How Long Do Weber Grills Last?

Everyone knows some neighborhood barbecue legend who is still using the same Weber kettle grill that they got in the 1990s, but are newer Webers that reliable? Weber grills have an excellent warranty, and most of their grill components are guaranteed to last for 5-10 years, so that’s a good place to start. How long do they really last? Let’s take a closer look.

How Long Do Weber Grill Parts Last?

The specific details of the Weber warranty vary depending on the specific model, but as a general rule:

• Weber bowls and lids are guaranteed to last for 10 years with no rust through or burn through
• Weber cook boxes are guaranteed to last for 5-10 years depending on model
• Weber stainless steel cooking grates and Flavorizer bars are guaranteed to last for 5 years with no rust through or burn through
• Plastic parts are guaranteed to last for 5 or more years (but not guaranteed against fading or discoloring)
• All other parts are guaranteed to last for 2 or more years

One of the reasons that people love Weber grills is that they are incredibly easy to repair. Even when a part is no longer under warranty, it’s incredibly simple to view schematics and order replacement parts. The ease of repairing or updating Weber parts is one of the reasons people claim that these grills “last forever.”

Risks to a Weber Grill

Of course, the lifespan of any grill depends to a large degree on how often it is used. Some people use a grill only a few times a year, for special occasions. Others grill much more often, and for more people. This accounts for a wide range of different wear-and-tear on a grill, but there are a lot of other factors that can damage a grill and shorten its lifespan.

Weather

While Weber grills are durable and designed to live outdoors, weather can take a toll on a grill. Stainless steel is rust-resistant, but rain can shorten the life span of a grill over time, especially if a wet grill repeatedly freezes and thaws. If a grill has any grease or food residue, they can trap moisture and lead to corrosion.

Pests

A dirty grill can have grease and food residue that attracts pests. Rodents, in particular, are known to make homes in unused grills, and can cause damage. In addition, grill covers with soft felt or cotton linings are occasionally attractive to birds, who pull at the lining for nesting material.

Mold and Mildew

The bits of food and grease inside a dirty grill are also a great environment for mold, and any damp space with little air circulation can invite mildew. Mold and mildew aren’t usually harmful outdoors, when there is less chance of breathing the spores, but they certainly aren’t appetizing.

How to Make a Weber Grill Last Longer

Keep it Clean

As you can tell, keeping a grill clean is one of the most important factors in preventing problems and prolonging its life span. Many Webers have a OneTouch cleaning system that makes cleaning even easier. The OneTouch system moves the vents back and forth, sweeping ash into the removable ash bucket for you. Keeping the inside of your grill free of grease and ash helps it cook more efficiently, and, of course, reduces the risk of fire and flare-ups.

Clean the exterior of a grill with a mild glass cleaner, using a sponge to wipe it clean. If necessary, use a scouring pad to remove excess dirt. Clean the inside of the lid with a scrubbing brush and warm soapy water.

Clean the cooking grate with a steel brush and more warm soapy water. If your grill has a OneTouch cleaning system, it’s easy to clean out ash, grease, and debris after every use.

While you can effectively clean your grill with mild glass cleaner, warm soapy water, a sponge, a scrubbing brush, and a soft microfiber cloth, Weber does also sell cleaning kits to make it easier.

Keep it Covered

Some Weber grill models come with a cover. If your model doesn’t have one, it needs to be purchased separately. Always purchase a cover designed for your specific grill model, so that it fits correctly.

If you live in a mild climate, a simple grill cover will be fine, to protect from moisture, pests, debris, and the occasional bad weather. If you live in a harsher climate, choose a premium cover that will also provide some thermal protection and be more resistant to rough weather.

Do an Inventory.

It’s always a good idea to deep-clean your grill before storing it for the winter and again before using it in the summer. During these deep cleanings, or twice a year if you use your grill year-round, take an inventory of your grill.

Thoroughly inspect all the parts for wear, dirt, or damage. You may need to order replacement parts, and it’s best to catch and solve problems early, rather than waiting for parts to completely fail.

Conclusion

With proper care and maintenance, a good Weber grill will last 10-15 years, and sometimes even more. Thanks to the excellent Weber warranty, and the easy availability of schematics and replacement parts, if you are willing to invest some time and energy, you can keep repairing and upgrading a Weber grill almost indefinitely.

In fact, many people make a business out of buying old Weber grills that they find at yard sales and online marketplaces, and polishing them up to look and work just like new. For this reason, classic Weber models remain in demand for decades, and someone can always breathe new life into them.