Gas Grill Safety 101: Tips to Prevent Accidents and Ensure Safe Grilling

Clean Your Grill Regularly

Let’s be honest, no one loves cleaning the grill. But it’s one of the most important steps you can take to ensure gas grill safety and extend the life of your equipment. In fact, grease buildup is a leading cause of grill fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. The good news? Regular cleaning doesn’t take long and makes every cookout safer and more delicious.

A clean grill not only helps prevent dangerous flare-ups, but it also improves cooking performance. You’ll get more even heat, better sear marks, and less smoke from old food debris.

🧼 Here’s Your Simple Gas Grill Cleaning Checklist:

• Scrape the grates – After each use (while the grill is still warm), use a sturdy grill brush or scraper to remove any leftover food or charred residue from the cooking grates. This helps reduce flare-ups and keeps your food tasting fresh.
  

• Empty the grease tray – Your grill’s grease tray or drip pan collects fats and oils that can easily ignite if left to build up. Make it a habit to empty and wipe down the tray after every few uses, or more frequently during heavy grilling seasons.
  

• Clean the burners – Burners can get clogged with food bits, rust, or even spider webs if your grill sits unused for a while. Gently brush the burners and check the flame ports for obstructions to ensure an even, steady flame.
  

• Wipe down exterior surfaces – A clean grill looks great on your patio and can prevent corrosion. Use a damp cloth with mild soap to clean the lid, shelves, and knobs. For stainless steel grills, opt for a grill-safe polish to maintain a shiny, like-new finish.
  

• Deep clean monthly – If you grill often, plan a deeper clean every month: disassemble grates, remove heat shields, and scrub the interior. You’ll be surprised how much grease builds up in hidden corners.

Grills like the American Made Grills 36" Estate Freestanding Gas Grill come with easy-access grease management systems, making maintenance quicker and safer. Fewer hidden corners equals less buildup and fewer fire hazards.

Regular cleaning is one of the best habits you can develop as a grill owner, it only takes a few minutes, and the payoff is big in both safety and flavor.

Light It The Right Way

When it comes to gas grill safety, how you light your grill matters just as much as where you place it or how often you clean it. Improper ignition can lead to sudden flare-ups, gas buildup, or even small explosions, none of which belong at your backyard cookout.

The good news? Lighting your grill safely is simple if you follow a few key steps.

🔥 Gas Grill Lighting Safety Tips:

• Always open the lid first – This is the golden rule of lighting a gas grill. If the lid is closed, gas can build up in the cooking chamber. The moment you ignite it, that trapped gas could cause a dangerous fireball. Open the lid fully and make sure there’s no lingering smell of gas before lighting.
  

• Follow your grill’s manual – Every grill is a little different, so be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions, especially if your model has electronic ignition, a match-light backup, or multiple burner zones. Don’t skip this step, even if you’ve lit dozens of grills before.
  

• Turn on gas, then ignite – For most models, the proper sequence is: open lid → turn on the gas burner → immediately press the ignition button or insert a lit match if manual. Delays can allow gas to accumulate, so be ready.
  

• If it doesn’t light right away, stop – If your grill doesn’t ignite after a few seconds, turn off the gas, wait at least 5 minutes to let the gas dissipate, then try again. Repeated clicking or turning the knob too many times just increases the risk of a flare-up.
  

• Never light your grill indoors – Even if you’ve got the garage door open or windows cracked, using a gas grill inside any enclosed or semi-enclosed space can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning or fire. Grills are strictly outdoor-only appliances.

These steps only take a few moments but can make all the difference in preventing accidents. Most modern freestanding gas grills—like the American Outdoor Grill L-Series—come with reliable ignition systems designed to spark consistently, but user error is still the #1 cause of ignition-related incidents.

Stay Focused While Grilling

Grilling is often the center of backyard fun, but it’s also when accidents are most likely to happen, especially when the chef gets distracted. Once your gas grill is fired up, it’s important to stay alert and present. Even a few seconds away can lead to flare-ups, burned food, or worse, an injury.

In fact, according to the National Fire Protection Association, unattended grills are one of the top causes of outdoor cooking fires. That’s why gas grill safety starts with staying focused and creating a safe cooking environment.

🔒 Key Reminders for Safe Grilling Supervision:

• Never leave the grill unattended – It might seem harmless to run inside for “just a second,” but flare-ups can happen instantly. Always keep your eyes on the grill while it’s in use.
  

