Expert Grill from Walmart | Info on This BBQ Grill Brand

Posted on by
3

Expert Grill from Walmart: A Breakdown of What We Know

Original Publish Date: 11-07-2022 | Updated 6-13-2024

View our replacement parts list for Expert Grill. We have replacement parts for their most popular BBQ gas grills and are adding new brands and models every day. We are going to share with you all the information we have on the Expert Grill brand.

Expert Grills from Walmart Have Become Increasingly PopularExpert Grill Logo by Walmart for Grills, Smokers, Parts, Accessories, CoversWhere can you buy Expert Grills?

Expert Grill is a brand developed by and for Walmart. You can buy Expert Grills in store at your local Walmart, or online at their website and have the grill shipped to you.

We’ve also found Expert Grill branded products on Amazon, eBay, and other resale websites. However, this brand in the in-house brand for Walmart. So anything you buy that is “Expert Grill” will be originally from Walmart. There is not an “Amazon Expert Grill.” There is a merchant on Amazon who is selling a “Walmart Expert Grill”. Make sense?

Walmart makes their own grills now?

Wait a second, that doesn’t sound right. Surely the Walmart corporation hasn’t opened up a factory to manufacture grills? You’re right. They surely haven’t. As is the case with almost all “in-house” brands, the parent company is simply sourcing a product from a manufacturer and putting their own name on it. That’s the case with Expert Grill from Walmart. They are getting the Nexgrill manufacturer to make these grills with the name plate that reads “Expert Grill.”

What do we know about Nexgrill?

Nexgrill has been around for a long time. They have their own line of grills, but also make a lot of grills for other brands including (but not limited to), Charmglow for Home Depot, Kirkland for Costco, and Jennair for Lowes!

Don’t be too surprised. While there are many grill brands (we sell grill parts for over 150 brands on our website), there are a lot fewer actual manufacturers. Want to guess where the majority of grills sold in the US are made? If you guessed China, you’re correct.

So, what does that mean for Expert Grill from Walmart?

I’m not saying Expert Grill will be the same quality as Jennair grills sold by Lowes. The parent company (in this case Walmart) has the end say on how thick the metal used will be, what quality of parts in the grill itself, and support of the products once customers have them.

How does Expert Grill measure up? Customers who have purchased them recently give them high ratings. However, it’s actually a bit early to tell. Grill performance is less about how easy it was to buy the grill, how shiny it looks, or ease of use the first two times you cook on it. It’s a lot more about how the grill cooks the 10th time, the 50th time. It’s about whether you need new parts a year after you bought it.

Just in case you’ve been misled by marketing of the industry in the last decade, we’ll make it clear for you, our highly-valued and very smart customer: you shouldn’t need to replace parts in your grill after one year of use. That means the grill has LOW QUALITY parts. It usually means you get what you paid for. So, as with all things, if it seems too good to be true, it most likely is.

Everything Else We Know About Expert Grill

Since it’s the brand name for Walmart, alongside the gas grills, you can find is Expert Grill charcoal, Expert Grill smokers, Expert Grill accessories and even an Expert Grill app!

We have the most popular burner, heat plate, and cooking grid replacement parts for Expert Grill gas grills.

How Do I Contact the Expert Grill Manufacturer?

Expert Grill Customer Service Line: 1-833-908-2026

We (grillpartssearch.com) are NOT affiliated with Expert Grill or Walmart

Expert Grill is a Walmart brand of gas grills. We only sell Expert Grill replacement parts. We do not offer manufacturer customer service for Expert Grill.

Y’all have a great day! -Grill Girl

How To Put Your Grill Away For The Winter

Posted on by
Reply

Do this not that post outdoor grill winter care

With the winter season upon us, you may be wondering how to protect your outside grill and keep it from rusting. We have customers of all kinds, those who pack up their grills and wait until the weather warms and those who are year-round outdoor grillers.

Either way some basic winter prep to winterize your grill will help protect it and extend its useful life.

1. Examine Your Grill Parts for Good Working Order

First of all, give your grill a once over and see if everything is in proper working order.

If you need to replace any of your grill parts, winter is a great time to get the best deal on replacement grill parts. You’ll appreciate having it ready to go on the first nice day of the year.

