Rusty Stainless Steel Grills on the Rise

It is a common misconception that stainless steel will never corrode. It is true that there are many fine examples of high quality stainless steel that haven’t rusted in decades. One example is the Chrysler Building in New York City. It was built in 1930 and was clad in stainless steel and yet remains in excellent condition. But not all stainless steel is created equal. When it comes to your backyard grill, often inferior grades of stainless steel, as well as parts that are not even stainless steel are used in manufacturing in an effort to cut costs. Of course, the lower the quality, the more frequent the occurrence of corrosion and rust.
Why the increase in lower quality products? Barbecuing at home has become an ever-increasing trend in the US, driving sales for stainless steel grills to higher levels each year. It is now estimated that 3 out of 4 American households own grills and use them on an average 5 times per month. According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA), “16.7 million grills and smokers were shipped in 2008.” With high consumer demand, today’s mass production of stainless steel products and the current downturn in the economy, quality is frequently compromised in favor of price.
Many consumers have purchased stainless steel grills with the assumption that they would never experience corrosion problems, only to find that to be untrue.
So what can be done to remove and prevent additional rust and corrosion from occurring? With the right products you can easily restore your grill with a simple 2 step process. For stainless steel parts CitriSurf 77 Plus is designed to remove existing rust and through a process called passivation is able to replenish the highest chrome oxide levels possible in order to prevent additional corrosion from occurring. It is a fast and safe method for effectively dealing with corroded stainless steel or rust stains on stainless steel.
Thereafter a proper cover and careful protection from the elements will help keep the rust from reoccurring. It’s best to invest in a heavy-duty grill cover with a thick cotton flannel lining and strong Velcro straps for fastening to cover your grill in between uses well after it’s cooled down.
Here’s to rust free grilling… bon appétit!