My propane tank is full, but I get low flame and it takes forever even to get to 300 degrees

Sometimes it works great other times the flame is low on all 4 burners and has trouble heating up. Outside temperatures run from 60°F to 25°F


Answer:-


The boiling point of propane is −44°F (−42°C) so unless you have a severe winter you have gas. That's not your problem.

For simplicity I've copied the post made by Dean below to the top of the page because most readers agree that this is the definitive answer and the place to start. Here's what Dean has to say...

"All propane tanks built in the last years have an excessive flow regulator. If it senses a leak in your system it dramatically reduces the flow out of the tank. This often happens if you have a burner in the on position when you open the propane tank.

First thing is to turn everything off meaning the tank and the burners.

Open the propane tank first.

Then turn on the burner you want to light.

Utilize the starter.

Then open the other burners.

This seems to be the most common problem my friends have had with gas grills."

If you're still having problems then read these three points below for further troubleshooting ideas:-

  1. Are your burners clogged up? They can get blocked if you've had a lot of fat dripping onto them. Given that you have the problem with all four burners at the same time then this is probably the least likely answer.
  2. Check your regulator because it's the regulator that controls the flow of gas. Are you sure it's a propane regulator? Is it an old regulator? If you have any doubt or concern, get another regulator, they're not expensive.
  3. Check the faucet on the tank. This is purely mechanical so highly unlikely to be faulty but just check that you can turn it on an off. Note when turning a tank faucet on, turn it completely on the back off half a turn, that way you minimize the risk of the faucet getting frozen in the on position.


See Also:-


Learn About BBQ Thermometers
Grill Charms – Unique Grilling Gifts
Accessories


Return to Water Smoker Recipes from My propane tank is full, but I get low flame and it takes forever even to get to 300 degrees

Comments for My propane tank is full, but I get low flame and it takes forever even to get to 300 degrees

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Sep 24, 2023
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Low heat
by: Anonymous

I used your advice. Turned everything off and turned gas in first turned the burner and it lit! Great thanks!
Sep 20, 2022
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Regulators are a pain in the ass.
by: Anonymous

This stuff about your burners turned on before your tank, and the regulator is slowing propane for safety is rubbish, the regulator is faulty, just replace it cause they go bad after so many years. New regulator and your bbq will work fine.
Jul 01, 2022
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Like a charm
by: Anonymous

That was way too helpful, trying to smoke on the bbq with a pellet tube and couldn’t get it over 200f, super helpful!
Sep 14, 2021
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Word
by: Anonymous

thanks Dean!
Sep 01, 2021
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Saved the day
by: BPJRAnonymous

My gas ran out and I changed the tank without shutting the burners off and the low flame condition occurred.
Followed the procedure and presto we cooking with gas!!!!
Aug 27, 2021
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Thanks
by: As

Thanks for the awesome tip
Aug 02, 2021
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Saved the day
by: Harry Florida

I have a brand new Gas range from Samsung, New propane tanks, everything well setup.
Checked everything like 00s times.
Cooking dinner, then using all burners - disaster, almost lost everything.
You guys saved the day - and dinner! \o/
Thanks much!!!
Apr 23, 2021
Rating
starstarstar 		Not the issue
by: Dan

I have two 20lb tanks I alternate using filling one when it runs out and using the second. One always seems to have issues with delivering an adequate flame (pressure?). If I turn on 4 out of 5 burners with the 'bad' tank, one of the burners I lit beforehand usually goes out. I don't trade out tanks because I had an issue with a defective tank once but somewhere along the line, someone must have pumped water into my tank instead of gas. Based on what I am seeing with one tank vs the other, this is NOT a regulator issue.
Mar 10, 2021
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Low flow
by: Anonymous

Method worked first try thanks
Feb 06, 2021
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		I have a similar problem
by: Mark

With a propane camp stove, the stove works well with a 1 lb bottle and did work well with a hose from a 20 bottle until recently. Now it only runs slowly from the 20 pound bottle. But the bottle works fine when I use it with my Mr heater dish heater mounted on it. I don't have a regulator but it worked well without a regulator before. Any ideas?
May 11, 2020
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		same problem.
by: Anonymous

I had the same problem. Newly filled tank, could not get my grill to reach 300. Did what you said, turn off both burners, open tank, and in no time was at 400. By the way, I did have a burner on. Thanks, never new this. Problem solved.
Sep 10, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Dean's fix saved my bacon!!
by: Mark

Same problem with low heat (max 325 degrees) with all burners on and almost full tank. Bought tank 13yrs ago and 1st time had this problem. Dean's quick fix did the trick. Many thanks.
Mar 11, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Low flame fixed.
by: Rafael

This worked like a charm. Thanks for the information.
Sep 15, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Deans the man!!
by: Bluelock

Scroll to find dean's comment below!!

Thanks Dean, you saved my lasagne dinner when camping in Holland!!

