I got a CharBroil grill 7 years ago and it is on its last leg. The outside which is stainless looks fine. The ignition button gave out after about 3 years, but that wasn't a big deal. The grates are starting to rust out in the back, but I partially blame that on me since I don't oil the grates as often as I should. However, the burners are completely crumbling. I can still get a flame, but it is inconsistent, and all over the place. The tray that catches fat is completely rusted out and crumbled in my hand, and the bottom (below the burners)is beginning to crumble as well.

Is seven years about what to expect when it comes to a grill, or should I expect more?

expect the unexpected

Do you use a cover and/or keep it under and awning? Or does it not live under any sort of shelter?

I'd say 7 years is at it above average for usefulness if you use at least 3 times a month and do minimum upkeep.

I'm anal and keeps stuff clean and covered, but even my old Weber Genesis started to show signs of age after 5 years. When we moved last fall I gave it to my neighbor and I'm sure he can still get another 5 years out if it, but not with replacing hoses, grates or other parts.

Time to send yours to the curb and re-grill. Allow me to be the first to suggest you go Big Green Egg.

Depending on where you are, rigor of use/care, etc., that sounds right. I have had similar issues in Houston. You can replace the burmers pretty easily, same with the ignition. I replaced both and have extended the life a bit.

If its just a few things that need replacing, it would be a lot cheaper than buying new. My dad fixed his up or about $150, which was a lot better than spending $500+ on a similar replacement.

I work with a guy who claims to have a 15-year old Weber. He says he has always had a cover on it and it stays under a covered patio as well.

At our old house we didn't have room for a large grill and at the new one where we have been 2 years I want to build an outdoor kitchen so until that happens I have gotten away with the cheapest one they sell at Lowes for about $89 or $99 bucks (its a throwaway).

I don't do any maintenance on it and don't keep it covered. It is under a covered patio now but sometimes when it rains I drag it out so it washes the pollen off.

It's lasted me about 4 years but I was just commenting to my wife last night that I think it's starting to get dangerous and we need a new one. I was going to just replace the insides but the outside metal shell of the grill that holds the insides up on one side completely rusted so there's no fixing it. The inside where the flames come out of is rusted and diagonal because its not held up on one side.

So I bought the cheapest grill and didn't take care of it at all and got about 4 years out it.

My $100 grill fell apart after a few years uncovered. My brinkman has lasted 3 years uncovered but will need parts soon. The little heat shields have rusted through.

It is also stained up good now. I'd cover it, but I'll just buy a new one eventually anyway.

I have 9 year old Weber than has been uncovered the whole time and still rocks and rolls...

my Weber just turned 11

I have a char broil that is now 10 years old. The three burner tents and stands have been replaced twice. The grate is original and I have never oiled it or done anything but brush it before using. Some things just wear out. Id say 7 years is the upper end before needing to replace things. I think I got it on clearance for 100 bucks even.

[This message has been edited by BrazosDog02 (edited 5/23/2012 1:12p).]

In C/S I have averaged about 3-4 years on my grills with sometimes use of a cover before the splash guard and burners rust out. I have a cover but sometimes forget to put it back on after the grill has cooled off. My 1 year old grill that I bought when we moved into our new home is starting to show some wear. The ignition failed last month. I'll be checking to see about replacing the ignition this weekend.

Our BGE has lasted 20 years under the cover of our carport, hth

My Weber gas grill is 17 years old. Auto lighter has not worked most of those years, but besides new grates, the thing is still going strong. It has spent the first 4 years under cover, the rest out in the open, no cover.

A Weber will last much longer than any other grill. Definitely worth the extra money.

Love the Webers. Built to last, and they do.

Went camping with some dads and sons and one of the dads offered to cook steaks on my weber spirit. Well, he left the damn thing on high for 3 hours with the lid on and burned the crap out of it. The doors, lighter, and drip pan holder all had to be replaced, along with the entire box.

I took pictures and called them up. They practically sent me an entire grill for free. The drip catcher failed and I had heat damage throughout.

It was the best customer service I have ever received. This happened 3 months ago and I'll always suggest people buy a webber! The cheapest gas grill is 400 bucks, but if you find one cheaper online Lowes will match or best the price.

Ditto on the Weber grills. Had one (lp gas) that lasted 14 years. Replaced the grates and the stainless steel burners twice. The frame gave out last month.

I have a gas Weber still going strong, at least 17 years old. Was my roommate's, he gave it to me after our graduation in '09. Prior to that, it was his brother's, class of '94. Many a BBQ in CS.