The placement of your outdoor cooking equipment is important not only for productivity. There are also safety issues to consider. Wolf outdoor appliances such as grills and ovens use explosive fuels and release smoke and fumes. Meanwhile, mishandling hot foods and cooking implements can put yourself and others at risk. 

Always make sure your outdoor appliance is in a safe location:

  • A Safe Distance from Your House: It must be at least 10 feet away from the side of the structure unless the manufacturer says otherwise. Do not use it on a first-floor deck, porch, or patio unless it’s at ground level or there’s a stairway to the ground.
  • At Least 3 Feet from Children and Pets: Never let children play near an outdoor cooking appliance or around supplies such as propane cylinders. For optimal safety, make sure kids and pets are kept 3 feet from a grill at all times.
  • In an Open Area: If there is a roof or overhang over a deck, porch, or balcony, installing a grill there can be hazardous. Avoid placing a grill near a wall unless it’s part of the building’s exterior.
  • Away from a Door: An outdoor appliance should never be directly outside a door. Smoke and fumes can get inside your home and kids and others moving in and out of the house can be injured.
  • Away from Flammable Items: Keep the grill away from dried leaves, mulch, rubbish bins, or any other flammable debris. Make sure there are no low-hanging branches, low trees, or hedges nearby.
  • Where It Can Be Seen from Inside: When setting up the barbecue, check that the appliance is visible from inside through a window or door. This allows the chef to keep an eye on things when retrieving items from inside the house. Also, other people can know when they need assistance or may be in danger.
  • Where Smoke Won’t Blow Toward People: Every outdoor BBQ produces smoke. When placing a Wolf outdoor appliance, consider how the wind blows. Wind direction is important because you want to avoid smoke blowing toward windows, doors, balconies, or neighbors’ homes. Burning flames and charcoals release carbon monoxide, particulates, and odors that get in your lungs, eyes, hair, and clothes.
  • Preferably in the Shade: People usually cook outdoors in the warmer months. But using a flaming grill in direct sunlight is uncomfortable and unsafe. Therefore, position a grill where there’s natural shade from structures or trees (as long as they’re not too close). If building a shelter for your cooking equipment, make sure there’s adequate clearance.

Also, be attentive as to how you store propane. It should be kept at least 10 feet from building openings and 20 feet away from intake vents and ignition sources. Always store a propane cylinder upright in a shaded area. Never leave one in a vehicle or a high-temperature area and don’t smoke while handling it.

Other Gas Grill Safety Tips

When using a Wolf gas grill, you can remain safe and avoid a mishap ruining a perfect day with these tips:

  • Check and tighten all connections before turning the gas on
  • Check burner tubes for blockages and clear them with a pipe cleaner
  • Clean the grease trap after each grilling session
  • Test for leaks by dabbing soapy water onto the connections (bubbles mean there is a gas leak)
  • Replace any propane cylinder that’s rusty, damaged, or appears old
  • Always have a grill or tank repaired by a qualified appliance repair technician

Contact Wilshire Refrigeration & Appliance

Placing your outdoor grill in the right location will ensure convenience, function, and safety during a BBQ. Also, make sure your equipment is working properly. If your Wolf outdoor appliance needs to be repaired, contact Wilshire Refrigeration right away. Our team is factory-authorized to provide in-warranty and out-of-warranty repair services. Call (800) 427-3653 to get started.