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Blackstone 22 Griddle Low Flame
The propane stream on a Blackstone griddle is carefully distributed by the griddle’s propane regulator before passing through the venturi burner tubes. On a Blackstone 22, the regulator is built into the gas line connection. It plays a crucial role in making sure the high pressure inside the liquid propane tank doesn’t damage the low-pressure propane system inside your Blackstone griddle.
Though sometimes when you open the valve on the propane tank a sudden rush of high-pressure propane trips the regulator’s internal safety switch.
This can shut down the propane supply or restrict the propane flow causing a very low flame.
Fixing a low flame issue on a Blackstone griddle usually starts with resetting the regulator. This typically takes 5 to 10 minutes, before you will be able to cook again.
If resetting the regulator doesn’t fix the low flame on your Blackstone 22, you might have dust and debris in the venturi tubes of the burner element.
Carefully cleaning them, and lightly adjusting the air gates might help fix your low flame problem.
Why Is My Blackstone 22 Griddle Flame Low?
A low flame on a Blackstone 22 griddle is usually caused by the safety switch inside the regulator restricting the flow of propane gas. When propane floods into the system too quickly, the switch automatically trips. It’s a somewhat common problem when switching tanks or turning on the main valve of the liquid propane tank too rapidly.
Dust build-up in the venturi tubes is another possible reason why your Blackstone 22 has a low flame. Even something as simple as a spider web or a dead bug in the wrong place can limit the flow of propane through the burner elements causing a low flame. Since the blockage is essentially behind the flame, it never burns away.
Should I Reset the Regulator
Resetting the regulator is the first thing you should try when attempting to fix a Blackstone 22 griddle with a low flame. You can do this with the following steps.
How To Reset Your Blackstone Griddle’s Propane Regulator
Step One: Close the valve on the top of the liquid propane tank
Step Two: Carefully disconnect the hose and regulator from the propane tank
Step Three: Open the hood on your griddle and turn all your burner valves to high
Step Four: Wait for 3 to 5 minutes for the gas in the line to release the pressure
Step Five: Turn off all the burner valves
Step Six: Reconnect the gas line and regulator back to the propane tank
Step Seven: Slowly open the valve on the propane tank
Step Eight: Try to light the grill like normal
How Do You Fix a Low Flame on a Blackstone Griddle 22?
If you reset the propane regulator and you still have a low flame, your next step should be to inspect and clean the venturi tubes.
These are the tubes that extend from the burner to the control valves. They have openings at the end which allows just the right volume of air to mix with the gas to support robust combustion.
You can clean dirty venturi tubes with compressed air, or use a tool called a “Spider Brush” which has fine bristles. You can do so using the following steps.
How to Clean Venturi Burner Tubes On A Blackstone 22
Step One: Remove the griddle top.
Step Two: Carefully remove the burner tubes from the griddle by backing out the screws that hold it to the firebox. This will also involve using a #1 Phillips head screwdriver to remove the face of the knob assembly. Then gently pull the burner element out of the firebox.
Step Three: Inspect the venturi tubes, and use compressed air, or a spider brush to clear away dust and potential debris.
Step Four: Reassemble the griddle in the reverse order that you took it apart.
Blackstone Griddle Flame Adjustment
Adjusting the air gates on your Blackstone griddle can also give you a more vigorous flame. This will modestly increase the amount of air that is mixing with the propane to maintain combustion. You can adjust the air gates on your Blackstone 22-inch griddle using the following steps.
How to Adjust the Air Gates on a Blackstone 22
Step One: Remove the griddle top.
Step Two: Carefully remove the burner tubes by backing out the screws on the venturi tube and the knob face. Make sure to leave the igniter elements in place in the firebox.
Step Three: Inspect the venturi tube and clean it if necessary.
Step Four: The air gates are on the end of the burner tube. You can use a #1 Phillips head screwdriver to loosen the manifold on each air gate. You can then turn the metal sleeve to open and close them to adjust the amount of air that enters the venturi tube. Just be sure not to close it all the way, as this can cause damage when the system is repressurized.
Step Five: Reassemble the burner tubes in the firebox, making sure to properly realign the igniter elements. Then test to make sure all the burner elements ignite before putting the griddle top back on.
Final Thoughts
If your Blackstone 22 has a low flame, the first thing to do is reset the propane regulator and reset it.
This only takes a few minutes. If the low flame issue isn’t corrected, you should inspect the venturi tubes of the burner element. Cleaning out any dust, cobwebs or dead bugs will help propane flow freely through the system.
If your burner elements have too low of a flame, you might want to adjust the air gates. This calls for taking the venturi tubes out, loosening the screw holding the air gate manifolds in place, and turning them to allow more air. Just make sure not to close them all the way, as it can damage the tube when you repressurize the system.
Robert is a certified Pitmaster, with over a decade of experience in smoking the best meats you’ll ever feast upon. He also has a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio. When he’s not researching technical topics, he’s most likely barbecuing in his backyard.