Currently we carry grills that use three different fuel types. Propane, pellet and charcoal each have their own distinctive style of cooking and advantages and disadvantages to each.

Propane grills

Can be identified by the propane hose hookup and burners inside of the grill. Propane grills are known for their ease of use and can quickly be brought up to temperature and controlled by a regulator for consistent heat supply. Propane burns clean which means it doesn’t impart any additional flavors that charcoal or pellet grills would, which can be a matter of preference for each customer.

Charcoal grills 

Can be identified by a chamber below the grates designed to hold hot coals and usually have vents on the top and bottom to control airflow and regulate temperature. Charcoal grills are portable, impart a smoky flavor and can reach very high temperatures or also be used to smoke at lower temperatures. Controlling temperature with this type of grill can take a little more practice as it is all manual and generally is a little less precise. Additionally this fuel type can take a little more time to come up to temperature.

All cooker stands, fryers & grills have manuals included with them. If not, to find the manual please visit this link: Carolina Cooker® Manuals.

DO WE CARRY ANYTHING YOU CAN USE FOR BOTH GAS FIREPLACES AND GAS STOVES?

Use only replacement parts recommended by the manufacturer for fireplaces and gas stoves. Consult the owner's manual or contact manufacturer for recommended parts.

CAN YOU USE THE REGULATORS WE SELL FOR GAS STOVES IN MOST CAMPERS?

Only use the gas stove’s manufacturer recommended regulator. Consult the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer for this information.

CAN I USE ANY OF THE REGULATORS AND HOSES YOU HAVE FOR MY GAS LOGS?

Use only the gas log’s manufacturer recommended regulator or hose for the gas logs. Consult the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to determine the correct regulator or hose for gas logs.

CAN OUR BURNERS OR REGULATORS BE USED FOR NATURAL GAS?

No, our burners and regulators are for only LP gas use.

CAN I USE ANY OF THESE COOKERS WITH NATURAL GAS?

No, cookers should be used with propane only. Our manuals will reflect this information. We do not sell our cookers to be used for natural gas.

WHAT IS THE BEST REGULATOR TO USE WHEN BUILDING YOUR OWN PIG COOKER?

You will have to determine the desired BTU for the cooker which will determine the needed regulator, orifice and burner combination to obtain the BTU for the cooker. For more information, go to the BTU section.

WHAT IS THE BEST REGULATOR TO USE ON A PIG COOKER?

For replacement parts, consult the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to determine the correct regulator for a specific cooker. Manufacturers determine the required BTU in order to select the correct regulator and orifice combination for the burner.

USING A 1 IN X 4 FT PIPE TO MAKE A BURNER, WHICH ORIFICE SHOULD I USE, LOW OR HIGH?

You will need to determine the application that the burner will be used for to determine the correct orifice (jet size) and regulator to use in order to get the desired pressure and BTU for the burner.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A HIGH PRESSURE AND A LOW PRESSURE BURNER?

Low pressure burners are designed to be used with a low pressure regulator that provides a gas flow rate of less than 1 PSI. High pressure burners are designed to be used with a high pressure regulator that provides a gas flow rate that is greater than 1 PSI. A high pressure burner will need more gas to operate effectively compared to a low pressure burner.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A HIGH PRESSURE AND A LOW PRESSURE REGULATOR?

Regulator selection is determined by the propane application requirements. Low pressure regulators provide a gas flow rate that is less than 1 PSI. A high pressure regulator provides a gas flow rate that is greater than 1 PSI. Common examples of high pressure are 5, 10, 15, 20 & 30 PSI.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED A HIGH PRESSURE OR A LOW PRESSURE BURNER?

If for replacement, use only the manufacturer recommended burner. If uncertain,

contact the manufacturer to determine the correct burner to use. However, if you

have a high pressure regulator use a high pressure burner. If you have a low pressure regulator use a low pressure burner. Please note that in order for the burner and regulator to work effectively and obtain the desired BTU, you must use the correct size orifice for your burner.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED A HIGH PRESSURE OR LOW PRESSURE REGULATOR?

