How Propane Stoves Work
A propane stove is a cooking device normally used to prepare food at campsites and other locations where the stove's portability is convenient. The stove is powered by a tank or canister filled with propane, which is normally a gaseous fuel but can be compressed into a transferable liquid. Propane is produced both by natural gas processing and crude oil refining. The stove works by transferring propane up to the stove via hose and mixing it with air. By adding a spark or a small flame like a lighter, the stove creates a larger flame that can be controlled by adjusting the propane level up or down. The flame resides under a grate, which is where the food is placed. The food is then cooked on the grate using heat from the flame that is fueled by the propane. Propane stoves are generally safe when they are used properly, but they can malfunction. There are several scenarios that could cause them to smoke.
Reason for Smoke
The most likely reason for a propane grill smoking is because small pieces of food, leaves or other debris inadvertently fell in or near one of the burners. As the flame burns away the debris, smoke will result and you may get an odor depending on the material that is burning. This is normally not a large cause for concern as the material should burn away within a few minutes and the smoke will dissipate. If there does appear to be a danger, simply turn off the propane tank to cut the fuel source and shut off the flame. If the burners or grate are dirty, the smoke could come from that residue burning on the metal. The final source of smoke is, of course, the food being cooked.
Misconceptions
Contrary to what many believe, propane is a clean-burning fuel and does not produce smoke on its own. If the propane grill is smoking, it is the result of something else on or near the grill heating up and starting to burn, not a result of the fuel itself.
