YOUR GUIDE TO BACKYARD GAS GRILL PARTS
You may believe that you know your grill inside and out after all your experiences with barbequing. But do you know the names of the different parts? Can you answer someone if they point to a piece of the grill and ask, “What is this?” Do you even know how to use every single feature, or you just dismiss some as useless or decorative?
Do not fret if you cannot answer all these questions. Learning how to use the different backyard gas grill parts is half the fun. Plus, with the right resources, you can accomplish more with it than ever before. Whether you are new or experienced, you could benefit greatly from taking the time to review this guide.
- Burners
Burners, located in the belly of the machine, are arguably the most essential component of any grill. These hollow hunks of metal (usually stainless steel or cast iron) draw the fuel — or in this case, the gas — inside. Once they are activated, the burners release heat through holes lining the top side.
These parts need to be replaced regularly, and not just because of their importance. All that heat eventually wears on the metal. Moreover, pieces of food drop directly onto it, so they also need to be cleaned regularly.
- Igniter
The igniter, sometimes spelled ignitor or referred to as the ignition system, does exactly what it sounds like it does. The fuel source needs to connect with the burners. When you turn on the ignition, you heat up the fuel and power the barbeque.
Naturally, this system consists of a few different components. They include a battery, a module, an ignition switch, and wires that connect to other parts of the grill. Owning a kit with replacements for all these parts will come in handy when one stops working.
- Temperature Gauge
Most human beings can distinguish between hot and cold. Cooking meat requires a finer understanding of temperature, especially because the fires of a grill may fluctuate by hundreds of degrees. Accurate temperature gauges give you a better sense of how everything is going.
We cannot stress enough the value of checking this gauge, especially if you are inexperienced with grilling or otherwise preparing meat. For starters, some foods simply taste better at precise temperatures. More importantly, serving undercooked meat may endanger the health of anyone who eats it.
- Burner Control Knob
Everyone who has ever operated a gas grill should be familiar with the burner control knob. This is the part you use to turn on the burners. As you check the temperature and pass through the different stages of grilling, you use the knob to increase or decrease the heat.
Burner control knobs activate the burners, and they can also turn them off. When fires break out, as occasionally happens to everyone, you can kill their fuel source with the knobs. For safety’s sake, barbeque fans need to replace these parts as soon as they become unreliable.
- Cooking Grate
The cooking grate is another obvious gas grill part. It is where you rest the food as it gets grilled. For reference, the burners are right underneath the grate, and just about every other part revolves around it.
What may be less obvious is the need for proper care after each use of the barbeque. As food gets grilled, you may notice that bits and pieces get left behind. We did a whole blog post detailing how to clean grill grates and why doing so gives the food you grill a better taste.
- Warming Rack
Some people wonder about the purpose of the grates that rest above the main cooking grate, or away from the burners’ reach. The truth is that their distance from the heat is completely intentional.
The warming rack keeps fully-cooked meat in its own space. There, it will receive just enough warmth that it will still be piping hot when it finally reaches the plate. If you have some food that is finished and other food that needs cooking, take the former away from the rest and place it here.
- Grill Brush
The grill brush seems like a strange addition to a list of backyard gas grill parts. It seems more like an accessory. In our view, this term implies that it can be helpful but is not necessary — which would be far from true in this case.
Grill brushes are far more effective for scraping droppings and residue off grates than more conventional tools. Burnt food on heated metal can be unusually tough. The metal hairs on these tools are effective at striking and cutting them. They are so indispensable that most grills come with a hook specifically for hanging the brush.
- Grill Cover
Grilling always takes place outdoors, meaning that these machines are vulnerable to the elements. Precipitation, flyballs, pollen, leaves, small animals, and bird droppings are only some of the threats to the cleanliness of the grate. The inner workings are also exposed, and any tampering can be dangerous.
That is why every grill comes with a grill cover. In case you needed to know, keeping the grill’s innards enclosed will extend its longevity. When you need a replacement, shield the machine with a tarp and get one immediately.
- Side Burners
When you do not have enough space on the cooking grate for everything you wish to prepare, side burners come in handy. They latch onto the side of the grill and often include their own burners and control knobs. They are unique to gas grills, as well as grills that use both charcoal and gas.
Side burners are too small for large quantities of meat, but they still have their uses. Multitaskers can heat up sauces and side dishes, or frozen vegetarian alternatives for those who dislike or shun meat products. Using them can spice up any barbequing occasion.
Shopping for Backyard Gas Grill Parts
All these backyard gas grill parts and more are available right here at Barbeque Parts Depot. We offer an excellent and diverse selection of replacement parts for every component of the BBQ grill. See for yourself right here, on our online superstore.
