How to Fix Low Flame, Low Heat on a Gas Grill
Experiencing low heat on your gas BBQ? Learn how to fix it after changing the propane tank. Discover why weak flames and inadequate heat occur and how to resolve it in this blog. This is a problem that can happen to anyone who uses propane on their gas barbecue. If you have just changed the tank and are experiencing pathetic flames with little heat, the issue is very the result of a safety feature built into your gas regulator. We’ll show you how to fix and troubleshoot when you experience low heat on a gas BBQ.
Your Napoleon in a Nutshell
How does the gas get from the tank and into your burners? When you open the valve on the tank from the top, gas flows up and out of the tank into the gas line, and up to the BBQ’s manifold where it is divided between the burners, and out the control valves managed by the awesome light up knobs on your BBQ. From the control valves, gas is mixed with oxygen for optimal burn (learn more about that in our BTU Blog) the JETFIRE™ ignition system lights the gas and oxygen mixture which has flowed into the burners and flames come out the burner ports to heat your BBQ.
Why Does Low Flow Happen?
It can seem like an arbitrary and frustrating thing to happen when there may be nothing wrong at all, however it is a necessary safety precaution. In case there is a leak, you don’t want excess amounts of gas hovering in your BBQ when you go to light it. Your eyebrows wouldn’t be very happy to say the least. When your regulator detects excess flow of propane, abnormal to usual flow, it will reduce the amount of gas released. This leads to weak flames and low heat.
Reasons for Low Flow:
This sometimes happens when the valve is opened too quickly.
This sometimes happens when the burners are on before the propane tank is opened.
This sometimes happens when the propane is shut off before the knobs are turned off.
This sometimes happens when the control knobs are left on after barbecuing.
How to Fix Low Flame/Heat on a Gas Grill
You can fix low heat and low flame on your propane BBQ easily by performing a regulator reset. Follow the easy steps below to reset your regulator.
Start by turning everything off, including your gas flow at the tank.
Disconnect the regulator from the tank and allow everything to sit for about 5 minutes.
Reconnect the regulator to the tank and slowly open the valve all the way.
Wait for 30 seconds before trying to light the BBQ again.
Further Troubleshooting
If you’re still experiencing trouble with your flame height and heat output after performing a regulator reset or two, try these troubleshooting tricks.
Have you tried...
Cleaning out your burner ports and the burner tubes?
Checked for a leak in your fuel supply? Use soapy water and a brush to check your fuel lines for a gas leak that may not be tripping the sensor in the tank.
Checking your fuel levels. Is your tank empty?
Checking your propane tank for the expiration date, dents, and rust, it may be time to replace it?
People Also Asked
Why is my Gas BBQ not Burning Hot Enough?
There are several, easily fixable, reasons that your gas BBQ isn’t burning hot enough. Not opening the gas valve all the way, clogged burners, malfunctioning regulators, and empty propane tanks are the most common reasons. Cold weather and wind may also play a part in your barbecue’s performance too.
Proper maintenance, a good cleaning, and a regulator re-set as described above will very likely solve your issues. If the day isn’t terribly pleasant, weather wise, it may be better to save your BBQ for another day.
How Do I Fix a Low Flame on a Gas BBQ?
Fixing low flame on gas barbecues is easy. Check your propane tank and make sure it’s full. You can do this by weighing your propane tank. A cylinder (North American) is approximately 17 lbs. (8 kgs). They hold roughly 20 lbs. (9 kgs) of propane when filled. To figure out how much propane you have left in your tank, weigh the tank and subtract the cylinder’s weight. You can also use the water test, simply pour hot water down the side of the tank. Run your hand down the tank and when you hit cold metal, that is the level of propane. If your tank is full, reset the regulator following the instructions above. Make sure your burners are on and set to the level you are expecting to produce heat. And finally, check your tube burners (once they are cool to the touch) for debris or unwelcome guests. If these steps don't resolve the issue, you may need to replace the regulator or seek professional assistance.
How Do I Make my Gas BBQ Burn Hotter?
If you have done the maintenance and performed a regulator reset, the tank is full and gas is turned on properly, consider preheating your BBQ for longer before starting to cook. If the BBQ is not heating after all fixes, maintenance, and preheating has been attempted, reach out to a professional for assistance.
You can reach out to customer service here - https://www.napoleon.com/en/ca/barbecues/support
How Do You Reset the Regulator on a Gas Grill?
Regulator resets are easy:
Turn off the gas
Disconnect the regulator from the propane tank
Wait for 1 to 5 minutes
Reconnect the regulator, ensuring that it is secure and not cross-threaded
Slowly open the gas valve all the way, then turn it back ½ of a turn
Listen for hissing and perform a leak test using a brush and hot soapy water at all joints and connections
To avoid tripping the safety on the regulator of your propane tank, remember to turn off the grill’s burners before the propane when you’re done grilling, and when you’re turning on your propane to begin your cook, to turn the gas on slowly, all the way, then back it off about half a turn so that it won’t get stuck on. Have you had to do a regulator reset before? Tell us your stories, tips, and tricks when grilling with propane by using the hashtags #PropanePower and #NapoleonGrill and sharing on our social pages like Facebook and Instagram.
Happy Grilling!