DCS Grill Repair & Cleaning

DCS (Dynamic Cooking Systems) has been owned by Fisher & Paykel for about two decades, but the grills still carry the same core idea. Instead of a flat heat plate or a tray of briquettes, a DCS spreads heat with ceramic radiant rods that sit in a channel above each burner. The rods soak up heat, radiate it evenly, and vaporize drippings. They're a big part of why a DCS cooks the way it does.

DCS grills are also known for heavy, charbroiler-style grates, an integrated rotisserie with a rear infrared burner, a smoker tray on many models, and, on the Series 9, a hood assist that makes the big lid easy to lift. Many built-ins use electronic ignition and lighting that run off household power, so the island needs a live outlet.

• Broken or crumbling rods. The ceramic rods take a beating from heat cycles and dropped grates. Broken pieces fall into the burner area and block heat. Replacement rods are available.
• Ignition that stops sparking. When none of the burners spark, we look at power first (GFCI, cord, transformer or module), then the spark module, then the individual electrodes and wires. See electronic ignition module.
• Grease buildup in the rod channels. Rods coated in old grease are a common cause of flare-ups on a DCS. More on that at flare-ups and grease fires.
• Tired burners. Older DCS burners eventually corrode at the ports. Uneven flame is the giveaway.
• Rotisserie and infrared burner issues. Motors that don't turn and rear burners that won't light.

We take out the grates and lift every rod, inspecting them as they come out. Good rods get burned off and brushed. Cracked ones get set aside so you can decide whether to replace them. Burners come out, ports get cleared, and the rod channels and firebox are scraped and degreased with a biodegradable, food-safe cleaner. The drip tray and grease path get emptied and cleaned. We test ignition and flame on every burner before we call it done. The full process is on our cleaning page.

DCS parts are generally easy to get for current and recent models, and many parts for older grills are still around. Rods, grates, igniters, burners and knobs are the common orders. When you contact us, the model and serial number help. On many DCS built-ins, the rating label can be found by removing the drip tray and looking inside the opening, but placement varies by series. Our model number guide has more tips.