How long should I preheat a grill?
Quick answer
Preheat a propane grill 10–15 minutes on high with the lid closed for most cooking. Thin burgers and vegetables may need only 10 minutes; thick steaks and pizza stones benefit from a full 15 minutes for even grate temperature.
Why preheat matters
Cold grates stick food and produce pale sear marks. Lid-down preheat drives heat into the grates and stabilizes air temp inside the hood.
By food type
- Burgers/dogs: 10 min
- Steaks: 12–15 min
- Chicken pieces: 10–12 min, then adjust zones
- Delicate fish: medium preheat, clean oiled grates