When you’re cooking outside, there are some potential dangers to be aware of: grease fires, grease flare-ups, and flare-ups from gas or electric grills.

There will be no audible alarm to warn you of fire presence, and a grill fire extinguisher can be a lifesaver if your cooking goes wrong.

The best fire extinguisher for gas grill is different from the extinguisher for wood, metal, paper, or oil. The goal of a grill fire extinguisher is to put out the flame quickly before it spreads and does not destroy the grill.

It is important to know that not all fire extinguishers are made for cooking.

Grilling and outdoor cooking involve different risks than inside cooking. That is why it is so important to use the right type of bbq fire extinguisher.

How Do You Quickly Put Out A Grill Fire Without A Fire Extinguisher

A dry chemical fire extinguisher is traditionally used to put out grill fires and is commonly found in household kitchens. The powder helps to reduce and cool the flames while remaining on the surface of the fire without sending hot embers into other combustibles. Water mist is the best extinguisher for gas BBQs because it’s non-toxic and can fight all types of fires. This helium cooler also releases a cloud of mist in order to prevent the user from getting burned. The mist is harmless and cannot cause harm to children in any circumstance.

This article will provide you with a comprehensive buying guide for the best fire extinguisher for propane grills. I will mention what type of fire they are suitable for, how long they last, their weight, etc.

Classes of Fire

Fires can be put into six categories according to the following classifications:

Class A – Kitchen fires, paper, cloth, wood, and rubbish

Class B – Fires caused by flammable liquids, such as petrol, grease and paint, and gasoline.

Class C – Flammable gases can cause fire such as LPG, BBQ gas, natural gas, and acetylene.

Class D – fires caused by metals like metal shavings

Class E – Electrical fires, such as those caused by electrical devices or fuse boxes,

Class F – Cooking oils and fats, such as butter, dripping, and olive oil, are responsible for most grill fires. These fires usually happen when the oils or fats reach their flashpoints which are 315 degrees C.

Why Did My Pellet Grill Catch On Fire? 5 Tips to Put Out Pellet Grill Fire

How fire extinguisher for gas grill works?

When a fire starts, the first line of defense is usually the fire extinguisher.

The type of extinguisher you should use depends on the situation you are dealing with and where the fire is located.

A fire extinguisher is a device that can be used to quickly extinguish or control small fires. and is one of the most important tools to have in your home or workplace.

They are so important that regulations require at least one extinguisher near an exit.

The main components of a typical extinguisher are the body, nozzle, and handle – The body has two parts: the cylinder and the head –

The cylinder is where pressurized gas is stored and contained, while the head houses the nozzle that disperses the gas when activated –

The handle is what you use to operate it- The pressure gauge measures how much pressure is left in the cylinder.

How to Choose the Best fire extinguisher for gas grill?

The grill fire is often caused by grease fires or because oil drips off. Grill fires can be a disaster, and this is why it is important to make sure that these fires are dealt with swiftly and efficiently.

It is recommended to have a fire extinguisher close to the grill so it will be easier for people to grab it and put out any flames as quickly as possible.

This will keep everyone safe and sound while enjoying their food outside.

An extinguisher is meant for use in emergency situations where the fire is small and relatively easy to control.

There are different types of extinguishers based on what they’re designed for – like kitchen fires, grease fires, or electrical fires.

As a result, you need to know which type of extinguisher best suits your grill when it catches on fire. The wrong choice can worsen the situation and put your life in danger.

Fire Extinguisher Types for Propane Grill

There are 5 types of fire extinguishers: Water, Powder, Foam, CO2, and Wet chemicals.

Each extinguisher is required to be used in a different type of fire situation. This guide is designed to give you an overview of the different types.

1. Water

The most common type found in homes is a water fire extinguisher.

This type is usually labeled with a white label that says “WATER” and has a pressure gauge on the side of it.

Water extinguishers are A-class rated and are safe to use on wood, paper & fabric fires.

Water extinguishers are generally not suitable for electrical fire types because water is a conductor.

It could be dangerous to use it on any kind of electrical or flammable liquid or metal fires. If you are using an electric grill don’t use it.

Water extinguishers are the recommended firefighting tool for environments that store large amounts of combustible materials, such as warehouses, paper mills, and storage facilities.

2. Powder Fire Extinguisher

A dry chemical fire extinguisher is traditionally used to put out grill fires and is commonly found in household kitchens. The powder helps to reduce and cool the flames while remaining on the surface of the fire without sending hot embers into other combustibles.

Powder-fueled extinguishers have a blue color label that says “Powder.” They are for use on Class ABC fires.

A dry powder extinguisher is a versatile choice since it can be used on most types of fires like gas, oils, and flammable liquids.

The only exception to this rule is spaces without ventilation or in enclosed spaces, in which you should never use the powder extinguisher.

