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Questions & Answers

The categories below list the most common questions customers ask us, along with the answers we most often provide. Our Customer Information section contains downloadable PDF files that should also help you with your enquiry.

About Gasmate

 

Safety

  • What is the best way to test my Barbecue for leaks?


    The best way to check your Barbecue for leaks is to mix 2 parts liquid hand soap or dish washing liquid, to 10 parts water in a spray bottle or jar. Apply the solution to all newly sealed connections and to all previously sealed connections on a regular basis.

    If the solution starts to bubble where it has been applied to a connection, a leak is present.

    Turn the gas off at the cylinder immediately. Retighten the leaking connection and retest.

    A good rule to follow is to check all connections when you get your bottle refilled.
  • When there is a fire ban in place can I light my barbecue?


    Only a controlled barbecue can be lit when a fire ban is in place.
    Kettle, wood or Hibachi barbecues are considered uncontrollable.



    If you are unsure contact your local fire station, or visit the New Zealand fire service website at www.fire.org.nz

  • I have recently read an article about the dangers of cooking food on a BBQ at high temperatures. The article stated that meat in particular would begin to produce HCA’s when cooked on a BBQ and that these are carcinogens. Is this correct and will it affect my health?


    HCA’s or heterocyclic amines are a carcinogenic (cancer causing) by-product of creatine (a chemical compound found in muscle) and several specific amino acids (the building blocks of proteins) which react when heated beyond about 250°C.

    All muscle meats contain creatine and amino acids. This includes; beef, poultry, fish and pork.

    While HCA’s are carcinogenic in large quantities, the amount found in an average portion of barbecued, fried or broiled meat is too small to be of any concern.

    When consuming foods that contain normal levels of HCA’s on a daily basis the risk of developing any kind of symptoms as a direct result of eating these foods is around 0.01%.

    Some simple steps that can be taken if you are concerned about heterocyclic amines include:
    Be selective about the cuts of meat you purchase. Lean or game meats are less likely to produce large quantities of HCA’s than fatter cuts.
    Reduce cooking times. If muscle meats are well done or over done there is a higher chance of larger quantities of HCA’s being formed.
    Marinate or crumb meats before cooking, using home made ingredients.
    Eating foods rich in antioxidants along side muscle meats will help the body to offset the carcinogenic effects of HCA’s, for example; a simple green salad.
    Partial precooking in the microwave then “finish grilling” the meat will lower the number of HCA’s produced. Microwaving muscle meats has been shown to produce little or no HCA’s.

    Sources:
    *American National institute of health
    *Wikipedia
    *Cattlemen’s beef board and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association of America.
    *Augustsson, study of HCA content of food. 1999.
  • I have recently read that there is a possibility that the coating on the surface of non-stick pans will break down at high temperatures and release toxins into the air.
    The article stated that these toxins can be detrimental to my health as well as the health of my pets. I have a Gasmate portable barbecue that uses a plate with a non-stick coating. Will this do the same?


    Gasmate does use a non stick coating on all plates in our portable barbecue range. Gasmate portable barbecues can reach a maximum temperature of approximately 390°. The chemical composition of this coating will begin to degrade when heated to around 260°C. At this temperature the coating may begin to release Perfluorooctanoic acid or PFOA in very minute quantities. Current studies suggest that the levels of PFOA released by the coating are around about 100 times lower than the levels previously suggested to be of any concern.

    Normal use of a non stick surface should not result in any kind of break down of the coating.

    Sources:

    *Environmental working group
    *Wikipedia
    *The Washington Post
    *Serendipity: accidental discoveries in science; John Wiley and sons New York 1989
    *Consumer Magazine
    *Applied Science. ://www.asanltr.com/ASANews-98/pfib.html
  • How can I maintain safety at my home as a result of an earthquake?
    LPG in the home
    If your house has been damaged and you need to leave, turn the gas off at the meter or, if you have cylinder gas, at the cylinder.
    Do Not use your appliances if the cylinder supplying gas to them has toppled or is in horizontal position.
    The gas reticulation system in Christchurch City has been turned off for your safety. The gas company and the user of the gas installation must ensure all appliances are turned off and the piping is sound before re-commissioning any installations.
    Outdoor heating appliances such as patio heaters, camping cookers and barbecues should not be used indoors.
    Your gas piping may have been damaged due to the earth quake. Get it tested by an authorised gas fitter if you smell gas around the house.
 

Product Care & Warranties

  • My Gasmate model is stainless steel, does this mean it will never stain?


    No, depending on the location of your Gasmate appliance it will always be exposed to the outdoor elements. You need to keep stainless steel clean and dry, and then use the appropriate cover when it is not in use. See our Customer Information Section for cleaning guidelines.
  • How often should I have my outdoor appliances serviced? Who can carry out the work?


