Site Logo

Get that grill of yours all ready to take on the meat of summer

Published 9:00 pm Wednesday, May 23, 2007

By James and Morris Carey / Special to The Herald

With warm temperatures nearly here, it’s time to haul out the barbecue and get it ready for the season. We think we can make it a bit easier for you this go round.

Here are a few common gas grill problems and their solutions:

Burners that won’t light

When the burners won’t light, there is often an obstruction in the fuel supply line. This normally occurs between the on-off valve on the barbecue and the burner.

The usual culprit: A bug. Even when the valve is off, insects can nest in the line. Keeping them out is tough to prevent – even wrapping the unit in a plastic bag hasn’t done the trick.

So you’ll have to deal with it on the other end by cleaning them out. Here’s how:

  • Remove the cover that conceals the metal line between the burners and the on-off valve on the barbecue (not the on-off valve to the propane tank).

  • With the fuel tank completely off, disconnect the fuel line.

  • Immerse the line in cleaner and use a long, soft, narrow wire to thoroughly clean the inside of the fuel tube. We use auto parts cleaning solvent and air pressure from our compressor. Never put the line back unless you know it is completely dry.

  • Replace the parts as they were removed only after spraying soapy water on the connections to ensure that there are no leaks. If a leak exists, the soapy water will bubble.

    Uneven heat

    If you are experiencing uneven heating, chances are your burners are rusted or corroded.

    When a burner is new all of the holes are the same size. As grease and food make their way to the bottom of the barbecue, the burner ports often become partially clogged. Also, rust can wreak the same kind of havoc.

    All that is needed here is a wire brush, an ice pick and 20 minutes of your time. Barbecue burners are usually very easy to remove. That’s because they are designed to be easily removed for cleaning.

    Remove the various layers between the cooking surface and the burners, and then simply remove the burner. It may be wise to review your owner’s manual on how to perform this task. Use a wire brush to completely clean the burner surfaces.

    Use the ice pick to loosen fragments caught in the burner holes. Clean until all of the holes look about the same size. Ensure that all debris has been removed from within the burner.

    New, but tattered

    Barbecues are either stainless steel, enameled or painted.

    Stainless is best cleaned only with stainless cleaner.

    Enameled surfaces are best cleaned with mild acid like vinegar.

    Painted barbecues, however, tend to remain dirty looking no matter how hard you scrub. That’s why we paint ours every season or two with flat black engine paint (high-heat paint), about the easiest and most forgiving paint on the planet to apply.

    Dirty grill

    A dirty cast iron barbecue grill grate is easy to clean. Here’s how:

  • Get a bowl of plain water and a long grill cleaning brush (the metal kind).

  • Get the barbecue as hot as you can get it.

  • Submerse the cleaning brush in the water and immediately scrub a rung from end to end until all the water disappears (about 7 seconds). Repeat for each rung.

  • Finally, lightly coat the grill with oil to season it.

    You should not use this process on stamped metal grill (the kind that looks like the top of a broiler pan). It will warp and twist and be damaged beyond repair.

    For more home improvement tips and information from James and Morris Carey, visit their Web site at www.onthehouse.com or call 800-737-2474, ext. 59, Saturdays from 6 to 10 a.m. The Careys are also on KRKO (1380-AM) from 6 to 10 a.m. every Saturday.

    Grill guide

    Before you buy, keep in mind these simple priorities:

  • Consider cost but view your purchase as an investment.

  • Give the grill the wiggle test to be it isn’t flimsy and parts are welded.

  • Beware of add-on features like side burners, which hike costs. Ask yourself if you’ll really use them.

  • Look for good customer support and maintenance. Grills, like cars, require cleaning and upkeep.

    www.hpba.org. The Hearth, Patio, &Barbecue Association Web site. Includes information about the industry and tips for grilling. New consumer guide with advice on buying a grill, party planning and recipes may be downloaded at: www.hpba.org/nbm.

    www.vikingrange.com. Web site of Viking, a leading outdoor kitchen manufacturer

    www.weber.com. Web site of Weber-Stephen Products Co.

    www.charbroil.com. Web site for Char-Broil. Click on the new Tec series for an explanation of infrared heat.

    www.girlsatthegrill.com. Cookbook Author Elizabeth Karmel offers tips on grill shopping and grilling basics. Click on “grilling 101” for basic information.

    www.barbecuebible.com. “Barbecue University” TV Host and cookbook author Steven Raichlen advises how to buy a grill and more.

    www.bbqqueens.com. Tips and recipes from Barbecue Queens Karen Adler and Judith Fertig.

    www.traegergrill.com. Web site for pellet grills with video describing how the grill works.

    • You Might Like