How to Start a Gas Grill (Step by Step)

How to Start a Gas Grill: The Steps

1. Open the grill lid. This is the first step every time – gas can accumulate in a closed grill and cause a flash fire when ignited.
2. Open the propane tank valve. Turn counter-clockwise, one full turn. Open slowly. If you go too fast, it can trigger the OPD safety valve and restrict gas flow.
3. Turn one burner control knob to the START/HIGH position.
4. Press the igniter button. The burner should light within 1-2 seconds. You will see a blue flame through the grate.
5. If the burner does not light after 5 seconds, turn the knob to OFF and wait 5 seconds for any gas to clear before trying again.
6. Once the first burner is lit, turn on the remaining burners one at a time.
7. Close the lid and preheat for 10-15 minutes before cooking.

How to Preheat a Gas Grill

Preheating is not optional. Cold grates cause food to stick and prevent proper searing.

• Close the lid with all burners on high.
• Allow 10-15 minutes for the grates to fully heat – not just the air inside the grill.
• The grill is ready when the lid thermometer reads your target temperature and the grates sizzle when a drop of water hits them.
• Reduce to your cooking temperature before adding food – high heat for searing, medium for most proteins, medium-low for delicate items.

If the Igniter Doesn't Work

Try each of these in order before assuming the grill is broken.

1. Turn the burner knob to OFF. Wait 5 seconds. Try again – sometimes the first press doesn't produce a strong enough spark.
2. Check the igniter for moisture. If the grill has been sitting in rain or heavy dew, the igniter tip may be wet. Dry it with a paper towel and try again.
3. Use a long match or grill lighter. Hold the flame near the burner tube opening, then turn the burner to START/HIGH. The gas should ignite immediately.
4. If the grill lights with a match but the igniter never sparks, replace the igniter. See: Grill Igniter Not Working for the full diagnosis.

If the Grill Lights But the Flame Is Low

A very low or yellow flame after lighting usually means the OPD (Overfill Prevention Device) in the propane tank has triggered. This happens when you open the tank valve too fast.

1. Turn all burner knobs to OFF.
2. Close the tank valve completely.
3. Disconnect the regulator from the tank.
4. Wait 30 seconds.
5. Reconnect the regulator.
6. Open the tank valve very slowly – a quarter turn at a time – until fully open.
7. Relight as normal. The flame should now be full strength.

If the problem persists after resetting the OPD, you may need to replace the regulator. See: Gas Grill Won't Light for a full diagnosis.

Pre-Season Check

At the start of each grilling season – and after any connection has been disturbed – do a quick safety check before lighting.

• Check the hose from regulator to grill for cracks, kinks, or worn areas. Replace a damaged hose before use.
• Apply soapy water to the regulator connection and hose fittings. Open the tank valve. Watch for bubbles – bubbles mean gas is leaking. Close the tank immediately if bubbles appear and tighten or replace the connection before use.
• Check that the burner tubes are clear of spider webs and debris – spiders are attracted to the residual gas smell and commonly build webs inside burner tubes over winter. A blocked tube prevents gas flow to that burner.

How to Shut Down a Gas Grill

Correct shutdown takes 30 seconds and prevents safety issues and premature component wear.

1. Turn all burner knobs to OFF.
2. Close the propane tank valve – turn clockwise until it stops. Do not just turn off the burners and leave the tank open.
3. Allow the grill to cool for 15-20 minutes before covering.
4. Brush the grates while they're still warm, then close the lid.

Close the tank valve after every use, not just the burner knobs. Leaving the tank valve open means gas is pressurized in the hose and regulator – a safety hazard and a cause of premature regulator wear.

Related Guides

• How to Use a Gas Grill for the First Time
• Gas Grill Troubleshooting Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you start a gas grill step by step?

Open the lid. Open the propane tank valve slowly (one full turn counter-clockwise). Turn one burner to START/HIGH and press the igniter – the burner lights within 1-2 seconds. Turn on remaining burners. Close the lid and preheat for 10-15 minutes. Never light a gas grill with the lid closed.

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 battery in electronic igniters (replace the battery), or a dirty or corroded igniter tip. If the igniter produces no spark, use a long match to light the burner manually while you service or replace the igniter. See: Grill Igniter Not Working for a full diagnosis.

Why does my gas grill have a low flame after lighting?

A low flame after lighting usually means the OPD (Overfill Prevention Device) in the propane tank has triggered. Fix: turn off all burners, close the tank valve, disconnect the regulator, wait 30 seconds, reconnect, then reopen the tank valve very slowly. This resets the OPD and restores full gas flow.

How long should I preheat a gas grill?

10-15 minutes with all burners on high and the lid closed. The cooking grates need to reach temperature – not just the air inside the grill. A properly preheated grate sears food on contact and prevents sticking. Reduce to your cooking temperature before adding food.

Do I need to open the lid before starting a gas grill?

Yes – always. Gas can accumulate in a closed grill before ignition and cause a flash fire when the igniter fires. Opening the lid is the first step every time, before touching the tank valve or burner controls. This applies to every use, not just the first time.