7 Ways to Conserve Propane & Save Money While You Grill

Running out of propane while grilling is never a good thing. You have to abandon half-cooked food, leave behind the good times you’ve cultivated at the cookout, and hightail it to the nearest grocery or hardware store to make an exchange. As bellies begin rumbling more intensely and food languishes on rapidly cooling grill grates, you’re stuck swapping out propane tanks. And worst of all, you missed Jim telling a joke that still had everyone in stitches when you returned! Now there’ll be references every time the group gets together, and you’ll be left wondering if you really understand what was so funny in the first place. We guess you just had to be there.

Propane Conservation Tips

When grilling season is in full swing, and your guests are all gathered, there’s nothing like sizzling burgers, steaks, and veggies on the barbecue. But as you fire up your grill, it’s essential to recognize that propane isn’t an infinite resource. In fact, it’s surprisingly easy to waste it unintentionally, leading to unnecessary expenses and a depleted tank.

1. Preheat your grill only as long as you need to, and only to the temperature you plan to use for the cook. You should always preheat your grill, but be ready to get cooking once it’s preheated. Try fully preparing your food before instead of during preheating so you can toss it on the grill when the cooking time comes.
2. Use only the burners you need to cook. There’s no need to fire all 3–4 burners on high if you’re just grilling a few burgers for the family, so be smart about creating multiple grilling zones and leave burners completely off when you can.
3. Leave the grill lid closed as much as possible while cooking. Trapping heat inside the grill body cooks food faster, using less fuel to achieve desired results. Last time we checked, efficiency always saves money.
4. Install and cook over an infrared burner, if your propane grill has that option. Infrared searing burners are typically more fuel-efficient and cook faster than conventional burners.
5. Always turn off your gas at the propane tank when you finish using the grill. Though you might be tempted to leave the gas on for convenience next time, that can cause major safety issues. A burner knob accidentally turned on would fill the grill body with gas and flames, while wildlife chewing through hoses attached to the cylinder would create a gas leak. Both scenarios waste huge amounts of propane but are more harmful as potential explosion hazards, making this a best practice regardless of propane pricing or availability.
6. Frequently check all propane hoses, fittings, and connections for leaks — and fix any that you find. Another safety precaution no matter how much you’re paying for propane, you need only a spray bottle filled with soapy water to spot gas leaks.
7. If you’re winterizing the grill, be sure to disconnect the propane tank and ensure its valve is closed tightly. Same idea as we explained above: if a rodent chews through the cylinder’s hose, you’ll return in spring to find an empty tank. Trust us, that’s not a good way to start grilling season.

These simple tips will help you keep propane in your tank and barbecue on your grill. Your wallet will breathe easier, and your backyard will continue to host delicious memories. So, fire up that grill, enjoy your favorite meals, and savor the moments shared with loved ones.