I think this kind of thing could happen to anyone using any brand gas grill, so it's a good warning to check all connections carefully before grilling. I confess I only checked the tank to regulator and regulator hose for leaks prior to my first usage of the Virco. The manual did say to also check the gas control valves, but I couldn't figure out how to get to them. I guess I could see them from underneath if I lay on my back, so that's what I'll do next time. I also recall that propane is heavier than air, unlike natural gas, which is lighter than air. So the propane can settle in low places and collect and then explode. Also, as I have recently noticed, a new steel propane container may react with the odorant in the propane charge, and the result is that it can be harder to detect leaks. Lots of people are probably buying new propane tanks with OPD valves rather than retrofit their old ones, so perhaps some extra caution is needed for the first tankful or so. All this makes me wonder if perhaps I may be installing the natural gas conversion kit sooner than I expected...;-) Here is a link that might be useful: Propane safety

As many of you, I have been drooling over this grill for over a year. Your postings have confirmed my thoughts and I have already received financial approval. I will be getting this grill within the next 2 weeks. The question I have, and also saw that someone else asked but have not seen a response, has anyone done a "permanent" or "semi-permanent" installation with an LP heated house? My house is only a year old and is heated by LP. We have a 1000 gallon tank buried in the yard. All of the discussions of plumbing type and size encourage me to offer some detail as to our setup. There is a regulator on the side of the house that drops the pressure to 2 PSI. Inside there is a regulator attached to a manafold that provides individual taps for every appliance (2 furnaces, water heater, stove, dryer, and a dedicated run to the deck for a "future grill") All of this is done with a somewhat flexible 1/2" yellow (I guess vinyl) coated copper. That main regulator is supposed to be able to support all of the appliances and maintain the 14" of pressure. Outside is a stub of 1/2" black pipe to which I need to connect. My plan is a temporary connection (soft hose) upon purchase and a permanent one when I can build this unit in. I agree with the concerns of leaks and will obviously put a shut-off valve before any soft hose. I saw mention of a hose kit from HD for $35. This is listed as an NG hose but at roughly 1/2 PSI I assume it will work for LP? Any thoughts or input would be appreciated. Thanks, Lee

I think I found the message talking about this. Mine didn't come out of the oven shiney as they first were. Of course they were only shiney the first day prior to use. ha ha But they were clean. Afterwards I made my first grilled pizza with homemade dough. Oiled the grates and dough and it didn't stick at all. Here is a link that might be useful: oven clean grids

Bgol, There is a safety device in the connector just before the regulator. There is a small ball that will stop or restrict the flow from the tank to the regulator. It is designed to stop flow if the hose ruptures, etc. If the tank valve is opened too fast, you will send the little ball crashing into the end of the fitting nearest the regulator where it might stick and restrict the flow. While you are wating for a response from Grand Hall or a new regulator, you can try this. If you are mechanically inclined, unscrew the fitting from the regulator. Try to blow both forward and backward through the fitting. If you can't free the ball this way, tap the tank end of the fitting on a piece of wood. If that does not work, you can try to gently push the ball back with a small wire. Be careful not to damage the small spring in there. If you get to this point, you may get it working but should replace the regulator under waranty. If you get the ball unstuck, reattach everything. Use some sealer (teflon, etc from the hardware store) on the threads going into the regulator. Good luck, Bill