Pre-Lighting Safety Check
Before starting, confirm the grill lid is fully open. This allows any residual or newly introduced gas to vent immediately, preventing the concentration of fuel vapor inside the cooking chamber. A closed lid traps gas, creating a hazardous condition upon ignition.
Next, inspect the fuel supply connection, whether it is a propane tank valve or a natural gas line coupling. Ensure the regulator is securely fastened to the tank’s valve outlet, verifying the threads are tightly mated to prevent leaks. Visually inspect the gas hose for signs of cracking, abrasion, or blistering. If gas is slightly turned on, small soap and water solution bubbles forming around the connection points confirm a leak, which must be addressed before proceeding.
Standard Ignition Procedure
Once safety checks are complete, establish the flow of fuel. For propane, slowly rotate the tank’s gas valve counter-clockwise until it is fully open. For natural gas, ensure the main supply valve to the unit is in the fully open position.
With the gas flowing, move to the grill’s control panel and select a single main burner to ignite, typically the one closest to the electronic igniter mechanism. Turn the control knob for this specific burner counter-clockwise to the “High” position. This allows gas to flow out of the burner ports, where it mixes with ambient air for combustion.
Immediately after turning the burner to high, press and hold the electronic ignition button. This generates a high-voltage spark near the burner tube, providing the ignition energy. The burner should light almost instantaneously with a low, steady roar and a stable, visible blue flame.
If the selected burner does not ignite within five seconds, immediately turn the control knob back to the “Off” position. This prevents the continued release of uncombusted gas, which could rapidly accumulate and lead to a significant flare-up. Always wait a few minutes with the lid open before attempting the process again to allow any residual gas to dissipate safely.
Manual Lighting and Troubleshooting
If the electronic igniter fails due to moisture or a low battery, manual ignition is necessary. If the standard procedure fails, confirm all control knobs are turned off and the grill lid remains open to dissipate accumulated gas. Wait at least five minutes before proceeding to ensure the cooking chamber is clear of fuel vapor.
To manually light the grill, use a long, specialized grill lighter or a long wooden match held in a safe holder. Open the lid and hold the flame close to the ports of the burner you intend to light. Once the flame is positioned, slowly turn the control knob for that specific burner to the “High” setting.
The gas will ignite as it passes over the open flame, establishing the initial combustion. Only after this first burner is successfully lit should you proceed to ignite the remaining burners by simply turning their respective control knobs to the desired setting. Never lean directly over the grill when attempting manual ignition to avoid injury from a sudden flare-up.