The length of time your grill lasts depends on many factors. That being said, it is thought that the typical grill, on average, can last anywhere between 5 to 15 years! This means that the fact that most American people are throwing out their grills after just 3 years is pretty crazy!
Of course, broken grills are a different story, and if your grill is beyond repair then, of course, you should throw it, even if you’ve only had it for one year. However, for the majority of people, there is no reason to throw out your grill before at least 5 years is up, maybe even longer!
If you use your grill daily and do not upkeep it well or protect it from the elements, then you would be silly to think that it would last 3 years let alone 5 to 15 years. However, if you are an occasional grill user and also keep it safe when there is cold to wet weather by covering it, then you can expect it to last far longer. With this in mind, it is clear that the way you look after your grill and how often it gets used has a direct effect on how long it will last.
That being said, don’t think that just because you barely use it it will last longer. You may only use it a few times a year but if you aren’t protecting it then it makes no difference how often it gets used as the elements can ruin it. Likewise, just because you use it many times a week, it doesn’t mean you need to throw it out sooner. Provided you clean it well and protect it when needed, you could get many years of use out of it.
As well as how often you use it and how well you protect it, you also need to consider the grill itself. In general, you may expect your grill to last longer if you invest in one that is designed to get many years of use. Sure, these grills will be more expensive from the offset, however, you may feel this is a worthy investment if it means you do not need to replace your grill every 3 years or so.
Likewise, if you purchase a cheap grill that has not been made well or built to last for 5 to 15 years then it is unlikely that you will be able to get much use out of it before you need to replace it.
One thing is for sure and that is that you get out of your grill what you put into it if you invest in a well-made grill that you look after and clean adequately, protecting from the elements then you will likely get between 5 to 15 years of use from it. However, if you have a cheaper grill or you do not protect it or look after it then you will likely need to replace it much sooner.
How do I make my grill last longer?
Grills can often be an expensive investment and so it makes sense that many people want to find out ways to make them last longer. The number one tip we have for making your gill last longer is simply to look after it.
Clean it properly when you are finished with it, store it correctly, and do not leave it out, uncovered, in cold weather or wet, rainy, or snowy conditions. We highly recommend that you find a place to store your grill when it is not being used, perhaps in your garage.
At the very least you should use a cover for it. Taking these simple care steps will help to extend the lifespan of your grill more than any other tips or tricks you may come across.
That being said, there are some things that you can do alongside ensuring that the grill is well looked after and cleaned properly that can help to extend the grill’s life. Of course, caring for the grill properly will always be the main steps you need to take to ensure the longevity of your grill, but there are some tips and tricks you can use to help matters.
For example, since cleaning is so important in getting your grill to last as long as possible, we recommend putting things in place to reduce the amount of mess that is created on the grill. The best way to do this is to catch any oil, grease and drips from the food you are cooking before it gets a chance to dry up and harden onto the grill.
To do this you can simply place a layer of foil between the grill grates and your food. The quality of your food will not be affected and you will be ensuring that the grill remains as clean as possible.
You should also consider investing in a grill brush to make clean-ups that little bit easier. Grill brushes are designed especially for cleaning the grill grates and other components of your grill. You should use the correct cleaning solutions and tools to ensure that the grill remains in the best condition possible. The grill brush will loosen and remove any dried grease and excess food in a safe, non- corrosive way.
Lastly, we recommend that, if you do see any rust or damage on your grill, that you deal with it as swiftly as possible. Even the smallest spot of rust can get much worse if you leave it unattended. Deal with it quickly and properly, using a grill-specific rust remover or other rust removal method that is safe for your grill.
You should never cook on a rusty grill, and there is no need since you should be able to remove or replace the rusted parts fairly easily and cheaply if you find them in time. Inspect the grill regularly to ensure you catch the rust before it gets worse. You could even make it part of your routine to check the grill before you use it, to ensure it is safe for use every single time.
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