The weather is getting warmer and spring is just around the corner. For some, now is the right time to grill. But be careful: With gas grills, you should definitely pay attention to a few points – especially after the long winter break.
Grilling is one of the favorite leisure activities in Germany – and many hobby grillers can't wait to finally get started again. Some are even starting to grill now.
According to a Statista survey, almost 90 percent even own their own grill. However, many hobby grillers underestimate the dangers involved – especially when they throw their food on the increasingly popular gas grills. Explosive deflagration, gas cylinders that catch fire or dangerous jets of flame that lead to severe burns – all because of escaping gas.
You should therefore be particularly careful with the gas grill and check a few basic things. A few tips and useful tools are enough to significantly increase the safety of crickets.
Pressure regulator: double is better
Gas grill sets for standard Otto grills often only contain a simple pressure regulator that can be used to regulate the amount of gas that flows out. Yes, basically one controller is sufficient. But what if it suddenly blocks – perhaps because dirt has gotten into the cap – and the gas supply can no longer be turned off? To be on the safe side here, there are double pressure regulators. These have two regulators, the second of which takes effect when the first is blocked. This safety tool doesn't cost the earth, you can get usable controllers from around 35 euros.
To the gas grill test at CHIP: The best branded grills in comparison
View pressure regulator on Amazon
Flammable: Escaping gas
In addition to the double pressure regulator, you should definitely also connect a hose rupture protection. Such a hose rupture protection only costs between 10 and 15 euros and can save lives: The rupture protection prevents gas from escaping in an uncontrolled manner if the hose has a leak or tears off. The small piece of metal is simply screwed between the hose and the pressure regulator.
View hose rupture protection on Amazon
Porous hose: Check for leaks
Before you start the season with your gas grill, you should check whether all connections and the hose are still tight. Here's a very simple trick: set up the grill and plug it in. Now mix water and liquid soap (50:50) and brush or spray all connections and hose with it.
As an alternative to the soap mixture, you can also use a special leak detection spray, which you can get for as little as 5 euros a can. Then slowly turn on the gas and see if any bubbles form in one spot. If this is the case, gas is escaping there and you must have the leak repaired professionally or have it repaired. Do not perform this test indoors. In general, it is advisable to change the hose every few years, as it becomes porous over time.
View Leak Detection Spray on Amazon
Underestimated danger: Beware of grease fire
Image: Simon Kirsch / CHIP Studios
Grease fire is a danger that is often underestimated – and can happen to even the best grill master. Fire cannot be ruled out 100 percent, but the risk can be significantly reduced. For example, you should avoid soaking meat and vegetables in sauce or fat to such an extent that the liquid drips off the grill. Regular, thorough cleaning of the grill should also be a matter of course. And not only to avoid grease fire, but also for reasons of hygiene. In addition to the grate, you should also pay special attention to the fat pan and the burners, which are often overlooked when cleaning.
If, despite all caution, a grease fire should occur, you should absolutely remain calm and under no circumstances try to extinguish the fire with water – this will lead to a grease explosion. You should also avoid tips such as smothering the fire with a blanket, because depending on the heat, the blanket can also catch fire. It is best to have a class "F" fire extinguisher to hand when barbecuing. These fire extinguishers have been specially developed for grease fires and are usually not very expensive. You can get a standard two-liter fire extinguisher for around 30 euros.
View Fire Extinguishers on Amazon
Apartment is taboo: store gas bottle properly
Whether in winter or in summer: The gas cylinders should be stored properly at all times. This is not difficult, there are only a few points to consider: Do not store the gas cylinder in direct sunlight or in very warm places. The gas bottle must not be in the basement or below ground level, as the gas cannot escape here – it is heavier than air and therefore "sticks" to the floor.
Do not store the gas bottle inside the apartment or in a closed garage, as the gas can also be difficult to escape from here.
Optimal installation locations should therefore be cool, dry and well ventilated, such as a carport or the balcony. The gas bottles can also be easily stored in a shady place in the garden. The cold does not bother the gas cylinders in contrast to the sun's rays.
The best gas grills: Better new than tuning
In order to increase the performance of a gas grill, some users recommend drilling out the nozzle of the injector. This increases the gas flow – and thus the device heats up faster and reaches more extreme temperatures. Attention: We can only warn against these tuning tips! If your gas grill isn't performing as well as you want it to be, you should look for an alternative rather than risky experimentation.
To the gas grill test at CHIP: The best branded grills in comparison
Here you will find the best models from the CHIP leaderboard at a glance:
Gas grills in the test
Weber Spirit EPX-325S GBS Smart Grill
Offer from BestCheck
Crickets
Amenities
Handling
Price
From €829.00
Price assessment
Cheap
To the shop
Burnhard Big Fred Deluxe 2021
Offer from BestCheck
Crickets
Amenities
Handling
Price
From €699.00
Price assessment
Very cheap
TAINO 93504 TAINO PLATINUM 4+2 gas grill stainless steel
Offer from BestCheck
Crickets
Amenities
Handling
Price
From €629.99
Price assessment
Cheap
To the shop
Rösle Videro G3-S Black
Offer from BestCheck
Crickets
Amenities
Handling
Price
From €649.00
Price assessment
Cheap
To the shop
Ender's Monroe Pro 3 SIK Turbo
Offer from BestCheck
Crickets
Amenities
Handling
Price
From €549.00
Price assessment
Very cheap
Char-Broil Professional Pro 3S
Offer from BestCheck
Crickets
Amenities
Handling
Price
From €769.99
Price assessment
Acceptable
Landmann Triton maxX PTS 3.1
Offer from BestCheck
Crickets
Amenities
Handling
Price
From €579.71
Price assessment
Cheap
Weber Spirit II E-320GBS
Offer from BestCheck
Crickets
Amenities
Handling
Price
From €689.00
Price assessment
Acceptable
To the shop
Char Broil Professional Series 3 Burner (468711020)
