As the weather begins to warm up, visions of family cookouts come to mind. You may be wondering how safe it is to use the gas grill while the wooden deck is cleaned and ready to go. The simple answer is that it is indeed safe, as long as you follow a few safety guidelines.
Can you have a gas grill on a deck?
Decks are the best place for gas grills. Decks provide a flat, even surface for the grill. Decks are a great place for both cooking and entertaining. However, the placement of the gas grill is critical to its safety and use.
Is a propane grill safe on a deck?
While you may love to hop out the door and grill on your deck or patio, it is a recipe for disaster. Grills should be used at least 10 feet from the house, and “propane grills should not be used on flammable surfaces,” Eggleston said.
Is it safe to keep grill on deck?
Grill Safety Tip Grills should be 10 feet away from the side of a building, unless the manufacturer’s instructions say you can get closer. Make sure the grill is not under an overhanging branch. Grills may not be used on porches, balconies, or decks (other than outside the building) with roofs, overhangs, or walls.
Where should a gas grill be placed on a deck?
Grills, whether charcoal or gas, should be at least 10 feet away from deck railings and structures such as houses, garages, and sheds. Give yourself plenty of space, too, says Gretag Staffson, a media relations associate with the American Red Cross.
How do I protect my deck from grill?
No need to spend time and water power washing decks and patios. No need to remove grease and dirt from your barbecue when you can buy grill mats to put down. Like table placemats, grill mats are an easy thing to do to prevent messes before they happen.
Is it safe to grill on a covered porch?
Can I grill under a covered patio? Yes, you can. While it is safe to grill inside a patio, garage, awning, porch, or balcony, it is always best to grill outside only in open areas where no one can get hurt. This method reduces the risk of accidents and allows for proper ventilation.
How many house fires are caused by grills?
The estimated 10,600 home grill fires reported each year include approximately 4,900 fires per year (46%). All grill fire deaths, 100 associated fire injuries (64%) and annual direct property damage (91%) are the result of fires involving structures.
What can I put under my grill on my deck?
Grill Mats – Grill mats can be placed under pits to protect decks from flaming embers and stubborn grease stains. Look for a durable mat heavy enough to withstand wind and extend a few inches past the perimeter of the grill.
Should I put a mat under grill on deck?
Whether you’re cooking a quick meal or preparing for a neighborhood barbecue, place a mat under your outdoor grill for easy cleanup and to protect concrete, wood, and other surfaces from spills and splatters.
Where should a grill be placed on a patio?
Always place the grill on a flat, clean surface away from trash cans, mulch, and other potentially combustible debris. The same goes for trees and hedges in low areas. Make sure there are no hanging branches near the barbecue.
How much clearance do you need above a gas grill?
There must be a minimum of 60 inches [1524 mm] clearance between the grill surface and the overhead structure. When installed under a combustible overhead structure, the area above the cooking surface of the grill must be covered by an exhaust hood.
How much clearance does a grill need?
Maintain proper clearance to combustible materials. Per manufacturer’s suggestion, recommend 20 inches to the rear of the grill, 7 inches from the sides, and 24 inches to the rear of the grill if the grill is located near vinyl paneling.
Can you put a grill on a balcony?
The only type of grill that can be used on a balcony is an electric grill. Gas and charcoal grills are for backyard or patio use only. It is not safe to use charcoal or gas grills on balconies. In fact, it is illegal in most states.
Can a gas grill catch on fire?
The primary reason gas grills catch fire is due to grease buildup in the grill. If the grill is not properly cleaned, grease builds up in the firebox, burners, and other areas of the grill. The grease can evaporate and ignite, causing a grease fire.
What is the most common type of grill to cause fires?
For every six grills involved in home fires, five were fueled by gas (84%) and 12% used charcoal or another solid fuel. Gas grills were involved in an average of 8,900 home fires per year. Leaks and breaks were the primary gas grill problems.
How do gas grill fires start?
While there may be enough gas flowing to the burners to allow them to light, a blockage could cause some of the gas to back up and flow out of the air shutters near the control knobs. These escaping gases can ignite and represent a fire and injury hazard.
