If you live at the beach or near the coast, this question probably comes up just about every time your gas grill shows signs of rust. What is the best gas grill for coastal environments? This got me thinking about why gas grills rust so easily near the coast and how you should go about finding one that can stand up to the harsh coastal environment.
A gas grill is only as corrosion resistant as the material it’s made out of. Even if it’s constructed of stainless steel, it doesn’t mean it’s impervious to rust. The best gas grills for coastal environments are made of high quality stainless steel, have protective coatings, and are covered when not in use. They also should be placed out of direct salt spray and cleaned with fresh water occasionally.
Two of the best grills for coastal use that we’ve found are the Weber Genesis and the Kamado Grill. Let’s look into these two grills to see what makes them great for the beach and other coastal applications.
Why Do Gas Grills Rust So Fast in Coastal Environments?
If you’ve owned an outdoor grill, you’re probably well aware that battling rust is major issue. Outdoor gas grills are exposed to weather extremes and often develop rust issues within a year or two. This problem is only compounded by salt spray and windblown sand of coastal environments.
Top 5 Reasons Why Gas Grills Deteriorate in Coastal Environments
- Salt Exposure
- Wind Blown Sand
- Sun Exposure
- Not Properly Covered
- Poor Quality Grill
Any combination of the factors listed above can result in grills that fail within a short period of time. Taking steps to prevent these will help add life to even the best quality gas grills.
Many are lured into a false sense of security by purchasing a grill that is stain”less” steel, but stainless steel is not impervious to corrosion. It can still rust and requires constant upkeep. The good news is that quality stainless steel can prevent a lot of issues that lesser quality grills can’t overcome.
What Gas Grills Last the Longest in Coastal Environments?
Rather than replacing your grill every few years because it’s deteriorated in the harsh coastal environment, the better option is to choose a gas grill that won’t be affected by it.
The first gas grill we’ve been really impressed with its ability to stand up to coastal applications is the Weber Genesis II. New and improved for 2019, the Genesis II is made of higher quality stainless steel and the hood is coated in a durable weather protective material.
Weber Genesis II
Another option is to just bypass the stainless steel offerings and go straight to a ceramic grill. The Kamado Ceramic Grill will not rust and requires little to no upkeep. Salt spray and windblown sand will not affect it. Ceramic grills are truly the best option for grilling in coastal environments.
Kamado Ceramic Grill
How Do I Stop My Gas Grill From Rusting in Coastal Environments?
In order to prolong the life of your gas grill, there are several things you can do to prevent it from rusting.
Tips for Using Gas Grills in Coastal Environments
- Buy Quality
- Place in a Protected Area
- Clean Regularly
- Use a Grill Cover
The first step is to buy a quality grill. No amount of upkeep will prevent poor quality materials from deteriorating. Buy a quality grill and enjoy years of quality grilling.
The second tip is to place your gas grill in an area that protects it from wind, rain, and sun. Exposure to these three factors will increase the chance of your grill rusting over time. A good quality grill cover can be worth its weight in gold.
The last step is to properly clean your grill often. Stainless steel can become compromised over time by abrasion from dirt and sand can lead to rust formation. Clean your gas grill with fresh water and soap often to avoid surface dust and grime.
With these steps, your grill will last longer and rust will be kept at bay.
About Gas Grills
Conveniently being able to cook outside on the patio or deck is a big deal for me. Grilled food just tastes better, and that’s why always having a dependable outdoor grill is a necessity.
Gas grills are a great way to cook large quantities of food for a party of cookout and be able to do it all outside. Most gas grills can cook food for up to 20 people which makes them perfect for outdoor BBQ’s and other social gatherings.
The ease of use and ergonomic efficiency of most gas grills makes outdoor grilling convenient. Many people prefer to use a gas grill regularly rather than the kitchen stove or oven. The simplicity of throwing something on the grill to cook quickly is hard to beat.
Why should you get a gas grill?
- Grilled flavor can’t be beat
- Great for social gatherings
- Versatile use
- Natural gas removes the need to fill up propane tanks
- Eliminates unwanted heat and mess from inside kitchen
- Enjoy the great views while cooking
- Easier cleanup
Gas grills designed for natural gas can be hooked up directly to a natural gas line which removes the need to continuously fill propane tanks. The fuel is available 24/7 and you never have to worry about running out of propane again.
Outdoor gas grills can accommodate both small meals and large social gatherings. The grilled flavor is something you just can’t reproduce in the kitchen.
Bottom Line
The coastal environment is harsh on gas grills. They are often subjected to salt spray, windblown sand, and unrelenting sun. All of these combined would be tough on any piece of equipment, let alone a grill. To combat them, it’s imperative that you purchase a quality grill made of either high end stainless steel or a ceramic grill.
The Weber Genesis II is our top pick for the best gas grill for coastal environments. The Kamado Ceramic Grill is the best grill for the beach since it can’t rust.
Regardless of the grill you choose, properly cleaning your gas grill will help increase its longevity. Combined with a well-fitting grill cover, your gas grill will be rust free for many years to come.
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