• Set up a “grill zone” – Designate a clear, 3-foot safety zone around your grill where children and pets aren’t allowed. Use outdoor mats, flags, or even furniture placement to subtly mark off the area and keep little ones at a safe distance.
  

• Watch your clothing – Avoid wearing loose clothing, long sleeves, or dangling accessories. These can easily brush against open flames or hot surfaces. Opt for short sleeves, or roll them up before grilling.
  

• Use long-handled tools – Invest in a good set of long-handled grilling tools (like tongs, spatulas, and forks) to keep your hands and arms away from heat and flare-ups. Tools with heat-resistant grips are even better.
  

• Keep flammable items away – Napkins, paper towels, oven mitts, and cooking spray should all be kept well away from the grill’s heat. One stray breeze could push these items into the flame zone.

Grilling should be fun and flavorful, but also safe. By staying attentive and building a clear safety perimeter, you help protect everyone around you and keep the good vibes going all day long.

Shut It Down Safely

Grilling may be over when the burgers are off the flame, but your job isn’t done just yet. One of the most overlooked parts of gas grill safety is the proper shutdown process. Taking just a few extra minutes to cool things down the right way can prevent accidental fires, equipment damage, and even injury.

Whether you’re wrapping up a quick weeknight meal or cleaning up after a weekend barbecue, these simple steps help ensure your grill stays safe and ready for next time.

🔧 After-Grilling Safety Steps:

• Turn off all burners – Start by switching off each burner individually using the control knobs. This stops the flow of gas to the grill and allows it to begin cooling.

• Shut off the fuel source – Next, if you’re using a propane grill, turn the propane tank valve to the OFF position. If your grill is connected to a natural gas line, turn off the supply valve. This is a critical safety step that prevents residual gas from leaking while the grill is not in use.

• Let the grill cool down completely – Give your grill at least 30–60 minutes to cool before covering or moving it. Placing a cover over a hot grill can trap heat and increase the risk of fire, warping, or melting.

• Clean off food residue and grease – While the grates are still slightly warm (but safe to touch), use a grill brush to remove leftover food and debris. Wipe down any exterior surfaces and empty the grease tray to prevent future buildup and reduce fire hazards.

• Store your tools safely – Put away grilling tools, lighters, and any flammable items like cooking spray or paper towels. Keeping a tidy and safe grill station helps avoid accidents between uses.

Pro Tip: Many premium freestanding gas grills like the American Made Grills Estate 36" feature convenient shutoff systems and removable grease trays, making cleanup and shutdown faster and easier.

By developing a reliable post-grill routine, you’re not only protecting your equipment, you’re also reinforcing safe habits that make grilling safer for everyone in your household.

Store Propane Tanks Properly

When it comes to gas grill safety, what you do after cooking is just as important as what you do during it, especially if you're using a propane-powered grill. Propane is a highly flammable gas, and improper storage of your tank can lead to leaks, fire hazards, or even explosions.

Whether you’re storing a full tank or a backup, following a few simple rules can make all the difference in keeping your backyard safe.

🛑 Propane Tank Storage Safety Tips:

• Store tanks outdoors, never indoors – Propane tanks should never be stored in a house, basement, garage, shed, or enclosed patio. If a leak occurs indoors, the gas can build up and lead to an explosion risk. Instead, always store tanks in an open, well-ventilated outdoor area.

• Keep tanks in an upright position – Store your propane tank standing straight up on a flat surface, never on its side. This prevents gas from escaping through the safety valve and helps the tank function correctly.

• Avoid heat and direct sunlight – Place tanks in a shaded, cool area away from grills, fire pits, or other heat sources. Excessive heat can increase pressure inside the tank and cause the relief valve to open, releasing gas into the air.

• Use a protective cap or plug – When the tank is disconnected, cover the nozzle with the plastic safety cap that came with it. This helps protect the valve from dust, insects, or accidental impact.

• Keep tanks away from children's play areas – Make sure propane tanks are out of reach of children and pets. Even though they’re heavy and usually stable, it's not worth the risk of tampering or tipping.

• Inspect for rust or damage – Occasionally check your tank for dents, rust, or signs of corrosion. If your tank is more than 10 years old, consider having it inspected or replaced by a certified provider.

If you're using a freestanding gas grill like the American Made Grills 42" Estate Freestanding Gas Grill, features like a built-in storage compartment are designed to securely hold propane tanks in an upright and ventilated position during use, but keep in mind, these compartments aren’t intended for long-term or off-season storage.

