A gas grill is one of the most common outdoor cooking devices. Grilling in the garden using a gas grill is an experience in itself. As the smoky aroma of vegetables or meat fills the air it draws everyone closer and builds camaraderie.

But what exactly is a gas grill? It’s a device that functions using propane or natural gas and is known for its convenience as well as versatility. While a charcoal grill needs constant monitoring to maintain temperature a gas grill allows you to set the temperature throughout the process.

Gas grills are great. But like everything in life, they eventually break down. When this happens, knowing the parts that make up a gas grill, how they work and how to replace them will get you back to grilling as soon as possible. Cheap, off-brand grills don’t usually have a wide range of replacement parts available, but the higher-quality grills do. The best manufacturers sell replacement parts so you can routinely replace components and keep your grill going longer.

Here’s a list of gas grill parts that most commonly need replacement.

Gas Grill Anatomy: Components and Functions

Here’s a deep dive into all the gas grill parts and their uses.

Igniters

Igniters are one of the key parts of a grill in the form of a push-button or rotating knob and are designed to make lighting your gas grill easier. Installed near the burner tubes, igniters use electricity to generate a spark, which ignites the propane or natural gas flowing from the burner tubes. All you have to do is turn on the valve of the fuel line to fire up the grill.

Older gas grills didn’t have igniters so you had to reach inside the grill with a lighter wand or long match to ignite the gas. Failed wire connections due to corrosion are usually what cause igniters to go bad and igniters are often one of the first things to fail on a gas grill. Repair usually involves swapping out the igniter module or electrode units. Igniter parts are usually specific to a given brand and type of grill.

Burner Tubes

These are long cylinders made of metal, perforated by rows of small holes along their length. When a gas grill is in operation working normally, gas flows through the tubes and comes out of the holes where it burns, creating heat that cooks the food above. Most gas grills have two to six burners to produce consistent heat on the surfaces for better cooking.

Gas grill burner components generally wear out and can go bad in a few ways, but the most common by far is corrosion. The thin metal walls of the tubes often rust. If the tubes are not replaced in time, they can develop large rust holes, which cause far too much gas to flow through some spots and not enough through others. Old, corroded tubes must be removed, then with new ones, tubes must be slid into place and connected to the gas supply manifold. Replacement burner tubes are available for specific grills, but can usually fit a wide range of different models.

Manifolds

Understanding gas grill anatomy is important while working with grill manifolds. They are metal pipe assemblies that connect the gas supply to the burner tubes. Grill manifolds are usually installed on the front of a gas grill, beneath the burner control knobs and a protective cover. Like other metal gas grill parts, they’re at risk of corrosion over time. When this happens, they stop transporting gas properly to burner tubes and can become dangerous.

Replacing a manifold involves removing the control knobs and cover, then disconnecting the old manifold from the burner tubes and gas line. Then you slide the new manifold in place-reestablishing connections before buttoning everything back up.

Regulators to adjust the gas flow

Regulators connect propane tanks to grills, reducing the pressure of the gas before it reaches the burner tubes. As with other parts of a grill, regulators can fail over time. Failed regulators sometimes let gas leak into the air before reaching the grill. Other times they stop letting the gas flow at all. In both cases, you’ll need to order a new regulator, then disconnect the old one from the propane tank and gas line of your grill.

Thread on the new regulator, then test it by spraying a mixture of water and dish soap on all connections before turning the gas on. If there’s a leak, the soapy solution will bubble continuously.

Cooking Grates

Cooking grates are positioned right above the heat source. They are made of either cast iron or stainless steel. The vegetables or meat are placed on them for cooking. A good grill maintenance guide will emphasize the significance of cleaning grates with a grill scraper to eliminate excess grease and food particles. Skipping the above step can lead to a buildup of soot, which may cause dangerous flare-ups.

Heat Shields

Barriers form crucial parts of the overall gas grill anatomy. They safeguard gas grill burner components and help dispense heat uniformly.

They even minimize flare-ups and improve the durability of your grill by igniting food drippings away from the burner’s surface so they don’t sit in the same place.

Temperature Gauge

A temperature gauge measures the temperature inside your grill.

Grease Trays

Grease trays are critical components of grills that collect excess food particles and grease that fall through the grates and off the barriers. Periodic cleaning of the tray is important to avoid corrosion, food contamination and risks of catching fire.

Gas Grill Maintenance Guide: Hacks to Keep It Running

Maintaining all parts of a grill is imperative if you want them to last long. Here’s a complete gas grill maintenance guide for you to get started.

Only a clean and well-maintained grill can give you perfectly cooked and delicious food. So it’s essential to take care of every component. A few tips you can follow:

  • Brush the portholes andgrates while they’re still warm and if required, soak them in warm water before. Scrub the gas grill burner components and protectors and take off remains from the base of the grill. Wipe the exterior with a gentle cleanser.
  • Clean the ignition electrode thoroughly if the grill isn’t lighting up properly.
  • Use spider screens to ensure insects don’t enter the burner tubes and check the tubes regularly for blockages.
  • Examine the hose from time to time. In case of cracks or leaks, replace it immediately.
  • Check the ignition system and replace batteries whenever needed.
  • In case of bad heat output, close the tank valve and turn off all burner knobs. After that, disconnect the regulator from the tank and reconnect it after a few minutes. Lastly, open the tank valve.

FAQ

How can I reset my regulator?

Turn off the gas supply to the tank and disconnect the hose. Open the lid of your grill and turn all the burner valves to high. Wait for a minute, then turn it off. Connect the gas line back to the propane or natural gas tank and turn it on. Lastly, light up the grill.

Can I get some tips to grill my meat and vegetables?

Preheat your grill before you start cooking. Take your time to marinate your meat and vegetables. You can even refrigerate them for a few hours. Ensure they are at room temperature before you start grilling. Keep the grill hood down to prevent the food from drying up.

Is a gas grill better or a charcoal one?

This is a personal choice. A gas grill is easier to use, while a charcoal one adds a more smoky flavor to the food.

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Author
Steve Maxwell
Steve Maxwell is an award-winning writer, photographer and videographer. He has used his experience as a carpenter, builder, stone mason, cabinetmaker and homesteader to create content for Family Handyman, Reader’s Digest, Mother Earth News, Cottage Life, Canadian Contractor, Canadian Home Workshop and more.
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