Can you use a gas grill on a covered patio?
Grill manufacturer Weber offers similar advice. “Always keep your grill at least 5 feet from combustible materials such as houses, garages, deck rails, and cars. Do not use the grill indoors or under a covered patio.”
Can you put a gas grill on a Trex deck?
Yes, gas grills can be safely used on composite decks. Composite decks are designed to the same minimum Class C fire rating as wood decks. Raised high enough to provide sufficient clearance to avoid damaging composite and wood decks are safe to use on both composite and wood decks.
Do grill mats really work?
These mats do what they promise with grills, but only a slight improvement. They are suitable for foods like hamburgers that hang through the grill grates and prevent flare-ups just below the chicken. But the grease that melts off the meat still has to go somewhere.
How far does a gas grill need to be from the house?
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and many builders recommend locating grills at least 10 feet away from any structure, including combustible overhangs such as awnings. A less conservative recommendation is at least 3 feet away from the house, usually given by the manufacturer.
Where should I put my propane grill in my backyard?
The best location for a backyard grill is in an uncovered area that is a moderate distance from the home. The size of the barbecue further limits the area that can be held, as some yards are restricted on space.
Can you use a gas grill on a screened in porch?
Gas grills offer more options. You can place this type in a covered area, but do not attempt to use it on a screened porch. Make sure there is at least a 9-foot ceiling. Place the grill on an outside wall and find a spot with a cross breeze that is ideal for exhaling smoke.
Can you put a grill under a gazebo?
But is this safe? Grill gazebos are specifically designed to be safe for grilling. Both fixed and portable fabric types are made of fireproof material, are open on all four sides, and have special vents built over the grilling area. They are also firmly anchored to the ground for added safety.
Can you use a grill under a pergola?
The open construction allows the grill to be placed under the pergola. At the top, there is a louvered design that assists in cross ventilation and helps to keep out smoke from the four open sides. . Gas grills are safer than traditional charcoal pits where ash can escape and burn nearby grapes.
What is the safest grill?
The safest candidate: outdoor electric grills. They produce no hazardous chemicals, and the temperature is easily checked (i.e., no carbonization or overcooking). They are 100% hardwood and contain no petroleum, coal, limestone, or petroleum products.
Why are propane barbecues not allowed on balconies?
According to the fire code, propane or charcoal barbecues are not allowed on overhanging apartment balconies and must be at least 10 feet away from the building. These rules have been in place for years and are usually enforced when a complaint is filed, said Fire Chief Dave Rossiter .
Why do apartments not allow grills?
In apartment complexes such as condominiums and townhouses, a fire in one unit can spread rapidly to another unit. As a result, the California Fire Code – Section 308.1.4 “Open Fire Cooking Appliances” – limits the types of grilling allowed in or near open fire cooking appliances.
Can you have a small BBQ on a balcony?
Is it illegal to grill on my balcony? Generally, grilling on balconies is legal, but apartment managers may prohibit the use of grills on balconies for safety reasons. It is important to check with your local authorities to see if grilling on balconies is allowed in your area.
What do you put in the bottom of a gas grill?
To clean the tray, use a fine steel wool pad with warm soapy water and soap, being careful not to scratch the porcelain finish. Do not line the bottom tray with foil as grease can accumulate in the folds of the foil and cause a grease fire. Never do the following to the gas grill: Do not apply wax or paint to the lid.
How do you keep a fire going on the grill?
How to keep the grill lit
- Use dry charcoal: This is very obvious, but the charcoal must be dry.
- Dampeners: Dampeners are very important to keep the grill bright and hot.
- Always stack: Charcoal should be stacked, not scattered.
- Clean the grill :
- Take the weather into account: If the weather is not good for your grill, you will need to clean the grill.
Is a grill ruined after a grease fire?
So can you use a grill with a grease fire? The answer is yes, but some precautions should be taken. Thoroughly clean the grill and burn off any remaining grease. Also, avoid placing grease-stained clothing near the grill.
