Commercial Electric Grill Not Working: Fix It Now

Commercial Electric Grill Not Working: Fix It Now

A commercial electric grill is a crucial piece of equipment in many kitchens, helping to prepare large quantities of food quickly. But when it stops working, it can lead to significant downtime. If your commercial electric grill isn't heating up or it’s malfunctioning, it’s important to diagnose and address the issue immediately to avoid costly repairs and service calls. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to troubleshoot and fix common problems and highlight how using the right commercial grill parts can help you restore your grill's performance quickly and reliably.

Common Causes and Fixes for Faulty Commercial Electric Grills 

Electric grills are made up of several components that can malfunction over time. The most common issues include power supply problems, faulty heating elements, broken thermostats, or damaged internal wiring. Knowing how to identify these issues and fix them can save you both time and money. Let's explore these issues in more detail and the steps you can take to resolve them.

Power Supply Issues:

If your commercial electric grill refuses to power up, the problem may lie with the power supply. This issue is often the first step in troubleshooting any malfunctioning appliance.

How to Fix:

• Check the outlet: Ensure the grill is plugged into a working outlet. Test the outlet by plugging in another device. If the device works, the outlet is functional.

• Inspect the power cord: A frayed or damaged power cord can prevent the grill from turning on. Look for any visible signs of wear. If the cord is damaged, you will need to replace it with a compatible one.

• Examine the circuit breaker: If the outlet and power cord seem fine, check the circuit breaker. It could have tripped due to a power surge. Reset the breaker by switching it off and on again.

• Replace the fuse: Some grills are equipped with a fuse that can blow if there’s a power surge. If your grill has a fuse, check and replace it if necessary.

Heating Element Issues:

The heating element is the core component of any electric grill. If your grill powers up but doesn’t heat, it’s likely the heating element is malfunctioning.

How to Fix:

• Inspect the heating element: Turn off the grill and allow it to cool. Look for any visible signs of wear, such as discoloration, cracks, or burns. A damaged heating element will need to be replaced.

• Test the heating element with a multimeter: Using a multimeter, check for continuity. Set the multimeter to the lowest resistance setting and touch the probes to the heating element’s terminals. If the multimeter shows no continuity, it confirms the heating element is faulty and must be replaced.

• Replace the heating element: Disconnect the grill from the power source, remove the faulty element, and install a new one that’s compatible with your grill model. Make sure to source your replacement from a reputable commercial grill parts supplier.

Thermostat Issues:

If your grill is either too hot or too cold and doesn't regulate temperature properly, the thermostat is likely the culprit. The thermostat controls the heat settings, and a malfunction can cause temperature inconsistencies.

How to Fix:

• Inspect the thermostat: Turn off the grill and check the thermostat for any visible damage such as burnt or scorched components. If you notice any issues, the thermostat is likely malfunctioning.

• Test the thermostat: Use a multimeter to test the thermostat for continuity. Set the multimeter to the lowest resistance setting and touch the probes to the thermostat terminals. If the multimeter shows no continuity, you need to replace the thermostat.

• Replace the thermostat: To replace a faulty thermostat, disconnect the grill from the power, remove the control panel, and replace the faulty thermostat with a new one that matches the model of your grill.

Controller Board Problems: 

The controller board is the brain of the grill. It manages the power distribution to the heating elements and controls the temperature. If the controller board fails, the grill may not respond to commands or could overheat.

How to Fix:

• Inspect the controller board: Turn off the power and remove the grill’s control panel. Look for any visible signs of damage, such as burnt components, damaged wiring, or broken connections. If you see physical damage, it’s likely the controller board is at fault.

• Test the controller board: If there’s no visible damage, use a multimeter to check the controller board for electrical continuity. A faulty board will need to be replaced.

• Replace the controller board: Disconnect the grill from the power supply, remove the control panel, and replace the damaged controller board with a new one. Always ensure the replacement is compatible with your specific grill model.

Wiring and Connection Problems:

Loose or damaged internal wiring can cause intermittent issues where the grill doesn't heat or operate as expected. This can occur over time due to wear and tear or damage during cleaning.