The dry powder fire extinguisher is the best type of fire extinguisher for barbecuing in your backyard.

It provides a one-stop solution to getting rid of any type of fire, including grease fires. And it’s also safer to use when you are using grills since it does not contain any harmful chemicals.

Powder extinguishers are best for outdoor use; while we usually use grills outside, they’re the best fire extinguisher for grill fires.

Dry powder extinguishers come in two forms: water-fed and air-fed.

Water-fed systems use a pump to spray a fine mist of water over the surface of the liquid fire, while air-fed systems produce a stream of air from an air compressor, which disperses the dry powder substance over the liquid fire.

One way to put out a small fire is to sweep the area with a dry-powder fire extinguisher.

These come in many shapes and sizes, so shop around for your options in order to find the best one.

Other names for them are an ABC fire extinguisher, Multi-purpose fire extinguisher, and Dry chemical fire extinguisher.

The most common dry chemical fire extinguishers use flame retardants such as sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate, as well as monoammonium phosphate.

The powder left on the surface of the grill will corrode it and destroy any metal grill surface, leaving behind a residue that needs to be cleaned up.

How to Clean Grill After Using Fire Extinguisher? 

3. Foam

Foam extinguishers are identified by the cream-colored label that reads “FOAM” and should be used on fires involving wood, paper, or fabric.

These extinguishers are also safe for use on flammable liquid fires. Foam extinguishers are ideal for offices, factories, warehouses, and hotels.

These fire extinguishers can’t be used on electrical fires or flammable metal fires which puts you at more risk if the fire spreads.

4. CO2

If your fire extinguisher has a black label stating “CO2” then these extinguishers are perfect for flammable liquid and electrical fires.

They are also unsuitable for cooking fires that involve oil & grease (such as chip pan fires) as the extinguisher could end up blasting the flames into surrounding areas.

It is important to note that it is not recommended to hold the extinguisher by the horn as the CO2 becomes very cold when it evaporates into a gaseous state and could result in getting cold burn.

CO2 extinguishers are used to put out fires by removing oxygen from the area. Unlike standard foam or water extinguishers, CO2 extinguishers work by making the fire suffocate.

They replace the oxygen with Carbon Dioxide which means that there is nothing to burn.

CO2 fire extinguishers are a great way of reducing the risk of damage from electrical fires. CO2 extinguishers are very easy to use and they don’t leave any damaging residue behind.

5. Wet Chemical

The Class K Fire Extinguisher is an excellent choice for fighting grease and fat fires which are often found in commercial kitchens, restaurants, burger bars, hotels.

A wet chemical fire extinguisher has a yellow label that reads “Wet Chemical” and can be used to put out fires involving wood, paper, and fabric.

They are also safe when used in cooking or in fires caused by deep fat fryers.

When a grill catches fire because of grease you can quickly put it out by using a Class K Wet Chemical extinguisher.

These are made of potassium acetate, which creates a low-pH mist that cools the cooking surface and stops the flames.

Wet chemical extinguishers are not suitable for fires involving electricity, combustible liquid, or gas because they could result in a fire that is harder to put out.

In addition, these extinguishers create toxic byproducts that can not be absorbed by humans and should only be used in well-ventilated areas.

If you’ve recently used a wet chemical fire extinguisher to put out a fire, it’s important to clean the grill right away.

It is easy to clean the grill after using a fire extinguisher and the best way is to wash off your grill with soapy water and a brush. Here is a step-by-step process to clean the grill after using wet chemicals.

The 5 Best Fire Extinguishers for Gas Grill And Outdoor Cooking – A Comprehensive Buying Guide

Read on below for all the best bbq fire extinguishers.

1. Top pick: First Alert PRO5 Rechargeable Heavy Duty Plus Fire Extinguisher UL rated 3-A:40-B: C, Red, 8 lbs

The First Alert PRO5 can reliably protect any household from all types of common fires, including wood & paper, burning liquids, and electrical fires. But its build, reusability, and wide availability make it stand out amongst competitors.

The First Alert weighs 10 pounds which exceeds the minimum size recommendations of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

This model has a metal valve which is sturdier and more reliable than plastic and can be recharged for half the cost of a new one.

The PRO5 model can be found in almost any well-stocked hardware store. Some models are available in Ace, Lowe’s, Target, and Walmart, making it easier for you to make a decision on the spot without having to look elsewhere.

2. Best Overall: Amerex ABC Dry Chemical Class A B C Fire Extinguisher

Amerex is a leading manufacturer of fire extinguishers. Amerex ABC Dry Chemical Class A B C Fire Extinguisher is an emergency response tool used to control class A, B, and C fires.

When these fires are too large for a portable fire extinguisher to handle, the ABC Dry Chemical Extinguisher is brought into play.

