BBQ knob setting

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linw

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Topic # 185465 24-Nov-2015 08:32

Why do BBQs have (to me, anyway!) the flame power settings symbols back to front?

The high power setting is at the top denoted by the fat flame symbol and wider horizontal bars, and full knob turn has the smaller flame and bars.

My old one was like this, my new one as well and a Goldair advt showed this too.

Why am I the only one out of step??

Jase2985

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Reply # 1433687 24-Nov-2015 08:45

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possibly because of the way the valve works

and when you are starting it with the pizeo starter you want full flow of gas to enable better starting especially in high wind conditions

scuwp

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Reply # 1433692 24-Nov-2015 08:57

Got me thinking now. Mine seems logical to me. Turned fully left (anti-clockwise) is low, fully right (clockwise) is high. I think of it as exactly the same as a volume knob on a stereo.

Always be yourself, unless you can be Batman, then always be the Batman

andrew027

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Reply # 1433694 24-Nov-2015 09:02

Jase2985:when you are starting it with the pizeo starter you want full flow of gas to enable better starting especially in high wind conditions

This. If your barbecue has piezo ignition it creates a spark adjacent to the burner, usually when you press the knob in and turn it at the same time, and you want the maximum flow of gas at that point to get the burner lit. Once it's going you can release the knob and continue turning to get the flame to the desired level.

linw

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Reply # 1433961 24-Nov-2015 15:17

So, you're saying holding the knob in produces more flow?

But, after that mine produces max flow turned hard left which corresponds to the small flame/bars.

Still seems back to front!

Sorry to waste your time, guys, but it just puzzles me.

Jase2985

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Reply # 1433983 24-Nov-2015 15:52

linw: So, you're saying holding the knob in produces more flow?

But, after that mine produces max flow turned hard left which corresponds to the small flame/bars.

Still seems back to front!

Sorry to waste your time, guys, but it just puzzles me.

so when you turn it on a tiny bit its on max and when you turn it fully anti clockwise its on minimum?

and no pushing it in doesn't give more flow but on some pushing it in activates the automatic ignition, on others its a small turn anti clockwise, and one others there is a separate button to start the ignition

MurrayM

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Reply # 1435405 26-Nov-2015 17:31

My question is somewhat related to the OP's.

On my BBQ the burners are on low if you turn the knob all the way anti-clockwise, and on full if you turn it just a bit anti-clockwise.

After the burner is lit, if I turn the knob all the way to the left the flames diminish. As I then turn the knob clockwise the flame increases, but then reaches a point near the right where the flames decrease again (if I kept on turning at this point the burner would turn off).

Q: At what point is the burner at the hottest? Is it as far to the right as it will go before turning off (but at this point the flames seem lower)? Or is it back a bit from the furthest point, where the flame seems the largest?

linw

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Reply # 1435438 26-Nov-2015 19:05

Jase2985:
linw: So, you're saying holding the knob in produces more flow?

But, after that mine produces max flow turned hard left which corresponds to the small flame/bars.

Still seems back to front!

Sorry to waste your time, guys, but it just puzzles me.

so when you turn it on a tiny bit its on max and when you turn it fully anti clockwise its on minimum?

and no pushing it in doesn't give more flow but on some pushing it in activates the automatic ignition, on others its a small turn anti clockwise, and one others there is a separate button to start the ignition

No,turning it to the left a tiny bit it is on low. Max is full left turn where the flame symbol and bars are the smallest! That is my point.

This new BBQ has a push button piezo.

I couldn't get the damn thing started on my first go because I believed the signage around the knob. I only had it on a tiny turn to match the fattest flame symbol. Won't fall for that again.

But why do they do that????

Jase2985

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Reply # 1435439 26-Nov-2015 19:06

because some designer hasnt bothered to understand how the valve that is installed on the bbq worked

or they have applied the stickers wrongly.

no idea sounds like a design flaw

linw

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Reply # 1435511 26-Nov-2015 20:24

That's what I thought but it seems to be that way on a lot of them. All Goldair ones in Briscoes are like it for example, so a simple design flaw seems improbable.

Guess it will have to remain one of life's little mysteries!