Purchasing a new barbecue is an extremely exciting time.
Whether you're looking to upgrade that 25 year old Weber Silver, or just looking for a new toy to use on weekends and brag to your neighbours about, odds are that your old unit uses quite a bit less BTU's compared to newer models coming out.
To start things off, BTU's are the power of your barbecue. The technical definition of a BTU is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.
Now if you're like me and want an explanation that doesn't sound like rocket science, I like to compare it to the amount of horsepower that is used in a car.
Using this analogy, we can say that barbecues used to top out around 30,000-40,000 BTU's, comparative to cars that top out around 150-200 horsepower. Nowadays with sear stations, rear burners, and all sorts of accessories, barbecues can push up to 90,000 or even 100,000 plus BTU's.
Gas lines in the old days were often created to fit the needs of the barbecue. So with a new upgrade, there is a chance that your existing gas line will not be able to adequately supply your new unit.
Not to worry, we've got you covered!
We will do just about anything and everything - to code - to get your new barbecue up and running. Our list of services include, but are not limited to:
- Removing the old gas line and installing a new one that is sufficient and up to code for your new unit
- Running a completely new gas line with the most efficient route in mind
- Reducing or enhancing the quick disconnect depending on the units needs
- Installing a shutoff to meet codes and guidelines
I have enough power, but something just doesn't line up?
In some cases, your gas line may supply enough BTU's but could have the incorrect quick disconnect attachment installed at the end. This is surprisingly common, as barbecues with larger BTU counts tend to come with larger hoses.
The two most common hose and fitting sizes are 3/8" and 1/2". Odds are your gas line has one of these two quick disconnect sizes. Should your new unit feature a size different from the one on your gas line, our certified gas installers can have you set up in no time*!
*Provided the gas line is up to code and features an external shutoff*
As the times change, so do safety codes and regulations
In some cases, your gas line can supply enough power and you can even have the right quick disconnect on the end.
One important thing of note: it is now mandatory to have an external shutoff on the outside gas line.
Just as with seat belts on cars or smoke detectors in houses, rules and regulations have changed with the times to increase safety. Were something ever to happen to your barbecue or hose, an external shut off gives you the ability to turn off the gas supply away from the source of the fire.
We here at Barbecues Galore make sure your entire gas line is up to code and we want to make sure you have the happiest and, more importantly, safest grilling experience ever!
I bought my barbecue elsewhere. How do I know if it is under-firing?
If you purchased a barbecue elsewhere and they failed to mention the possibility of an under-supplied gas line, here are some simple, quick tips that let you know your gas line might need more power:
- Does your unit take a long time to heat up to its desired temperature?
- Does the burner flame seem surprisingly low?
- As you increase the gas flow, do you hear a pressure drop in gas?
- Do you have difficulty igniting your unit even though it's relatively new and sparks?
Whatever your needs are, we're here to help.
Feel free to give us a call, or pop by one of our stores. We would be happy to discuss any questions about your gas line or our licensed gas services!