Why do outdoor LP gas grills last only 3 or 4 years?

Question

I bought a really nice LP Gas grill from Boscovs 4 years ago - it was one of the 1st with electronic ignition to light the burners and it was around $275. The grill was only used like 15 times a summer for those 4 years... so, really, not much use at all - certainly not "heavy" useage. When I went to fire it up the other day, the electronic ignitor was broken... made no clicking sounds at all - I tried the battery, but that was not it... Also, one of the 2 burners had rusted out and a large single flame was coming out of it - instead of nice little flames around the perimeter... plus the food grates were all rusted out and falling apart... and I keep this grill covered ALL THE TIME!!! Don't know why it would fall apart after such a short time. I'm buying a new one today from Wal*Mart and I'm going to get a cheap Uniflame for $138 - because if I have to replace it so often, why should I spend more??? Any ideas?

Answer 1

I have my Charm Glo for about twelve years and completely rebuilt the insides for not more then $35.00. A good coating of Stove Black on the outside keeps its outside in good shape.

The rusting you are experiencing is from an accumulation of moisture and lack of good cleaning habits. Once a month I scrape down everything inside and coat with spray vegetable oil. I don't cover my grill.

Answer 2

I have a Thermos brand grill that is still going strong after about 10 years of heavy, almost year round use. I usually don't even cover it in the winter because I like to use it then. The only thing I've replaced is the ignitor switch.

Answer 3

I agree that grills are not made to last. This keeps the companies in business. I have replaced burners and grates in my grill at a much lower price than a new unit. Make sure you buy one that offers parts purchases later. I can still get parts for my 10 year old Sunbeam grill.