A collection of various grill tips.

Burner shape - Burners come in a variety of shapes, styles and materials and are described and referred to generally by their shape as viewed from the top. For example the most common, being the H-Burner which is shaped like the letter H, the oval burner which is oval shaped and the bar burner in the shape of a long thin bar. Burner shape or configuration effects the distribution of the flame and uniformity of the heat across the cooking surface. Because combustion air holes molded into the bottom of the castings follow the actual contour of the burner, replacement burners must be of the same shape and configuration as the original.

Cleaning - Wire brush the burner exterior to remove loose corrosion and excessive residue. Clean clogged gas holes with an opened paper clip. Check burner assembly for corrosion damage or any opening that would emit excess air. Replace corroded or damaged burners.

Burner Flame - A new burner may give excessive yellow flame while burning off oils used in manufacturing. After breaking in a new burner and once the oil has burnt away, check the burner flame.

Inspection - Grill hood must always be open when lighting. With the grill lid closed and the cooking surfaces in place, observe the burner's flame from below the grill bottom and looking through the air supply holes. A good flame would be blue with some yellow tip coming from the burner holes. There should not be an excessive gap between the flame and the burner.

Adjusting Flame - If flames are excessively yellow and irregular, the oil residue may not be completely burnt off, the venturi tubes may not be properly positioned over the orifice, or the venturi tube shutters may not be properly adjusted.

Cleaning - Wire brush the burner exterior to remove loose corrosion and excessive residue. Clean clogged gas holes with an opened paper clip. Check burner assembly for corrosion damage or any opening that would emit excess air. Replace corroded or damaged burners.

About the Author
Emma Snow is contributing author and publisher to http://www.bbq-shop.net an on nline resource that provides you with information, articles of interest related to barbecues.