What is the average lifespan of a gas grill?
A Kenmore LP gas grill like model 41516117 typically lasts 5 to 15 years with normal residential use. Lifespan depends most on how often you grill, how well you control grease and corrosion, and whether you replace wear items like burners and igniters as needed (see the 41516117 owner's manual).
- 5 to 8 years: frequent use with basic cleaning and no cover
- 8 to 12 years: regular cleaning, covered storage, occasional part replacement
- 12 to 15 years: consistent maintenance, protected from weather, timely burner/ignition repairs
- 15+ years: possible with excellent care and periodic rebuilds (burners, firebox components, hardware)
| Grill condition | What it usually means | Expected lifespan impact |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy rust on firebox or frame | Structural metal is failing | Shortens lifespan the most |
| Burners have hot spots or weak flame | Burner ports are clogged or burner is worn | Fixable; often restores performance |
| Ignition clicks but won’t light | Igniter or wiring issue | Fixable; common repair |
| Grease buildup and flare-ups | Poor grease management | Accelerates corrosion and damage |
- Exposure to weather: rain and humidity speed up rust and burner deterioration
- Grease management: keeping the grease path clear reduces flare-ups and corrosion
- Burner condition: clogged or rusted burners cause uneven heat and can be hard to light
- Safe clearances and ventilation: using the grill in open air and away from combustibles helps prevent overheating and damage
- Storage habits: covering the grill and keeping the LP tank positioned correctly helps prevent avoidable wear
If the grill body is still solid, replacing a few common wear parts often brings it back to reliable cooking:
- Igniter 80008196 (no spark or inconsistent lighting)
- Gas grill firebox 80009022 (if the firebox is damaged or heavily corroded)
A grill that is hard to light, has uneven flames, or has recurring flare-ups usually needs cleaning and one or two key parts. Addressing those early helps you avoid bigger failures and keeps the grill operating safely (including proper ventilation and clearances described in the manual).
Last updated: January 2026
Is it worth fixing a gas grill?
Yes, it’s usually worth fixing a Kenmore 41516117 LP gas grill when the cart/frame is solid and the repair is limited to normal wear parts (burners, igniter, grease handling). If the firebox is rusted through or the grill cannot pass a safe leak test, replacement is the better value. See the 41516117 owner's manual for safety checks and operating guidance.
- Fix it if the grill lights reliably, the frame is stable, and you’re replacing common parts like a burner, igniter, or cooking grate.
- Replace it if the firebox has holes, the base is badly warped, or you cannot stop a gas leak.
- Fix it if parts are available and the total repair cost is clearly less than a comparable new grill.
- Replace it if multiple major components are failing at once (burners plus firebox plus valves/regulator).
- Replace it immediately if you smell gas and bubbles keep forming during a leak test.
| Grill condition | Typical repair scope | Usually worth fixing? |
|---|---|---|
| Solid firebox, normal rust, uneven heat | Burner/ignition/cleaning | Yes |
| Poor ignition, but burners look OK | Igniter and wiring checks | Yes |
| Heavy corrosion inside cookbox | Burners plus carryover tube | Maybe |
| Firebox rusted through or unsafe leak | Major structural or gas system issue | No |
The manual emphasizes safe LP operation: use the grill only with LP gas and the supplied regulator/valve assembly, keep clearances (at least 3 ft from walls), and never use the grill in enclosed spaces. If you detect a leak during a bubble test and cannot stop it, shut off the LP tank and do not use the grill. Review the leak-test and safe-use steps in the 41516117 owner's manual.
If your grill is structurally sound, these are typical “high impact” fixes:
- Replace a rusted or clogged burner (heat and flame quality)
- Replace a weak ignition system such as the igniter 80008196
- Replace a damaged cook surface (cooking performance)
- Restore grease handling to reduce flare-ups
A grill that heats unevenly can often be restored with burner and ignition repairs, but a grill that fails a leak test or has a compromised firebox is a safety risk and not a good repair investment.
Last updated: January 2026
Are Kenmore grills good quality?
Kenmore grills are typically good quality for residential outdoor cooking: they’re designed to heat up fast, cook evenly, and hold up for years with routine cleaning and basic maintenance. For the Kenmore 41516117 LP gas grill, following the safety, use, and care guidance in the 41516117 owner's manual helps you get the best performance and lifespan.
Quality shows up in day-to-day performance and how well the grill holds up to heat, grease, and weather.
- Consistent burner ignition and steady flame across burners
- Even heat across the cooking grate (fewer hot and cold spots)
- Solid firebox condition (no severe rust-through or warping)
- Manageable grease handling (less flare-up risk when kept clean)
- Parts support for common wear items (burners, igniter, grease cup)
Most “quality” complaints on gas grills come down to normal wear parts or maintenance.
| Symptom | Most common cause | Practical fix |
|---|---|---|
| Hard to light | Weak igniter, dirty burner ports | Clean ports; replace igniter if needed |
| Uneven heat | Clogged burner, misaligned carryover | Clean/realign; replace worn parts |
| Flare-ups | Grease buildup | Clean firebox and grease path; replace grease cup |
| Low heat | Low LP tank, regulator issue, wind | Check tank level; reset regulator; shield from wind |
If ignition is unreliable, replacing the igniter 80008196 is a straightforward repair that often restores one-click starts.
A grill can cook great for years when the flame path stays clean and the ignition system is reliable. Keeping grease under control also reduces flare-ups and helps protect the firebox and burners from premature corrosion.
- Brush cooking grates after preheating, then lightly oil
- Empty and replace the grease cup before it overfills
- Clean burner ports periodically to prevent uneven flames
- Keep the LP tank secured and hoses away from hot surfaces
- Store covered and dry when not in use
Last updated: January 2026
What is the best gas grill for the money?
For the best value, we recommend choosing a grill that matches how you cook most often (weeknight grilling vs. entertaining) and prioritizing even heat, reliable ignition, and easy cleanup. If you already own the Kenmore 41516117 LP gas grill, keeping it running safely with the right maintenance and parts often delivers the best “for the money” outcome. See the 41516117 owner's manual for safe-use basics and operating guidance.
A great value grill is one that lights consistently, heats evenly, and stays safe and stable over time.
- Reliable ignition: consistent lighting without repeated clicking
- Even heat across the cookbox: fewer hot spots and flare-ups
- Grease management: easier cleanup, fewer flare-ups
- Parts support: burners, grates, and ignition parts available when needed
- Safe clearances and outdoor-only use: critical for long-term, safe ownership
Use this to compare grills in the same price range.
| What to compare | What to look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Burner system | Steady flame, clean burner ports | Better heat control and fewer ignition issues |
| Cooking area | Enough space for your typical cook | Prevents overcrowding and uneven cooking |
| Grease handling | Accessible grease cup/tray | Faster cleanup and fewer flare-ups |
| Ignition | Push-button or electronic that lights quickly | Less frustration, safer starts |
| Replacement parts | Common wear parts available | Extends grill life and lowers total cost |
Many “bad grill” complaints come from normal wear items. On the 41516117, these are common value-saving fixes:
- Replace a worn burner to restore heat and flame stability
- Keep the firebox and burner area clear of grease and debris
- Confirm the LP tank is positioned correctly and valves are operated properly
- Perform a leak test after any LP connection change
Helpful parts for this model include the igniter 80008196 and the gas grill firebox 80009022 when ignition or structural issues are the root cause.
A grill that lights safely, runs in a well-ventilated outdoor space, and maintains proper clearances (for example, 3 ft. from walls and 10 ft. from ignition sources) protects your investment and helps you avoid flare-ups and uneven cooking results.
Last updated: January 2026