2. Fire Your BBQ Up And Burn Off Excess Grease and Gunk

You can then turn the grill on to the highest heat and leave it running for 10 or 15 minutes while carefully attending it to burn off any remaining grease stuck to its surfaces.

With a gas grill, just flip those knobs to high and close the lid. If it’s a charcoal barbecue, just put some charcoal on and let it cook off any remaining residue and burn down.

3. Scrub and Clean With A Grill Brush and Wash Cloth

Next — after letting it cool safely — give the grill a thorough cleaning.

Use a grill brush to remove any greasy residue and char buildup on the burners, bars, and grates. This gunk can trap moisture and lead to rust.

You can also gently use a putty knife to scrape any crud from the grill’s interior. Dump the debris in the grease tray or drip pan, then take the tray inside to clean it with some liquid detergent and warm water.

4. Clean The Outside of the Grill

After that, you can clean the outside of the grill. Use a washcloth and warm, soapy water. Now you’ve got a clean grill that you can examine for any signs of rust.

If you find any rust on your grill, don’t wait to treat it. Get some rust removing spray gel and follow the directions to treat the rusted spot. Doing this is key to extending your grill’s life. On the exterior of painted black grills, you can use a high-temp paint to seal and touch-up any spots where paint has chipped off.

5. Oil Grill Surfaces to Winterize and Keep Out Moisture

Next, if you would like, you can use some high smoke point cooking oil like peanut oil and a clean washcloth to lightly cover the grill’s surfaces. Use as thin a layer as possible.

Less is more here. The oil will help protect your grill from moisture, even from the interior grill surfaces. In the spring, just thoroughly wipe your grill down to clean off the thin layer of oil.

6. Wrap Burners and Gas Line with Plastic Bags

If you have a gas grill, wrap the burners next if you won’t be barbecuing until the spring. Use plastic bags and wrap them tightly so insects won’t get in and nest.

Then disconnect the gas line and wrap it up in plastic as well. If your grill has an electric ignition, remove the battery to store inside until you’re ready to use the grill again.

The last step before you put your grill away for the winter is:
7. Cover Your Grill With a Waterproof Grill Cover

Finally cover the grill with a correctly-fitted, waterproof grill cover to protect your grill from rust causing rain and snow.

If you’re storing the grill in a dry shed or garage, you can skip this step. But if you’re leaving it under the sky, definitely do not skip this step or your grill will be prone to rust.

If you have a gas grill, never store the propane tank indoors. You can leave it outdoors in cold weather. Just be sure to cover it so that it isn’t exposed to rain or snow. You can wipe the propane tank with a light layer of cooking oil to winterize and protect it from rust.

For even more tips and tricks about how to put your grill away for the winter, check out this video from the Grill Girl.



Can You Grill in The Winter?

Posted on by
Reply

Find Answers About BBQ Grilling in the Winter

grilling in the winter, cold bbqWith the holidays over and cold temperatures firmly set across the country, some outdoor grillers are asking a question we love: Can you cook on a propane grill in winter?

Short answer is: Yes, absolutely, you can grill on a natural gas or propane grill in winter.

As gas grill specialists here at GrillPartsSearch, we’ve got some tips to help you make the most of your outdoor winter barbecue adventure with the cold season upon us.

Tips to Grill in Winter Temperature Outdoors:

  1. First of all, be sure to dress correctly to grill this winter. In addition to staying warm for cold weather grilling, you also want to dress safely. That means you may want to leave the scarf or any winter clothing with loose hanging flammable articles inside to avoid catching fire. Also be sure to use heat-resistant barbecue gloves instead of snow gloves or mittens.
  2. Another important safety tip: Be sure to clear any snow on the path to your grill before lighting it up. Salt the area around the grill if necessary to prevent slipping on ice. Make sure your grill is in a well-ventilated area away from anything flammable. Never grill in your garage or under a patio overhang, even if it’s snowing or raining outside. Use common sense and be safe
  3. Be patient when winter grilling in cold temperatures. It uses more fuel and takes longer to grill during the winter, but your natural gas or propane grill will absolutely be able to get the job done. Just be sure to test meat temperatures with a meat thermometer to ensure your food is thoroughly and safely cooked.

