Memorial Day gas grill checklist: Get ready for grilling season

Inspect and clean the grill inside and out

Before you fire up the burners, give your gas grill a thorough once-over—especially if it’s been sitting unused all winter. Grime, grease, and even nesting critters can take up residence during the off-season, and a quick inspection now can save you from flare-ups or funky flavors later.

Start by removing the grates and burner covers. Look for signs of rust, corrosion, or buildup, and check the firebox for leaves, ash, or anything else that doesn’t belong.

Here’s a basic cleaning checklist:

• Scrub the grates with a stiff grill brush

• Clear debris and grease from the burners and firebox

• Check burner ports for blockages

• Wipe down the lid, control knobs, shelves, and exterior surfaces

Don’t forget to empty the grease tray—built-up grease is a major flare-up risk.

Need a step-by-step refresher? Our full guide on how to clean a gas grill walks you through each step and includes bonus tips to make cleanup easier.

Check and test burner performance

Your grill’s burners are the heart of the whole operation, so if they’re clogged, corroded, or not firing properly, it’s time to act. Before your first cookout of the season, do a quick burner check to make sure everything lights cleanly and burns evenly.

Start by removing the grates and flame tamers to expose the burners. Turn on the gas and ignite each burner one at a time. Look for:

• Uneven flame patterns

• Weak or yellow flames

• Burners that won’t light at all

If anything looks off:

Turn off the gas and let the grill cool completely. Then gently brush the burner ports with a soft wire brush to remove grease, debris, or spider webs. Also inspect for signs of rust or corrosion—burners can wear down over time, especially if they’ve been exposed to moisture.

If cleaning doesn’t solve the issue or the burner is damaged, replacing it is easier than you might think.

Make sure your igniter works

A working igniter makes lighting your grill faster, safer, and a whole lot more convenient—especially when you're juggling a platter of food in one hand and the lid in the other. Before your first cookout of the season, give your igniter a quick test.

Turn the control knobs to the "light" position and press the igniter. You should hear a sharp click and see a spark near the burner.

If you don’t:

• Check for a dead battery (most igniters use AA or AAA batteries—usually behind a cap on the front panel)

• Inspect the igniter electrode for visible damage or buildup

• Look for disconnected or corroded wiring

In many cases, a quick battery swap or cleaning can solve the problem. If the igniter still won’t spark, it may be time to replace the igniter electrode.

Check your propane tank

Nothing derails a backyard cookout faster than running out of propane halfway through grilling. A quick tank check now saves you from an awkward mid-burger grocery run later.

Start with a safety check:

Mix a bit of dish soap with water and brush it around the valve and hose connection. Turn on the gas slightly and watch for bubbles—any bubbling means a leak, and you'll need to tighten the connection or replace the hose before firing things up.

Once the connection’s secure, check how much propane you’ve got left. Most tanks don’t have built-in gauges, but there are a few easy tricks to estimate the level. Our guide on how to check the propane level on an LP tank walks you through the simplest methods.

Prevent grease fires

If your grill flares up every time you flip a burger, a grease fire might be waiting to happen. Grease and food drippings can collect in the drip pan, grease tray, and even along the burners—creating perfect fuel for surprise flare-ups.

Before your first cookout of the season (and regularly throughout grill season), do a quick cleanup:

• Empty the drip pan and scrub away any hardened grease.

• Check the grease tray beneath the firebox and clear out buildup.

• Wipe down nearby surfaces where grease may have splattered.

A little maintenance goes a long way toward safer grilling. If you’re getting big flames or uneven flare-ups during cooking, it might be more than just juicy burgers. Here’s what to do about grease flare-ups on a gas grill and how to prevent them from ruining dinner—or your grill.

Fire it up and do a test run

Before the guests arrive and the grill is loaded with burgers, give it a proper test run. This preseason warm-up helps you catch small problems before they turn into party-stoppers.

Start by lighting each burner and letting the grill preheat with the lid closed for about 10–15 minutes. While it's warming up, check for:

• Even burner flames: Blue and steady, without sputtering or uneven hot spots.

• Smooth ignition: No clicking, hesitating, or relighting needed.

• Proper lid closure: Make sure the hinges work smoothly and the lid seals evenly.

• Accurate temperature control: Watch how well the grill holds and adjusts heat levels.

This quick session does more than confirm your grill is ready—it also helps burn off any leftover cleaning products, dust, or residue that could affect the taste of your food. Think of it as a dress rehearsal with real fire.

Double-check accessories and safety gear

A great grill session isn’t just about flame—it’s about having the right gear on hand when things heat up. Now’s the perfect time to dig through your grill drawer, shed, or garage and take stock.

Here’s what to look for:

• Heat-resistant gloves – For lifting hot grates or adjusting the drip pan.

• Long-handled tongs and spatula – Essential for safe flipping and moving food around.

• A solid grill brush – For cleaning the grates between uses.

• Meat thermometer – To hit that perfect doneness every time.

• Drip pans – For catching grease and keeping flare-ups in check.

• Backup propane tank or charcoal – Because running out mid-steak is a tragedy.

If anything’s broken, missing, or mysteriously disappeared during the off-season, we’ve got a full collection of grill parts and accessories to help you gear up before grill season hits full swing.

Get your grill ready before the first burger hits the grates. A little gas grill maintenance now means fewer surprises later—better food, safer cookouts, and a grill that lasts longer.

If you uncover any issues along the way—like a burner that won’t light, a valve that leaks, or low flames—don’t stress. Our DIY gas grill repair help includes troubleshooting guides, part replacement tutorials, and everything you need to fix it yourself.

Memorial Day is almost here. Fire it up right—and make this grill season your best yet.