If your grill burner is not functioning correctly, you are bound to have a more challenging time grilling your meat. As the heat will not be distributed evenly, leading to a slower cooking rate. As such, when your grill burner starts to malfunction, then you should consider replacing it. But how do you know when it is time to replace it instead of trying to repair it?
When should you replace your grill burner?
- You should replace the grill burner when the holes on the burner merge due to metal corrosion.
- When the metal becomes weak due to corrosion.
- The burner no longer emits gas when turned on due to clogging with metal shavings due to corrosion.
- The flame starts burning inconsistently at different points due to metal perforations as a result of corrosion.
- When the burner is broken.
Why do grill burners rust out?
Due to moisture released from foods while cooking, this can lead to condensation after the steam cools down and turn into water. The moisture then causes the metal to rust. Additionally, humidity levels in the air can also cause the metal to rust.
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How to protect your grill burner from rust
- Ensure you leave you to grill on for a few extra minutes to burn off any residue for easier cleanup and dry up moisture.
- Then open the hood of your grill to cool off the burners. And to let any moisture condensation to dry up.
- Use a dry towel to wipe off any moisture. Always turn off your gas before starting to clean your grill to avoid accidentally turning on the nob and leaking gas into the air.
- If you have a coated burner, use a soft brush to remove the coating as this may cause the metal underneath to react with weather elements and moisture, and rust.
- Wipe off any grease to prevent corrosion that may remove coatings and cause the metal to rust.
- You can use cooking oil with a high heating point to seal the burner metal and prevent it from rusting.
- Use a grill cover to protect the grill from the weather elements when it is not in use.
- You can also use a rust-proof primer or appliance paint that is heat resistant to prevent the burner from rusting.
- How Long Do Grill Burners Last?
- Most grill burners last between three and fifteen years, depending on the materials used. A brass burner can last up to 15 years, while a ceramic coated burner can last three years.
- It also comes down to the amount of use and maintenance.
How to clean gas grill burners
Proper maintenance of your grill burner is key to its prolonged lifespan. Grease buildup can lead to metal corrosion and metal decay. Here are the steps you need to follow to keep your grill burner clean.
- Turn off the gas and disconnect it from the propane tank.
- Detach the grill burner and use a paper clip to clean the grill burner holes.
- You can also use a grill burner cleaning rod or a bottle brush to remove caked-on food from the burner.
- You can use a grease stripper and a damp cloth if necessary to remove excess grease. Ensure you dry it thoroughly before reattaching it to the grill.
How to replace grill burners
Replacing your gas grill burner instead of buying a new one will only cost a few bucks, ultimately saving you a lot of money. It will also be environmentally friendly as your old grill will likely end up in a dump.
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Once you have ensured that you have the correct replacement burner for your grill, installing it is easy. You can always get replacement parts for your grill from the manufacturer’s website or a credible distributor of your grill brand. Use your grill model number as a reference when ordering the replacement burner.
You could also look for something else that will fit your grill if you are keen on higher-quality burners. Here is a look at different types of gas grill burners.
Safety precautions first
Start by turning off the gas and disconnect the gas line or propane tank from the grill. Ensure all the knobs are off before you commence the burner removal process. This will prevent gas leakage once you reconnect the gas line or tank after installing the new burner.
Remove the grilling surface accessories
Lift the grill gates, heat plate, or smoking bar, and any other accessories on the top of the grill. Make sure you store them correctly to avoid losing them. Take photos as you go along to ensure you can put everything back together as it should be.
Remove the old grill burner
Loosen the hardware used to hold the grill burner in place and store them properly. Most grill burners are secured in place on both ends. Some may be secured using cotter pins instead of screws. Make sure you have all the tools needed to unfasten the hardware.
Then remove the carryover to be off the burner and detach the burner from the sparking electrode. You will need to use a screwdriver to disengage the burner from the igniter and gas valve opening. Be careful not to chip the ceramic coating on the spark electrode to prevent shorting when in use.
Attach the new grill burner
Connect the burner to the spark electrode and the gas valve opening and fasten it in place. Then reinstall the rest of the grill parts as they were before. Then check if any other parts of the grill are loose and fasten them in place.
Test the grill
Once you are done reconnecting everything, connect the propane tank or gas line, and light it to test the new burner. Ensure there is no gas leakage, and the flame released is even. If the burner is not working correctly, then check to see if you connected the burner correctly. If the burner still malfunctions after checking the installation, then consider using a different replacement burner.
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In most cases, replacing the grill instead of the burner is all about getting a whole new grill, especially if your current grill is too small, run-down, or damaged. Additionally, you may be unable to find the replacement part for a discontinued grill forcing you to seek an alternative solution.