Sizzler Deluxe troubleshooting & tips guide (caravan + home use)
Table of Contents
Last updated: 11 Feb 2026
Answer (TL;DR): If your Sizzler Deluxe lights but won’t stay lit, it’s usually thermocouple alignment (often knocked during cleaning or travel) or an ignition/lighting technique issue. If your “hotplate feels uneven”, that’s often the thermocouple cold spot interacting with plate choice (especially half-plate/half-grill). This guide covers safe fixes you can do, correct seasoning, what not to touch, and the fastest way to get back to a strong, reliable cook.
Safety & compliance (Australia)
- Outdoor use only: Sizzler Deluxe is designed for outdoor use with natural ventilation (open-air). Avoid enclosed/stagnant spaces.
- Gas leaks: If you smell gas or hear hissing, turn gas off immediately and seek professional help. Check connections with soapy water only - never a flame.
- Caravan bayonet outlets: Bayonet/quick-connect points should be external - installing a bayonet fitting inside a caravan/boat is not allowed.
- No DIY gas modifications: Don’t modify jets, regulators, or caravan gas plumbing. Use a licensed gas fitter for gas system work.
- Clearances: Keep the BBQ clear of combustibles and avoid overhead combustible structures. Let the unit cool before handling/cleaning.
Seasoning the Sizzler Deluxe hotplate (first use & refresh)
TL;DR: Seasoning creates a protective layer that improves non-stick performance and helps prevent corrosion. Doing it properly once makes day-to-day cooking and cleaning much easier.
Before first cook (recommended)
- Wash the plate with warm soapy water to remove manufacturing oils. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
- Light the BBQ and warm the plate on low–medium heat until fully dry.
- Apply a thin coat of cooking oil (canola, vegetable, or similar high-smoke-point oil).
- Increase heat until the oil lightly smokes, then turn off.
- While still warm (not hot), wipe the surface with a clean cloth. A light bronze sheen is ideal.
After each cook (keeps it performing)
- Turn burners and gas supply off and allow the plate to cool slightly.
- Wipe with warm soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge: avoid harsh abrasives.
- Dry, then apply a very light coat of oil before storage.
If food starts sticking or rust spots appear
- Give the plate a quick re-season using the steps above.
- For light surface rust, gently scrub with a non-metal pad, rinse, dry, and re-season.
- Avoid leaving acidic foods (vinegar, marinades) sitting on the plate after cooking.
Tip: The Sizzler Deluxe runs hotter than many compact BBQs (around 20,000 BTU / ~21 MJ). You’ll often get better results by preheating briefly, then turning the heat down sooner than you might expect.
Our “real-world” Sizzler Deluxe observations (the ones that solve most calls)
- Burner lights but goes out when you let go of the knob: most commonly the thermocouple tip has moved and isn’t sitting in the flame path/near the burner ports. This is especially common on the rear burner after cleaning, inserting the cooking/oven rack, or rough travel.
- Burner goes out in wind: often the thermocouple has been slightly nudged. The unit may light and run, but wind gusts make it drop out. A small realignment usually fixes it.
- Cold spot on the hotplate: thermocouples create a localised cooler area. With a half-plate/half-grill setup, the cold spot can feel larger because the grill side sheds heat faster. On the Deluxe, this can take up a noticeable part of the “solid” side. We generally recommend the full solid plate on the Deluxe for the most consistent hotplate performance.
- It cooks “way hotter” than many people expect: compared to common compact BBQs, the Sizzler range runs genuinely hot - so you don’t need long preheats and you can avoid “stewing” food by turning down sooner than you’re used to.
Quick fixes guide: symptom → likely cause → safe fix
| Symptom | Most likely cause | Safe fix (what to do) |
|---|---|---|
| Lights, but goes out as soon as you release the knob | Thermocouple tip not aligned with burner flame/ports, or knob not held in long enough to heat the thermocouple | Hold the knob in after ignition for ~20 seconds (flame-failure models). If it still drops out, follow the thermocouple alignment steps below. |
| Burner runs, but blows out in wind / is “fussy” | Thermocouple slightly knocked; flame is not consistently heating the tip | Gently realign thermocouple tip so it sits about ~1 mm from the burner ports and in line with the flame path (see steps below). |
| Weak flame / slow preheat on caravan bayonet | Supply/connection mismatch (hose/regulator arrangement), partial restriction, or bottle/reticulated system issues | Confirm you’re using the correct hose/fittings and shut-off practices for your caravan system. If you’re not confident, treat it as a licensed gas fitter check. |
| Hotplate feels uneven / “cold spot” | Thermocouple location creates a local cool area; half-grill setups shed heat faster, exaggerating the effect | Preheat a little longer, cook “fast sear” foods away from the thermocouple zone, and consider a full solid plate on the Deluxe for the most consistent hotplate performance. |
| Yellow flames, soot/black residue, odd smells | Incorrect combustion, dirty burners, or a fault needing service | Turn off and stop using the BBQ. Don’t attempt repairs. Arrange a service/inspection. |
Mobile tip: swipe left/right on the table to view all columns.
