How to Start a Bull Gas BBQ: Setup, Lighting, What to Buy

Better Patio Bull Grill Guides June 2026

Expert Guide

Knowing how to start a Bull gas BBQ correctly makes a big difference between a frustrating first cook and a smooth one. Bull grills are built to last, but like any gas grill, they need to be set up and lit the right way.

Whether you're firing up a Bull grill for the first time or troubleshooting an ignition issue, this guide covers everything you need to know — including the best Bull grill models available at Better Patio so you can find the right setup for your outdoor kitchen.

⚡ Key Takeaways

Check your gas connections and run a leak test before first use and regularly after
Light your Bull gas grill by opening the lid, turning on the gas, then using the ignition system with the burner knobs
Pick a Bull grill model based on your cooking space, fuel type, and whether you want built-in or freestanding

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Shop Bull Grills

Ready to get your hands on a Bull grill? Browse our full collection of Bull outdoor grills and find the right model for your backyard setup.

Essentials Before Using Your Bull Gas BBQ

Before you fire up your Bull gas grill, you'll need to set it up properly, choose your fuel type, and do some basic safety checks. These steps protect you and make sure your grill runs right from day one.

Setting Up Your Bull Grill for the First Time

Read through your installation instructions before you do anything else. Bull grills need a certain amount of space away from walls, overhangs, and anything flammable — just follow the manual's guidelines.

Built-in models: make sure your outdoor kitchen can handle the grill's weight and allows for enough ventilation. Your setup must meet local codes and follow the National Fuel Gas Code ANSI Z223.1.
Remove all packaging materials, including any protective films on the stainless steel. Double-check that burners, grates, and heat shields are all in the right spots.
Inspect gas supply connections before hooking up the fuel. Check hoses, fittings, and regulators for any damage from shipping.
For propane setups: make sure your LP tank retention system holds the tank securely — it shouldn't wobble or move around.

Propane vs Natural Gas: Which Setup Works for Your Bull Grill

Bull grills are available in propane and natural gas versions. You have to buy the model that matches your fuel — these aren't interchangeable unless you use a conversion kit, and that's not always recommended.

Propane is portable and doesn't need a permanent gas line. You'll use standard 20-pound tanks that you can swap or refill at most hardware stores or gas stations. If you rent or want to move your grill, propane makes sense.
Natural gas hooks right into your home's gas line. You'll never run out of fuel mid-cook and you skip the hassle of refilling tanks — but you'll need a licensed pro to run the line and set it up to code.

Feature	Propane	Natural Gas
Installation	Simple, no professional needed	Requires licensed gas fitter
Fuel Cost	Higher per BTU	Lower per BTU
Convenience	Tank refills needed	Continuous supply
Portability	Can relocate grill	Fixed location

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Long-Term vs Upfront

Natural gas usually costs less in the long run, but installation will cost more upfront. If you already have a gas line nearby, natural gas is almost always the better choice for a permanent outdoor kitchen.

Safety Checks Before You Light a Bull Gas BBQ

Always check for gas leaks when you connect or reconnect your fuel source. Here's how to do it right:

1

Mix and Apply the Soap Solution

Mix equal parts dish soap and water in a spray bottle and spray it on all gas supply connections, hoses, and fittings.

2

Turn On the Gas — Don't Light Yet

Turn on the gas supply without lighting the grill. Watch every connection closely. If you see bubbles forming, you've got a leak that needs fixing before you use the grill.

3

Fix Any Leaks Before Proceeding

If you spot a leak, shut off the gas right away and tighten connections or swap out damaged parts. Retest before attempting to light.

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Quick Safety Reminders

Always keep the grill lid open when lighting. Make sure all control knobs are OFF before opening the gas supply. Keep kids and pets at least three feet away while grilling, and make sure there's good airflow around the grill at all times.

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More Grill Options

Looking for more grill options? Shop our full range of BBQ grills and find the perfect fit for your outdoor cooking style.

Step-by-Step Guide to Lighting a Bull Gas BBQ

Bull gas grills use either electronic ignition or manual lighting to fire up the burners. Most problems with lighting come down to simple stuff — maybe the gas supply isn't connected right, or the igniter battery is dead.

How to Light a Bull Grill With the Electronic Ignition

1

Open the Lid and Turn On the Gas

Open the grill lid all the way. Turn on the gas supply at the tank or gas line. Never attempt to light with the lid closed.

2

Set One Burner to High and Press the Igniter

Pick one burner and turn its control knob to high. Hit the electronic igniter button right away. You should hear clicking and see the burner light within a few seconds.

3

Light Remaining Burners

Once the first burner is going, turn the next burner knob to high and let the flame spread. Repeat for any other burners you need.

4

Preheat Before Cooking

Wait a couple of minutes for the grill to preheat before setting burners to your cooking temperature. Closing the lid helps it heat up faster and more evenly.

Bull BBQ Starting Instructions for Manual Lighting

1

Turn Off All Knobs and Wait

If you've tried lighting and it didn't work, turn off all burner knobs and wait five minutes for any built-up gas to clear before trying again.

2

Prepare Your Long Match or Lighter

Light a long match or butane lighter and hold it close to the burner ports through the grates before turning on any gas.

3

Turn On the Burner and Ignite

Push in and turn one burner knob to high while holding the lit match near the burner. It should catch right away.

4

Light Remaining Burners and Preheat

After the first burner is going, turn on the others as needed. Remove the match and close the lid to preheat for 10 to 15 minutes before cooking.