Heat retention option: Winter Grilling with a Lava Rock Grill Converter

If you’re looking to grill this winter, now’s a good opportunity to test out a volcanic lava rock grill converter kit on your propane or gas grill. Lava rocks have fallen out of vogue since big box retailers started importing cheaper metal plates, but they’re making a comeback.

Here is the benefit of cooking with lava rock, according to our resident Grill Girl:

“Lava rock naturally radiates infrared heat into your food when heated by the flame from your gas grill burner. That radiated heat cooks your food more evenly and leaves it simmering delightfully in the even glow of the lava rock bed.”

That’s an extra advantage for outdoor barbecuers in winter, because, “Lava rock also retains heat on cold and windy days. It stays warmer for longer than metal plates for your gas grill do, instead of losing heat each time the grill cabin is opened.”

No matter what you have inside your grill, keep the hood closed as much as possible!

It’s still important to be patient with your food as it cooks. Keep the grill cover closed as much as possible when grilling in the cold winter air. You might find your lava rock does a better job of staying heated. Plus, they’ll make a fun and great-looking conversation piece as family and friends gather around the grill in warmer weather next spring.

How To Grill Fish – Tips and Tricks

Posted on by
Reply

grilled fish, grilling, fish on. the grillIf you want to know how to BBQ fish filets that look and taste great, it’s all about getting the time and temperature right, knowing how to grill fish in foil, and for the outdoor gas grill, remembering to use the right type of oil.

We have a fun BBQ fish-specific spatula that you’ll definitely need before you throw the fish on your grill. Once you have that, here are some best practices, tricks, and tips for cooking fish on the grill:

Grilling Fish: Time and Temperature

According to Connecticut’s City Fish Market, “Chefs recommend baking fish at between 350° Fahrenheit and 450° Fahrenheit.”

Technically it doesn’t take very much heat to cook a fresh fish. 

To safely cook very fresh whole fish, an internal temperature of just 130 to 165 degrees Fahrenheit is required, so we’re talking about plenty of heat to get the job done.

On a gas grill we can push the temperature up to that high end above 400 degrees and cook those fish up nice and steaming hot with a little bit of flame broil char fresh off the barbecue.

Here are some guidelines from the professionals to give you an idea of the best gas grilling time and temperature for three of the most popular kinds of fish to cook on the gas barbecue:

Salmon grilling time and temp:

“As a general guideline, salmon should take approximately 6-8 minutes per inch of thickness when cooked at 425°F.” –The Alaskan Salmon Company

Cod grilling time and temp:

“Low and slow is the way to go when it comes to making this yummy fish dish. A low-temperature oven (set to just 300 F) ensures that the fish cooks slowly, without drying out.” –The Sumter Item

Tilapia grilling time and temp:

“We love baking it at 400 degrees F. It is the right temperature to cook it, and results in flaky and tender fish.” –Sweet and Savory Meals

When the fish gets some color and its skin turns opaque it’s nearly ready.

After the skin begins to char, if the internal temp reads out safe, it’s good to serve off the grill— usually about 10 minutes over the flame.

How to Grill Fish in Foil

So those were some time and temperature tips.

Here is another trick for grilling fish outdoors: How do you grill fish on a gas grill and keep the fresh caught whole fish moist and juicy? Grill the fish in foil on your gas grill.

You can wrap your fish up in aluminum foil packets to cook them in. You don’t need to flip them.

They’ll hold in the heat and radiate it everywhere so the fish is cooked nice and evenly while keeping in any sauces, lemon juice, or seasonings— whatever you’re adding.

With the foil holding in heat, your fish might be ready after about seven minutes, but they can still take around ten minutes to finish cooking on the grill in foil wraps.

Oiling Fish for the Gas Grill

And here’s another best practice for cooking fish on the grill:

Drizzling a little avocado or flaxseed oil on your fish to cook is fine for the crock pot, or stovetop or oven baking if you’re cooking on low for a longer time.

