How to Light a Gas Grill: With or Without the Igniter

Before You Light: Safety First

• Open the grill lid before touching any controls. Gas can accumulate in a closed grill and cause a flash fire when ignited – this applies every time, not just the first time.
• Confirm all burner knobs are in the OFF position before opening the tank valve.
• Open the propane tank valve slowly – one full turn counter-clockwise. Opening too fast can trigger the OPD (Overfill Prevention Device) and restrict gas flow.

Method 1: Lighting with the Built-In Igniter

Most Nexgrill gas grills use an electronic push-button igniter, with a dedicated igniter button per burner or a single igniter that cycles through the burners.

1. Open the lid.
2. Open the propane tank valve slowly – one full turn counterclockwise.
3. Turn one burner control knob to the START/HIGH position.
4. Press the igniter button firmly and hold for 1-2 seconds. You should hear a click and see the burner light.
5. If the burner does not light after 5 seconds of pressing, turn the knob to OFF, wait 5 seconds for gas to clear, then try again.
6. Once the first burner is lit, turn on additional burners one at a time.
7. Close the lid and preheat for 10-15 minutes.

If the igniter consistently fails to produce a spark or the burner fails to light after multiple attempts, move to Method 2 while you diagnose the igniter issue. See: Grill Igniter Not Working.

Method 2: Lighting with a Match or Lighter

Use this method when the built-in igniter has failed or is unavailable. A long match or long-neck grill lighter keeps your hand safely away from the burner during lighting.

What you need

• A long fireplace match (minimum 11 inches) or a long-neck grill lighter
• The match holder port – a small hole on the side of the grill near the burner. Check your specific Nexgrill model manual for its location.

Using the match holder port

1. Open the lid.
2. Open the propane tank valve slowly.
3. Light the match or grill lighter.
4. Insert the lit match through the match holder port so the flame is near the burner tube.
5. Turn the nearest burner control knob to START/HIGH. The gas should ignite immediately.
6. Once the burner is lit, remove the match. Turn on additional burners using the igniter or by repeating the match process for each burner.
7. Close the lid and preheat for 10-15 minutes.

If there is no match holder port

Some older models do not have a dedicated match holder port. Do not reach over or around lit burners to introduce a match. Instead:

1. Open the lid fully.
2. Light the match or grill lighter.
3. Hold the lit flame near the cooking grate directly above the burner you intend to light.
4. Turn the burner control knob to START/HIGH. The gas will travel up through the burner tube and ignite at the grate level.
5. Stand to the side – not directly over the grill – when lighting this way.

If the Grill Won't Light at All

Work through these in order before assuming the grill needs repair.

Burner doesn't light after multiple igniter presses

• Check: is the tank valve open? Turn it counter-clockwise until it stops.
• Check: is the tank empty? Try another tank or weigh the tank – an empty 20 lb propane tank weighs approximately 17 lbs; full, it weighs approximately 37 lbs.
• Try the match lighting method – if it lights with a match but not the igniter, the igniter needs attention, not the gas system.
• Check the igniter tip for moisture or debris. Dry with a paper towel or clean with a soft brush.

Grill lights but flame is very low

• The OPD valve has likely triggered. Fix: turn all burners off, close the tank valve fully, disconnect the regulator, wait 30 seconds, reconnect, then reopen the tank valve very slowly.
• Check the regulator hose for kinks that restrict gas flow.

Igniter sparks, but gas doesn't ignite

• Check the burner tubes for blockages – spiders commonly build webs inside burner tubes during storage. A blocked tube prevents gas from reaching the ignition point. Use a pipe cleaner or thin brush to clear the tube.
• Check that gas is actually flowing – apply soapy water to the regulator connection with the tank valve open. Bubbles indicate a leak that needs fixing before you light it.

For a full diagnosis guide, see: Gas Grill Won't Light.

Related Guides

• How to Start a Gas Grill (Step by Step)
• Gas Grill Troubleshooting Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you light a gas grill without an igniter?

Use a long match or grill lighter. Open the lid, open the tank valve, insert the lit match through the match holder port near the burner, then turn the burner to START/HIGH – the gas ignites at the match flame. If there is no match holder port, hold the lit flame near the grate above the burner and turn the knob to START/HIGH. Always stand to the side, not directly over the grill.

Why won't my gas grill igniter work?

The most common causes are moisture on the igniter tip (dry it with a paper towel and try again), a weak or dead battery in electronic igniters (replace the battery), or a dirty/corroded igniter tip. If the igniter produces no spark, check the battery and clean the tip. If it sparks but the gas doesn't ignite, the issue is with the gas supply or burner tubes. See: Grill Igniter Not Working for a full diagnosis.

Is it safe to light a gas grill with a match?

Yes, when done correctly. Use a long match (11 inches or more) or a long-neck grill lighter to keep your hand away from the burner. Open the lid first, introduce the lit flame before turning on the gas, and stand to the side. Never reach over a lit burner. The match holder port on most Nexgrill models provides a safe entry point for the match.

What should I do if my gas grill flares up when lighting?

A flare-up at lighting usually means gas accumulated in the grill before ignition – typically because the burner was turned on before the match was in position, or the lid was closed during lighting. If a flare-up occurs, step back, let it subside, turn off all burners, and open the lid fully. Wait 5 minutes for gas to clear before attempting to relight. Always introduce the ignition source before turning on the gas.

How do I know if my propane tank is empty?

Three methods: weigh the tank (an empty 20 lb tank weighs approximately 17 lbs; full, approximately 37 lbs – the tare weight is stamped on the tank collar), pour hot water down the side and feel for a temperature change where the liquid propane level starts, or use a propane gauge that clips onto the tank valve. Running out of propane mid-cook is the most common cause of a gas grill that won't light, even when everything looks normal.