If for replacement, use only the manufacturer recommended regulator. If uncertain, contact the manufacturer to determine the correct regulator to use. However, if you have a high pressure burner use a high pressure regulator. If you have a low pressure burner use a low pressure regulator. Please note that in order for the burner and regulator to work effectively and obtain the desired BTU, you must use the correct size orifice for your burner. You can determine the correct size orifice based on the PSI. The PSI is determined by the manufacturer.

IN WHAT CASE SCENARIO SHOULD A HIGH PRESSURE OR LOW PRESSURE REGULATOR BE USED AND WHY?

This is based on the manufacturer’s desired application and BTU so there is no simple answer. The regulator is only part of the setup in determining the BTU. The type of orifice to be used must also be determined to help obtain the desired BTU. Both of these items work together in order to obtain the desired BTU. To produce an optimal flame for certain applications, our manufacturers match a low pressure regulator with a low pressure burner, and pair a high pressure regulator with high pressure burner for other applications. Depending on the application, the manufacturer has determined the best regulator, burner and orifice combination to work for the product.

WHEN A CUSTOMER NEEDS A REPLACEMENT REGULATOR, HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED TO SELL THEM A HIGH PRESSURE OR A LOW PRESSURE?

If this is for a replacement, use only the manufacturer recommended regulator. If you are uncertain, contact the manufacturer to determine the correct regulator. If you know that the customer is using a low pressure or a high pressure burner, then use the regulator with the equivalent pressure type. For example, a high pressure burner will use a high pressure regulator.

WHICH BURNERS ARE HIGH PRESSURE AND WHICH ARE LOW PRESSURE?

The only low pressure burners we sell are #40282 & #68672. However, our Single Burner #56913, Double Burner #48590, and Triple Burner #48591 Cast Iron Stoves as well as the angle iron #110836 each use low pressure burners. All other cookers and burners can use high pressure.

CAN I USE A HIGH PRESSURE REGULATOR WITH A LOW PRESSURE BURNER SINCE THE COOKER WILL NOT GET HOT ENOUGH?

No, the high pressure regulator will not function correctly hooked up to a low pressure burner. Only use a low pressure regulator on a low pressure burner. Volume could be increased if currently using 1/4” ID outlet preset regulator with 1/4” ID thermorubber hose to a 3/8” outlet regulator and 3/8” ID hose.

CAN YOU USE A LOW PRESSURE REGULATOR WITH A HIGH PRESSURE BURNER?

No, the hole size of the orifice used for a high pressure burner is too small for a low pressure regulator. The orifice on the high pressure burner will not allow the correct gas and air mixture needed for the burner to obtain a proper functioning flame or its desired BTU.

CAN YOU USE AN ADJUSTABLE REGULATOR ON ANY BURNER?

Choose the proper regulator required by the manufacturer to match the burner. The manufacturers have determined the best type of regulator and orifice combination to obtain the optimal flame for the unit.

WHAT REGULATOR GOES WITH WHAT COOKER/BURNER?

Please refer to the cooker’s owner’s manual. Manuals are posted online at this link: Carolina Cooker® Manuals.

HOW DO YOU REGULATE THE GAS FLOW?

With a set regulator; the regulator itself cannot be adjusted. However, the manufacturer may provide a valve on the line near the burner just before the orifice to adjust gas flow into the burner, otherwise the gas flow rate is fixed. Some high pressure regulators that are adjustable may have a knob over the regulator or a valve just passed the outlet side in the hose to adjust the gas flow. If the unit gas flow can be adjusted by regulator or valve in hose, the user will adjust the flow to obtain the desired flame height and use the shutter

or set screw to adjust flame appearance to mostly blue in color.

I PREFER THE RED ADJUSTABLE REGULATOR, WHY CAN’T I USE IT WITH THIS LOW PRESSURE BURNER?

