Frequently Asked Questions

Click on a topic for more information.

BBQ Tips

My BBQ has little or no heat. What can I do?

Since 1995 all regulators (the part that attaches to the gas tank to regulate the flow of gas) have included a safety device that limits the gas flow in the event of a gas leak. The regulator can inadvertently activate the safety device event without having a gas leak. This usually occurs if you open the propane tank valve rapidly, or if one or more of the control knobs is in an open position when opening the propane tank or by turning off the propane tank before turning off the burners (bleeding the line). If you do activate the gas regulator safety device, the grill will only reach low temperatures, even with all burners on high.

Reset Steps:

  1. Turn all burner knobs to off position.
  2. Turn propane tank valve to closed position.
  3. Disconnect BBQ regulator from propane tank.
  4. Wait 15 seconds.
  5. Reconnect regulator.
  6. Slowly turn propane tank valve to open position.
  7. Turn appropriate burner valve to open position and light.

When finished cooking it is important on only turn the propane tank off after you have turned the burner knobs off. Failure to do this will require repeating the reset steps and you will have low heat once again.

Which is Better: Cast Iron or Stainless Steel Cooking Grills?

The answer is. . . it depends. Cast Iron cooking grills retain heat extremely well and generally possess a triangular shape. Both these characteristics lead to excellent searing ability and performance. Well seasoned cast iron grills often prevent meat from sticking to the grills due to accumulated oil in the grills. Stainless steel grills are renowned for their durability, require almost no maintenance and will generally outlast cast iron grills. Look for stainless steel grills with large diameter rods for best searing ability. Cast iron grills will require seasoning periodically to prevent oxidization.

My BBQ is experiencing excessive Flare Ups. What would cause that?

Food drippings may come into contact with the hot flames of the burner, causing flare-up. Some flare-up is normal, but excessive flare-ups are most often caused by a build up of grease catching fire. To avoid large flare-ups, or possible grease fires, it is best to keep the briquettes (or Flav-R-Cast/Flav-R-Wave) clean by flipping them over periodically. The heat of the burner will burn off any excess grease on the bottom side. ( Burn off should last 15-20 minutes on Medium High. When cool, Flav-R-Cast/Flav-R-Wave should be returned to the normal operating position). Also, ensure that the bottom of the casting is kept clean of any grease or cooking debris, including your drip can/pan.

My ignition system does not work anymore. What could have gone wrong?

Any BBQ starting system is a two part system consisting of either a push button or rotary ignition,
plus the electrode(s). The electrode may develop a build up of grease or oxidization that may hamper the performance of the spark. Most times this can be rectified by cleaning the electrode with a brush or carefully with a piece of sandpaper. The electrodes can be found connected to your burner. You will need to remove your grills and heat medium to access the electrode. If you do not hear the igniter clicking, and cleaning the electrode does not resolve the problem, you may need to replace it or the batteries (if your Barbecue came with electric battery start). Always ensure the electrode wire is plugged into the igniter and securely attached to your burner. This wire can be found underneath the control panel.

How Do I Season my Cast Iron Cooking Grills?

Spread a thin coating of cooking oil ( Vegetable, Olive, Peanut, Canola, Sunflower) over entire surface of the cast iron grids with a paper towel. Be certain the entire surface, including all corners, has been coated thoroughly. DO NOT use salted fat such as margarine or butter. Never use non-stick sprays to season your grids, as they just don’t work. They burn off at a really low heat and do not protect the grids well. Preheat barbecue for 10 minutes on HIGH. Turn burners to MEDIUM with lid closed. Allow barbecue to heat for 30 minutes. Turn all burners to OFF. Leave cooking grids in barbecue until they are cool. Your cast iron grids are now ready to use. Re-seasoning: After each use the grids should be re-seasoned by coating with a cooking oil, closing the lid and leaving the cast iron grids in the barbecue until it is cool. Storage: When Barbecue is not in use for long periods of time, store cast iron grids in a dry warm place. Do not burn-off after you grill, just leave the cooking residues on the grates to keep a protective coating on the cast iron.

Patio Furniture Tips

How do I light my Cabana Coast Fire Table?

How do I Clean my Sunbrella Outdoor Cushions?

For light cleaning brush off any loose dirt, prepare a solution of 1/4 cup mild soap per gallon of lukewarm water, and use a sponge or soft brittle brush to clean. Allow solution to absorb into the fabric. Rinse throughly and allow fabric to air dry.

Stubborn Stain?

Sunbrella fabric does not promote mildew growth, however, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric. To clean mildew, or other stubborn stains:

Prepare a solution of 8 ounces (1 cup) of bleach and 2 ounces (1/4 cup) of mild soap per gallon of clean water.

  1. Spray on entire area and allow to soak into the fabric.
  2. Scrub vigorously with a soft bristle brush, sponge, or clean towel.
  3. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
  4. Allow fabric to air dry.

If stain and/or mildew are severe, bleach quantities may be increased. For removable Sunbrella fabric umbrella and cushion covers, machine wash in cold water (less than 100F/38C). Depending on wash load size, use normal amounts of mild laundry soap and add 1 cup of bleach. Allow fabric to air dry.

How do I clean and maintain my Wicker Furniture?

Vinyl wicker outdoor furniture requires very little maintenance. All good quality outdoor wicker has aluminum frames which will not rust and quality UV inhibited strand that will not fade, dry out, or break. To clean outdoor wicker furniture brush off any loose dirt, prepare a solution of 1/4 cup mild soap per gallon of lukewarm water, and use a soft brittle brush to clean. A good cover will help keep you new furniture clean and dry for immediate use.

How to I clean and maintain my Cast Aluminum Furniture?

Cast aluminum furniture is the lowest maintenance of all styles of outdoor furniture. To clean this furniture use mild soap and water, rinse it to remove sticky soap residue, and protect it with an automotive paste wax. This furniture is commonly left outside year round.

How do I clean and maintain my Wrought Iron Furniture?

Caring for wrought iron patio furniture is very simple. Wash the pieces with a soap solution, taking care to rinse well after washing. About twice a year, you should apply an automotive wax to the wrought iron to help protect and preserve it. If any rust is detected touch it up immediately to prevent its spread. Any rust is only cosmetic and is easy to remedy with one of our exact match touch up paints.

How do I clean and maintain my Sling Furniture?

As with wrought iron furniture sling furniture should be cleaned twice a year. Fill a plastic bucket with warm water. Add 1/2 cup liquid soap (Ivory, Dove, etc.) and 1/2 to 1 cup bleach. Mix together and apply as though with an old towel or sponge. Allow cleaning mixture to sit for five minutes, then rinse thoroughly. The frame of the furniture can be waxed to preserve the paint finish.

How do I clean and maintain my Teak Furniture?

A solution made of a 25:75 mixture of a bleach with a mild detergent in water work well for cleaning teak furniture. This can be done with a soft bristle brush. Once the furniture is cleaned, the entire piece should be rinsed well. Cleaning can be performed on weathered furniture as well as teak treated to remain golden brown. We also sell teak cleaner, which can be used to bring back the natural color of teak furniture if it has been allowed to weather into its silver gray color. Irrespective of how long the furniture has been left outside, they can be restored to their original honey brown color using the teak cleaner. This restorative process is quite easy without requiring much hard scrubbing.