But on the grill where it gets hotter, you might get a tastier result with a high smoke point oil like peanut, sunflower, sesame, canola, or olive oil.

Be sure to oil your fish before putting it on the grill to get a nice savory crisp. Don’t forget to season it with your favorite fish treatments after oiling.

If you want a slightly more simple option, grab one of these griddle toppers for your grilled fish!

 

Weber Genesis II : Weber Series Highlight

Posted on by
Reply

Weber GrillWeber Genesis II series gas grills have been around for a few years now. However, they’ve recently gotten an update from the manufacturer, so newer models have some upgrades.

While Weber Genesis II has been around for a few years, the new Weber grill model is simply GENESIS in all caps.

They now have a new style of burner and stainless steel parts, but many aspects remain the same. Here’s what’s updated on the new GENESIS grills.

What’s different from the old Genesis II gas grills?

The new version Weber GENESIS offers upgraded features and stainless steel grill parts:

  • More space and a taller hood
  • Larger warming racks
  • Standard cabinet doors
  • Handle lights

Genesis II vs. GENESIS:

All of that means bigger birds, bigger cuts of meat, more food, and greater convenience and luxury in an outdoor gas grill. GENESIS is also standardized to Weber’s latest cookware.

What people are saying about Weber GENESIS

The most common question online about the Weber Genesis 2 is:

“Why is Weber so expensive?”

Well they’ve got the answer to their own question, because the second most common question online about the Weber Genesis II is:

“How long does the Weber Genesis grill last?” 

Here’s an answer to that:

“An average Weber gas grill will last up to 10 years. High-quality materials used for making Weber grills ensure guaranteed longevity.”


Now that’s not from Weber. Of course they would say that about their own grill. That is from Carnivore Style, a meat lover’s diet and lifestyle news source.

They don’t have any agenda about gas grills versus charcoal grills or one gas grill brand versus another. All they care about is the meat.

So at first glance that’s probably a pretty objective source of information. Now what would you guess is the average gas grill’s longevity?

According to Watson’s outdoor pool furniture outlet, the average American replaces their grill every three years. Now why is Weber Genesis 2 the expensive gas grill again?

Rave Weber Genesis II reviews

Online reviewers who’ve had their Genesis grills for years rave about them. In one YouTube comment on a Weber Genesis II gas grill review, someone said:

“I have this grill and generally love it. The temperature control, uniformity of cooking, and flavor profile is excellent.”

But they added:

“However, I’m having a hard time getting any sear marks on the food with the stainless steel grates. I like the taste of the caramelized food that searing gives; I don’t want burning. Do others have this problem or any suggestions?”

Seemingly in response to their customers’ concerns, now GENESIS grills come standard with the searing station out of the box.

The truth of the matter is that most grillers love their Webers. There are certainly a few drawbacks, but Weber owners seem able to find ways around the drawback and keep their grills on their decks for many years.

Weber is a brand we support at GrillPartsSearch.com. Check out the listing of parts we have, if your grill is 2 years old or 20! We also have a line of accessories to enhance any griller’s bbq.

Do you love your Weber? What model do you have? Leave us a comment in the field below and Happy Grilling!

What’s a Gas Grill Model Number?

Posted on by
2

And How to Find a Model Number

When you look online for replacement parts, or call the friendly sales rep at GrillPartsSearch.com, the first thing you’ll need is your gas grill model number. Having been that friendly rep, I can tell you that if you don’t know what a model number is or where to find it, that makes you and about a million other people.

In other words, you are not alone.

Let’s define “model number.”

It’s the number or letters, or combination of the two, given to the exact style of your grill. This means there may be hundreds or thousands of the same model grill made and sold. This is the reason replacement companies use model numbers to sell parts. All the grill of the same model will use the same parts. Usually, there is a certain way each manufacturer uses a model number. The manufacturer Nexgrill has seven digit numbers that start with a 7 and are written like this: 720-0061, while Brinkmann starts with an 8 and look like this: 810-2700. Charbroil also uses all numbers but always starts with a 4 and is nine digits long – 463240904.

Now, buckle up because it doesn’t get more simple from here. There are also a lot of manufacturers that use letters in their model numbers as well. A very common one is Member’s Mark. Their model numbers look like this: Y0202XC.

