Gas Grill Timer Shut Off: Grills and Valves With Automatic Shutoff Timers (2026)
A gas grill left on after the party moves inside can burn for hours. On propane it empties the tank. On natural gas it never runs out, so it can run all night. An automatic gas timer fixes that. You wind it up when you start cooking, and when the time you set runs out, it shuts off the gas supply to the grill, whether or not anyone remembers. Most timers run up to one hour, and some run three.
We sell gas timers and timer grills to homeowners, apartment communities, HOAs and hotels. This guide covers the four ways to add an automatic shutoff, the grills that come with one built in, what each option costs, how a timer has to be installed and how to shut a gas grill off safely every time.
Gas timers at a glanceWhat an automatic shutoff timer does and what it costs to add one.
1 to 3 hoursCommon timer lengths before the gas shuts off
$91.80 and upFor an inline timer valve
100,000 to 165,000 BTUGas flow the timers in this guide can handle
No batteriesMechanical wind-up timers need no power
Our short answer
For a new grill at an apartment, HOA or rental, buy a grill with the timer built in, like the PGS T-Series. To add a timer to a grill you already own, install an inline timer valve such as the Fire Magic 1-hour or 3-hour valve, or a wall-mounted Summerset timer with an emergency stop button. To control every gas appliance on a property on a schedule, use the PGS ESTOP09.
How an Automatic Gas Timer Works
Almost every grill gas timer is a mechanical valve with a spring-wound dial, like a kitchen timer that controls gas instead of a bell. It sits in the gas line between your supply valve and the grill.
Step 1
Wind it up
Turn the dial clockwise past your desired grilling time, then back to the time you need. The valve opens and gas can flow.
Step 2
Cook as usual
Light and use the grill normally. The dial counts down while you cook, and you can turn it clockwise again to add time.
Step 3
Gas shuts off
When the dial reaches zero, the automatic shut-off valve closes to stop the gas supply, and the grill stays off until someone winds it again.
A timer is not your main gas valve
Fire Magic's instructions are clear that a timer must never be used as the primary gas shutoff. You still need a manual supply valve upstream, and you should still turn the burner knobs off when you finish. The timer is a backup for the day someone forgets. When it runs out, the burners go out, but the knobs stay where they were left, so turn them off before you wind the timer again.
4 Types of Automatic Grill Shutoff
There are four ways to get a gas grill that shuts itself off. Which one fits depends on whether you are buying a new grill, keeping your current one or managing a whole property.
Built in
Timer grills
The timer is part of the grill, so it can not be removed or bypassed. Best for shared grills.
See timer grills
Inline valve
Timer valves
A small valve plumbed into the gas line under the counter. The lowest-cost way to add a timer.
See timer valves
Wall mount
Emergency stop timers
A timer with a red emergency stop button, mounted on a wall or island where everyone can reach it.
See E-Stop timers
Property wide
Scheduled shutoff
Cuts gas to every common-area appliance on a schedule, with a lockable timer.
See the ESTOP09Gas Grills With a Built-In Timer
A gas grill with the timer built in is the simplest answer. There is no extra plumbing to plan, and the timer is already in the gas line when the grill arrives. Here is one popular timer grill for each way a grill is mounted.
In-ground post
Fire Magic CM430S
- Heat46,000 BTU
- Timer1 hour, in the post
- BurgersAbout 18
Best for: Parks and public grill areas.
Price $4,955.40
Shop the CM430S
Patio post
PGS T30 Patio Post
- Heat30,000 BTU
- Timer1 hour
- BurgersAbout 12
Best for: Small courtyards and condo patios.
Price $1,832
Shop the T30 Patio Post
Built-in
PGS S36T Built-In
- Heat67,000 BTU
- Timer1 hour
- BurgersAbout 28
Best for: Clubhouse and amenity kitchens.
Price $6,499
Shop the S36T Built-In
Freestanding
PGS S36T Freestanding
- Heat67,000 BTU
- Timer1 hour
- BurgersAbout 28
Best for: Patios where the grill needs to move.