The red adjustable regulator is a high pressure regulator and is designed to be used with a high pressure burner. A low pressure burner will not operate correctly with the red adjustable high pressure regulator.

YOU HAVE SILVER, GREEN, RED AND BLACK REGULATORS. WHAT DOES THE COLORS OF THESE REGULATORS MEAN?

The colors on the knobs or housing of the regulator is a quick reference that indicates the type of regulator the customer is using. Red usually indicates high pressure, and Silver usually indicates low pressure. However you should always check the number value on the knob or regulator housing to determine the PSI. Low pressure regulators provide a gas flow rate that is less than 1 PSI. A high pressure regulator provides a gas flow rate that is greater than 1 PSI.

CAN YOU USE THE SAME SIZE ORIFICE FOR A HIGH PRESSURE AND LOW

PRESSURE BURNER? ARE THEY THE SAME?

No, they are different sizes. The sizes are based on the burner’s needed gas output and air mixture which is used to create the correct BTU and flame size. The hole size of an orifice for a low pressure burner is a little bigger than the hole size of an orifice for a high pressure burner.

WHY ARE FLAMES COMING OUT OF THE ORIFICE?

There is likely a leak somewhere between the tank fittings to the burner or the burner venturi is stopped up. Turn off the gas immediately and do a soapy water test to determine the leak (see next question). Correct the leak before using the cooker again. Check and clean the burner venturi of any blockages.

WHAT ARE TROUBLESHOOTING STEPS THAT I CAN USE TO DETERMINE MY PROBLEM?

(1) Be sure there is gas in the tank. 

(2) Consult the troubleshooting section of your owner’s manual. 

(3) Follow the flow of gas at each connection to ensure no leaks are present. You can do this by using a light mixture of soap suds (soapy water test) to check for leaks at each connection and along the hose. 

(4) The burner venturi may be blocked. Check and clean the burner venturi of any debris.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF AN AIR MIXER? WHY DO I NEED IT?

The mixer provides the correct flow of air and gas used for the burner to create the proper flame appearance.

HOW DO I ADJUST THE FLAME ON A LOW PRESSURE BURNER?

If the burner has a set screw on the side of the burner and/or a valve in the line before the connection to orifice, it can be adjusted to obtain desired flame appearance and size. The burners without this feature are not adjustable.

DO I USE BRASS OR GALVANIZED FITTINGS IN THE PLUMBING OF MY GAS APPLIANCES? DOES IT MATTER?

Per Matco-Norca, both brass and galvanized fittings can be used.

CAN THE AIR FITTINGS/COUPLERS BE USED FOR GAS PRODUCTS?

No, per ACME, they are for compressed air only. Only use approved gas fittings and couplers for gas products.

IS TEFLON TAPE ACCEPTABLE TO USE ON MY FITTINGS?

Only use gas rated teflon tape, usually yellow in color. Yellow PTFE tape.

DO I NEED TO PUT SEALANT ON FLARE FITTINGS?

No, they are made to seal off when properly tightened.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES IN COMPRESSION FITTINGS, FLARE FITTINGS, AND PIPE THREAD FITTINGS?

A compression fitting is a type of coupling used to connect two pipes or a pipe to a fixture or valve. It consists of three parts... the compression nut, the compression ring, and the compression seat. 

A Flare fitting is a tapered tubing screw thread end secured by a tapered nut, producing a pressure-resistant, leak-tight seal.

A pipe thread fitting is a national pipe thread US standards to meet specific

screw thread types. Examples, would be NPT (National Pipe Taper), NPTF (National Pipe Taper - Fuel)

WHAT IS A BTU?

British Thermal Unit - The quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. It takes about 143 BTU to melt one pound of ice at 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

HOW MANY BTU DOES EACH BURNER PUT OUT?

Please refer to each cooker’s owner manual for correct BTU per each unit. Manuals are posted online at this link: Carolina Cooker® Manuals. The correct BTU per vendor is also listed on the website and the intranet. The listed BTU has been determined through testing and information we have gathered from each of our vendors. The result is the combination of the orifice and regulator/hose for that burner, meaning if either one or both of these are changed then the BTU will be changed.

