Weber is a well-known company among barbeque fans. Although their grill prices are high, they are durable, and the company offers a generous warranty to its customers.
Unfortunately, even the highest quality grills don’t last forever, so it’s important that consumers remember this before purchasing a product.
Yes, Weber grills do rust even though they use high quality plated steel on their grills which is built to withstand normal weather conditions. Rusting is the most common complaint from Weber customers, which is why Weber confidently offers a rust and enamel guarantee on all their grills.
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Are Weber Grills Rust Proof
Weber says that their grills are rustproof. The company designs them to be able to withstand all weather. However, several rusting complaints have been reported.
Weber grills can rust even though they are made of high-quality steel, which contributes to their durability.
The plated steel is manufactured to handle high temperatures and prevent easy denting. These features are crucial for cooking equipment that uses high heat temperatures and cools easily.
However, one feature that makes Weber grills rust is that they don’t use stainless steel.
Most companies use stainless steel on their grills to keep them clean easily. However, this metal is also rust resistant.
It stops the oxidation process that happens when steel comes in contact with water, thus, preventing rusting.
Remember that rust forms when iron in the steel mixes with water and oxygen. The longer it does so, the worse the rust becomes.
So, Weber grills do rust, and it can be pretty bad if you don’t treat your grill.
Here are 3 main reasons why rust may develop on your Weber grill.
1 – Exposure To High Humid Climate And Moisture
Where you live influences how slow or fast or whether rusting will occur on your grill. High humid environments promote fast corrosion.
If you leave some water drops on the grill after cleaning it, they can form rust formation due to the high humidity and moisture present.
These two are the main culprits of rust formation.
2 – Poor Storage
Rust can also occur if you don’t store your grill correctly. Most people keep their grill in the store room or backyard.
But these places are cool and often damp and usually promote rust formation.
Please remember moisture quickly collects in a dark and cozy room. If it ends up on your Weber grill, it can begin to rust.
The best place to store it is a room with proper ventilation and has no moisture/air dampening.
3 – High Heat
Did you know that high temperatures can also cause rusting?
Iron combines with oxygen in the atmosphere at high temperatures, which can cause the grills to rust since rust occurs when the iron is oxidized.
Extreme heat promotes fast iron oxidation leading to rust.
How To Keep Weber Grills From Rusting
Other than the three factors we’ve listed above, rusting can also occur depending on how frequently you use your grill.
But if you maintain your grill correctly, it can take you 10 to 15 years.
Here are some ways of preventing rust on your expensive Weber grill.
1 – Clean Your Grill After Using It
Cleaning your grill is mandatory to ensure it remains in the best condition. After using it, give it some time to cool off, then use a wire brush to remove food particles and other debris.
Then, wipe it off using a paper or cloth towel. If you have stubborn messes, you may need to use water.
But please do so sparingly and ensure that you dry the grill completely before storing it.
2 – Coat The Grill’s Surface With Oil
An effective method of preventing rust on your grill is coating its surface with a thick oil layer.
This creates a layer between the grill and oxygen in the surrounding. Therefore, it prevents rust formation.
When you cover your grill with oil, moisture will not reach its metal surface. So, rust won’t form since iron will not react with water and oxygen.
It is recommended that you oil your grill after cleaning it once you finish using it, especially if you plan to store it for a long time.
3 – Cover Your Grill When You Store It
Covering your grill keeps moisture from getting in the grill. Therefore, preventing rust formation.
You can cover with the lid only but for extra protection, add a sheet or cover if you can.
Do Weber Grills Need To Be Covered
Yes. Covering your grill is always advisable to increase its lifespan. The perks of covering the grill are more than those that come with leaving it uncovered.
Some say that covering your grill can lead to moisture accumulation which causes the grill to rust.
However, covering it protects from inclement weather and bad climate conditions.
When looking for a grill cover, ensure it is breathable to prevent moisture accumulation. If you stay where it rains or snows frequently, covering your grill is very important.
Besides that, a grill cover will protect the grill from dust, dirt, dew drops, etc., which can make their way into your food.
How To Remove Rust From The Weber Kettle
Removing rust from your Weber Kettle grill can be challenging. But it doesn’t have to be. Two important things that you need are heat and a grill brush.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Heat the grill to the highest heat for a while to loosen the rust
- Once it’s hot, turn the heat off
- Wear your heat-proof gloves and start scrapping the loosened rust using a wire brush
- If the rust is still stubborn, you may have to repeat the above steps several times.
- Once you have removed the rust, wipe it off and oil the grill grates to prevent them from rusting in the future.
- Then follow the rust prevention tips mentioned above to keep your grill from rusting.
Do Weber Grill Grates Rust
Yes. After years of use, your Weber grill grates may start rusting. Thankfully, cleaning rust off them is easy with the right tools.
Rust on your grates will look like tiny spots and specks on the bottom and top. The spots can be orange, rusty brown, yellow, brownish yellow, red, or purple.
If you notice rust forming on the grates, you can remove it in several ways.
You can also use an oven cleaner and a rust remover to clean rust off your grates. For instance, you can first wash it with warm soapy water to remove food and debris on them.
Then, use a grill brush to scrape off stubborn stains on the grate.
After, mix vinegar with baking soda and soak the grates inside for an hour or overnight. Then, remove and dry them appropriately.
Do Weber Cast Iron Grates Rust
Yes. Weber cast iron grates rust, especially if not adequately treated. Remember that such grates are excellent heat conductors and distribute heat evenly for cooking.
However, the material mostly doesn’t have a smooth surface and is prone to rust formation. To keep them from rusting, ensure you take proper care of your grates.
Clean and wash them thoroughly after use and season them using vegetable oils.
How To Remove Rust From Weber Grill Grates
1 – Scrapping Surface With A Wire Brush
Although it is a simple method, it’s effective in rust removal. You only have to scrape off the rust using a wire brush.
Look for a sturdy and cylindrical wire brush to help you remove rust from the grill surface.
Scraping the grill with a brush before and after using keeps it in good condition. If you don’t want to use a wire brush, a no-wire removal brush kit for grills will also do.
2 – Invest In Grate Cleaners
The market has several brands offering grate cleaning products. You can use them to ensure that your grill gratings are always sparkling clean.
Spray the cleaner on the areas with dirt and stains and give it some minutes to weaken the particles.
Then, wipe it off using a sponge or a cloth. If rust is still present, try using kosher salt to remove the marks.
3 – Use A Rust Remover
A rust remover can quickly remove rust on the grates and the grill’s surface, leaving it shiny.
These cleaners are designed to remove stubborn rust stains, and the good thing is that they are not toxic.
Do Weber Gas Grills Rust
Yes. Weber gas grills rust. However, you can take the above steps to prevent rust from building up.
Inspecting your grill frequently for any signs of rust is also wise. If present, please take action to remove it immediately.
Helpful Tips To Know About Weber Grills Rusting
As we have seen, Weber grills, although high quality, are prone to rust. The good news is that some steps can help you prevent rust from forming and extend the lifespan of your grill. These include:
- Use vegetable cooking oil to season the grates before you add your food to prevent moisture from reacting with the metal.
- Clean your grill before and after cooking
- Store it in a well-ventilated room and inspect it regularly for signs of rust
Final Thoughts
Weber grills rust but not all Weber grills will rust. If you use the tips above, your grill will remain rust-free and last for years.
But if you notice rust forming, please clean it out as quickly as possible to prevent a bigger problem.