Price $9,059
Shop the S36T Freestanding
Grill island
PGS 57 in. Modano Island
- Heat45,000 BTU
- Timer1 hour, on the grill
- BurgersAbout 20
Best for: HOA clubhouses and pool decks.
Price $10,860
Shop the Modano Island
Grill island
AOG L-Series Island
- Heat50,000 BTU
- Timer1-hour timer box
- BurgersAbout 30
Best for: Backyards that want a ready-made kitchen.
Price From $8,841.60
Shop the AOG IslandBrowse every outdoor kitchen island we carry, including Fire Magic islands with a timer box.
PGS T-Series: a one-hour timer on every model
Every PGS T-Series gas grill has the FuelStop one-hour gas timer on its control panel, along with anti-theft knobs and etched lighting instructions. Here are the six ways the line is mounted, with the most popular model for each.
In-ground post
PGS T40 In-Ground Post
- Heat40,000 BTU
- Timer1 hour
- BurgersAbout 20
Best for: Parks and campgrounds.
Price $2,650
Shop the In-Ground Post
Bolt-down post
PGS T40 Bolt-Down Post
- Heat40,000 BTU
- Timer1 hour
- BurgersAbout 20
Best for: Apartment and HOA pool decks.
Price $2,128
Shop the Bolt-Down Post
Patio base
PGS T40 Patio Base
- Heat40,000 BTU
- Timer1 hour
- BurgersAbout 20
Best for: Rooftops and decks.
Price $2,487
Shop the Patio Base
Built-in
PGS S27T Built-In
- Heat45,000 BTU
- Timer1 hour
- BurgersAbout 20
Best for: Clubhouse and home outdoor kitchens.
Price $4,980
Shop the Built-In
Pedestal
PGS S27T on Pedestal
- Heat45,000 BTU
- Timer1 hour
- BurgersAbout 20
Best for: Patios with no island.
Price $7,310
Shop the Pedestal
Freestanding cart
PGS S48T Freestanding
- Heat102,000 BTU
- Timer1 hour
- BurgersAbout 40
Best for: Hotels and big events.
Price $12,679
Shop the FreestandingSee every T-Series size in our PGS T-Series commercial grills collection, read our full PGS T-Series review, or compare more shared grills in best commercial outdoor grills.
Electric grills with a shutoff timer
Electric grills can have a timer too. The PGS E27T ($5,299) has the same one-hour shutoff timer as the T-Series gas grills, for buildings that ban gas. Browse all electric grills.
Inline Gas Timer Valves for Any Gas Grill
If you already own a built-in grill, an inline timer valve is the lowest-cost way to add an automatic shutoff. It is plumbed into the 1/2 inch gas line inside the island, and the dial sits behind an access door or in a timer box on the island face.
1-hour valve
Fire Magic 3092B
- Timer1 hour
- Capacity100,000 BTU
- Fittings1/2 in. female
Best for: Most single grills.
Price $91.80
Shop the 1-Hour Valve
3-hour valve
Fire Magic 3090A
- Timer3 hours
- Capacity100,000 BTU
- Fittings1/2 in. female
Best for: Long cooks and smoking.
Price $114.30
Shop the 3-Hour Valve
1-hour valve
RCS RGT1
- Timer1 hour
- Capacity100,000 BTU
- Fittings1/2 in. female NPT
Best for: RCS and other built-in grills.
Price $124
Shop the RCS TimerTimer boxes for an outdoor kitchen
A timer box puts the dial on the face of your island in a weather-resistant housing, so you do not have to open a cabinet door to set it.
Timer box
Fire Magic 1-Hour Timer Box
- Timer1 hour, included
- Capacity100,000 BTU
- Cut-out6 1/2 x 6 1/2 in.
Best for: Stainless outdoor kitchens.
Price $237.29
Shop the Timer Box
Box only
RCS Timer Box RTB1
- TimerSold separately
- Pairs withRCS RGT1
Best for: Mounting the RCS timer in an island.