WHAT IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A HIGH PRESSURE BURNER AND LOW PRESSURE BURNER?

High Pressure = Blow Torch; Low Pressure = Cigarette Lighter.

WHAT IS THE PROPER WAY TO LIGHT MY BURNER?

(1) Be sure the tank is turned off (closed). If an adjustable regulator is present, turn it off so there will be no gas in the line going to the burner. 

(2) Hold a long match above the burner with one hand and then turn the tank on. Begin turning the adjustable regulator, if present, with the other hand until the burner is lit. 

(3) As soon as the gas reaches the outlet of the burner, it should light assuming there are no blockages in the line.

DO THE BURNERS/COOKERS RUST?

Continual use and heating cycles will eventually burn off the paint which is protecting the metal. The burners are then exposed to the atmosphere which can cause rust to develop on the burner.

WHEN BUYING A COOKER, DO WE HAVE THE REPLACEMENT BURNER?

Yes, we have replacement burners. To find the replacement burner, please look in the owner’s manual or on the product page on the website or intranet for more information. Manuals are posted online at this link: Carolina Cooker® Manuals.

CAN YOU REPLACE THE BURNER WITH A DIFFERENT SIZE BURNER/LARGER OR SMALLER?

The correct burner recommended by the manufacturer should be used. Consult the owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer for the correct replacement burner.

FLAMES ARE NOT COMING OUT OF EVERY HOLE IN THE BURNER, WHAT DO I DO?

This is normally caused by casting splatter at the time the burner is formed. One possible remedy would be to attempt to clean burner holes. In order to do this, one would need to turn both the tank and burner off. Allow the burner to cool to room temperature. A small screwdriver, small nail or heavier gauge piece of single strand wire will be needed. Gently stick into the holes that are blocked and clear away any debris. Then try re-lighting the burner to determine if you were successful. If you are not, keep trying to clean out the holes.

WHAT SHOULD THE COLOR OF MY FLAME BE? SHOULD IT BE MORE BLUE OR MORE ORANGE/YELLOW?

The ideal color of the flame is blue. If the flame is more orange than blue, it means that the gas and air is a rich mixture and does not have enough oxygen. Burners provided with shutters or adjustment screws will allow adjustments to be made on the mixture to obtain a mostly blue flame.

IF YOU HAVE A LOW PRESSURE GRILL CAN IT BE HOOKED TO A LARGE TANK THAT IS USED FOR HOMEOWNERS USE?

It is recommended that you discuss this with your propane supplier to determine if this setup can be done.

CAN I USE 2 APPLIANCES WITH ONE LP TANK?

Yes, by using a “Y or “T” type connector. We carry a Y Male Adapter with Handwheel #75512, a Y Connector for LP Gas Cylinder #83796, and a T-Block #71487

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES IN THE THREADS ON LP TANKS?

External threads indicate the tank has an OPD Valve in it and require a female connection on the hose going to the regulator. Internal threads indicate that the tank does not have an OPD Valve and require a male connection on the hose going to the regulator.

HOW CAN I DETERMINE THE LEVEL OF GAS IN MY TANK?

(1) You can purchase a tank gauge from other suppliers. 

(2) Use the water test. Take hot water from the tap (not boiling) and pour it down the side of the  tank. You will find the level of gas in your tank by placing your hand and moving it down the side of the tank, wherever the line is that the water is cold, is the level of gas in the tank.

(3) You can also weigh the tank. A full tank will weigh around 37 lb with an empty tank weighing 20 lb. The difference between weight of tank and empty tank will provide an indication of the amount of propane left in the tank.

YOUR 100# GAS CYLINDERS DO NOT HAVE THE OPD VALVE, ARE THEY STILL LEGAL?

Yes, the OPD valve is required only on propane cylinders for sizes 4 lb to 40 lb.

