What you're really buying
Wear parts like burners, igniters, heat plates and grates can all be replaced. What you're really evaluating is the body (firebox, hood, control panel and valve manifold) and whether parts are still available to keep it running. A grill with a solid body and tired parts can be a good buy. A grill with a rotted firebox isn't, however clean the outside looks.
Before you go
- 1
Get the brand and model
Ask the seller for the model and serial number, or a photo of the tag. Our guide to finding model and serial numbers shows where it usually is.
- 2
Check parts availability
Search for burners, igniters and heat plates by model. If key parts are discontinued, factor that in.
- 3
Confirm the gas type
Natural gas and propane grills aren't interchangeable without a proper conversion. Make sure it matches what you have, or that a manufacturer conversion kit exists.
- 4
Ask questions
How old is it? How often was it used and cleaned? Has it been near the ocean? Any repairs? Why are they selling it?
The inspection checklist
Bring a flashlight and a small magnet. Do this with the grill cold and the gas off.
- Hood: opens smoothly, closes squarely, stays up; no cracks at the hinges or handle mounts
- Stainless: staining is cosmetic; pitting, rust bubbles or rust streaks from seams are more serious
- Magnet test on the body: 304 stainless is generally non-magnetic; a strong grab suggests a lower grade
- Grates: intact, not burned thin or broken at the welds
- Heat plates or briquettes: present, not crumbling or rusted through
- Burners: no flaking, holes, split seams or ports rusted into slots
- Firebox floor and walls: surface rust and grease are normal; holes, soft spots or layered flaking are not
- Grease tray and path: present, not rusted out, slides in and out
- Knobs: all present, turn smoothly and return to off
- Control panel: no melted knobs, scorch marks or bubbled finish (signs of flashback or grease fire)
- Ignition: clicks or sparks at each burner
- Hose and regulator (propane): no cracks, brittleness or kinks
- Extras: rotisserie motor, lights and side burners work if included
If you can light it
Ask the seller to light it, or light it yourself if the seller has the gas connected and you're comfortable. Watch for:
- Every burner lighting with the igniter, not just with a match.
- A steady blue flame along the full length of each burner. See yellow flame on a gas grill for what's not normal.
- The grill getting hot within ten or fifteen minutes on high with the hood closed.
- No flame near the knobs or under the control panel.
- No gas smell.
What you find, and what it means
| Finding | Typical meaning |
|---|---|
| Dirty, greasy, but structurally sound | Often a good buy; a deep cleaning goes a long way |
| Igniter doesn't work | Usually a minor repair |
| Burners flaking or holed | Replaceable if parts exist; plan on it |
| Heat plates missing or rusted | Replaceable; inexpensive relative to the grill |
| Sticky or leaking valves | Repairable on many grills, but check part availability |
| Firebox rusted through | Usually not worth buying |
| Hood cracked or badly warped | Hard and sometimes impossible to replace |
| Brand no longer exists | Possible to keep running, but parts may be a hunt |
Buying a house with a built-in grill
A built-in grill usually comes with the house, and a general home inspection may only note that it exists. If the outdoor kitchen matters to you, ask the sellers for the model and age, light it during your walkthrough if allowed, and consider having it checked by a grill tech during the inspection period. A grill inspection covers the burners, valves, ignition, gas connections and the island's ventilation, and tells you whether it needs a cleaning, a few parts or replacement.
Keep in mind that grill warranties are often limited to the original purchaser, so assume a used grill is out of warranty. See what grill warranties actually cover.
After you buy
A used grill should get a thorough cleaning before you cook on it. Old grease, spider webs in the burner tubes and pests in the cabinet are common. A deep cleaning also gives a tech the chance to look closely at every part. If it needs more than that, our repair or replace guide helps you decide what's worth fixing.
Common questions
Is a used premium grill better than a new budget grill?
Often, if the body is solid and parts are available. A well-built stainless grill with replaceable burners can outlast several budget grills. If the body is failing, no.
Can you inspect a grill before I buy it?
Yes, if it's in our service area and the seller agrees. We'll give you a straight read on condition and what it would need.
Can I move a used built-in grill into my own island?
Only if it fits your cutout, matches your gas type (or can be properly converted) and your island meets its installation requirements. See how to measure a grill cutout.
Related guides and repairs
Repair or Replace Your Grill?
A practical way to decide whether your grill needs a few parts or a replacement, based on what techs actually check first.
Care & how-toFinding Your Grill's Model and Serial Number
Where grill makers hide the rating plate, how to read it when it's faded, and what to do if it's gone. Saves time and wrong parts on any repair.
TroubleshootingSigns Your Burners Need Replacing
How to tell a dirty burner from a worn-out one, with flame patterns to watch for and a safe way to pull and inspect them.
Care & how-toFinding Parts for Discontinued Grills
A step-by-step approach to tracking down parts for older and discontinued grills, and how to know when a grill can't reasonably be kept running.
SafetyHow to Do a Gas Leak Soap Test
How to check a propane or natural gas grill for leaks with soapy water, step by step, and what to do if you find bubbles.
RepairRust & Corrosion Repair
Surface staining, pitting and rusted-out parts treated or replaced, with an honest call on what can be saved.
RepairBurner Replacement
Rusted, cracked or split burners replaced with matched parts, set on their orifices and tested for clean, even flame.
RepairGas Valve Replacement
Stiff, stuck or leaking burner control valves replaced and leak tested by a technician, not a weekend project.
RepairRegulator & Hose Replacement
Worn propane regulators, cracked hoses and tired natural gas flex connectors replaced and leak tested.
RepairIgniter Replacement
Electrodes and igniter wires cleaned, regapped or replaced so every burner lights from the button again.
Want a second opinion before you buy?
Send us photos of the grill, the burners and the model tag. We'll tell you what we see, or set up an inspection.