Propane Tips for Your Fourth of July Parties – PT 5

Propane grills are the grills of choice for discriminating backyard chefs everywhere and this Fourth of July will be no different. Whether you’ll be traveling to the beach or grilling at home, make sure you’re ready for your cookout. Don’t get caught at the last minute. Make sure you remember to plan ahead by stopping by our office on Mercer Street in Dripping Springs to get your propane bottles filled.

After all, you’re probably planning your menu and getting ready for the family cookout.
It’s that time of year where all across America, families will be hosting parties to celebrate Independence Day plus enjoy the time honored tradition of fellowship, fun, and great food.

According to the PBS show Barbecue America, “Propane grills heat up fast so you can get your food on the grill quickly and you are able to manage precise temperatures, providing you the flexibility to prepare a variety of dishes.”

With over 63% of Americans who grill using propane grills, now is the time to share a few good tips for getting the most from your grill on the Fourth of July. Also, keep in mind that if you are shopping for a grill, propane is your efficient and green choice. The Environmental Protection Agency recognizes propane as a clean-burning gas that releases 105 times less carbon monoxide than charcoal.

Green, clean, and tasty! Now more than ever, propane answers the call.

Question: My question has to do with grilling. I have heard that given the fact that propane is safe, that I can actually disconnect a cylinder and change cylinders while the grill is in operation, is this true?

Terry Garnett: No, it’s not true. When you change cylinders, turn the grill off.

Question: Dear Mr. Garnett, We are going camping. Is there a problem leaving our filled cylinder inside our truck?

Terry Garnett: Propane cylinders should never be left inside if they have any product in them. Never put a propane cylinder inside a building, unless it is empty and has never had propane in it.

Question: I understand that propane cylinders have valves and everything like that, and of course, I would think that’s where the leaks would happen, is there any problem if my propane cylinder gets dented?

Terry Garnett: Propane cylinders are inspected when they are filled and they are inspected for dents, abrasions, rusting, pitting and other regulatory conformity. If the licensed personnel filling the cylinder discovers a dent or anything else that presents a safety issue, they will not fill the bottle. The bottle will be condemned.

Question: When I’m not using my grill, it sometimes sits for a long time and uh, is there anything available that I can get to put on the tips there to kind of keep dirt and things out of the grill ends?

Terry Garnett: Just keep your grill covered and you will be fine.

Question: I read that there’s leak detection solution for my propane grill that can be purchased at a local propane gas supplier. What is a leak detection solution?

Terry Garnett: A lead detection solution is basically a liquid that will bubble when poured on a propane leak. When I was kid we used soapy water.