Outdoor Cooking Information

Grill Usage Tips

Always use the grill outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Do not bring cylinders or grills intended for outdoor use inside or into an enclosed space, such as a garage.
DO NOT allow anyone to conduct any activities around the grill when the grill is in use, or following its use. The grill body is hot during the period of use and will remain hot for some time following its use.
DO NOT use the grill directly adjacent to the side of the house or structure and never under any surface such as a carport, porch, or in a garage.
Always follow all of the grill manufacturer’s instructions and keep written materials in a safe, accessible place.
Before lighting your grill, use a leak-detection solution made from a teaspoon of mild liquid hand soap in a cup of water to check all connections for leaks. Bubbles at the connection indicate leakage. Rinse thoroughly using clean water.
When lighting a grill, make sure grill top is open.
Never use matches or lighters to check for leaks.
Make sure the grill is shut off and cooled off before covering after use.
When not in use, make sure the grill burner controls are off and keep the cylinder valve closed.
Never allow children to tamper or play with the cylinder or grill.
If there is an uncontrollable release of gas or a fire, call the fire department immediately and move all people and pets away from the grill. Do not attempt to move the grill or put the fire out with a fire extinguisher.

Grill Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

Clean the burner and tubes – Make sure the propane cylinder is turned off and disconnected. Following the instructions in the owner’s manual, remove the briquettes and cooking grids. Unfasten the burner, slip the venturi tubes off the orifices, and remove the burner unit as a whole. Clean off any dirt or grease accumulation using a soft cloth and soapy water, then towel dry the unit. When the unit is dry, clean out each gas port on the burner unit with toothpicks and clean the venturi tubes by soaking them in warm, soapy water.
Clean the grill housing – Before you start, cover the gas orifices beneath the control panel with aluminum foil to prevent corrosion. Scrub the grill’s inner and outer surfaces with a brass-bristle brush and soapy water. Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose and towel dry. After the grill housing is dry, reattach the burner, venturi tubes, and igniter.
Check the fuel supply system – Always inspect the gas line, connections, and propane cylinder for damage, rust, and corrosion before restarting the grill. Reconnect your propane tank to the grill and test the connections for leaks by brushing them with a solution of mild hand soap and water. Avoid using dish soap or window cleaner containing ammonia as it will corrode brass fittings. After checking for leaks, rinse thoroughly with clean water. Turn on the gas. If bubbles appear or the distinctive “rotten egg” smell of gas is present, turn off the gas and tighten the connections. Wait three minutes, then do the test again. If the bubbles or smell continues, shut off the gas and call your local propane supplier.
Clean the briquettes and cooking grids – Flip the briquettes so the greasy side faces the burner and place the grids in their usual places. Light the grill, close the lid, and set the flame on high for 15 minutes. The heat will burn the grease off the briquettes and grids. After the grill cools, remove the grids and briquettes. Using the brass-bristle brush and some warm, soapy water, scrub the grids clean, rinse, and towel dry.

Camping Equipment Safety Tips

Make sure the shelter or camper is adequately ventilated at all times.
Have your camping appliances checked at least once a year by a qualified technician to ensure they are functioning properly.
Never use a propane stove in an enclosed area. It should be located in an open, well-ventilated area away from shrubs, dry wood, and other combustibles.
Never leave a hot stove unattended. Always turn it off, allowing it to cool before moving it.
Keep dirt and foreign particles out of the propane lantern valves and blow the valves clean before connecting a cylinder to the lantern.
Never operate a lantern without a mantle or with a damaged mantle that has visible holes or cracks.
Leave plenty of clearance between your propane lantern and/or propane stove and all combustible materials.
Use your propane lantern only as a light source. It is not a space heater.
Only use propane gas heaters that have been tested and labeled by a recognized agency.
Use the heater only for heating, not for cooking food or drying clothes.
Make certain that all rubber hoses are kept clear of flames and hot surfaces, and if the hose is melted, cut or cracked do not use the hose and replace it prior to using the propane appliance.
Make certain that all connections and fittings are tight and leak free prior to lighting the equipment.

Safety and Cooking Tips for Deep-Frying Turkeys

Set-up Tips:

Place turkey fryer/burner and cylinder on a flat, stable surface in an open area away from all walls, fences, or other structures.
Never use fryer/burner in, on or under a garage, breezeway, carport, awning or any structure such as a wooden deck that can catch fire.
Keep children and pets away from fryer during and after use as the oil can remain hot for hours.
Keep fryer in full view while the burner is on. Leave at least two feet of space between the propane tank and the fryer burner.
Take measures to make certain that the hose between the propane cylinder and fryer/burner cannot be accidentally tripped over.
Position the propane tank and fryer/burner so that any wind blows the heat from the burner away from the propane cylinder.

While Cooking:

Check the oil temperature frequently. Never allow oil to exceed 375° F.
If oil begins to smoke, immediately turn off the gas supply because the oil is overheating.
Completely thaw and dry the turkey before lowering it into the hot oil.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the proper amount of oil to use.
Always use oven mitts and cover bare skin when adding or removing food from a deep fryer.
Use only cookware and accessories designed for frying turkeys; never use glassware, ceramic or plastic cookware.
Raise and lower food slowly to reduce splatter and avoid burns.
Make certain to read the exact weight of the turkey on the label prior to discarding the label.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions pertaining to the length of time to cook the turkey.
If a fire occurs, immediately call 911. Don’t attempt to extinguish the fire with water. An operable dry-chemical fir extinguisher may, in some circumstances, contain the fire.

After Cooking:

Never move the cooker or pot while in use or while hot.
Allow the oil to cool completely before removing it from the pot.