Bull Outdoor Grill Lighting Problems: What to Do if Your Bull Gas Grill Won't Start

Check your gas supply first. Make sure the propane tank isn't empty or the natural gas valve is fully open. Look for kinked or damaged gas lines that could be restricting flow.
Dead igniter battery. If the electronic ignition isn't clicking, swap out the igniter battery. You'll usually find the battery compartment on or under the control panel.
Blocked burner ports. Grease, food bits, or even bugs can clog burner ports. Use a wire brush or paper clip to clear them out, then wipe the igniter electrode with a dry cloth.
Gas leaks. Check all gas connections using soapy water. If you see bubbles anywhere, fix the leak before attempting to use the grill again.

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When to Call a Pro

If you smell gas or can't solve the ignition issue after checking all of the above, call a gas appliance professional. Don't keep attempting to light a grill that has an unresolved gas issue.

Choosing the Best Bull Grill for Your Outdoor Space

Bull grills feature heavy-duty stainless steel and deliver high BTUs with several burner setups. Your pick depends on your space, fuel type, and which features you'll actually use.

What Makes Bull Grills Stand Out

304 stainless steel throughout. Bull uses 304 stainless steel across their entire grill lineup — not just the exterior. It's tough, rust-resistant, and built to handle years of outdoor exposure.
ReliaBull Even-Heat Technology. Every Bull model spreads heat evenly across the cooking surface so you don't get hot spots that burn your food or cold spots that leave things undercooked.
Cast stainless steel burners. These aren't the flimsy stamped burners you'll find on budget grills. Cast stainless holds up longer and keeps heat output steady over time.
CSA Gas certified. All Bull grills carry CSA Gas certification and are available in both propane and natural gas configurations.

Bull Grill Models Available at Better Patio

Better Patio stocks several Bull models for built-in outdoor kitchens. Here's a quick look at what's available:

Model	Size	Burners	BTU	Notable Features
Bull Steer	24"	3	45,000	Compact, great for smaller patios
Bull Angus	30"	4	75,000	Rotisserie burner, grill lights
Bull Outlaw	30"	4	60,000	Straightforward build, no extras
Bull Lonestar Select	30"	4	60,000	Clean design, essential features
Bull Brahma	38"	5	90,000	Infrared rotisserie burner, lights
Bull Diablo	46"	6	105,000	Top-tier features, maximum output

Each built-in gas grill drops directly into your outdoor kitchen counter. Better Patio also carries the Bull Bison 32" charcoal grill and a 30" griddle if you want to mix cooking styles in your outdoor setup.

How to Choose the Right Bull Grill for Your Outdoor Setup

Measure your counter space first. A 24" model fits on smaller patios and compact islands. The 38" and 46" models need a larger outdoor kitchen island to accommodate them properly.
Match the burner count to your crowd. A 4-burner model like the Angus or Outlaw handles 6 to 8 people comfortably. If you host bigger gatherings, step up to the 5 or 6 burner models.
Check your fuel setup. If you've already got a natural gas line, go with the natural gas version. If you want flexibility or don't have a gas line, propane tanks work well — just plan for occasional refills.
Only pay for features you'll use. Rotisserie burners, grill lights, and extra BTUs add to the price. The Outlaw and Lonestar models skip the extras for no-fuss grilling. The Angus and Brahma add lights and rotisserie for more versatility.

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Complete Your Setup

Complete your outdoor kitchen with the right storage. Shop our collection of outdoor refrigeration and keep your ingredients fresh and ready to go.

Final Thoughts

Starting a Bull gas BBQ the right way comes down to a few simple steps — proper setup, safe lighting, and knowing what to do when something doesn't go as planned.

Bull grills are built for serious outdoor cooking, and with the right setup they'll deliver consistent results for years. Whether you're lighting up for the first time or upgrading your outdoor kitchen, getting the basics right makes every cook better.

Ready to take your outdoor setup further? Check out our guide on how to choose an outdoor kitchen contractor and build a space worth cooking in.

Frequently Asked Questions: How to Start a Bull Gas BBQ

Getting your Bull gas BBQ running means knowing how to start it, troubleshoot ignition issues, and use the right lid position. Here are some common questions about Bull grills.

How to start a Bull gas grill?

Make sure all control knobs are off before connecting the gas, then open the lid before lighting. Turn on the gas at the tank or main line, set one burner knob to high, and press the igniter until it lights. If you smell gas at any point, shut everything off immediately and wait five minutes before trying again.

How do I start my gas barbecue?

Always open the lid before lighting to prevent gas buildup inside the grill. Turn on your gas, set one burner to high, and press the igniter — it should catch within a few seconds. Once the first burner is lit, turn on the remaining burners and preheat for 10 to 15 minutes before cooking.

Why is my Bull grill not starting?

A dead igniter battery or dirty electrode is the most common culprit, so check that the electrode sparks and sits close to the burner. Gas flow issues are another frequent cause — confirm your propane tank has fuel, the valve is open, and burner ports aren't clogged. If the problem persists, contact Bull or an authorized dealer to check if parts are covered under warranty.

Do you start a gas grill with the lid open or closed?

Always start your Bull gas grill with the lid open to prevent gas from building up inside. Lighting with the lid closed can cause a dangerous flashback when the accumulated gas ignites. Once all burners are running, close the lid to preheat the grill before cooking.

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