Finding Your Grill's Model and Serial Number

Grill makers change parts between production runs without changing the name on the hood. Two grills that look identical can take different burners, valves or igniters depending on the year and whether they were built for propane or natural gas. Ordering by photo alone is how people end up with a burner that's half an inch short.

The rating plate also tells you the gas type the grill was set up for, which matters for safety, and the BTU ratings. Having it ready when you call for a repair lets the tech bring the right parts on the first visit. For warranty claims, most manufacturers won't do anything without the serial number.

• Model number. Often includes codes for size, configuration (built-in or cart), and fuel. A suffix like NG or LP, or a final letter, often indicates natural gas or propane.
• Serial number. Identifies the individual unit and often encodes the build date.
• Gas type and pressure. Natural gas and propane grills use different orifices and regulators. Never assume; the plate tells you.
• BTU input for each burner and total.
• Clearances to combustibles. Required distances from walls and wood, important when installing or replacing in an island.

It happens, especially on older grills. You still have options:

• Look for paperwork. Original manuals, receipts, warranty registration emails, or the builder's documentation for a new house.
• Check existing parts. Burners, valves and igniter modules sometimes have part numbers stamped or printed on them.
• Measure and photograph. Overall width, number of burners, burner length, grate dimensions, and photos of the control panel, knobs, firebox and burners narrow it down a lot.
• Ask someone who sees a lot of grills. A tech who works on premium brands can often identify the brand and approximate generation from the knobs, hood shape and burner style.

Our guides on finding parts for discontinued grills and OEM vs. universal parts cover what to do next.

If you're thinking about replacing a built-in, the model number helps identify the original cutout dimensions, but measuring the actual opening is what matters. Our guides on measuring a grill cutout and replacing a built-in in the same cutout walk through it.