GAS GRILL TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE: INSTRUCTIONS FOR HOW TO REPLACE, CLEAN & MAINTAIN FLAME TAMERS

Like most grilling fanatics, you’ve probably heard about these essential gas grill components, but what exactly are flame tamers, and what do they do inside your grill?

Flame tamers (also called heat tents, heat shields or flavorizer bars) are the barriers between your grill’s burners and its cooking surface.

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WHAT DO FLAME TAMERS DO FOR MY GRILL’S PERFORMANCE AND SAFETY?

The function of flame tamers is to shield your grill’s burners from sauces, fat, marinades, grease, oils, and other liquids that may drip from foods cooking on the grill.

Flame tamers also help to distribute heat evenly across your grill’s cooking surface – with the added benefit of creating flavor by catching oil and fat drippings and converting it into smoky flavor infusions.

If your grill has a good flame-taming system, it will ensure grease flare-ups are minimal. You will improve your grill’s safety, as it reduces the risk of fires.

An effective flame-taming system will not only make your grill safer to operate, but it will also prolong the life of your gas grill’s burners.

THE 3 MOST COMMON REASONS WHY PEOPLE NEED TO REPLACE THEIR GRILL’S FLAME TAMERS

After prolonged use, your gas grill’s flame tamers will likely need replacing. Let’s take a look at the three most common reasons for replacing flame tamers on your grill.

1. GREASE FLARE-UPS

If grease flare-ups are a regular occurrence during grilling, it may be time to check the condition of your grill’s flame tamers. Even though their function is to prevent grease flare-ups, dirty or damaged flame tamers could actually be the cause of them. For added safety, be sure to clean dirty flame tamers well with a sturdy brush before you use your grill. If the grease build-up on your grill’s flame tamers is too thick, you will need to replace them.

2.UNEVEN HEATING

Flame tamers are most effective when they are clean. Rusty or corroded flame tamers can cause uneven heat distribution on your grill’s cooking surface. You can scrub light surface rust from your grill’s flame tamers, but if they are covered in moderate or thick rust or have rusted away, you will need to replace the flame tamers.

3.WEAR AND TEAR AFTER PROLONGED USE

Being made of metal, your grill’s flame tamers will have a limited lifespan. After years of outdoor use, rust and corrosion are likely to be present on your grill’s flame tamers. If your grill’s flame tamers are heavily rusted or corroded, you should replace them as they are a fire hazard. Carefully follow the instructions in your grill’s user manual to replace your flame tamers.



Need to order your flame tamer replacements? Look up your grill model and order replacement flame tamers here.

HOW TO INSTALL A NEW FLAME TAMER IN UNDER 5 MINUTES

For most grill models, replacing flame tamers is as simple as taking off the grill’s cooking grates, removing the worn-out flame tamers and dropping in new ones. If you already have your flame tamer replacements, this process takes less than 5 minutes. However, you must always follow the instructions in your user manual carefully whenever you’re replacing or installing any of your grill’s components – including flame tamers.

TIPS FOR CLEANING AND MAINTAINING YOUR NEW TO ENSURE THEY LAST AS LONG AS POSSIBLE

It’s not rocket science. The better you care for your gas grill and its components, the longer it will last and the better it will perform. Your grill’s flame tamers are no exception.

Here are some tips for cleaning and caring for your grill’s flame tamers to ensure they perform at their best – and last as long as possible.

1. Know what’s going on under your grill’s cooking grates. Lift those grates and check the condition of your grill’s flame tamers often. Flame tamers should prevent grease flare-ups, but if they are rusty, corroded or covered in grease, they can be the cause of flare-ups.
2. Give rust and grease build-up the boot. If you spot any grease build-up or spots of light rust on your grill’s flame tamers, it’s time to get cleaning. Put on some rubber gloves to protect your hands, then use a barbeque scraper to remove excess food, grease and fat from each flame tamer. Then grab your grill wire brush and use it to get rid of any extra residue.
3. Grab a bucket and get scrubbing. Once you’ve removed most food and grease from your flame tamers, fill a large bucket with about three tablespoons of dishwashing liquid and hot water to make a mildly soapy solution. Submerge the flame tamers and allow them to soak for about five minutes. Then use a cloth to scrub them down. Once done, all traces of grease should be removed from your flame tamers.
4. Rinse, then dry. Hook up your garden hose and run cold water over the surface of each flame tamer to wash off any excess suds. Then, use a dry cloth to dry the flame tamers thoroughly, ensuring no soap or water is on their surfaces.

Taking good care of your grill and its components is well worth the effort, as doing so will prevent flare-ups, ensure good performance, and extend its lifespan considerably.

We hope you found these tips for maintaining, cleaning, and extending the life of your grill’s flame tamers useful. If you have further questions regarding the maintenance of your grill or need instructions for replacing parts, do have a look at ourFAQ section.

Now, get back to grilling!