Community Forums

toneumanns · 01-15-2014, 10:13 AM

I can't seem to get my Q grill hotter than 300 degrees. Even on a mild windless night the temps won't get any better. Anyone have a solution?

lyledavid · 01-15-2014, 11:04 AM

Toneu.
If you are using an extension hose from a larger tank there may be an accumulation of lube oil from the propane tank in the loops and bends of the hose. Hang the hose from the awning and let is drain out or blow through it out. The oil, lube is used in some areas in the colder months.
You can also try the small canisters from Lowes or K-Mart and eliminate the extension to see if the problem goes away.
If not using an extension hose there may be oil in the regulator. Remove and clean.
lyledavid

scenic route · 01-15-2014, 12:08 PM

First, I'd make sure all the burner holes are clear and the flame output is even. The length of the flame should be a good indicator that the regulator is allowing good flow...remove the grate and note the difference in the flame length from the low setting and high.

We have the Baby Q 1000 and I've noticed that the actual cooking time is shorter if I start up the grill and let it heat soak for 15 minutes on med-high to high. These Qs are well made with thick cast aluminum bodies and very heavy cast iron grates, and I would imagine that the larger units would take a little longer to come up to temp.

Sometimes, if I'm feeling the need for nice grill marks, I'll place some aluminum foil over the grate to trap some additional heat(still leaving room on the sides for flow)...take the foil off for a quick sear and then turn down the heat...works great.

Something else you might check...the accuracy of the gage with good portable one. BTW, we run ours on a 20lb bottle with the conversion hose from Home Depot.

SteveSkinner · 01-15-2014, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toneumanns

I can't seem to get my Q grill hotter than 300 degrees. Even on a mild windless night the temps won't get any better. Anyone have a solution?

You may have a faulty regulator.
I checked for reviews when I first had a similar problem and found multiple similar - low flame- stories
It apparently is a regulator problem.
I replaced the regulator and solved the problem.
With the third party regulator I could also use the propane from the coach on an extension hose.
Prior to this the regulator would lock out regularly ( it thinks it has a leak and does what it is designed to do)
The Weber site explains this in detail and how to "fix" it - meanwhile it's now dark and still waiting for the steak to be cooked

Glenn and Kathy · 01-15-2014, 05:33 PM

We a Q120 that will not go over 300° with a 20# tank and hose, but fires right up to 500° on the 1# tanks. It used to work just fine on the hose, but not any more. Will try the hanging it up to drain trick and see if that helps. Also my hose is left outside and it freezes every night.

Glenn

toneumanns · 01-16-2014, 01:14 PM

Weber suggested to change out regulator. Will post results after I get it.

Glenn and Kathy · 01-19-2014, 04:45 PM

Well, I hung my hose up in the garage to avoid freezing and drain oil. An amazing amount of oil puddled under the hose. After draining and thawing the Q worked as designed. So that is an easy fix.

Glenn