Gas Valves
Gas valves are another important part of your grill that you won’t want to put off replacing for long, as they regulate the amount of gas that flows into the grill.
If your grill isn’t getting gas, the problem could be with a stuck or broken valve that may need replacing.
If you suspect your valves are malfunctioning, it’s incredibly affordable to buy a replacement and install it yourself — valves can run as cheap as $5 for orifice valves or upwards of $75 if you have a higher-end grill and need a full replacement. But even those pricier valves cost less than replacing the whole grill!
Replacing gas valves can sometimes be more complex on higher-end grills and might require professional help.
OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts
Choosing Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts or aftermarket alternatives is significant when considering quality.
Here’s a breakdown of why that is.
- OEM Parts: These are produced by the grill’s original manufacturer. They’re guaranteed to fit and function exactly like the parts they replace. They often come with a warranty and maintain the integrity of your grill. However, they may come at a higher price.
- Aftermarket Parts: Produced by third-party companies, these parts are typically less expensive and may offer more innovative features or improvements over OEM parts. The tradeoff can be a risk of poorer quality and potential compatibility issues.
It’s important to weigh the cost benefits against the potential risks and to consider the use of aftermarket parts when the OEM versions are no longer available.
Reading Reviews and Ratings
Customer feedback can be incredibly useful. It provides real-world information about how the parts perform over time.
Websites selling grill parts often feature user reviews. Look for consistent comments about durability, fit, and performance.
High ratings are usually a good indicator of user satisfaction. However, be cautious and read through the reviews to make sure they seem legit. The more detail the better.
Grill enthusiast groups, forums, and social media platforms can also be excellent resources for unfiltered opinions and experiences.
Material Considerations
The materials used in manufacturing grill parts can significantly affect their durability and even their function. That’s why we always recommend looking for stainless steel replacement parts when possible.
Stainless steel is often used for burners and grates. Stainless steel parts are durable and resistant to rust, but quality can vary widely. Look for high-grade stainless steel like 304 or 430.
Cast iron is another option. Grates and burners are sometimes made of cast iron, which provides excellent heat retention but requires more care and maintenance to prevent rust.
Porcelain coating is common on lower-end bargain grills. Some parts have a porcelain coating to help prevent sticking and protect against corrosion. Make sure the coating is evenly applied and without flaws to prolong the life of the part.
How to Get Parts For Your Discontinued Grill
If you have a model of grill that’s been discontinued, there are still ways to find parts and keep your beloved grill in prime condition.
You should start with the Manufacturer. Even if your grill model has been discontinued, the manufacturer may still have a backstock of parts, or they may offer compatible parts from newer models.
Online retail shops are another good place to look. Several sites specialize in grill replacement parts, even for grills that aren’t in production anymore.
Or you could look for universal parts. If your grill has been discontinued, chances are the warranty has run out as well. Certain grill parts are standardized and can fit a variety of models. These universal parts can often be found in home improvement stores, specialty grill stores, and online retailers.
You’ll typically still need to know your grill’s brand and the dimensions of the part before you head to these sites, but once you have that info, replacement parts shouldn’t be too difficult to find.
Maintenance Tips to Reduce Future Repairs
All grill parts have a typical lifespan before needing to be replaced. But you can help extend that lifespan with regular cleaning, maintenance, and protection!
You should give your grill a basic cleaning after every use, with more in-depth cleaning once or twice a month, depending on how often you use it.
Once or twice a year, give your grill a true top-to-bottom cleaning both inside and out, removing and soaking parts as necessary to give them some extra TLC.
Here’s a great guide that covers both of those: How to Clean a Gas Grill – Tips to Revitalize Your BBQ
We also recommend performing regular maintenance checks like oiling the grates, looking your grill over for damage or corrosion, and performing regular leak tests on your gas lines.
You can help keep your grill clean and free from damage by putting it under a grill cover when it’s not in use — no matter what environment you live in, a cover can do wonders to extend your grill’s life and shield it from the elements.
Gas Grill Replacement Parts – FAQs
Have some additional questions about grill replacement parts? Find answers in the FAQs below!
Finding the Right Replacement Parts for Gas Grills: Final Thoughts
While it may seem daunting, deciding to replace some of your grill’s parts on our own doesn’t have to be! It’s a way to extend the life of your grill and avoid the cost of replacing the grill entirely. You’ll even be able to learn a new skill or two along the way.
Replacement parts are typically relatively inexpensive, easy to find, and straightforward to install on your own, so if you only have a few parts to replace, we always recommend doing it yourself.
With a bit of research, patience, and resourcefulness, you can extend the lifespan of your grill and continue to enjoy a fantastic outdoor cooking experience for years to come.
Cheers,
Emily