That’s basically how model numbers are structured. Every manufacturer uses a different system so they always know exactly which grills are theirs.

Do you see a LP or an NG hanging off the end of your model number? Nothing to worry about, that just denotes the kind of gas your grill uses. LP stands for Liquid Propane while NG means Natural Gas. Sometimes the LP or NG is a part of the model, sometimes not.

So, how do you find this model number? That’s a little trickier.

  • First, try looking on your original owner’s manual. Usually the model number will be listed on the bottom of each page.
    (I know some of you are looking at the screen in disbelief at the idea you’d still have that old grill manual. Ok, read on)
  • Some grills have small metal plates or labels with certification information on them, including your model number. These plates are usually on the back of each grill.
  • Can’t find it on the back of the grill? Did you look down really low? Try inside the door, on the side of the control panel, under the control panel.

You found a serial number!? Yahoo!!! That’s not the same as a model number and no one lists parts using serial numbers. Sorry. Keep looking.

Still nothing? Or you found it but can’t read it? Well, that’s alright. You don’t have to dump your grill yet. Just measure the parts you need to replace and call 678-272-2451.

Someone will help you.

Stay tuned for tips to get accurate measurements and therefore, THE RIGHT PARTS!!

Toodles. -GG

Originally published Oct. 1, 2012.

Only One Burner Lights on My Grill – How To Fix

Posted on by
2

Got the fridge stocked for barbeque, but your gas grill isn’t working properly? Only one burner lights, but can’t get all your burners lit?

If only one burner lights, itcould be any number of malfunctions with your gas grill. Below are some of the most common issues we find with gas grills when some or all of the gas grill burners aren’t lighting, or the burner won’t light evenly all the way around.

When Grill Girl takes questions from customers, often you ask “why is it that only one burner lights in my grill?

The most common answer to why only one burner lights is that the carryover tube has rusted out and is not working. Oftentimes, a grill will have an ignitor on one grill burner but not on any of the rest of the burners. The carry over tube or bracket brings the light or flame from the lit burner to the unlit ones. Luckily, it’s an easy fix! Remove the carryover tube, measure it, and find a replacement. They are inexpensive and simple to replace.

Check out this Grill Girl video for a visual explanation:

GrillPartsSearch.com has dozens of replacement carryover tubes and brackets. Our parts are stainless steel and made to fit exactly in your grill. Measure your original piece to find an accurate replacement. If you don’t have the original piece, measure the distance between the burners where the tube would sit.

Carryover tubes take the flame from the lit burner to the unlit burners.

Already checked the carryover tube and found that it was working properly?

There are also other reasons it could be that only one burner lights. It could be a problem with the gas flow in your grill. Debris in your manifold or valves can block gas from reaching your grill burners. Check for debris around the valves and knobs like built-up grime, dust, or even spider webs. Alternatively, you might need to replace the regulator and hose. Regulators can go bad after time. There’s a safety mechanism that shuts off gas flow so it doesn’t create a safety hazard. You can browse available regulator-hose replacements here.

Only One Burner Lights But You Hear Clicking?

Is your gas grill is not lighting, but you hear a loud clicking sound or snap when you push the button? The good news is that your grill ignitor starter is working. You could have an issue with the electrode or wire portion of your ignition system. The wire and electrode are the two main parts that bring the spark created by the ignitor to the gas flowing inside your grill burner. Visually inspect these parts to make sure they aren’t coated with grease or degraded by age. For reference, here is what those parts look like:
WIRES
ELECTRODES

You could also have a leak or obstruction of the hose that feeds that gas from the propane tank to your grill cabin. For more information on that particular problem, check out this youtube troubleshooting video.

If you’re having a hard time determining the problem in your grill, give us a call. We have a team of grill repair experts ready to help get you back to grilling!

Until Next time – Grill Girl

Why do people put lava rocks in gas grills?

Posted on by
Reply


If you’ve heard of grill rocks or lava rocks, you might be wondering why people put them in gas grills. The main reason is they are a great way to cook your food in a gas grill. Lava rocks are fun, look fantastic cooking your food, and they radiate heat nicely.