How to light the Sizzler Deluxe properly (so the flame stays on)
TL;DR: Knob in, ignite, then keep it held in for about 20 seconds before releasing (for flame-failure models).
- Open the lid fully. Confirm knobs are OFF.
- Turn on gas supply. Press the knob in and rotate to HIGH to trigger ignition.
- Once lit, keep the knob pressed in for ~20 seconds to allow the flame-failure safety to “latch”.
- Release. If it goes out, turn OFF, wait ~5 minutes, and try again.
- If ignition struggles, you can light via the inspection access (use a proper gas lighter). Don’t keep clicking endlessly if gas may be pooling - use the 5-minute rule.
Fixing the #1 issue: thermocouple alignment (burner won’t stay lit)
What’s happening: the thermocouple is the flame sensor. If the burner flame isn’t heating the thermocouple tip consistently, the safety system shuts the gas off (which looks like “it won’t stay lit”).
Safe adjustment steps (no gas modifications)
- Turn everything OFF (BBQ knobs + gas supply). Let the unit cool.
- Identify which burner is dropping out (often the rear after cleaning/rack use/travel).
- Check the thermocouple tip position relative to the burner ports. We aim for the tip to sit in line with the burner holes and about ~1 mm away (close enough to be heated by flame, not touching the burner).
- Use the Sizzler’s small tabs/brackets to gently bend the thermocouple back into the ideal position.
- If needed, you can loosen the mounting bolts slightly and extend/reposition the thermocouple so the tip lines up with more burner holes (then re-tighten securely).
- Relight using the correct technique (knob held in ~20 seconds). Test with a small breeze - if it stays stable, you’re done.
Tip: If the burner drops out instantly the moment you release the knob, it’s usually a more significant misalignment. If it only drops out occasionally in wind, it’s usually a minor knock.
Hotplate “cold spot” explained (and how to cook around it)
TL;DR: Thermocouples can create a small cooler zone. On the Deluxe, the effect is most noticeable with a half-plate/half-grill setup because heat escapes faster off the grill side.
- Best overall: If you want consistent “hotplate” performance, we generally recommend the Sizzler Deluxe solid plate.
- If you’re worried about frying: The Sizzler runs genuinely hot: most foods will still cook like a proper hotplate once you learn the heat curve (you’ll often turn down sooner than expected).
- Remember: The "cold spot" is still very hot - do not touch it directly - it will still keep cooked food hot but it won't cook the food as quickly as the rest of the grill.
- Cooking trick: Use the “cold spot” as a built-in resting/holding zone (buns, onions, resting steak) while you sear on the hottest part.
Cleaning & maintenance that prevents problems
After each cook (the easy routine)
- Turn burners and gas supply off. Let cool slightly.
- Wipe plate with warm soapy water; avoid harsh/caustic cleaners.
- Empty the drip tray after each use.
- Dry, then apply a very light coat of oil before storage.
Every 12 months (keeps burners burning clean)
- Remove burners and wash in hot soapy water, dry thoroughly, then refit.
- If flames begin “yellow tipping” or carbon deposits appear, stop and arrange service rather than attempting repairs.
Caravan setup notes: bayonet connection & outdoor-area rules
- Outdoor areas only: Use in open-air conditions with natural ventilation. Under cover is OK only with strong airflow and no stagnant “walled room” effect.
- Partial enclosures matter: In a gazebo/annex/balcony-style space, you need meaningful open wall area and cross-ventilation.
- Bayonet location: Bayonet/quick-connect fittings should be installed externally (not inside a caravan/boat).
- Don’t alter gas systems yourself: Caravan gas reticulation must be installed and checked by a licensed gas fitter.
Shop & get help
FAQ
My Sizzler lights but won’t stay on when I release the knob — why?
Most often it’s thermocouple alignment (the tip isn’t being heated by the flame) or the knob wasn’t held in long enough after ignition. Realign the thermocouple tip with the burner ports and hold the knob in for ~20 seconds after lighting.
Why does it go out in the wind?
Wind can destabilise the flame, and if the thermocouple tip is slightly out of position, the safety system may shut gas off. A small tweak so the tip sits about ~1 mm from the burner ports usually solves it.
Is a “cold spot” normal on the hotplate?
A small cooler zone can happen around thermocouple areas. It’s most noticeable with half-plate/half-grill setups on the Deluxe because the grill side sheds heat. For the most even hotplate feel, the full solid plate is usually the best match.
Can I use a Sizzler Deluxe inside an annex, gazebo, or under a caravan awning?
The BBQ is for outdoor use with natural ventilation. If you’re under cover, you still need strong airflow and should avoid “walled room” conditions where gas or combustion products can build up. When in doubt, move the BBQ into a more open-air position.
What should I do if I see yellow flames or soot?
Turn the BBQ off and stop using it. Yellow flames, soot, or unusual odours can indicate incorrect combustion or a fault that needs servicing. Don’t attempt gas repairs yourself.
Want us to diagnose it fast? Use our contact page and include: (1) which burner, (2) whether it goes out immediately or only in wind, and (3) a photo of the thermocouple tip position near the burner.
