Barbecuing, along with visiting an outdoor pool or a water park, is one of the best ways to spend a hot summer day. Pool parties and barbecues are frequently hosted together for this reason. When the day is done, though, you must put everything away for the night, including your gas grill.
Hence, storing a gas grill can be rather tricky though, if you aren’t quite sure as to how to start. Propane and other gas-based fuels can be a safety hazard if not taken care of properly. In order to prevent any hazards, many propane tanks and grills have pressure valves and regulators to turn the flow of propane on and off. But to guarantee safety, gas barbecue owners need to store their grills and tanks safely.
This article covers the best ways you can store your grill, both for everyday use and for long-term storage. If you’re interested in buying propane or natural gas grills in Canada, visit Dickson Barbeque Centre.
Method 1: Outdoor
When it comes to putting your barbecue away after a long day of partying and grilling up burgers and steaks, you can often leave it outside to rest. After all, it’s more than likely that you’ll end up using it again in a few more days. However, there are a few steps you need to take first if you plan to leave the grill outside for the summer.
Choose a cool and shaded area
If you plan to set up your gas grill in one spot for the entire summer season, make sure that you can keep your propane tank in a cool location. Though it can be quite unlikely to reach such high temperatures, the grill should never reach 49 degrees celsius as it can increase the risk of the tank exploding. Instead, set the grill up somewhere with enough shade and far enough away from any flammable materials.
Steps to store a grill
Once you’re done grilling, clean any burned-up seasonings or char from the grill’s grates. While it may seem rather annoying to do, especially after a long barbecue session, doing so can actually help. Animals may be drawn to your backyard by the smell of leftover marinades or food, causing damage to the grill and propane tank. Furthermore, if you want to use the grill again in the future, eliminating any residue improves the quality of the char the following time.
After the grates have been cleaned, ensure the grill’s knob is set off and the gas tank’s regulator knobs are shut. This involves turning the regulator clockwise until the knob stops moving. Let the grill cool, and don’t move it, since it can take quite a bit of time for the heat to dissipate. Take the opportunity to clean up any shelves and take your pans and other accessories to be washed.
When the grill is cool enough, you can then move it to a safer area that won’t interfere with any surroundings. You can also get a grill cover if you aren’t sure if the weather may become bad. Make sure the cover is well secured before leaving.
When choosing a proper place for storing your grill, make sure that it’s out of any direct sunlight. Outdoors, this may be more difficult because the weather and overall cloud cover can frequently change throughout the day. Take into consideration factors like the direction your house faces and any awnings or overhanging you can use to create shade. Disconnecting your tank when it’s not being used can prevent any fire hazards or explosions.
Method 2: Indoor
If you don’t plan to use your gas grill and consider taking it indoors, there are a few more steps to take into consideration first. Many of the steps to begin storing the grill inside are quite similar to leaving it outside, but the gas tank is the most important item you need to deal with.
The first step – much like when it comes to storing the grill outdoors – is to clean the grates. However, how well cleaned it is is far more important due to the fact any bits of food can attract rodents that eventually get into your home. To release any grease, fire up the grill before using a grill brush. Once everything is properly cooled, you can further clean the grates by soaking them in hot soapy water.
Make sure to also empty any remaining liquid propane or gas into another safe and leak-proof container, if it isn’t already empty. If you can’t empty it for whatever reason, you should keep the tank outdoors, somewhere not too cold or hot as to change the fuel’s chemical state. Storage units also won’t take a filled tank due to potential fire hazards, so asking a friend may be the next best option.
Finally, using a grill cover can be a much bigger help because moisture can build up indoors as well. Using an air conditioner or other methods of cooling an indoor space can generate a bad condition for metals and wood, especially during the peak heat of summer. Tightening any clasps or cords around the grill can reduce the risk of any indoor moisture from rusting the metal and growing mould anywhere.
Takeaway
When it comes to storing your gas grill for an extended period of time, there are a few concerns to consider. You can lessen the chance of these threats occurring with proper care and storage. Furthermore, correct storage can prevent wear and tear on your grill faces, allowing you to utilize it longer and ensure its efficiency. When you store your grill safely and properly, you may use it whenever you want to kick off the barbeque season.
