How to Use a Gas Grill

Before making any other preparations, check the level of your fuel supply to avoid running out of propane before dinner is cooked. A standard 20-pound propane tank will typically provide about 25-hours of grilling time. Inspect the tank for damage and make sure the supply line and regulator are in good condition and connected properly.

Next, gather grill accessories and tools such as metal tongs, a spatula, instant-read thermometer, grill brush and barbecue mitts. If you plan to use wood chips to add a smoky flavor to food, start soaking a handful or two in water now.

Gas grills are fueled by either propane or natural gas. Natural gas grills are connected to the home’s gas line. Many people prefer cooking on a gas grill because it’s easier to start than a charcoal grill. However, there are steps to follow.

Here's how to start a gas grill:

• Always begin by opening the lid to prevent gas from building up in the cooking chamber.
• If using a grill fueled by liquid propane, completely open the valve on the top of the propane tank by turning the knob counterclockwise until it stops.
• If your grill has an igniter button, simply turn the first burner knob all the way up and push the button.
• For grills that don’t have an ignition button, use a long fireplace match or a lighter wand to light the initial burner after turning it on.
• Once the first burner is lit, turn the other burners on high.
• Close the lid and allow the temperature to heat up for 10- to 15-minutes.

Tip: Always have a full spare tank of propane on hand. Running out of fuel mid-cookout is a mistake that beginners and experienced grillers can easily prevent.

After preheating the grill, clean the hot cooking surface with a grill brush, a wooden grill scraper or a wad of aluminum foil. Make sure to remove any debris that remains from the previous cookout.

To help reduce sticking, dampen a paper towel with vegetable oil and use tongs to glide it along the hot grilling grate before placing your food on the grill.

Arrange your food on the grill evenly. Don’t crowd the cooking surface. Allow room for turning and flipping your food. Plus, you’ll have some extra room for rearranging your food for even cooking.

You can cook on a gas grill using direct heat or indirect heat. With direct heat, the fire is directly beneath the food. It sears the surface of the food, developing flavors and textures while cooking the food to its center. Use the direct heat method for small, tender meats and vegetables that take less than 20-minutes to cook. This includes:

• Hamburgers
• Steaks
• Chops
• Boneless chicken pieces
• Fish fillets
• Sliced vegetables

An indirect heat setup has heat on both sides of the grill or off to one side of the grill. The food sits over the unlit part of the cooking grates. Use the indirect method for large cuts of meat that require 20-minutes or more of grilling time or for delicate foods that direct heat would dry out or scorch.

• Roasts
• Bone-in poultry pieces
• Whole fish and delicate fish fillets
• Whole chickens
• Ribs

Indirect heat can also be used to finish thicker foods or bone-in cuts that have been seared or browned over direct heat.

No matter what temperature you’re using, resist the temptation to open the lid frequently when cooking on a gas grill. Each time you peek inside, hot air and smoke escapes and increases the cooking time.

Do not disturb the food until it’s ready to turn. Give it a nudge with a spatula or tongs. If the food releases from the grill easily, you can flip it. If you it doesn't, wait a couple minutes for the exterior to cook a little longer.

When figuring out how to use a gas grill, make sure to take advantage of these grilling tips:

• Soak wood chips in water for a half hour before placing them in a foil pouch or smoker box for additional smoky flavor.
• Use a grilling pan for food that is too small or too delicate for the cooking grate.
• Season your food with dry rubs and marinades well in advance of grilling.
• Check your food for doneness with an instant-read thermometer to determine that it has reached a safe internal temperature.
• In nearly all cases, you should turn the food only once.

When your food's done, carefully remove it from the grill. Place it on a platter and cover the food loosely with an aluminum foil tent. Let the food rest while you take care of your gas grill.

• Turn burner knobs to the off position.
• Close the valve on the propane tank by turning its knob clockwise until it stops.
• Use the grill brush, scraper or aluminum foil to remove residue from the grilling grate.

Once the grill has completely cooled, close the lid. Use a grill cover to protect it until the next cookout.