How to Light a Weber Gas Grill with a Broken Ignitor: 1 Minute to Relight Your Grill Safely and Easily

If your Weber gas grill’s ignitor is broken, lighting it can feel daunting. However, with some basic know-how and a few safety precautions, you can get grilling without the built-in ignition system. Here’s a step-by-step guide to manually lighting your Weber gas grill safely if the ignitor isn’t working:

1. Preparation and Safety: Make sure the grill lid is open to prevent gas buildup and potential flare-ups. Double-check the gas tank and hose connections for leaks or damage before proceeding.
2. Turn the Gas On: Slowly turn on the gas supply at the propane tank or natural gas line. Only open one burner’s control knob to “High” (usually the far left burner).
3. Use a Long Match or a Grill Lighter: Hold a long match or a barbecue lighter (never a standard household lighter) near the burner where you turned the dial. Some Weber grills even provide a match-light hole on the front panel of the grill—look for a small hole or check your manual.
4. Light the Burner: Ignite the match or lighter and carefully bring the flame to the burner while keeping your hand at a safe distance. When the burner ignites, you should hear a whoosh or see the flame catch. Once the first burner is lit, turn on additional burners as desired.
5. Begin Grilling: Once your desired burners are lit, allow the grill to preheat (typically for 10-15 minutes), then you’re ready to grill as usual.

Always consult your grill’s user manual for model-specific safety guidelines. And remember: If you ever smell gas and the grill fails to ignite, turn everything off, wait a few minutes to allow gas to dissipate, and try again.

Tips 1:

As a designer, I often find that organizing your grilling or outdoor kitchen space can enhance not only functionality but also safety. Consider designing your grilling area with designated zones for tools, matches, and lighters, and clear signage for match-light instructions. If you’re thinking about an upgrade or redesign, using a home designer tool can help you visualize and optimize your outdoor cooking space for both usability and aesthetics.

FAQ

Q: Is it safe to light a Weber grill manually if the ignitor is broken?

A: Yes, it’s safe as long as you follow manufacturer instructions, keep the lid open, and use a long match or grill lighter to avoid burns.

Q: Where is the match-light hole on a Weber grill?

A: The match-light hole is usually on the front panel near the burner—check your owner’s manual for its exact location.

Q: What should I do if my grill doesn’t light right away?

A: Turn off the gas, wait several minutes to let the gas dissipate, and try again. Never keep adding gas if it isn’t lighting.

Q: Can I replace the ignitor on my Weber grill?

A: Yes, Weber sells replacement ignitor kits for most models. Check your model number for compatibility.

Q: Why is it important to keep the grill lid open while lighting manually?

A: Keeping the lid open prevents dangerous gas buildup, reducing the risk of flash fires or flare-ups when igniting manually.