How To BBQ With Propane (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to BBQ With Propane PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Julian Beer Company and Kyle Hall

Last Updated: June 10, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Attaching the Propane Tank
    • |
  • Lighting the Grill
    • |
  • Cooking with Propane
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Interview
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Warnings
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Julian Beer Company and by wikiHow staff writer, Kyle Hall. Julian Beer Company is based in Julian, California. Established in 2011 by BBQ Expert and Business Operator, Jeremy Marsaglia, the Julian Beer Company specializes in handcrafted beers and barbecue. Restaurant Guru named it #1 Barbecue in Julian in 2020. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 259,300 times.

Barbecuing with propane is cleaner and more predictable than barbecuing with charcoal, and it's an easy-to-learn process.[1] To successfully use propane to grill food, you need to get the right supplies and follow a few safety precautions. By safely hooking up a propane tank to your gas grill and lighting the grill properly, you can start barbecuing your favorite foods in no time.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Attaching the Propane Tank

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  1. Step 1 Get a propane tank for a gas grill. 1 Get a propane tank for a gas grill. Propane tanks are measured by weight; if you plan on doing a lot of grilling, get a heavier tank with more gas inside. If you're only going to be using the tank a few times, opt for a smaller propane tank. You can find propane tanks at your local supermarket or hardware store.[2]
  2. Step 2 Place the propane tank next to the grill. 2 Place the propane tank next to the grill. Set it as close to the grill as possible so the grill hose will be able to reach it. Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Check to see if the propane tank is off. 3 Check to see if the propane tank is off. If the knob on the gas tank is turned to the on position, turn the knob to the off position. For most propane tanks, you'll need to turn the knob clockwise to turn the tank off.
  4. Step 4 Remove the safety cap from the propane tank. 4 Remove the safety cap from the propane tank. The safety cap is the plastic cap covering the valve on the top of the tank. Grab the tab on the safety cap and pull to remove it.[3]
  5. Step 5 Attach the grill hose to the valve on the propane tank. 5 Attach the grill hose to the valve on the propane tank. The grill hose is the hose attached to the underside of the grill. Turn the propane tank so the valve is facing the grill, and connect the end of the grill hose to the valve; you should feel the end of the hose click into place. Once you connect the propane tank, turn the knob on the end of the grill hose clockwise to tighten it into place. Continue turning until the knob won't turn anymore.[4]
  6. Step 6 Set the propane tank on the grill rack. 6 Set the propane tank on the grill rack. The grill rack is what holds the propane tank underneath the grill. Check the manual for your grill for specific instructions on how to attach the tank to the rack.[5]
    • If the grill doesn't have a grill rack, leave the propane tank on the ground, next to the grill.
    7. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Lighting the Grill

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  1. Step 1 Turn on the propane tank by using the knob on the top of the tank. 1 Turn on the propane tank by using the knob on the top of the tank. For most propane tanks, you'll need to turn the knob counterclockwise until it won't turn anymore to turn the tank on. Check the arrows on the knob to make sure.
  2. Step 2 Open the grill lid before lighting it. 2 Open the grill lid before lighting it. Don't ever light the grill with the lid closed or gas buildup could cause an explosion.[6]
  3. Step 3 Turn the ignition burner knob from “off” to “high.” 3 Turn the ignition burner knob from “off” to “high.” You may need to press the knob in before you can turn it. To locate the ignition burner knob on the grill, look for the knob with a lightning-bolt symbol or the word “ignition” next to it.[7]
    • Don't worry if the grill doesn't ignite after you turn the knob; that just means the grill has an electric starter and you'll need to press the electric ignition button to ignite it.
  4. Step 4 Press the electric ignition button if the grill has one. 4 Press the electric ignition button if the grill has one. Look for the electric ignition button next to the ignition burner knob. Press and hold the button until you see flames ignite in the grill. It's normal for the button to make a clicking noise as you press it.[8]
    • Only the section of the grill directly behind the ignition burner knob and electric ignition button should be lit at this point. The rest of the grill knobs should still be turned off.
  5. Step 5 Turn the other grill knobs to the highest setting to preheat the grill. 5 Turn the other grill knobs to the highest setting to preheat the grill. Turning on the other grill knobs should cause the rest of the grill to ignite.[9]
  6. Step 6 Close the grill lid and let the grill preheat for 10-15 minutes. 6 Close the grill lid and let the grill preheat for 10-15 minutes. Always let the grill preheat before cooking on it so the food gets cooked all the way through.[10]
    7. Advertisement
Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Cooking with Propane