How to Fix:

• Turn off the grill and inspect the wiring: Unplug the grill and inspect the internal wiring for loose or damaged connections. Pay close attention to connections near the heating elements, control board, and power supply.

• Tighten loose connections: If any wires are loose, tighten them using appropriate connectors. Ensure that all terminals are secured and not corroded or broken.

• Replace damaged wires: If you notice damaged wires, they should be replaced immediately. Make sure to use high-quality wiring that meets the manufacturer’s specifications.

Overheating: 

If your grill overheats and trips the circuit breaker, it could be due to prolonged use, insufficient ventilation, or malfunctioning components like the thermostat.

How to Fix:

• Ensure proper ventilation: Make sure there’s adequate space around the grill to allow proper airflow. A blocked ventilation system can cause the grill to overheat.

• Clean the grill: Dirt and grease buildup can cause overheating. Clean the grill regularly to ensure proper heat dissipation and avoid grease fires.

• Inspect components: Overheating can also be caused by faulty thermostats or heating elements. Follow the troubleshooting steps for these components to identify and fix any issues.

Burnt Out or Faulty Relays:

A faulty relay can prevent the heating elements from receiving the correct signals to turn on, even when the grill is receiving power. If your grill powers on but doesn’t heat or heats intermittently, the relay might be the issue.

How to Fix:

• Inspect the relays: Turn off the grill, unplug it, and remove the grill’s control panel. Look for any visible signs of damage or wear to the relays. They could be burnt, charred, or broken.

• Test the relays: Use a multimeter to check the relays for continuity. If the relay shows no continuity, it’s faulty and needs replacing.

• Replace the relay: Disconnect all power sources before replacing the relay. Ensure you install a compatible replacement relay that matches your grill model. Commercial grill parts suppliers can help you find the right relay for your grill.

Overloaded Grill Circuit:

If the grill's circuit is overloaded, it may automatically shut off to prevent damage to the internal components. This issue often occurs if the grill is trying to draw too much power at once, especially if there are multiple appliances sharing the same circuit.

How to Fix:

• Check for overloaded circuits: If the grill is sharing an electrical circuit with other high-power appliances, it might be drawing too much current. To fix this, plug the grill into a separate outlet or circuit.

• Inspect the grill’s internal wiring: Make sure the wiring inside the grill is in good condition and that there are no exposed or damaged wires that could be causing electrical overloads.

• Reduce the load on the circuit: Avoid using multiple heavy-duty appliances on the same circuit. If necessary, have an electrician install a dedicated circuit for your grill to prevent future overloads.

Excessive Grease Build-Up:Excess grease can not only cause unpleasant odors but also block airways or clog vital components like the heating elements, which can result in your grill not heating up properly.

How to Fix:

• Clean the grill regularly: After each use, clean the grill, focusing on the drip trays, grease collection areas, and heating elements. Grease should be wiped off thoroughly to prevent buildup.

• Clear any blockages: If grease has accumulated in vents or other crucial areas, clear the blockages to allow proper airflow and prevent overheating.

• Use grease traps: Ensure that the grill has an adequate grease trap and regularly clean it out to keep grease from accumulating inside the grill.

Faulty On/Off Switch:

The on/off switch is responsible for controlling the power flow to the grill. A faulty switch can prevent the grill from turning on or cause it to turn off unexpectedly during use.

How to Fix:

• Inspect the on/off switch: Turn off the grill and remove the control panel. Check the switch for any visible damage, such as broken components or corrosion.

• Test the switch: Use a multimeter to test the switch for continuity. If the switch doesn’t show continuity, it’s broken and needs to be replaced.

• Replace the on/off switch: Disconnect the power to the grill and replace the faulty switch with a new one that is compatible with your model.

A commercial electric grill that isn’t working can disrupt kitchen operations, but many common issues are easy to fix with the right troubleshooting approach. From power supply problems to faulty heating elements, thermostats, and wiring, understanding the root cause of the issue can help you resolve it quickly and effectively. Always use high-quality commercial grill parts when replacing components to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Regular maintenance and periodic inspections can also help prevent future problems and keep your grill running smoothly.

Written by Allen Rode for PartsFe, your trusted source for a variety of high-quality commercial grill parts, including thermostats and heating elements.