How to Clean and Inspect a Gas Grill Burner

Gas grills are only as good as the burner that produces the flame needed to cook food. Because of this, regular maintenance and cleaning are required to keep these parts working in tip-top shape. Also, maintenance and cleaning can help you identify problems before they become major problems, and also help maintain safety. Properly working burners have flames burning evenly all the way around the burner, and they all should change the same amount when the controls are operated.

Cleaning your burner on your gas grill should be the first thing you do when you preform maintenance on your gas grill. To clean, use a wire brush to clean the exterior of the burner, removing excess buildup, as well as any corrosion found. Clogged gas holes can be cleaned with a paperclip. To clean the venturi tubes, use venturi brush.

Check the entire burner assembly for damage from corrosion and from built up residue from grilling. Make sure to pay attention to the seams, as this is where grease is often trapped, and where corrosion usually begins. Apply pressure to the solid metal with your thumb to check for structural integrity. Cast Iron burners need to be checked as well, mainly for clogged holes and flaked away openings, which can cause uneven burning.

Grill parts should be replaced when rusting has become excessive, or created holes in the burner, or when the metal is no longer structurally sound. Burners should also be replaced when they no longer operate properly and the flames won’t burn evenly, even after cleaning, or when any damage is found, such as seams splitting. Cast iron burners need to be replaced when they are “swollen shut” or “opened up”.

Burners usually have a shelf life of about 2-5 years, and this average really just depends on usage, climate, location, how the grill is stored, and how much and often maintenance is performed. Proper storage, cleaning, and maintenance can extend the life of your burner. Using high quality, replacement gill parts is always recommended for your type of grill, and you should always use the same name brand parts as your grill for the best results, fit, and safety.

All of these tips are not intended to replace what your grills manufacturer recommends, and these recommendations can be found in your user manual. These tips are generic, and are average for basically all gas grills. For best results, check and follow the instructions in your owner’s manual, and only use quality replacement grill parts.