Legend
Aug 24, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Old adage ...follow instructions
by: DJ

Ran out while bbqing.new refill attached.could only get -400 where before. 700.
Shut all down,restarted by tank open,lite burners and it went up to red line.
Thanks for advice.....
May 11, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Simple!!!
by: Annoynmous

Awesome info Dean! Much appreciated!!!
Apr 14, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		easy fix
by: Anonymous

I have run into this on a number of occasions. The new valves have a safety built into them. Just disconnect it and re install it and it will reset when the pressure is released. It happens when I try to adjust the heat by tuning burners on and off or low to higher number of times.
Oct 17, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Thanks Dean!
by: Anonymous

Dean is the man. Thank you for saving my steak.
Jul 19, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		DEAN IS RIGHT
by: Trey

Scroll down until you see deans comment - it's what fixed it for me. Didn't realize I had a burner open.
Jul 04, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Thanks
by: Anonymous

Just wanted to say "Thanks". Have been dealing with the "low flame" issue for ever. Never thought to actually read the directions...which is what Dean and others have stated.
Appreciate it.
Dec 16, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Dean's answer on Jan 15, 2011
by: javila255

THIS IS IT!!!!
SCROLL TILL YOU FIND THE ANSWER FROM "DEAN".

IN MOST CASES, WE SCREW UP. I DID. I KNEW BETTER. IT WAS DARK OUTSIDE, I WAS IN A HURRY, I SCREWED UP. I TURNED THE ALL THE BURNERS ON, ---THEN I OPENED THE TANK VALVE.... S.T.U.P.I.D.!!!!

Jan 15, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar Excessive Flow Regulator
by: Dean
Dec 05, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Propane
by: Anonymous

Disconnect the gas bottle from the grill. Throw grill off cliff. Propane grilling is a waste of time food. Get a charcoal or wood smoker.
Dec 04, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		THIS IS THE ANSWER THANKS
by: Arturo

I have reurned about 10 tanks, finally got to this post. THANKS DEAN

ll propane tanks built in the last years have an excessive flow regulator. If it senses a leak in your system it dramatically reduces the flow out of the tank. This often happens if you have a burner in the on position when you open the propane tank.

First thing is to turn everything off meaning the tank and the burners.

Open the propane tank first.

Then turn on the burner you want to light.

Utilize the starter.

Then open the other burners.

This seems to be the most common problem my friends have had with gas grills.

Hope this helps.

Dean
Oct 22, 2015
Rating
starstarstar 		check the tank orifice
by: butch

If you store full tanks anywhere, bugs will build nest etc in any uncovered opening.....check that first..I had 3 of 4 with dirt plugs in the opening...just scratch out with a wire and blow out with compressor if you can and use the rubber covers!!!!!!
Jun 15, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Propane low flow
by: Anonymous

Disconnect the regulator from the tank and turn the tank upside down and pit back the regulator to the original and it should work because i jad the same peoblem and this method solved my problem. Hope it helps!!!
Jun 26, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		low flame after changing empty tank during grilling
by: Rick M / Denton TX

Booyah Dean and 'Anonymous'!! Your remedy worked like a charm! Yep, Dean, your explanation regarding the excessively regulating "smart regulator" corroborates with what happened to me:

1. ran out of gas while grilling
2. changed tank without turning off burners (booooo).
3. changed tanks
4. attempted to re-light
5. gas flow to burners severely restricted

When I shut burners and main valve down, unattached hose, reattached hose - all worked fine.

Kudos.
Mar 28, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		low flow gas from tank
by: Anonymous

I have had this many times.
It's simple to fix and will cost you about $20

Disconnect the regulator (This applies to the "new
style connection over the inlet" or QCC1) This never happened to the old style. Inspect the inlet nipple to see if it can be unscrewed from the regulator - some are not threaded. If your brass nipple has threaded end at the regulator side, go to a Propane specialist and buy the old style parts to enable you to have the type that screws into rather than over the tank.

PROBLEM SOLVED GUARANTEED!
Jan 17, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Tank slow to get gas to BBQ
by: Anonymous

I've had the same problem - its my tank and the valve / fitting that screws into the tank.

Try removing the gas fitting that screws into the tank - clean both sides - towel or blow air in there and reinstall the fitting into the tank.

If it still happens exchange the tank with a new one @ the exchange gas places.
Jan 16, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		This is a common air lock problem
by: Anonymous

I have this all the time, easy fix. Turn off everything. Disconnect the propane tank from the BBQ at the tank. Re-attach the tank, then always do in the following order.

  1. Turn on the tank, turn on the first/one burner and light.
  2. Wait a few seconds and then light the second and so on.


I have actually had to do this a couple of times, but it always does clear. It helps to turn off the burners first, and then to turn off the tank.

Happy Grilling!
Jan 15, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Thank you
by: Ray

Thanks, I will try that, a lot of times I turn the gas off at the tank and leave one or more of the burners on so it will burn off any gas. I will make sure their off next time I light it. Again thanks for all the ideas.
Jan 15, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Excessive Flow Regulator
by: Dean

All propane tanks built in the last years have an excessive flow regulator. If it senses a leak in your system it dramatically reduces the flow out of the tank. This often happens if you have a burner in the on position when you open the propane tank.

First thing is to turn everything off meaning the tank and the burners.

Open the propane tank first.

Then turn on the burner you want to light.

Utilize the starter.

Then open the other burners.

This seems to be the most common problem my friends have had with gas grills.

Hope this helps.

Dean
Jan 15, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		propane tanks
by: Anonymous

The tanks themselves can go bad I have been told, a good propane dealer can check them out.

Also if its real cold out side the tank pressure drops. I have put mine in a bucket of hot water,and it helps I doubt that this is considered good practice though.

If you have a good tank keep it don't take a chance at an exchange place. The tanks hold 20#s the dealer fills them to 20 not the 15 to 18#s you get at the tank exchange..

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