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Gas Grill Not Getting Hot? Here’s Why (+ How to Fix)

If your gas grill isn’t getting as hot as it used to, it can be quite frustrating. There are several reasons this issue might happen, most of which have to do with the propane tank, line, or regulator. The longer you let the problem go on, the worse it can get. Fixing your gas grill is crucial if you want to get the most out of it.

Your gas grill is not getting hot because the regulator needs to be reset, there’s a clog in the gas line, there’s not enough gas left, or there’s too much debris covering the burners. Turn off the burners, scrub the grill, then reset the regulator by disconnecting and reconnecting it.

Throughout this article, we’ll discuss why your gas grill isn’t getting enough heat, how you can make it hotter, and a quick guide to reset its propane regulator. We’ll also show you how you can fix various problems that lead to low-sitting flames.

Why Is Your Gas Grill Not Getting Hot Enough?

Your gas grill won’t get hot enough due to blockages, low gas issues, malfunctioning burner knobs, or a broken regulator. The flame could also be disturbed by too much wind, a broken seal, or corrosion. Cover your grill when it’s raining to prevent rust from causing irreparable damage.

So, what should you do if your gas grill won’t get hot?

  • Use a stiff brush to scrub the debris away from the burners, grates, and other components. This should be done often to prevent rust, heat issues, and many other problems. Maintaining your grill is essential to ensure it lasts for several years rather than a couple of seasons.
  • Always turn off the burners and propane tank regulator when you’re done using the grill. There’s no reason to leave a steady flow of gas going through the propane line if you’re not using the grill. This common mistake can lead to regulator misreadings, preventing your gas grill from getting enough heat.
  • Check your propane tank to make sure there’s enough gas. Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective ones. There needs to be enough propane to keep the flame roaring for a long time. If the flame starts to flicker or dye, it means there’s not enough propane left in the tank.

Resetting the regulator is a great step, too. Most people forget to work on the regulator, or they leave the propane line open when it’s not in use. If you need to reset the regulator to fix your gas grill’s low-heat problems, read on.

How Do You Reset a Regulator on a Gas Grill?

To reset a regulator on a gas grill, try these instructions:

  1. Turn off all of the burner knobs on your grill. It’s important to turn off the knobs to prevent the gas in the lines from flowing through when you’re fixing the regulator.
  2. Shut the valve on the propane tank to stop the gas from flowing through the line. Turning off the valve tells the regulator that there shouldn’t be any gas going through it. You should always leave the valve closed when you’re not using a gas grill.
  3. Unscrew the propane regulator from the tank and wait for a minute. This step allows the gas to flow out of the line, so you should ensure you’re in a well-ventilated area.
  4. Reinstall the propane regulator or add a new one if yours is broken. Tighten it and ensure the seal is closed. The line should already be connected to the grill, so this step requires you to connect it back to the tank.
  5. Turn on the burners to ignite the flames. Some manufacturers recommend specific steps for the first flame ignition after resetting the regulator. Look through the guidelines to check if you have to do anything extra.

If you prefer a video tutorial, review this YouTube video by Woodland Direct, Inc.:

How Do I Make My Gas Grill Hotter?

To make your gas grill hotter, you should keep the lid closed as much as possible to trap the heat. Adjust the burner knobs to the correct temperature, add grill bricks for better insulation, and don’t forget to clean the grill regularly. Always let your grill get hot before adding food to the burners.

According to Do It Yourself, you should keep the grill closed once you’ve lit the flame, then let it heat up before adding the food. Everything that goes in the grill will absorb some of the heat. By waiting to put the food on the grill, you’ll let the burners get as hot as possible. You could also wrap the food in tin foil to insulate it.

Low-quality grills don’t provide as much heat as high-end models. You might have to leave the grill on its highest setting to get a worthwhile flame roaring. Use a grill thermometer, such as the Rubbermaid Stainless Steel Thermometer to know when it’s hot enough. This thermometer goes inside of a grill or oven to read the internal temperature around the clock.

How Do You Fix a Low Flame on a Gas Grill?

If you want to fix a low flame on a gas grill, replace or reset the regulator, then clean the burner to remove excess debris. Oil, food droppings, and other spills can clog the burners and prevent the flame from getting big enough. This issue is much more present when you keep the burners low since it might snuff out the flame.

The Gas One Propane Regulator is a universal grill regulator that maxes out at 80,000 BTUs, which is far more than almost any gas grill on the market. Simply follow the aforementioned steps to remove your grill’s regulator, then add this one in its place. The company offers regulators that range between 3 to 12 feet long.

Whether or not you have to replace the regulator, it’s important to maintain it by leaving it off and resetting it every few grilling sessions.

Additional Grilling Resources

If you ever have grill problems in the future, our other grill troubleshooting articles may be able to help you.

Author

  • Jake Alexander

    Jake is a freelance writer from Pennsylvania who enjoys writing about science and sports. When he's not writing for Temperature Master, he can be found watching the NFL or playing basketball with his friends.

    View all posts

Jake is a freelance writer from Pennsylvania who enjoys writing about science and sports. When he’s not writing for Temperature Master, he can be found watching the NFL or playing basketball with his friends.

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