English FAQ for Gas BBQ Grills in Japan
(Please scroll down to see answers)
- Where can I buy propane (LP) gas in Japan?
- Where can I buy a propane tank or propane regulator in Japan?
- I’ve heard that it’s illegal to buy LP gas to use with a gas BBQ grill. Is this true?
- I have a gas BBQ grill and propane tank purchased in a foreign country. Can I use them in Japan?
- Back in my home country the tanks are bigger that 5kg. Can’t I use a larger tank in Japan?
- Is a 5kg tank big enough? How long will a 5kg tank of gas last?
- Is the regulator included with a California Patio gas grill?
- Can I use charcoal in a California Patio gas grill?
- What’s the purpose of the warning rack on the California Patio gas grill?
- Why are lava rocks important for gas grills?
- How long does it take for a California Patio gas grill to warm up?
- Can I use a gas grill indoors?
——————————————————————–
1. Where can I buy propane (LP) gas in Japan?
Japan has over 20,000 propane gas shops and the easiest way I have found to find
one is to use the Yahoo! Japan Propane Gas Shop directory or GasNavi.
Both sites are in Japanese but it’s broken down by prefecture so it’s easy to find a shop near you.
2. Where can I buy a propane tank or propane regulator in Japan?
We sell propane tanks, regulators, gas hoses and other gas parts in our BBQShop.jp
site. If you have trouble accessing the site or can’t find what you need please
contact us here.
3. I’ve heard that it’s illegal to buy LP gas to use with a gas BBQ grill. Is this true?
It is not illegal for a propane gas shop to sell you gas for your BBQ grill. Although in rare cases a shop owner may not want to sell you the gas for safety reasons . The law states that the gas shop owner must confirm that you have a proper Japanese regulator and that you understand that the gas is to be for outside use only. The shop owner is required by law to fill out an informed consent form like this sample. California Patio gas grills include a Japanese made regulator when you buy the grill. Take the regulator with you when you go and buy the gas.
4. I have a gas BBQ grill and propane tank purchased in a foreign country. Can I use them in Japan?
You can only refill propane tanks that are purchased in Japan. You can purchase a tank here. You might be able to use the gas grill. Here are some tips but this is not inclusive because every gas grill maker is different. Check with the manufacturer of the grill to see if the propane gas pressure the burner was designed for is suitable for the gas pressure produced by a Japanese propane gas regulator. If it’s not suitable, you will need to replace the burner. You’ll need to replace the hose and regulator. You can purchase those here.
5. Back in my home country the tanks are bigger that 5kg. Can’t I use a larger tank in Japan?
According to the Japanese propane gas safety laws, the 5kg tank is the largest one you can use freestanding with rubber hose connection to a gas appliance.
6. Is a 5kg tank big enough? How long will a 5kg tank of gas last?
The D1000E uses about 200 gm of gas per hour on high heat. That will give you at least 25 hours of use with a 5 kg tank.
7. Is the regulator included with a California Patio gas grill?
Yes, a Japanese made regulator is included with the purchase of any California Patio gas grill.
8. Can I use charcoal in California Patio gas grill?
No, our gas grills are designed to handle the heat created by burners and not the heat created by burning charcoal. Using charcoal in a gas grill will be very damaging to components of the gas grill.
9. What’s the purpose of the warning rack on the California Patio gas grill?
This is to be able to move the food away from the heat while keeping it warm. It also can give more total cooking area to be able to cook more food.
10. Why are lava rocks important for gas grills?
The rocks are heated by the gas flame and cook like charcoal. Keeping the rocks clean is about the only maintenance task you’ll have with a gas grill. If there is a buildup of grease on the rocks you will have flare-ups during cooking which can burn the food. You can clean the rocks with a mild dish soap and water solution. Occasionally rearrange and turn the lava rocks so heating and cleaning is more even. Do not stack lava racks. They should be only one layer deep on the grate.
11. How long does it take for a California Patio gas grill to warm up?
After lighting the gas, it takes about 5 minutes until the grill is hot enough to use. Compared to a charcoal BBQ which takes about 30-45 minutes.
12. Can I use a gas grill indoors?
No, gas grills are designed and sold for outside use only.