    The frequency of service depends on the type of appliance you own. For example, if you own a patio or area heater, this should be serviced by a gasfitter on a 6 - 12 monthly basis, depending on how often it is used.

    By comparison, a barbecue will simply require a leak test every time the cylinder is refilled, and a good clean after every use. This should be done by the owner. For further details on leak testing, refer to the common questions safety issues section.

    Any repairs to a fault of a technical nature (that is to say, related to the gas or electrical side of the unit's operation) will need to be carried out by a craftsman gas fitter.

    Any cleaning of the unit is to be carried out by the owner. The owner is also responsible for leak testing all gas connections on a regular basis.

    For the details of your nearest Gasmate approved service agent contact us on 0800 161 161.

  • Will my stainless steel barbecue rust?


    If proper care of any product made of stainless steel is taken, the product should not rust. Some surface oxidisation will occur if the barbecue is covered while damp or dirty or if the barbecue is located within 2-3 kilometres of coastal area’s.
  • How can I clean my stainless steel barbecue?


    To clean these products use a mild, non-chlorine cleanser or a stainless steel specific cleaner (e.g. 3M SS Cleaner, Brilliance, Goddard’s or Revere ware) and a Scotchbrite pad.Take care to apply the cleaner in a direction following the grain of the material.
    After cleaning, the surface should be thoroughly rinsed with water and allowed to dry before covering.
  • Should the plates and grills on my Barbecue rust?


    No, the grills and plates should not rust. They will only rust if they have been left without cooking oil on them for any length of time.

    To stop your plates from rusting, it is a good idea to coat your plate and grill with cooking oil before and after each use.
  • Do I need to put a fat absorber like sand in the bottom of the fat collection tray on my barbecue?


    If your barbecue is fitted with a drip cup that collects the fat that accumulates in the drip tray, there should be no need to use any form of fat absorber.


    If your BBQ does not use a fat cup system, Gasmate offers a 100% natural fat absorber that can be used in place of sand or kitty litter.
  • I have just purchased a new Gasmate barbecue and I was told to “burn off the plates” before I use it. What does this mean?


    Before you use your barbecue for the first time it is a good idea to thoroughly heat the grill and plate for about 15 – 20 minutes on a medium to high heat. This burns off any machine oil or impurities left behind by the manufacturing process.
    After this lenght of time a light coat of cooking oil should be applied to the plate very carefully. heat for a further 5 minutes before cooking. (preferably not olive oil as it burns off too quickly) DO NOT USE COOKING SPRAY AS THE PROPELLANT IS HIGHLY FLAMABLE.
  • What are the warranty periods for Gasmate products?
    GASMATE/CHARMATE (Portable Appliances)

    Camping and Leisure Products*

    RESIDENTIAL = 1 year

    COMMERCIAL = n/a

    Charcoal and Gas Barbecues < $500 RRP*

    RESIDENTIAL = 1 year

    COMMERCIAL = n/a

    Gas Barbecues > $500 RRP*

    RESIDENTIAL = 2 years

    COMMERCIAL = n/a

    Gas Barbecues - Catering Series*

    RESIDENTIAL = 1 year

    COMMERCIAL = 1 year

    Patio Heaters and Outdoor Lighting*

    RESIDENTIAL = 1 year

    COMMERCIAL = n/a


    GAS EQUIPMENT (Installed Equipment)

    Water Pumps and Accessories*

    RESIDENTIAL = 1 year

    COMMERCIAL = n/a

    Domestic Regulators and Accessories (including brass fittings)*

    RESIDENTIAL = 1 year

    COMMERCIAL = n/a

    Hose Assemblies

    RESIDENTIAL = 1 year

    COMMERCIAL = n/a


    LPG Cylinders

    Cylinder Welds

    RESIDENTIAL = Lifetime

    COMMERCIAL = Lifetime

    Cylinder Valve

    RESIDENTIAL = 1 year

    COMMERCIAL = 1 year

    Cylinder Valve Boss

    RESIDENTIAL = 3 years

    COMMERCIAL = 3 years



    The above applies to all products from date of purchase by the original consumer for use and operation as intended in the manufacturer’s instructions. Full conditions of warranty can be found on www.aber.co.nz and in the warranty included with the product purchased. *Products marked with this symbol are deemed to be portable and will require delivery to the nearest Aber Authorised Service Centre. This warranty version is dated 1st September 2010 and Aber reserves the right to amend accordingly.
 

Hooded & Flat Barbecues

 

Portable Barbecues

 

Barbecue Accessories

 

Outdoor Heating & Lighting

 

Canisters & LPG Cylinders

 

Tramping and Adventure

 

Campsite Lighting