How to Know When to Replace Grills

Published on Sunday, June 17, 2012

Written by The Editors

Grills are hot pieces of equipment with metal that expands and contracts, which can put stress on connection points.

There are a number of consumable parts on grills, such as heating elements and burners, which are easily replaced. However, grills can show a number of signs that may signify a need to replace them.

Repair Costs: Grills can last 10 years or more. Yet, when repair costs for these units start adding up, it may make sense to replace the equipment rather than fix it.

Signs of Wear and Tear: Cleaning solutions and acidic sauces can wreak havoc on grill components. If the unit displays signs of corrosion, pitting and/or excessive rust, or there are holes in the burners, the equipment's operation may be compromised and replacement should be considered.

Inconsistent Results: If it takes longer for the grill to heat up or cooking results have become inconsistent, this will negatively affect food quality and/or speed of service. For older or heavily used units, this may be a sign that the unit's service life is ending.