It’s normal to expect a BBQ grill to function as soon as it is turned on.
Sometimes, this does not happen and you cannot get it to the temperature you need it. This is concerning and it is something you are going to have to consider in greater detail.
If the BBQ won’t heat up past 200, this is a sign changes need to be made.
If the BBQ won’t heat up past 200, the most likely issue has to do with the gas flow. Inspect the gas flow, reset the gas regulator, clean the bottom vents, and then re-test the grill to see if it works.
You will also need to take the time to stack the charcoal vertically rather than spreading it horizontally. This mistake does cost people because it does not work as intended and it creates major issues surrounding how the charcoal works.
It’s important to take the time to see what is best for the BBQ to stay safe.
Here is a look at how to fix a BBQ that won’t heat up past 200.
How To Fix A BBQ That Won’t Heat Up Past 200
1. Check The Gas Flow
You will need to consider the amount of gas going into the grill.
This is a serious concern and it is often the reason a grill will not heat up as much as you want it to.
You will want to take the time to start with the gas regulator. It will often control the flow of gas and how much is going into the grill at any given moment.
If it is too low, it is not going to pump enough gas into the grill.
This is an immediate reason for the grill not working as you want it to.
In some cases, you will turn on the regulator but it will not be in the setting you need it to be. It’s important for this to not be an issue and the only way to control it will be by resetting the regulator.
As soon as it is reset, the gas flow will improve.
2. Inspect And Clean The Vents
You will want to look into seeing how the vents are doing.
This is a common concern because oxygen has to keep entering the grill for it to stay hot. This is an issue when one of the vents becomes obstructed.
As soon as the grill’s vent is obstructed, this will mean oxygen is not getting into the grill. You will have to make sure to clean the grill as that is the only way it will stay the way you want it to.
Continue to clean the vent until you are sure oxygen will go as you need it to.
3. Stack The Charcoal Vertically
After you have taken the time to clean the grill’s vents, it is time to start focusing on how the charcoal is set up.
It might not be set up the way you need it to be.
This leads to a situation where the charcoal is not in the right position and it does not work out as you want it to.
You will have to make sure to stack the charcoal vertically.
Sometimes, you will spread it out and that is not going to let it maintain its heat. The best solution is to stack the charcoal to ensure the heat does not fade.

4. Keep A Check On The Temperature
During the process, you will want to always keep track of the temperature.
This is a concern because when the temperature is too low, it is important to know what is working and what is not.
Otherwise, you might assume something is not working but it is still ramping up the temperature. This is why being patient is key and also attentive to the temperature changes in the grill.
This is how you are going to ensure things stay as consistent as you want them to be.
Invest in a good thermometer for the grill and you are going to have no trouble keeping tabs on the temperature.
Final Thoughts
These steps will help if your BBQ won’t heat up past 200.
If the BBQ won’t heat up past 200, it’s likely the gas flow that’s too low. To fix the issue, reset the gas regulator, stack the charcoal vertically, clean the bottom vents, and continue to test the temperature as it changes.
This is how you are going to get the BBQ grill’s heat to go past 200.
Otherwise, it will remain stuck at that temperature and you are not going to get it to be as warm as you need it.
This happens often and you will want to be patient with how you approach something like this.
If it won’t heat up past 200, you need to start with the gas flow.