The Blue Rhino Barbeque that doesn't.

[NinerBikes]

My travel trailer came with a Blue Rhino BBQ that has a separate gas line and cut off valve, with quick disconnect features. The top of the BBQ has a thermometer for temperature reading.

Last week, while at about 6000 feet in elevation, I could not get much over 275 to 300F temperature to cook a couple of fine Rib eye steaks.

Upon looking at the hose, the diameter of the hose to flow propane looks exceedingly small and restrictive at the valves, perhaps 1/8" or 3 /16" in diameter.

Needless to say, 35 minutes is waaaay too long to cook steaks, 8 minutes per side is my normal procedure. I ended up firing up the generator and nuking them in the microwave to prevent myself from eating raw meat, the BBQ was not getting the job done with enough heat.

Suggestions? Is my pressure for propane too low? Is the intermediary hose too small? Is the valve on the BBQ defective and not flowing enough? It needs more propane and more air to make more heat to cook properly, things like tri tip roasts and steaks and chicken.

[katysdad]

westend wrote:
Is there a regulator on the grill? If you have a dual stage regulator on the propane tank and a regulator on the grill, you may be regulating too low. If the Blue Rhino needs high pressure, locating an accessory use tee in front of the dual stage regulator may be the answer.

X2

[othertonka]

westend wrote:
Is there a regulator on the grill? If you have a dual stage regulator on the propane tank and a regulator on the grill, you may be regulating too low. If the Blue Rhino needs high pressure, locating an accessory use tee in front of the dual stage regulator may be the answer.

I agree with this. I take my propane feed before the regulator, between the tank valve and the regulator. My BBQ has it's own reg.

[wa8yxm]

gemsworld wrote:
I think BBQ manufacturers have decreased the amount of BTUs in most portable models. If so, maybe safety and/or liability had something to do with it.

I believe you are correct.. One of my complaints is the rather "Anemic" burners in my RV on the stove, when compared too what I leaned to cook on in my mother's kitchen. Turns out there are regulations as to the total number of BTU's you can put out on that cooktop,, So they had to make 'em smaller.

And I so love cooking with gas (Way better way to cook than electric).

[westend]

Is there a regulator on the grill? If you have a dual stage regulator on the propane tank and a regulator on the grill, you may be regulating too low. If the Blue Rhino needs high pressure, locating an accessory use tee in front of the dual stage regulator may be the answer.

[Community Alumni]

My new TT also came with a BBQ but different brand and I also have the same problem, it doesn't get hot enough regardless of elevation.

My previous and still relatively new BBQ was pricey and I encountered the same problem.

I think BBQ manufacturers have decreased the amount of BTUs in most portable models. If so, maybe safety and/or liability had something to do with it.