It can be used on gas grills, charcoal grills, and even electrical equipment(pellet grills,) other cooking equipment, paper & cardboard, and plastic & rubber goods.

The item is 10 pounds and comes with 5 pounds of powder.

Experts also say that at 14-seconds of discharge time you can put out a major fire from a safe distance. Plus, the 16-inch cylinder is small enough to store in a cabinet or other tight spaces.

It also comes with a metal wall bracket.

3. Aerosol First Alert EZ Fire Spray, Extinguishing Aerosol Spray, AF400

The First Alert EZ Fire Spray is easy to use and can stop common small grill fires in an instant.

Discharging four times the amount of your average fire extinguisher provides double the protection time, (meaning more than enough time to leave the premises safely).

It’s an ideal household choice for common frill fires.

The nozzle sprays a wide area which helps you to put out fires quicker. Simply point and spray the aerosol spray on any grill fire.

This portable fire extinguisher spray provides you with what you need to be prepared for life’s little emergencies.

It’s easy to carry around the house, on the boat, in your RV, or when traveling. You can easily wipe away any residue left behind on the grill after putting out a fire with just a damp cloth.

They are effective in stopping all types of small fires, including grease and electrical.

Given that there’s no pressure gauge on these cans, they’re not traditionally meant for total fire extinguishing.

It can be better to use them in conjunction with a normal fire extinguisher, however, experts warn against using them at all costs.

4. First Alert HOME1 Rechargeable Standard Home Fire Extinguisher UL A:10-B: C, Red

First Alert has been a leading brand in home safety for over 60 years

The First Alert rechargeable standard home fire extinguisher UL A:10-B: C, red is a dry powder fire extinguisher perfect addition to your grill safety.

This fire extinguisher is rechargeable. This means that if you shoot it off, a qualified service company can likely refill it.

This brand is more expensive to recharge than just buying a new unit.

Do fire extinguishers expire?

Over time, the chemicals inside the extinguisher can degrade or lose their effectiveness, and the components of the fire extinguisher can also become damaged or corroded.

As a result, fire extinguishers typically have an expiration date or a recommended replacement date.

Here is a table for different fire extinguishers types that can be used to put out a grill fire, along with their typical expiration times and maintenance requirements:

Type of Extinguisher	Expiration Time	Maintenance Requirements
Dry Chemical (ABC)	12 years	Should be visually inspected monthly and professionally inspected annually. The pressure gauge should be checked regularly, and the extinguisher should be shaken or inverted to prevent settling of the chemical powder.
CO2	5-10 years	Should be visually inspected monthly and professionally inspected every 5 years. The pressure gauge should be checked regularly, and the nozzle should be checked for obstructions.
Class K (Wet Chemical)	5 years	Should be visually inspected monthly and professionally inspected annually. The pressure gauge should be checked regularly, and the extinguisher should be refilled if it is used.
Water Mist	5 years	Should be visually inspected monthly and professionally inspected annually. The pressure gauge should be checked regularly, and the nozzle should be checked for obstructions.

Final Thoughts

It is of the utmost importance that you have a properly functioning fire extinguisher near your grill. You should also make sure that you are prepared by getting an extinguisher installed, and making sure you know how to use it properly before an emergency arises.

In order to choose a suitable fire extinguisher for propane grill one needs to have a keen knowledge of the type of fire. A water extinguisher is really not called for in most cases.

It’s likely the grill fire was fuelled by animal fats from the steaks, burgers, and sausages that caught alight in the heat. Using a water extinguisher will result in burning and splashing the oil in mini-explosions. 

Foam extinguishers are a better option as they can protect against any cooking fires as well as chip pan fires. The downside is that the foam will ruin whatever meal you were trying to make.

Carbon dioxide is good for fighting grease fires but is not recommended for use in electrical fires. They work best in a closed environment, but can’t be used outside because the gas will dissipate quickly.

There are different types of dry powder fire extinguishers, but it’s safe to assume that a 1 or 2-kilo model is enough to put out the average barbecue fire.

There will still be a mess left behind and the area around it will be filled with powder.

All fire extinguishers come with a few downsides that you should be aware of, but if you choose the right one then AFFF foam or combined ABF will work best.

Fire Blanket

In the event of a grill fire outside, it is best to have a fire blanket nearby. The blanket can be used to smother flames from the grill and also covers the entire grill for all-around protection. You can also place these blankets inside as a backup safety measure.

I would definitely opt for a fire blanket to cover the grill in case of fire rather than a fire extinguisher.

The fire blanket should be at least 1.8 x 1.2 meters wide to cover the most common type of grills effectively. You can easily take it out and put it quickly on the flames to smother them once they catch on fire. It’s likely that once the fire is out, you will also be able to retrieve most of the remaining food!

Safely host your summer party grilling with these tips.