Now for the basic starting griller, the metal plates are fine for their gas burner covers. They catch and hold the heat well enough and get your food cooked fine. But lava rocks are just too cool to pass up for such a hot way to cook your food on an outdoor gas grill!

people grilling on a gas grill afternoon barbecue, bbq, lava rocks for gas grills

If you really want to up your barbecue game and impress your friends, your family, and even yourself, read on to find out how nice it is to barbecue your food over heated volcanic stone.

The smoking hot rocks cooking your food turn a barbecue into a luau while you and your guests enjoy cold drinks out of the cooler and a freshly cooked dinner hot off the lava. The rocks look good and they make a great conversation piece.

Is it good to put lava rocks in a gas grill?

Yes, absolutely. This is no hack or jury rig. In fact, lava rocks used to be all the rage. They give gas grillers a way to have a very effective heat cover for their burners with a nice visual presentation. It truly is a more enjoyable way to to fully experience cooking outdoors on a gas grill.

What is an alternative to lava rocks on a gas grill?

You can stick with the metal plate burner covers that come standard with a lot of grills when it’s time to replace yours. You’ll just be the guy with the same boring, mass-produced, cheaply-imported cooking equipment with the metal plates on your burners. We joke, …kinda.

Wouldn’t you rather upgrade to lava rocks? With those volcanic lava rocks on the flames piping heat into your food, you’re a hero. They’re earthy and exotic. They just add character and finery to your grill and outdoor culinary and dining experience.

lava rock in a gas grill, lava rock in gas bbq

What are the benefits of lava rocks?

Lava rocks on the gas grill cook your food evenly because, being made of natural volcanic stone, they hold the heat in hotter for longer. Additionally, they radiate it back out more evenly than metal plates. You will get better flavor with lava rocks.

With metal plate burner covers, the greases and juices from your food drip off into a tray. Instead, rocks catch all the savory drippings, vaporize them, and steam your food in them. You get really delicious food cooking over these rocks.

What’s next?

If you’re interested in making the switch to lava rocks, check out the best lava rock in the world.

Have any questions? Ask them in the comments, or send us an email [email protected]

Happy Grilling!

The Grill Girl

All You Need to Know About Phoenix Gas Grills

Posted on by
Reply

Have you heard of Phoenix gas grills?

They have many unique qualities that set them apart from other grills sold in the US today.

With their high quality manufacturing (US-Made), and their versatility, Phoenix gas grills are definitely worth keeping in your backyard and out of a landfill.

Phoenix Gas Grill Model SDRIVDDP or SDRIVDDN. Parts for Phoenix Gas GrillsWho makes Phoenix gas grills?

The company that makes Phoenix gas grills is called “ProFire.” They are a division of MHP (Modern Home Products), which has been making and selling gas grills in the United States since the 1950’s. Check out their story on how they invented outdoor gas grill!

What sets the Phoenix gas grills apart?

  • Quality Construction – Made in the US
  • Stainless Steel Cooking Mesh Grid
  • Solid Brass Dual Valve
  • Vents with a Damper Slide
  • Cast Aluminum Drip Pan Over Burners
    • No Flare-Ups
    • Drippings From Food Are Caught by Pan
    • Allows for Steaming of Food by Adding Water
    • Easy to drain
  • Sta-Cool Swivel Handle
  • All Models Available in Propane or Natural Gas

Where can you buy a Phoenix gas grill?

Modern Home Products and ProFire work with dealers to get their grills to the end user. You can enter your address, state or zip code to find a dealer near you. Local dealers are our favorite way of purchasing high-end grills because you get a chance to see the models in person before purchase. Buying from a local dealer also supports the local economy and those in communities where we live. Support Small Business!

If you can’t find a local dealer, you can find Phoenix gas grill online at Amazon or BBQGuys.

Looking for the model number on your Phoenix gas grill?

This can be tricky because the model is on a sticker on the side of the control panel. It’s to clearly evident as the informational stock because it blends in with the design of the grill. More of a visual learner? Check out this video from the Grill Parts Girl showing you where to find the model and what to look for. As mentioned in the video, the model number on MHP gas grills and Phoenix gas grills is in the same place.