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  1. Step 1 Use a wire brush to clean the grates on the grill. 1 Use a wire brush to clean the grates on the grill. Brush back and forth over each grate, getting any dried food or grease to fall off the grate. Make sure the grill is preheated before you clean it with a brush; the heat will make it easier to clean.[11] [12]
  2. Step 2 Turn the grill knobs down to a lower setting before you put the food on. 2 Turn the grill knobs down to a lower setting before you put the food on. This will prevent the food from burning. If you're only barbecuing a small amount of food, turn off the grill knobs for the sections of the grill you won't be using. If you'll be using the whole grill, alternate the grill knobs between medium and low heat so you have different temperatures to cook with.[13]
  3. Step 3 Place the food you want to grill directly on the grill grates. 3 Place the food you want to grill directly on the grill grates. Position the food so it's over the flames. Place foods that need less heat, like vegetables, on the side of the grill that's set to a lower setting. Place foods that need higher heat, like hamburgers and steaks, on the side of the grill that's set to medium or high.[14]
  4. Step 4 Use a spatula or tongs to occasionally flip the food. 4 Use a spatula or tongs to occasionally flip the food. Make sure each side of the food gets equal cook time so it gets cooked evenly through. Adjust the temperature as needed using the grill knobs.
  5. Step 5 Remove the food when it's finished and turn off the grill knobs. 5 Remove the food when it's finished and turn off the grill knobs. Leave the lid of the grill open; the propane tank is still on and gas could build up if the lid is closed.
  6. Step 6 Turn off the propane tank. 6 Turn off the propane tank. To turn off most propane tanks, turn the knob on the top of the tank clockwise until it won't turn anymore. Look at the arrows on the knob to verify which direction you should be turning it in.[15]
    • You can enjoy a barbecue even though you are on a diet by eating healthy dishes.[16] [17]
    • Avoid the traditional high-sugar, salty, and high-calorie barbecue food.[18]
    • Some healthy barbecue food choices are skinless chicken, baked beans, fresh fruit, raw vegetables, corn on the cob, and baked potatoes with a salsa topping. Also, you can make kabobs with lean meats and fresh vegetables.[19] [20]
    7. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How do you add propane to a propane tank? Julian Beer Company Julian Beer Company BBQ Experts Julian Beer Company is based in Julian, California. Established in 2011 by BBQ Expert and Business Operator, Jeremy Marsaglia, the Julian Beer Company specializes in handcrafted beers and barbecue. Restaurant Guru named it #1 Barbecue in Julian in 2020. Julian Beer Company Julian Beer Company BBQ Experts Expert Answer Go to a gas station that's offering a refill—simply ask a clerk to refill your tank. Many major retailers like Costco offer the same service. You can also participate in an exchange program where you bring an empty tank and then they give you a new tank upon exchange. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
  • Question What if there is a flame coming out of the tank? Michele Michele Top Answerer If you see a flame coming from the tank itself, run and call the fire department! That could indicate a leak with the very real possibility of an explosion. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 15
  • Question Will the propane run out if the tank is left on? Community Answer Community Answer Yes. If the tank valve is left open, it will keep releasing the gas, which also causes the area to become a fire hazard. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 6
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Video

Tips

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Warnings

  • Always turn off the propane tank after grilling. If you're worried about forgetting, set yourself a reminder on your phone or leave yourself a note by the grill. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Never keep the lid closed if the propane tank is on and the grill isn't ignited.[21] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Don't attempt to light the grill when the lid is closed.[22] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Things You'll Need

  • Propane tank
  • Gas grill
  • Wire brush
  • Spatula
  • Tongs

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Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about barbecuing, check out our in-depth interview with Julian Beer Company.

References

  1. ↑ Julian Beer Company. BBQ Experts. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ Julian Beer Company. BBQ Experts. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dc1da050SJE&feature=youtu.be&t=36
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dc1da050SJE&feature=youtu.be&t=59
  5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dc1da050SJE&feature=youtu.be&t=78
  6. ↑ http://barbecuebible.com/2016/03/01/gas-grill-tips-how-to-light/
  7. ↑ https://www.grillstuff.com/pages/how-do-i-light-a-gas-grill
  8. ↑ https://www.grillstuff.com/pages/how-do-i-light-a-gas-grill
  9. ↑ https://www.grillstuff.com/pages/how-do-i-light-a-gas-grill
More References (13)
  1. ↑ https://www.grillstuff.com/pages/how-do-i-light-a-gas-grill
  2. ↑ Julian Beer Company. BBQ Experts. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sq2fcAOR_bY
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DOgPETTyoU&feature=youtu.be&t=54
  5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DOgPETTyoU&feature=youtu.be&t=56
  6. ↑ https://food52.com/blog/7207-the-proper-way-to-shut-down-a-grill
  7. ↑ https://www.weightlossresources.co.uk/diet/diet_tips/barbecue_food.htm
  8. ↑ John Burson. Certified Nutritionist. Expert Interview
  9. ↑ John Burson. Certified Nutritionist. Expert Interview
  10. ↑ https://www.weightlossresources.co.uk/diet/diet_tips/barbecue_food.htm
  11. ↑ John Burson. Certified Nutritionist. Expert Interview
  12. ↑ http://barbecuebible.com/2016/03/01/gas-grill-tips-how-to-light/
  13. ↑ http://barbecuebible.com/2016/03/01/gas-grill-tips-how-to-light/

About This Article

Julian Beer Company Co-authored by: Julian Beer Company BBQ Experts This article was co-authored by Julian Beer Company and by wikiHow staff writer, Kyle Hall. Julian Beer Company is based in Julian, California. Established in 2011 by BBQ Expert and Business Operator, Jeremy Marsaglia, the Julian Beer Company specializes in handcrafted beers and barbecue. Restaurant Guru named it #1 Barbecue in Julian in 2020. This article has been viewed 259,300 times. 6 votes - 87% Co-authors: 16 Updated: June 10, 2025 Views: 259,300 Categories: Featured Articles | Cooking Appliances Article SummaryX

To barbecue with propane, start by connecting your tank to the grill and turning on the tank. Make sure to open the grill lid before lighting it, since leaving it closed will cause a build-up of gas that could result in an explosion. Next, light the grill by turning the ignition nob and pressing the electric ignition button if necessary. Once the grill is lit, close the lid to let it heat for 10 to 15 minutes, which will ensure the food cooks properly. When you’re ready to cook, turn the heat down to medium or low. Place meat over the flame so it cooks through, and other items, like vegetables, on the side of the grill. As the food cooks, flip it over occasionally with tongs or a spatula to make sure it cooks evenly. For tips on how to connect a propane tank to a grill, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Julian Beer Company Co-authored by: Julian Beer Company BBQ Experts Co-authors: 16 Updated: June 10, 2025 Views: 259,300 87% of readers found this article helpful. 6 votes - 87% Click a star to add your vote Marilyn Hilliard

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