, just be sure to thoroughly rinse the brush before basting food.
2. Turn on the gas.
3. Coat the lines with soap again.
4. Visually inspect all lines and connections for bubbles caused by fuel leaks disturbing the soapy water. Identify and note the location of any potential leaks.
Recheck as needed.
5. Turn off the fuel.
6. Tighten or replace loose fittings or replace the hose as needed.

CAUTION: A grill that has a propane tank attached to it should always be outside, in a well-ventilated place. Your owner’s manual will specify how far it needs to be from a home or any other structure. Also check for recommendations for use under a breezeway, carport, porch or other structures.

04 Cook smart

When lighting a gas grill, always keep the lid open to prevent a flash off from gas build-up.

1. Turn on the gas at the source, turn on a burner, then press the grill’s ignite button.
2. If the burner doesn’t ignite, turn off the gas. Don’t continue pushing the button.
3. Keep the grill lid open and wait five minutes before trying to light it again.

If the burners go out during operation:

1. Turn off all burners.
2. Shut off the gas source.
3. Leave the lid open for at least five minutes before attempting to re-light. While waiting, check to make sure there is sufficient propane in the fuel tank.

Stay safe near the grill.

Do not lean over it when igniting burners or cooking. A flare-up or grease fire could ignite your clothing.
Use long-handled grilling tools to maintain a safe distance from flames.
If grease from foods causes a flare-up, always stand back until it dies down. It’s a good idea to have a fire extinguisher and first aid kit nearby, just in case.
Keep kids and pets away from a hot grill, just as you would a hot stove.

After cooking, turn off the gas at the source.

Charcoal Grill Safety

01 Follow grill instructions, especially those on safety.

Keep the manual nearby for quick reference.
If you no longer have the owner’s manual, check the manufacturer’s website for information.

02 Keep the grill well maintained.

Clean your grill on a regular basis. Before adding briquettes, consider lining the grill interior or grate with aluminum foil. Then, when you’re done cooking, and the coals have cooled, you can simply discard the aluminum and briquette debris.
Check the stability of the grill’s legs and lid handle. Make sure that all bolts and fittings are tight and secure. You don’t want the grill to fall over with a load of hot coals and expensive meats.

03 Make sure you know how to correctly and safely light charcoal.

As needed, refer to the grill instructions or the briquette container for instructions.
Remove the grilling grate.

Build the briquettes into a mound or pyramid in the center of the grill bottom.

Spray the briquettes with charcoal lighter fluid—not gasoline, kerosene, butane or other fuels. Fluid manufacturers typically suggest evenly applying about 2 oz. of lighter fluid to the briquette stack.

Replace the cap on the lighter fluid and store the container away from the grill.

Allow the lighter fluid to soak into the briquettes as recommended by the manufacturer.

TIP: If you prefer not to use lighter fluid, use a canister charcoal starter, available at Lowe’s.

1. Stuff newspaper in the bottom cavity.

2. Place the canister on the grill.

3. Add charcoal to the top of the canister.
4. Light the newspaper with a long-nose lighter.
5. When the coals are glowing, typically after 20 minutes, empty them into the grill.
6. CAUTION: DO NOT set the canister on a wood deck or anything flammable.

Carefully use a long-nose grill lighter to ignite the fire.

Allow the coals time to thoroughly ignite, following manufacturer’s instructions, before continuing. This step typically takes about 20 minutes.

Use a long-handled grilling tool to spread the hot briquettes.

04 Cook smart.o laboris.

Never re-spray briquettes with lighter fluid once they’ve been lit.

When cooking, adjust the grill’s vents (oxygen to the fire) as needed to maintain the fire.

Do not lean over the grill when igniting or cooking. A flare-up or grease fire could ignite your clothing.
Use long-handled grilling tools to maintain a safe distance from flames.
If grease from foods causes a flare-up, always stand back, away from the grill until it dies down. It’s a good idea to have a fire extinguisher nearby, just in case.
Keep kids and pets away from a hot grill, just as you would a hot stove.
After cooking, close the vents and lid to your charcoal grill to extinguish the fire. Check back later to make sure coals are extinguished.

Looking for more tips on grilling? You’ll find them at Lowes.com/Videos.

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