Grills are the perfect way to enjoy some outdoor cooking and the different tastes that a barbecue can give food. Many people use their outdoor grills way past their prime and could potentially be using a dangerous appliance that could be bad for their safety and health.
Even the most expensive grill will eventually break down and go way past its prime, meaning that it will need to be replaced. So, how do you tell if your grill should be replaced or can still be repaired? The simplest way to tell is if you determine that the cost of repairing the unit would be more than the cost of buying a new comparable one. But often a grill is past its prime before this even happens.Here are some signs that could indicate that it’s time to replace your grill.
If the grill grates are cracked, rusted, flaking or warped: Ones that are rusted or flaked could contaminate your food with unhealthy metal particles. This is the greatest concern. Warped grill grates are not dangerous to your health, but they can make cooking much more difficult. Sometimes grills can be replaced on their own. Other times it’s a sign the unit should be replaced.
A severely rusted or cracked firebox: Rust is going to happen, especially with outdoor appliances, even if you keep the unit covered in extreme weather. And the rust on its own on a firebox isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Small layers of rust can be scraped away with a stainless steel brush. It’s when the rust starts to get so severe that it’s eating through the firebox that it becomes a problem and should be replaced. The same holds true if the firebox gets cracked.
Hoses and connectors leak in gas barbecues: You may not notice at first that your hoses or connectors are leaking. Checking to make sure they’re not is one of those steps that should be regularly done when maintaining a barbecue. The easiest way to do this is by using some soap and water. Create a mixture of very soap water and fill a spray bottle. Liberally spray the hoses and then turn on the gas. If there are any leaks, you’ll see bubbles. No bubbles mean no-leaks. Leaks need to be dealt with right away if you’re planning on continuing to use your grill. The fix might be as simple as replacing hoses or you may need a new grill.
Uneven heat: One of the most annoying problems with a grill is when it suddenly stops cooking or cooks the heat unevenly. This is most common with gas grills and could be caused by blocked burner tubes or ports. You might be able to fix this yourself by using a paper clip or toothpick to clean the burner tubes and ports. If this doesn’t work, you may need to replace your grill. Keep in mind, that burner tubes and ports are often under warranty so consider then if you’re having a problem with a barbecue that is less than 10 years old.
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