Propane Smoker Safety in Michigan

Before you start smoking ribs, brisket or turkey, take a few minutes to check your propane smoker setup. These Michigan propane smoker safety tips cover placement, leak checks, tank safety and outdoor cooking precautions.

Propane Smoker Safety

  1. Read and follow the manufacturer’s instruction manual.
  2. Position your smoker in a safe location, at least 10 feet from the house and clear of any outdoor decorations and/or furniture.
  3. Check your tank and hoses for leaks.
  4. Follow proper ignition practices.
  5. Be present and check your smoker often.
  6. Be aware of fire knowledge & safety, make sure to have an extinguisher on hand!
  7. Be aware of smoke and the harm it can cause.

Before You Use Smoker:

  1. Inspect Your Propane Tank and Hoses:
    • There’s no dents, bulges or cracks.
    • There’s no rust or pitted metal.
    • The tank’s foot ring, “collar” at the top or valve cover is not bent.
    • The Overfill Prevention Device (OPD) valve is intact.
    • The hose is not dried out or cracked.
    • The connection points between hose, regulator and cylinder are not loose.
  3. Do a Leak Test Outside – No Smoking
    • Add soapy water to a spray bottle
    • Grill burners – OFF position
    • Propane tank – OFF position (Turn Valve to RIGHT)
    • Connect the hose to both propane tank and grill
    • Turn the propane tank ON – quarter turn only TURN Valve LEFT)
    • Spray soapy solution on:
      • On-Off Valve
      • Regulator
      • And, hose grill connection area

If soap bubbles do not expand = no leak

If soap bubbles grow bigger and pop, and if you smell ‘rotten-egg” smell, TURN OFF

Propane Tank and Grill Immediately = There’s a Leak

DO NOT USE leaking propane cylinder. Contact your local propane supplier.

20 lb. propane grill tanks are generally good for 12 years from the date of manufacture. After 12 years, the tank must be requalified or replaced before it can be refilled. Depending on the approved requalification method, the next requalification period may be 5, 10, or 12 years.

Is Your Cylinder Safe to Fill?

Follow The Manufacturer's Instructions

Whether it's assembly, use, maintenance, cleaning, or storage, use the Smoker manufacturer's instruction manual.

Keep Smoker on level ground, 10 feet from your home/garage

Keep your Smoker outdoors and at least 10 feet from the house on a level surface that is clear of outdoor furniture, overhead trees or other potential fire hazards.

Check Propane Tank, Hoses for Leaks

Use a soapy water solution to check connections for leaks. Expanding bubbles indicate a leak. If there is a leak, make sure you have your tank serviced by a professional. Follow this procedure every time you replace a cylinder.

Follow Lighting and Re-Lighting Procedures - See Smoker Manual

If your flame goes out, turn off the gas and refer to your owner's manual. At a minimum, with all Smoker models, wait at least 15 minutes before relighting.

Be Present

Stay close and never leave your Smoker unattended. Keep children and pets away from it.