The Palisades Fire destroyed a large share of the neighborhood's homes. For grill work, that has meant two kinds of calls. One comes from homeowners whose house survived and whose grill sat outside through smoke, ash and months of not being used. The other comes from families and builders putting up new homes who want the outdoor kitchen planned properly from the start.
Beyond that, the homes that were spared, and the new ones as they're finished, have the same problems as any grill a mile or two from the ocean: tea staining on the stainless, igniters that corrode, and burners that thin out and need replacing.
Bringing a grill back into service
If your grill went unused for a long stretch, or sat through ash fall, this is roughly how we approach it.
- 1
Look before lighting
We check the hose, regulator and connections first. Heat, ash and long idle periods can dry out rubber and let insects or rodents move in. Nothing gets lit until the gas path checks out.
- 2
Pull everything out
Burners, heat plates, grates and the drip tray come out. Ash mixed with old grease turns into a gritty paste that clogs burner ports and holds moisture against the metal, so it has to come out completely.
- 3
Clean with food-safe products
Biodegradable degreasers and hot water do the work. Ash and rinse water are caught on drop cloths and in containers and leave with us.
- 4
Leak test and test-fire
Every connection gets a soap test, then each burner is lit and checked for an even blue flame. If a valve or burner is damaged, you get a straight answer about repair versus replacement.
New outdoor kitchens for rebuilt homes
A rebuild is a rare chance to plan an outdoor kitchen without working around an old island. We can supply the grill as a dealer and install it, or install one you've already chosen. The most useful thing we can do is talk to you or your contractor before the island is built: cutout dimensions, gas line size and location, clearance to combustibles, ventilation panels for natural gas, and whether you want a sear burner, rotisserie or side burner. Getting those right on paper is a lot easier than cutting stone later.
If you're comparing models, our guides on choosing a built-in grill and picking a grill for a coastal home are a good starting point. Details of the install itself are on our installation page.
Other work we do in the Palisades
Routine cleaning
Once or twice a year for most homes, more for heavy use or bluff lots near the water.
Learn moreInspections
A safety and function check for a grill that's been idle, or one that came with a house you just bought.
Learn moreRepairs
Igniters, valves, burners, regulators. Common parts for premium brands are on the truck.
Learn moreFireplaces and fire pits
Gas fire features that sat through ash need the same careful cleaning before they're used again.
Learn more
Common Palisades questions
Is it safe to use a grill that sat through heavy ash?
Not until it's been cleaned and checked. Ash in the burners and venturi tubes can cause uneven or yellow flames, and heat or rodents may have damaged hoses. Have the gas path checked first. Our ash guide covers what you can safely do yourself.
Can you work with my general contractor on a new island?
Yes. We can review plans, give cutout and gas specs for the grill you pick, and schedule the install when the island and gas line are ready.
Which neighborhoods do you cover?
All of the Palisades, including the Huntington, the Riviera, the Alphabet Streets, Marquez Knolls, Castellammare, the Highlands and Rustic Canyon.
How is pricing handled?
Every grill is different. Cost depends on the size, brand, condition and parts. Call or text, or send a few photos, and we'll quote it.
Neighboring areas
Talk to us about your grill
Whether it's a grill that needs checking or a new kitchen in the plans, call or text, or send photos for a quote.