Cal Flame Grill & Island Service

Cal Flame is made by LMS, a manufacturer in Pomona, and it's one of the brands that made the prefab outdoor kitchen common. A Cal Flame island typically arrives with a stucco, stone or tile finish and comes with a built-in grill, plus options like a side burner, refrigerator, sink and storage. Cal Flame also makes standalone grills, fire pits, fireplaces and pizza ovens.

Because Cal Flame islands ship as complete units, the gas plumbing inside is part of the package. That's convenient for installation, and it means the inside of the island deserves a look whenever the grill is serviced.

• Ignition problems. Burners that stop sparking from battery, wire or electrode issues. See grill won't light.
• Grease and flare-ups. Heat distribution parts and drip trays loaded with fat.
• Rodents in the island. The enclosed cavity under the grill is a favorite spot for mice and rats, which chew wires and nest near burners. Our guide to rodents in grills covers prevention.
• Gas connections. Flex lines and fittings inside the island that need a leak check, especially after a move or a remodel. See the gas leak soap test.
• Side burners and accessories that haven't been used in years and no longer light.

The grill gets the full treatment: grates, heat distribution parts and burners out, ports cleared, firebox scraped and degreased with a biodegradable cleaner, grease tray cleaned, and ignition and flame tested. Then we open the island doors and check the gas connections, look for rodent nests or droppings, and clear debris. Side burners get cleaned and tested too. Drop cloths protect the island finish, and grease and rinse water leave with us. If you have a Cal Flame pizza oven or fire pit, we can include it in the visit.

Cal Flame parts are generally available for current and recent grills, and because the company is local, older parts are sometimes still around. When a Cal Flame grill is worn out but the island is solid, replacing just the grill head is often the best option. We measure the cutout and match a grill that fits, whether Cal Flame or another brand. Read replacing a built-in grill in the same cutout to see what's involved.

A once-a-year look at the whole island, not just the grill, catches small issues early. Our outdoor kitchen maintenance checklist is a good starting point.