What is the chain for on a gas grill? (2022 Quick Answer)

There are many small pieces that come together to form a gas grill. However, few people know the chain’s role in the grill. What is the chain for on a gas grill? We’ll answer that in this post and we’ll teach you how to properly use it.

What is the chain for on a gas grill?

Most full-size gas grills include a small chain with a small metal stick attached at the end.

This is the gas grill’s matchstick holder. It can be used to light the gas grill manually if the electronic ignition system fails.

Please refer to your grill’s manual before trying to light your grill by yourself.

How to Use the Chain for Generic Gas Grill?

Note that these are generic steps. You can refer to your Gas Grill’s Manual for the exact steps to light your grill.

STEP 1. Check that all burner control knobs have been switched off.

STEP 2. Place a matchstick into the holder.

STEP 3. Light the matchstick then insert it in the hole.

STEP 4. Move it closer to the first burner and then turn ON the know.

STEP 5. Ensure you have the first burner lit. If not, you can repeat the steps above.

STEP 6. After the first burner is lit, turn ON the next burners to it to cross-light them.

How to use the chain on Genesis, Genesis II, Genesis II LX, or Summit WEBER models

To make use of the matchstick holder to light the Genesis, Genesis II, Genesis II LX, or Summit models, follow the instructions below or refer to your owner’s instruction manual.

STEP 1. Open the lid.

STEP 2. Check that all burner control knobs have been turned off.

STEP 3. Switch ON the gas supply of the grill.

STEP 4. Place a match in the match holder, then light the match.

STEP 5. Insert the match holder with a lit match, into the cooking grates, over to the Flavorizer Bars and next with the left burner.

STEP 6. Push the left control and then turn it to START/HI to light the left burner. Make sure you can see the fire lit by looking through the grill grate, there should be a flame.

STEP 7. Repeat steps 4 to 6 for the other burners. If any burner fails to light within 5 seconds, stop, then turn the knob controlling the burner OFF and wait for five minutes for the gas to evaporate before trying again.

How to use the chain on Spirit or Spirit II WEBER models

For Spirit and Spirit II models you can follow these instructions.

STEP 1. Open the grill’s lid.

STEP 2. Check to make sure ALL Control knobs for the burner have been turned off. Verify this by pushing the knobs into the burner and turning them counterclockwise until they stop.

STEP 3. Switch on the gas supply to the grill.

STEP 4. Place a match into the matchstick holder and then light the match.

STEP 5. Place the matchstick holder that has a burning match through into the grates, past the burner.

STEP 6. Push the burner control knob 1 (far-left control knob) into place and then make it turn counterclockwise until it reaches START/HI. Make sure you can see the fire lit at the grates, there should be flames.

STEP 7. After the burner 1 is illuminated, you can turn on burner 2, (and burner 3 if possible). If any burner fails to light within 5 seconds, stop, then turn the knob controlling the burner OFF and wait for five minutes for the gas to evaporate before trying again.

Final Thoughts

The chain on a gas grill is an important part of the cooking process, you should use it as it makes your grilling easier and more efficient. Now that you know what the chain is for and how to use it in generic grill and for specific models, it’s time for you to get grillin’!