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Gas BBQ Safety

Tips to BBQ safely this summer

Find our tips for a summer of safely cooked food on your gas fuelled BBQ below.

Ready to use your gas bottle?

Before you start

  • Check that your BBQ has the correct regulator for use with your LPG gas bottle
  • Make sure that the valve on your gas bottle is clean and undamaged
  • Look at the gas pipe on your BBQ for stiffness, wear, cracking, soft spots or other damage
  • Check that the burners on your BBQ are also undamaged and in good condition
Gas BBQ fuelled by Calor gas patio cylinders

How can you connect & disconnect a bottle?

Connecting a gas bottle to your BBQ

  • Don’t connect the gas bottle until you’re outside
  • Check that the regulator switch is in the off position
  • Put the regulator onto the gas bottle valve and press downwards firmly until you hear a ‘click’. This sound lets you know that the regulator is installed correctly.
  • Turn the gas on by turning the gas on/off switch a quarter turn anticlockwise to the 'on' position

Disconnecting your gas from your BBQ

  • Make sure your BBQ is fully switched off with no flames from the burners.
  • Turn the regulator switch clockwise to the ‘off’ position
  • If the burner flame doesn’t go out, immediately contact our gas emergency service team on 03457 444 999
  • When the flame is out, press the 'push' button on the lower part of the regulator and lift it from the valve
  • If you’re using a butane gas bottle, put the safety cap back onto the bottle valve
Read more here

How should you store a gas bottle?

Storing your BBQ gas bottle safely

  • Store your gas bottle outdoors
  • Keep it away from heat sources
  • Your gas bottle should always be out of direct sunlight
Man cooking sausages and sweetcorn on his gas bbq

Detecting a gas leak

Leaks can happen, know the signs to stay gas safe

  • Smell for gas

    LPG smells of rotten eggs. Sniff around the gas bottle valve this is where most leaks happen.

  • Listen for a hiss

    LPG gas bottles are pressurised; this means that leaks will make a hissing sound as the gas leaks.

  • Unusual flame

    Your BBQ should have a blue, steady flame. If it’s yellow, or sputters, then you may have a problem.

  • Feeling unwell?

    Inhaling BBQ gas can make you feel sick, dizzy or tired. If this happens, get some fresh air.

Emergency procedures

Make sure you know what to do if there's a gas leak, fire, or signs of carbon monoxide. Acting quickly can help prevent accidents.

Time for a gas bottle refill?

Don't let an empty gas bottle ruin your summer

When planning your BBQ, don’t forget to check that your LPG bottle has enough gas. Calor patio gas bottles include a Gas Trac indicator which lets you know the amount of gas that's left.

If you’re running low or need a new bottle, you can find a local Calor Retailer or visit our online Gas Bottle Shop. We offer different sizes and types of gas bottles; for most domestic BBQs, our patio gas bottles will be perfect for the job.

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Gas BBQ Safety FAQs

You can store your gas bottle under your BBQ when not in use. However, when in use, the bottle should be to one side and a short distance from the BBQ. This makes it easier for you to turn off the gas in case of emergency.
Yes, you should always disconnect your gas bottle when not using your BBQ. This minimises the risk of leaks and damage. 
Yes, but as with any BBQ, you should always follow safety guidance provided and ensure that your equipment is in good condition.
You should not store an LPG gas bottle in direct sunlight, ever. When in use, you should also keep the gas bottle away from direct sunlight.