Price $139
Shop the RCS BoxWhat we like
- Works with almost any built-in gas grill
- Mechanical, so no batteries or power
- The 3-hour valve suits long, slow cooks
Watch out for
- Needs a gas fitter to plumb into the line
- Hidden in a cabinet unless you add a box
- Most are rated for low-pressure gas only
Gas Timers With an Emergency Stop Button
An emergency stop timer adds a red push button to the timer. Press it and the gas shuts off instantly, without waiting for the dial. That makes it a good fit for patios with kids, rentals and any grill area guests use.
Emergency stop
Summerset ESTOP1-0H
- Timer1 hour
- Capacity165,000 BTU
- FuelNatural gas or propane
Best for: Homes, rentals and apartments.
Price $189
Shop the Summerset Timer
Emergency stop
TrueFlame TF-ESTOP1-0H
- Timer1 hour
- Capacity165,000 BTU
- FuelNatural gas or propane
Best for: TrueFlame outdoor kitchens.
Price $189
Shop the TrueFlame TimerBoth are ANSI and CSA approved, use 1/2 inch NPT inlets and outlets, and work on natural gas or propane without conversion. At 165,000 BTU, one timer can feed a grill plus a side burner or a fire feature.
Pick a mount for your E-Stop timer
Surface mount
ESTOP-RM-KIT
- Mounts onWood, metal, stucco
- Build304 stainless
Best for: Flat walls and islands.
Price $99
Shop the Surface Mount
Masonry
ESTOP-CP-KIT
- Mounts onBrick and stone
- Build304 stainless
Best for: Stone and brick islands.
Price $149
Shop the Masonry Kit
Locking
ESTOP-LC-KIT
- MountRecessed, locking
- Build304 stainless
Best for: Shared and public grills.
Price $249
Shop the Locking CabinetTrueFlame sells the same three mounts at the same prices. Shop every timer and mount in our gas timers collection.
PGS ESTOP09: A Gas Shutoff Timer for the Whole Property
The PGS ESTOP09 ($1,585) works at a different level. Instead of timing one grill, it mounts on the main gas feed line and controls every appliance downstream: grills, fire pits, fireplaces, spas and patio heaters.
A property manager sets the hours when gas is available, for example shutting the gas off overnight so no one can light a common-area grill after hours. A separate emergency stop shuts the gas off at any time without disturbing the schedule.
- Lockable timer: only staff can change the hours.
- NEMA 3R enclosure: rated for outdoor and damp locations near pools and courtyards.
- Gas valve: a 3/4 inch normally closed gas solenoid valve on 120 volt power, so the gas stays off if power is lost.
- UL 508 listed as a convenience timer shutoff, with a one-year parts warranty.
Pair it with timer grills like the PGS T-Series and you get two layers: each grill shuts itself off after an hour, and the whole grill area shuts off overnight.
Which Gas Timer Should You Buy?
At home
New outdoor kitchen: a Fire Magic timer box or a Summerset E-Stop timer on the island face.
Existing built-in grill: a Fire Magic 1-hour inline valve.
Long smokes and slow cooks: the Fire Magic 3-hour valve.
Kids or guests around: an E-Stop timer with the red stop button.
Rentals and properties
Vacation rental: an E-Stop timer in the locking cabinet.
Apartment or HOA grill: a PGS T-Series grill with the timer built in.
Several gas appliances: the PGS ESTOP09 on the main gas line.
Gas not allowed: the PGS E27T electric grill.
How to Install a Gas Shutoff Timer
A timer valve goes into your gas line, so plan on a licensed gas fitter or plumber for the install. Here is what the manufacturers require.
- Keep a primary shutoff valve upstream. The timer goes between that manual valve and the grill. It never replaces the main valve.
- Install on the low-pressure side. Fire Magic's timer boxes and the RCS RGT1 are rated for a maximum working pressure of 1/2 PSI, the pressure after the regulator. Never put a timer on the high-pressure side of a propane tank or meter.