Be Ready for Emergencies

Even when you follow all the right steps for gas grill safety, accidents can still happen. That’s why it’s smart to have a plan—and the right tools—ready to go, just in case. Preparing for emergencies may feel like overkill, but when something goes wrong, those few extra precautions can make all the difference.

The goal is to stay calm, act quickly, and keep everyone safe.

🧯 Essential Safety Items to Keep Nearby:

• Fire extinguisher (Class B or multipurpose ABC) - Every outdoor grill station should have a fire extinguisher within arm’s reach. Look for one rated for grease and gas fires, and make sure you (and other household members) know how to use it. A quick refresher: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side to side (PASS).

• Spray bottle of water - For minor flare-ups, a simple spray bottle filled with water can help tame small flames without damaging your food or equipment. It’s perfect for controlling hot spots caused by dripping grease, just don’t use it on a full-on grease fire.

• Emergency contacts saved to your phone - Keep your phone handy and make sure emergency numbers like 911 and your local fire department are saved and easy to access. If something escalates beyond what you can manage, don't hesitate to call for professional help immediately.

• Heat-resistant gloves - These can protect your hands if you need to move hot parts of the grill or handle tools near intense heat. They’re not just for cooking, they’re a smart part of your safety toolkit.

• First-aid kit - Minor burns or scrapes can happen, even during a smooth grilling session. Having a basic first-aid kit nearby ensures you can treat small injuries on the spot.

🚨 When to Call for Help:

If a fire gets out of control, meaning that it’s spreading beyond the grill, reigniting repeatedly, or moving towards nearby structures, don’t try to put it out yourself. Shut off the gas if it’s safe to do so, clear the area, and call 911 immediately. Trained professionals are equipped to handle it safely.

Being prepared doesn’t mean you’re expecting something to go wrong. It just means you’re ready to handle it calmly and effectively if it does.

Choose Safer Equipment

When it comes to gas grill safety, the equipment you use plays a big role. Not all grills are created equal, and the right grill can do more than just cook a great steak. Today’s top-rated freestanding gas grills are built with advanced safety features designed to help prevent accidents, control heat more efficiently, and give you peace of mind while you cook.

If you’re upgrading your grill or buying your first one, it pays to choose models that prioritize both performance and protection.

🔐 Features to Look For in a Safer Gas Grill:

• Reliable ignition systems – A dependable ignition minimizes misfires and reduces the risk of gas buildup during startup.

• Sturdy construction – Look for high-quality materials like stainless steel, which can handle high heat and resist corrosion over time.

• Smart grease management – Built-in grease trays and easy-access drip pans make cleanup safer and reduce the chance of flare-ups.

• Even heat distribution – Flare-ups are often caused by hot spots. Grills that manage airflow well offer better temperature control and fewer surprises.

• Safety shut-off valves – Some grills include auto shut-off systems to stop the gas flow if ignition fails.

🔥 Recommended Options from Our Collection:

• American Outdoor Grill L Series 30" Portable Grill - Engineered for performance and convenience, this grill features precise temperature control, a powerful rotisserie system, and a built-in side burner. Its durable stainless steel construction and user-friendly design make it a smart, safe choice for families who love to grill regularly.

• American Made Grills Estate 36" Freestanding - A luxury grill with premium stainless steel construction, commercial-grade burners, and a smart airflow system that minimizes flare-ups while delivering even, powerful heat. Built for performance, engineered for safety.

Choosing a high-quality gas grill isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s an investment in a better, safer cooking experience. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or an everyday griller, having the right equipment makes all the difference.

🔗 Explore all of our safety-forward freestanding gas grills to find the perfect fit for your backyard.

Conclusion

Grilling is one of life’s simplest pleasures, bringing people together over good food, fresh air, and sizzling flames. But as with any powerful tool, a gas grill requires responsibility and awareness. With just a few smart habits, a little maintenance, and the right setup, you can dramatically reduce the risks and make every backyard BBQ both fun and safe.

Remember:

• Choose a smart location

• Inspect your grill regularly

• Keep it clean and properly maintained

• Stay alert while cooking

• Shut it down safely and store your propane properly

• Be prepared for emergencies

• Invest in safer equipment built for reliability and performance

Whether you're a seasoned grill master or just getting started, these safety practices should become second nature. They’re not just about protecting your home, they’re about making every cookout a stress-free, enjoyable experience.