LIGHTING A GAS GRILL
The first step when lighting a gas grill is to make sure that the burner controls are set on the off position and the valve on the gas tank is open. (To open the latter, twist the knob counter clockwise.)
On many gas grills, there's one burner that's used for ignition (it will be marked on the control panel or indicated in the instruction book). Turn this burner to high, simultaneously pushing the ignition button, which should respond with a series of clicks. The gas should light with a gentle whoosh. Hold your hand over the burner to make sure it's lit. You should feel heat.
If the burner fails to light, close the burner control, wait a few minutes for the gas to dissipate, and try again. If you have an old or recalcitrant grill, you may need to use a long match (the kind used for lighting fireplaces). Insert the lit match in the burner hole, then gradually turn on the gas. Again, be sure the burner is lit by holding your hand over it.
Once the master burner is lit, you can turn on the other burners. (Again, make sure they light by holding your hand over them.)
Never light a gas grill with the lid down. Unlit gas can accumulate under the lid and explode. And never leave a gas grill on unless the burners are lit and you can feel the heat.
By the way, there's nothing worse than running out of gas when you're cooking a whole chicken or pork shoulder. Be sure to have enough gas and an extra cylinder on hand before you start.
RESOURCES:
- Visit Celebrate Summer! for more summer cooking advice.
- Discover cool summer dishes with the Recipe Finder.
- No time to plan dinner? Let Meal Maker decide for you.
