Nothing tastes quite as delicious as food fresh off the grill. Whether you’re in the mood for a juicy burger or smoked vegetables, the gas grill is just what you need for outdoor cooking. If you’re a novice who wants to enjoy the fresh flavors only a grill can provide, you’ve come to the right place! Our beginner’s guide explores how to use a gas grill, walking you through every step.

How Does a Gas Grill Work?

A gas grill uses propane or natural gas to heat its cooking grates, making for a versatile appliance that allows you to cook food directly over a flame. Gas grills are known for their convenience, since they eliminate the nuisance of lighting charcoal and waiting for it to reach the desired temperature.

Gas grills possess a few key components. Their burners produce flames, their grates provide designated areas to place your food, and their control knobs allow you to adjust the heat.

Some gas grills include additional features to level up the cooking experience. Many contain side tables that provide space for meal prepping, while others are attached to lights for nighttime grilling. Built-in thermometers are another common gas grill perk, allowing you to monitor the grill’s temperature while keeping the lid closed. These are all important considerations when choosing the perfect gas grill for you.

Tip!

Unsure of how to choose the best grill? We’ve got you covered with our Beginner's Gas Grill Buying Guide.

How to Use a Gas Grill

Wondering how to start a gas grill and how to use it safely? Using a gas grill may seem daunting, but it’s a simple process that wields delicious results. Here is our step-by-step guide so you can get grilling:

Step 1: Familiarize Yourself With the Gas Grill

Take some time to get acquainted with your appliance before you begin cooking. Reading the manual is a terrific way to demystify the grill’s components. Be sure to browse yours for advice and instructions about settings, burner location, and other features unique to your grill.

Step 2: Prepare Your Grill & Turn On the Gas

Preparation is the most important step! If you’re using a propane tank, check that it contains enough propane to cook your meal. A standard 20-pound tank typically provides roughly 25 hours of grilling time. Also make sure that the propane tank is safely attached to the grill. If you have a natural gas grill, make sure your grill is properly connected to your gas line.

To prevent gas buildup in the cooking chamber, begin by opening your grill’s lid. Then turn on the natural gas supply or open the propane tank valve to start the grill.

When the gas is on, kindle flames by using a lighter or your grill’s ignition button. Leave the lid open and let the grill preheat for 10 to 20 minutes before you begin cooking.

Step 3: Clean the Grates

Once your grill has finished preheating, it’s time to clean your grates. A grill brush is the ideal tool to remove residue from previous uses, preventing food from sticking to the grates. While the grates are warm, use a stiff grill brush to scrub them.

Tip!

If your grates have tougher residue, soaking them in soapy water for 20 to 30 minutes is a great way to remove all evidence of previous grills. Scrub them with a sponge or brush, then let them dry prior to beginning your grill preparation.

Step 4: Begin Cooking

After your grill is prepped and cleaned, it’s time for the best part – cooking! Oil your grates first to prevent food from sticking, then place your food on them. Be sure to leave space between your food with enough room to use tongs or a spatula. Tongs are best used for grasping and turning larger vegetables or pieces of meat, while spatulas are the better choice for flipping food with flatter surfaces so that it cooks evenly. Either is a great choice to remove food from the grill once it’s done. We recommend using stainless steel grilling tools, since they have the best durability and heat-resistance.

Then, adjust your burners to the preferred temperature. Direct heat is perfect for burgers or hot dogs, while indirect heat is ideal for slower-cooking foods, like chicken. Either way, closing the grill’s lid will retain its heat and cook your mouthwatering meal to perfection.

Step 5: Monitor Your Meal

Keeping an eye on your food as it cooks is important – utilize your grill’s thermometer to monitor its internal temperature. A meat thermometer is another great way to ensure your food is properly cooked. When your food finishes grilling, be sure to let it cool off before serving. Then, sit back and enjoy!

Step 6: Clean After Cooking

After you’ve cooked and eaten, it’s critical to clean your grill to make sure it’s in great condition for future uses. Cleaning your grill is easier while it’s still warm, but make sure it’s cooled down enough to prevent burns. Begin by turning off your gas supply, whether this means turning off your natural gas grill’s gas line or closing the valve on your propane tank. Use a grill brush to scrape off lingering grease and residue. For tougher grime, wipe the grates with grill cleaning spray or a mixture of water and dish soap. Finally, clean your grill’s exterior with a wet cloth to remove grease stains.

By cleaning your grill after every use, you’ll keep it in pristine condition, and your grill will function for years to come.

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Now that you know how to use a grill, start shopping for your next backyard barbecue.