Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

I bought my grill last year on ebay and used it all summer no problem, except for one. The igniter went out in it well it never actually worked since I got it out of the box but either way. I was going to order a replacement for one but was curious if they were battery operated like alot of the ones on patio grills. Secondly, I used a lighter to light it last year and I cannot figure out why if it is a hole in the side of it for this purpose, why does it always "explode" every time I light it?

Also the outside if looking rather "worn", any of you know a new way of cleaning these things up? trying to avoid the whole sand and polish deal.

I have the Magma party kettle. had it for 2 years now. i have never had it not light with the igniter button.
I would guess the reason it explodes when lighting with a lighter is gas buildup in the grill before lighting.
I have been real impressed with this grill since new.
Only better grill I own is My Traeger wood pellet grill, that makes the best food ever!

The grill is perfectly fine, I have no idea why it flares up as the manual says to put it on high open the top and light her up placing the light source through the open hole on the bottom. The igniter doesnt even spark so I know it needs to be replaced, has anyone does this? was it easy? does it have a batter in the igniter like patio grills? my boat and grill is in storage which is why I am asking and not going over to it and looking. Thanks

When you light a gas grill with a lighter, you should have the gas on Low setting. That will prevent the large amount of gas from building up that causes the "explosion" when lit with a lighter.

OK Toon wrote:When you light a gas grill with a lighter, you should have the gas on Low setting. That will prevent the large amount of gas from building up that causes the "explosion" when lit with a lighter.

This is what I thought, however.....doesnt ring true when starting the Magma (atleast not mine) I always put it on low and tried it as low as it would go even and "poof" explosion every time. The Magma website says put it on high and leave it open which is something I did not try because I cannot figure out how that even makes sense. I intend to just buy the new ignigter.

for the record I have the same one as BMR

At least on mine the igniter is a single spark, non-battery style. The battery style will spark as long as you hold the button down. Mine won't explode as long as it's lighted with the lid open. I never cook without aluminum foil covering the grill. You're asking for trouble if you let grease build up in the trap. I've had excellent results spraying the inside and out with EZ Off oven cleaner and wiping it down. It still looks like new. The Tracker grill that came with the toon would blow out with the slightest wind. I've never had the Magma flare out from wind. They may be stupid expensive but they work. I love the R & R the toon provides and enjoying a BBQer that doesn't piss me off is worth the price. I just wish I had a moron proof boat launch to use every time I went out to enjoy my windproof grill. Too often I have to remind myself I'm out to relax and enjoy myself when we launch and load.......

Thank you that is the answer I was looking for. Looks like I am going to order a new one they are only like $20.00 bucks I think

Brandon wrote:
for the record I have the same one as BMR

Mine's 6 seasons old and never had a problem with it. Grille ignitors are piezoelectric, no battery. If they no longer spark it's either the wire or the unit itself. You can test them by grounding the metal part of the ring (where it attaches to the grill) to any piece of metal and see if it sparks.


I always turn my up to high, lid open to fire it up. Never had to not light unless there's a good wind blowing.

I'm really feeling old about now. Mine doesn't have an igniter, built before they put igniters on them. I just use a propane grill lighter from the dollar store. Works great.

badmoonrising wrote:

Brandon wrote:
for the record I have the same one as BMR

Mine's 6 seasons old and never had a problem with it. Grille ignitors are piezoelectric, no battery. If they no longer spark it's either the wire or the unit itself. You can test them by grounding the metal part of the ring (where it attaches to the grill) to any piece of metal and see if it sparks.


I always turn my up to high, lid open to fire it up. Never had to not light unless there's a good wind blowing.

You saying that you always use a lighter instead of the igniter?

A buddy of mine I work with, we just change the AAA battery in his igniter on his patio grill.

If you just bought the grill last year, shouldn't it have some kind of warranty? I know the Magmas aren't cheap and should stand behind them. You should call them and see if they'll send you an igniter. Worth a shot.

Brandon wrote:

You saying that you always use a lighter instead of the igniter?

A buddy of mine I work with, we just change the AAA battery in his igniter on his patio grill.

I use the igniter, but if it's windy it's tough to light so I use a lighter.

My Magma grill did not come with an igniter so I use a stun gun. Works great but keep your other hand out of the way or you will see what 40,000 volts feels like. LOL

kimbercarry wrote:My Magma grill did not come with an igniter so I use a stun gun. Works great but keep your other hand out of the way or you will see what 40,000 volts feels like. LOL

I had to be tazed ( much different that a stun) to carry one on duty, been there done that and dont plan on it again. Terrible