The Anatomy of a Gas Grill

Your steaks won’t be sizzling this summer if your gas grill’s on the fritz. Use this guide to identify parts and problems and keep it firing up just like new.
Burner Tubes

If flames burn unevenly or burner doesn’t light, clean portholes with wire brush.
Flame

Look for dark blue center that transitions to light blue with occasional yellow tip. If pattern is off or flames are all yellow, turn off burners and clean portholes with wire brush. If abnormal color persists, remove tubes and ream out with stiff wire.
Spider Screens

Prevent bugs from nesting in burner tubes. If flames are yellow and you smell gas, clean screens with soft-bristle brush. Clean yearly.
Burner Protector

Guards tubes from food drips.
Burner-Control Knob

Always wait until tank valve is open before turning on, or regulator may go into mode that restricts gas flow for safety.
Ignition

Creates spark, which lights gas. If switch doesn’t light burner but matches do, check for loose wires, change battery (on some models), or replace switch assembly.
Manifold

Distributes gas to burner tubes.
Grill Hose

If burner doesn’t light or flame is low, look for kink or check for leak at connection points. If leak is in hose, replace it.
Propane Tank

If you smell gas or tank runs out after only a few uses, apply soapy water to valve base and tank seams. If solution bubbles, there’s a leak; stand back and call fire department. Check for leaks every time you change tank.
Regulator

Controls gas flow from tank. If flames flicker and grill doesn’t get hot, regulator may be in low-flow safety mode. Close tank valve, turn off knobs, detach regulator, and turn knobs to high. Wait 1 minute, shut off knobs, and reconnect regulator. Slowly open valve.