Best Fire Extinguishers for Grills and Outdoor Cooking

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Every grill area should have a fire extinguisher within reach. Grease fires, flare-ups that spread, propane hose leaks and embers landing on decks all happen. Water can make grease fires worse, so the right extinguisher matters.

We explain extinguisher classes, sizes and placement. Fire safety is serious: if a fire grows beyond a small, contained flame, get everyone away and call 911.

Understanding extinguisher classes

• Class A: ordinary combustibles like wood, paper and cloth.
• Class B: flammable liquids and gases, including grease, oils and propane.
• Class C: energized electrical equipment.
• Class K: commercial kitchen cooking oils and fats.

For home grilling, a multipurpose ABC or a BC extinguisher covers grease and propane fires. Class K extinguishers are designed for commercial kitchen fryers.

The best grill fire extinguishers

Size and rating

Extinguishers are rated by size and effectiveness. A household extinguisher rated for Class B fires is a good starting point for grill areas. Larger units discharge longer but are heavier.

Where to keep it

Mount the extinguisher near the grill, but not so close that you'd have to reach through flames to get it. Near the exit path from the grill area is ideal.

How to use an extinguisher: PASS

1. Pull the pin.
2. Aim at the base of the fire.
3. Squeeze the handle.
4. Sweep side to side.

Keep your back to an exit, and stay a safe distance away.

Handling grill fires

• For a grease flare-up, close the lid and vents to starve it of oxygen (on charcoal), or turn off burners and the propane tank (on gas).
• Never use water on a grease fire.
• For propane leaks with fire, shut off the tank if you can safely reach it.
• If the fire spreads, evacuate and call 911.

See preventing flare-ups.

Maintenance

Check the pressure gauge monthly, keep the extinguisher clean and replace or recharge as the maker directs, and after any use.

Fire blankets

Fire blankets smother small fires and are useful in outdoor kitchens.

Grill placement safety

Keep grills away from siding, overhangs and railings, on stable surfaces. See grill safety and placement.

Why grill fires happen

Most grill fires start from grease buildup igniting, propane leaks at hoses and connections, grills placed too close to siding, railings or overhangs, or embers and ash dumped carelessly. Many can be prevented with regular cleaning, leak checks and good placement. An extinguisher is your backup when prevention fails.

Propane leak checks

At the start of each season and after changing tanks, check hoses and connections for leaks by brushing on a soapy water solution with the tank valve open and burners off. Bubbles indicate a leak. Tighten connections or replace parts, and don't use the grill until the leak is fixed. If you smell gas while grilling, turn off the tank and burners and move away.

Choosing between ABC and BC

ABC extinguishers cover ordinary combustibles as well as flammable liquids and electrical fires, which is useful if a fire spreads to wood decking or furniture. BC extinguishers cover flammable liquids and electrical fires and may leave less corrosive residue on some equipment. For most homeowners, an ABC unit near the grill area is a practical choice.

After using an extinguisher

Dry chemical extinguishers leave residue that must be cleaned from the grill before cooking again. Let the grill cool, clean thoroughly, inspect burners and hoses for damage, and recharge or replace the extinguisher. If there was significant fire damage, have the grill inspected or replaced.

Outdoor kitchens and decks

Outdoor kitchens with built-in grills and gas lines benefit from a mounted extinguisher and a fire blanket. On wooden decks, place grills on heat-resistant mats, keep them away from railings and siding, and never leave a lit grill unattended. Check local codes and HOA rules for grills on decks and balconies. See outdoor kitchen setup.

Teaching everyone to use it

An extinguisher helps only if someone knows how to use it. Show adults and older children in your household where it is and how PASS works. Practice without discharging by walking through the steps.

Our bottom line

Keep a Class B-rated ABC or BC extinguisher within reach of your grill, check it monthly, and know how to use it. Pair it with good habits: clean grease regularly, check propane connections, place grills away from structures and never leave a lit grill unattended.

Other grill safety gear

Alongside an extinguisher, keep heat-resistant gloves, long tongs, a metal bucket for ash, and a grill mat under grills on decks or patios where allowed. A charcoal ash can with a lid lets ash cool safely for at least a day before disposal; hot ash in plastic bins or paper bags is a common cause of fires. See charcoal storage and BBQ gloves.

Smoke alarms and outdoor cooking

Keep smoke alarms working indoors, especially near doors to outdoor cooking areas. Never move a grill into a garage or enclosed space to escape rain, due to fire and carbon monoxide risks.

Deck and balcony rules

Many apartment complexes, condos and local fire codes restrict charcoal and propane grills on balconies and decks. Check your lease, HOA and local fire department rules before grilling in these spaces.

Fire safety checklist for grill season

• Extinguisher rated for Class B fires within reach.
• Propane connections leak-checked.
• Grease tray emptied and firebox clean.
• Grill placed away from siding, railings and overhangs.
• Metal can for ash, with a lid.
• Kids and pets kept clear of the grill area.