If used properly, cooking with a portable grill can be a wonderful experience, providing users with many great memories. But when used carelessly, grilling can be not only dangerous for the chef, but all those near the grill. The following are tips to help create a memorable grilling experience and ensure many more to come.

• Before igniting the flame -
  • Look for insects or food grease inside the tubes that lead to the grill to make sure they are free from blockage. If there is blockage, clear it using a pipe cleaner.
    
  • Look over the hose leading from the propane tank to the grill to check for any leaks or cracking. Make sure there are no kinks or creases in the hose.
    
  • Perform a leak test with soapy water, 50/50, at least twice a year:
    
    • Turn all control knobs to off, and make sure regulator is tightly connected to the LP tank.
      
    • Completely open LP tank valve. If a rushing sound is heard, turn gas off, there is a leak at the connection. Correct before continuing.
      
    • Brush soapy solution onto connections. If growing bubbles appear there is a leak. Turn off gas, tighten connections and apply the solution again. If leak continues, replace faulty parts before using.
      
  • All scratched connectors need to be replaced to prevent leaking.
    
    
• Lighting the grill -
  • To prevent a build-up of gas, always keep the lid open when lighting the grill.
    
  • If the burner does not light the first time, turn the gas off, open the lid and let the burner sit for five minutes before trying again.
    
  • Make sure no loose clothing or hair is over the grill when lighting the burner or when cooking.
    
  • A blue flame with little or no yellow flame provides the best heat. To achieve the desired flame, adjust the air damper on the back of the burner.
    
    
• Grilling in general -
  • Do not use the grill indoors and make sure it is at least 10 feet from the nearest building. Keep the burner away from any dry vegetation when in use.
    
  • Do not over fill propane tanks. For propane tanks to work properly, they must have enough room inside for the liquid to expand.
    
  • When storing a propane tank use extreme caution. Never store a tank indoors when it is full. Never store an unused tank near a grill being used. Always store tanks in an upright position.