re: what's the secret to keep gas grills from flaming up?

Legit way, go to a welding supply store and ask for "tip cleaner" for a welding torch,and clean out each and every gas jet hole on each burner with it. What you are getting is the burning of crap that hs congealed in the holes of them. But I still support my first answer, go green as in wood/charcoal, there is flavor in those fuels.