If your grill is a built-in, it may be difficult or even impossible to see your model number. Don’t worry. There are still plenty of Phoenix gas grill experts out there doing business today. Give us a call and we will help determine which Phoenix grill model you have by the dimensions of your grill and parts.

Where can you get support, parts, and accessories for Phoenix gas grills?

Last but not least, when you have such a high quality gas grill, it will last for a long time. It’s very common to need a few parts every couple years to keep your grill up and running. As a dealer with a long-time business relationship with Modern Home Products, we are proud to offer their full line of Phoenix gas grill parts, accessories, and replacements. 

Does the list of parts make you feel overwhelmed? Maybe you don’t see the parts for Phoenix gas grills you need? Please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 678-272-2451 or email us at [email protected]. We promise that is the part is available, we will get it to you. If it’s not available, we’ll look anyway and let you know what we find.

Have a Phoenix gas grill and you love it? Comment in the section below!

Why Don’t Gas Grills Use Lava Rock Anymore?

Posted on by
Reply

If you’ve heard of lava rocks for gas grills or gas grill rocks, you may be wondering why don’t gas grills use lava rock anymore?

Lava rock for grills and fire pits. why don't gas grills use lava rock anymore

These naturally occurring volcanic rocks are perfect at withstanding and holding large amounts of heat. Because they’re porous and made of volcanic material, they also diffuse the heat evenly. Lava rock creates a perfect heat trap for the flame of a gas grill and radiates the heat as infrared energy to cook your food. So why don’t gas grills use lava rock anymore?

Why Don’t Gas Grills Use Lava Rock Anymore?

In every single gas grill there’s a gas burner. The burner produces a flame that produces heat to cook your food. However, heat rises and dissipates in the air too easily to cook your food if it isn’t trapped. An uncovered flame results in uneven or inadequate heat for effective cooking.

This is why grill manufacturers cover the burners in gas grills, but before they started using little metal plates, gas grills used to cover the burners with natural lava rock. 

Original gas grills used lava rock with the gas supplying the combustion for heat beneath a layer of lava rocks. The lava rocks themselves sat on grates, called lava rock grates or briquette grates.

The Advantages of Lava Rocks for Gas Grills

Lava rock naturally radiates infrared heat into your food when heated by the flame from your gas grill burner. That radiated heat cooks your food more evenly and leaves it simmering delightfully in the even glow of the lava rock bed.

Lava rock also retains heat on cold and windy days. It stays warmer for longer than metal plates for your gas grill do, instead of losing heat each time the grill cabin is opened.

Grillers who use lava rock lay them out on a metal grate fitted to their grill for lava rock, placing all the largest rocks in neat rows over the burners first and around the outside of the grill, then filling in the spaces between them with an even scattering of the smaller lava rocks for gas grills. See this video for a visual!

The Big Box Retailers Import Cheap Mentality

So why don’t gas grills use lava rock anymore?

Many years back, the gas grill segment bought into big box retailer mentality of marketing. We saw the cheapest mass-produced assemblies imported from foreign manufacturers. 

Shipping 3 to 5 pieces of bent sheet metal in neatly standardized packaging from an overseas assembly line for the grill saved the grill manufacturers time, hassle, and money over sourcing volcanic lava rock. Not all lava rock is the same. For gas grills you need suitable size and quality for cooking. Additionally, the manufacturers no longer needed to provide the grate where the lava rock sat. They exchanged a higher quality product and experience for a cheaper solution on their end. 

So the metal burner covers won out in the industry, and slick ad copy campaigns touting the superiority of metal plates got the consumer to go along with the change.

But these are lower quality burner covers for gas grills. They’re not nearly as nice as lava rock. They don’t hold and distribute the heat from your gas burner as well as lava and the rocks look good and are more fun to barbecue over.

So why doesn’t your gas grill use lava rock?

You can get lava rock for your grill!

At this time, we have an exact-fit kit for some Weber Models. Check for availability for your grill! We are working to develop more exact fit solutions. In the meantime, browse our selection of grates that can hold up lava rock in your grill.

Questions? Let us know in the comments or send us an email [email protected]