Are electric grills safer than gas?
Electric grills are the healthiest way to cook outdoors. They do not produce carcinogens and do not use unsustainable gas fuels that are bad for the environment. If health is a primary concern, electric grills may be the best option compared to charcoal or gas.
Which is safer propane or charcoal grill?
Charcoal. But when it comes to your health and the health of the planet, propane is the clear winner. In short, the end result is the carcinogens in food and the fact that charcoal tends to be dirtier and propane has a much smaller carbon footprint.
Are you supposed to turn off propane tank after grilling?
Many customers who leave their fuel source “on” do so for convenience. It saves one from having to turn the grill on and off before and after. Regardless of the fuel source, it is very important for safety reasons to turn off the gas supply to the grill when not in use.
How many accidents a year are caused by a grill?
However, an average of more than 10,000 grill-related injuries are reported each year, underscoring the importance of grill safety. Thirteen percent of those who own or have access to a grill report having had a grill-related injury, and nearly one in five Gen Z grillers has been injured in the past.
How often do propane grills explode?
The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that approximately 600 propane tank explosions occur each year. Because every accident is different and the product of attendant circumstances, it is impossible to predict exactly what will happen without examining the circumstances of the accident.
Why don’t we use ocean water for fires?
Seawater extinguishes fires just as well as freshwater does. Seawater is tougher on pump equipment than freshwater, but proper maintenance and flushing of the system limits the corrosive characteristics of the pump,” said Captain Larry Kurtz of the Fire Department. Horns in the Mail.
Can you grill on a deck with a roof?
In most cases, grease fires and inadequate ventilation make covered porches and patios unsafe places to grill using propane and charcoal. Even with proper ventilation and extreme care, the potential for ceiling stains and accidents is unwise.
Is it safe to have BBQ on composite decking?
Placing cooked meat in a drip pan prevents excess fat and grease from dripping onto the deck and makes the cleanup process much easier. Thus, generally speaking, composite decking is perfectly fine for hosting barbecues for friends and family.
Are mesh grill bags safe?
The flexible mesh material is heat resistant up to 600°F (316°C), so as long as you don’t exceed that temperature, you should be fine.
Do grill mats leave grill marks?
The best grill mats are nonstick, dishwasher-safe, easy to clean, and thick enough to provide durability but thin enough to transfer grill marks to cooked food.
Are Copper Grill mats worth it?
Vegetables, fish, and pizza are examples of foods on which the Yoshi Copper Grill Mat shines. The non-stick surface works as expected and reduces the amount of cleaning of the grill surface. They appear durable enough for reuse and easy cleanup.
How do I protect my deck railings from the grill?
The easiest way to protect deck railings from grilling is to hang a wool or welding blanket over the railings to protect them from heat and flame before lighting the grill. Once the grill has cooled, return the railing to its original beauty.
Can I grill on my patio?
Yes, you can. Grilling inside a patio, garage, awning, porch, or balcony is safe, but it is recommended that grilling be used only in open areas outdoors where no one can get hurt. This method reduces the risk of accidents and allows for proper ventilation.
Can I put my grill against my house?
Do not give grills enough space Grills, whether charcoal or gas, should be at least 10 feet away from deck railings and structures such as houses, garages, and sheds.
Where should you not put a grill?
Grill placement.
- Do not use the grill indoors, in a garage, or under anything that could ignite.
- Grills should be placed at least 10 feet away from houses and other structures or buildings.
- Make sure the grill is not near deck rails, paneling, or low-hanging tree branches that could burn.
Where should I put my gas grill outside?
Always place the grill on a flat, clean surface away from trash cans, mulch, and other potentially combustible debris. The same goes for trees and hedges in low areas. Make sure there are no hanging branches near the barbecue.
How do you secure a gas grill to a deck?
Tie the grill to a nearby structure that is secured, such as a deck or porch. Leave a clearance of at least 3 feet to prevent fire. Use nylon rope labeled to support at least 100 lbs. Wrap the rope around the legs and crossbars of the grill, then around the railing or posts of the supporting structure.