When looking for a used BBQ on Craigslist, be cautious because you want one that is in good working order and will last for many meals cooked. It’s possible to save a lot of money by purchasing previously owned items, but only if you know what to look for (and what to avoid) in a secondhand BBQ purchase. Use our Craigslist search engine to search all of Craigslist for the best BBQ.
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What to Look for When Buying a Used BBQ
When you’re shopping around for a used BBQ, there are a few key things you should pay attention to. Here are a few tips to help you find a great deal:
- Check the condition of the grill: Look for signs of rust or damage to the grill. Check that all of the knobs, knobs, and handles work properly.
- Examine the burners and grates: Make sure the burners and grates are clean and in good condition. You should also check for any cracks or breaks in the grates.
- Check for leaks: Make sure there are no leaks in the fuel lines or other parts of the BBQ. This is important to avoid any potential fire hazards.
- Inspect the outside of the BBQ: Look for any scratches or dents. Make sure all of the accessories, such as side shelves or warming racks, are present and in good condition.
If you’re on a budget, it’s best to skip over models that include numerous cooking zones, gas burners, and other unnecessary extras. Simply put, the larger and nicer the grill, the more concessions must be made to keep the price the same. For example, if you skimp on the metal’s quality or thickness, your grill may rust and deform after a few uses and some exposure to the elements.
Search for models that have a cooking surface area of less than 300 square inches, have only two burners and can produce a maximum of 24,000 to 30,000 BTUs of heat from their primary burners. It’s best to look inside the grill before you buy it if you can. Look at the grill piece and burners to determine if they seem sturdy and heavy, and test how readily they bend. If they are too flimsy, keep looking.
What to Avoid When Buying a Used BBQ
When you’re buying a used BBQ, there are some things you should avoid. Here are a few tips to help you make sure you don’t end up with a bad deal:
- Check that all of the grill’s components are present and in good working order before purchasing. The absence of some components may indicate that the grill has been mistreated.
- Although some rust is to be expected on a used barbecue, significant rust is a red flag that the grill is not in excellent condition and should be avoided.
- Grills with damaged components should be avoided. There may be something wrong with the grill if the controls, handles, or other components are damaged.
- Don’t use gas grills that are leaking gas: Leaks in fuel supply should be avoided at all costs. Before purchasing a used barbecue, you should ensure there are no fuel leaks.
What to Expect When Buying a Gas Grill on Craigslist
Many gas grills posted on Craigslist will not be asking high prices. In most cases the owner has purchased a newer better BBQ and is looking to get rid of the old one fast. Many of these BBQs will be priced around $250 or less.
- Gas grills in this price range are competitive with charcoal grills, but the latter may be worth another try. While gas grills are more user-friendly and convenient, you may expect lower-quality materials and construction with a grill in this price category. In contrast to higher-priced gas grills, which can endure for years even with regular use, cheap ones typically only last a few.
- In addition to providing a more authentic flavor, charcoal grills are known to produce superior cooking results than their less expensive gas counterparts. A cheaper gas grill could be fine if you don’t barbecue often and only want to cook burgers and hotdogs.
- Most hardware and home improvement stores, as well as several websites, have grills that cost less than $250. Char-Broil, which is also offered as Kenmore, Brinkmann, Broil-Mate, and Uniflame, are just a few of the more well-known brands in this group. The vast majority of grills selling for under $300 are made in China and have a warranty of between one and three years. Be sure to ask the age of the BBQ, as it may still be under warranty!
Will it last?
- Depending on the BBQ’s location (covered or not), how often you use it, what you cook on it, and how you care for it, a gas grill can last anywhere from two to three years.
- If your gas grill’s igniter button stops working, you may replace it with relative ease, or you can use a long, aim-and-flame style lighter, or even matches if you’re feeling bold and don’t mind the occasional burned arm hair.
- Longevity can be increased by lightly coating the burners with cooking oil to prevent rust and by thoroughly cleaning the interior of the grill after each use.
Conclusion
Buying a used BBQ on Craigslist can be a great way to save money, but you need to make sure you know what to look for and what to avoid. By following the tips above, you can make sure that you get a good deal on a used BBQ. Be sure to use our Craigslist search engine to search nationwide or complete a Craigslist search by state.
