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How to Know When to Replace Your Grill

As grilling season gets underway, you may be eager to get your trusty grill out. But, if you’ve had your grill for a while, it may be time to give it a good inspection before firing it up.

How long should a grill last?

Most grills last between 5-15 years before needing to be replaced. This can depend on the level of care that the owner takes in maintaining their grill and the quality of the grill. You can make your grill last longer by cleaning it before or after each cooking session, protecting it from the elements, and replacing broken parts as needed.

Repair versus Replace: What to Look For

Look into repairing or replacing your grill if you notice these signs:

Cracked hoses or connectors

If you think you have a propane or natural gas leak in your hoses or connectors, you should stop using your gas grill immediately. You can try the soapy water test to see where the leak is located. If it’s coming from a cracked gas hose or connector, you should see if there are replacement hoses or connectors available. If you are uncomfortable working with gas, service technicians are always available to make any necessary repairs.

Uneven flame

If your grill flame is lower than usual or if it’s shooting out from the sides, that means there’s an issue with your grill burner or regulator. You can try cleaning it or replacing your burner (if it is in need of a new one). If it’s an older grill model, there may not be replacement burners available.

With new propane tanks, there is a flow limiter device inside to keep too much gas from getting to the burner at one time. If you turn your tank on too fast or try to light multiple burners at once, the flow limiter device will seize up and only allow a very small flame. To correct this, turn the grill off. Then, disconnect the tank from the grill, reconnect it, and turn the tank on slowly, lighting one burner at a time.

Igniter problems

You can’t start your grill without a properly functioning igniter. If you’re having problems with it, you should replace it. Most ignitors today are battery-operated and can be easy to fix.

If a wire is broken or the unit is corroded, then a replacement is warranted. A lot of today’s grills do not have universal parts and are brand specific. Using the correct parts is essential for consistent, trouble-free use.

Grease buildup

If you aren’t diligent about cleaning your grill after each use, the grease could build-up to the point of becoming a fire hazard. Try cleaning it to remove as much of the build-up as you can.

Did You Know?

Spiders love the smell of gas and they can build webs in burner tubes restricting gas flow. Removing the webs is essential for worry-free grilling.

Flaking, cracked, or warped grill grate

Rusty or flaky cooking grates can contaminate your food and make for an unpleasant cooking experience. Check to see if there are replacement cooking grates available for your grill.

Weigh the costs

If you’ve noticed any of these problems with your grill, you should check into the cost of parts and labor to repair it. If this adds up to be more than you originally spent on the grill (or the same amount that you could get a brand new grill for), you’re likely better off getting a new grill.

I’ve got my replacement parts. Now what?

Once you’ve identified the issues and purchased the right replacement parts, it’s time to fix your grill.

  1. Disconnect the fuel line. Make sure to disconnect the fuel line before doing any work on your grill.
  2. Remove the grate, flame bar, and rocks. Removing these allows you to clean and degrease your grill. You can use a damp rag to remove any excess grease and debris. Be sure to avoid scraping your grill with a sharp edge because this can cause further damage.
  3. Check or repair the ignitor. Once you’ve removed the interior components, you’re ready to replace your ignitor (if this is the issue with your grill).
  4. Remove the burner to clean or repair it. If your burners are functioning normally, you can use a small wire brush to clean them and remove any rust from the burner holes. If they are completely clogged or rusted, be sure to replace them.
  5. Clean or repair the exterior. Now that you’ve fixed and cleaned the inside of your grill, it’s time to clean up the exterior. A flexible putty brush can help wipe away any gunk that is stuck on the outside. You can also use a wire brush to get rid of any oxidation on the shell. Then, wipe it down with an alcohol wipe to clean off any dirt and oil remnants.

I Need To Replace My Grill

If your grill is beyond repair or if you’re just ready to upgrade, it’s time to replace it. Whether you’re looking for gas grills, pellet grills, or charcoal grills, Bassemiers has you covered. Shop grills online now or visit us in-store to find your next grill!

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