IF I SMELL PROPANE OR HEAR HISSING, HOW CAN I DETECT WHERE MY LEAK?

Turn off gas by closing the tank valve immediately. Use the soapy water test by making a solution of one part dish washing liquid and 3 parts water. Turn gas on from tank and spray solution around all connections from tank to burner and along the hose. Repair all leaks and repeat tests until no leaks are present. Do not

attempt to use the unit if leaks are present or cannot be repaired. 

WHY DOES MY GAS TANK FREEZE UP AND LIMIT THE AMOUNT OF GAS THAT COMES OUT?

This is due to water in the propane tank. As the demand increases for the propane, the surrounding tank metal gets colder and colder. With water in the tank it will vaporize and freeze internally at the tank valve and within the regulator. The ice crystals reduce or block the flow of propane through the hose. Pouring some hot water over the tank and regulator may help. Keeping the tank in a warm place can reduce this problem or keep a spare tank available and switch out.

WHY DOES PROPANE SMELL BAD?

Propane is technically a colorless and odorless gas. However, propane gas manufacturers add a certain additive to create a “smell” in the gas. (smells like rotten eggs) This additive is called Methanethiol, more commonly known as Ethyl Mercaptan. Undetected gas leaks are dangerous as they are highly

flammable. The smell helps detect gas leaks.

CAN I USE MY FRYER, BBQ GRILL, TABLETOP GRILL, OR FRYER STAND INSIDE? IF NOT, DO YOU OFFER ONE THAT DOES?

LP gas cookers are to be used outdoors only.

WHAT SIZE POT FITS ON THE 12” FRYER STAND #49469 AND 22” FRYER STAND #40322?

Any pot that is about 16” or less. They need to fit inside the outer safety ring.

CAN THE RETRO-Q PROPANE CYLINDER VALVE ADAPTER #36453 BE USED WITH YOUR 100# CYLINDER FOR EXTERNAL THREADS?

Yes, the manufacturer indicates that it provides a permanent outlet when installed into the household LP Gas system. It can be used when operating outdoor LP Gas equipment. The fitting size is Outlet: 1-5/16in Male Acme/Female POL and Inlet: Male soft nose POL with quick closing shutoff device. (Recommend using

a shutoff valve upstream from #36453 adapter inlet to facilitate future servicing.)

CAN THE DEEP FRYER COOKER #52509 WITH ALUMINUM VATS BE USED IN A COMMERCIAL SETTING?

No, this cooker is not for commercial use.

IS THE FLAME ON A CAST IRON BURNER, I.E. #40282, SUPPOSED TO BE BURNING YELLOW OR BLUE?

It is supposed to be a mostly blue flame, but some of the flame may still be yellow and function correctly. The more blue the better, too much yellow indicates that the burner is not getting enough oxygen and could create possible smutting on the cookware or pot. Adjust the air mixer on the burner to get a more blue flame. 

WILL THE DUAL HOSE LOW PRESSURE REGULATOR #90998 WORK WITH A SINGLE BURNER AND TRIPLE BURNER?

Use the recommended manufacturer regulator/hose assembly for the burner.

CAN I GET PARTS FOR THE DOUBLE BURNER CAST IRON STOVE #48590?

Yes, you can find the parts in the owner’s manual, please go online and visit this link Carolina Cooker® Manuals. You can also visit the product page on our website or the intranet to find the links to the replacement parts.

WILL THE 25 GALLON PRESEASONED STEW POT #101680A WORK WITH THE BANJO BURNER #64482A?

Yes, you can use a 25 gallon pot stand #109006A in conjunction. 

CAN I GET A LID FOR THE 10 GALLON CAST IRON POT AND BURNER #78097A?

Yes, item # 122882

WHERE ARE YOUR PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED?

All of our products are designed in Garner, NC.  We source our product materials from the best possible source to offer our customers the highest quality materials and lowest cost possible. Some of the locations include Brazil, China, India, and Mexico.