- Mind the distance. Fire Magic calls for the timer box to sit at least 10 inches and no more than 6 feet from the appliance, so grill heat does not damage it.
- Follow the flow arrow. Gas goes in the side marked IN from the supply and out the side marked OUT to the grill.
- Leak test every joint. Brush soapy water on each connection before lighting. Bubbles mean a leak. Never test with a flame.
- Check the BTU rating. Add up every appliance the timer feeds. The Fire Magic and RCS timers handle up to 100,000 BTU, and the Summerset and TrueFlame timers up to 165,000 BTU.
Natural gas or propane?
A timer installed after the regulator sees low-pressure gas on either fuel, and the Summerset and TrueFlame timers are rated for both natural gas and propane. On a natural gas line they matter even more: a propane grill eventually runs out of fuel if it is left on, but a natural gas grill can burn until someone notices. Read more in natural gas vs propane grills.
Common timer problems and parts
- The grill shuts off early: the dial was set short or did not wind past the start. Wind it past your time, then back.
- The timer will not finish its cycle: PGS notes this is often an install issue, with the timer pushed out of center in its panel or box. Re-seat it so the dial turns freely.
- A broken dial: usually from forcing it counterclockwise past off. Replace the timer rather than bypassing it.
- Replacement parts: PGS lists timer part WA-309 for its A-Series grills and WA-312 for Legacy S-Series grills. For other brands, match the timer length, BTU rating and 1/2 inch fittings.
Never remove a timer and connect the grill straight to the line to get around a problem. A bypass defeats the point of the automatic timer, and every extra fitting is another place gas can leak.
How to Shut Off a Gas Grill the Right Way
A timer is a backup, not a habit. Weber points out that leaving the gas supply on is risky because anyone who turns a knob fills the grill with gas, and a chewed hose can leak. Use this routine every time you finish:
- Turn every burner knob off, including side and rear burners.
- Let the timer run out, or turn it slowly to off if your manual allows it.
- Close the gas supply, either the propane tank valve or the shutoff valve on the gas line.
- Let the grill cool before you put the cover on.
For grates, burners and the grease tray, see how to clean a gas grill.
Gas Timer FAQ
How does an automatic gas grill shutoff timer work?
You turn the dial to your desired grilling time before you light the grill. A spring-wound mechanism counts down, and when it reaches zero the valve closes and stops the gas supply to the burners until someone winds the timer again.
Can I add a timer to my existing gas grill?
Yes, on a built-in grill with a hard gas line. An inline timer valve such as the Fire Magic 1-hour or 3-hour valve, or a wall-mounted Summerset or TrueFlame E-Stop timer, is plumbed into the 1/2 inch gas line after the regulator. Have a licensed gas fitter install it and leak test the connections.
What happens if you leave a gas grill on all night?
A propane grill burns until the tank runs empty, and a natural gas grill can burn indefinitely because the gas never runs out. Either way it wastes fuel, can warp grates and burners, and is a fire risk. An automatic gas timer shuts the gas off after one to three hours.
How do I reset a gas grill timer?
Turn the burner knobs off, then turn the timer dial clockwise past the time you need and back to your cooking time. Never force the dial counterclockwise past off.
How do you properly turn off a propane grill?
Turn off every burner knob, then close the propane tank valve. If the grill has a timer, let it run out or turn it to off. Weber recommends turning off the gas supply whenever the grill is not in use, so a bumped knob can not fill the grill with gas.
Can you turn off the gas yourself?
Yes. You can close the propane tank valve or the shutoff valve on your grill gas line at any time. Only shut off the gas at the main meter in an emergency, and let your gas utility turn it back on.
Do gas timers work on propane and natural gas?
The Summerset and TrueFlame E-Stop timers are rated for both natural gas and propane without conversion. Inline valves like the Fire Magic and RCS timers go after the regulator on the low-pressure side, so confirm the fuel rating on the listing before you buy.
Need help choosing a gas timer?
Tell us about your grill and gas line and we will help you pick the right timer, mount or timer grill. Call Matt, the owner, at 888-678-3530.
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