Finding the right arkla grill parts can feel like a bit of a scavenger hunt these days, mostly because these grills were built to last a lifetime while the companies that made them have changed quite a bit over the years. If you've got an old Arkla sitting on your patio, you probably already know it's a tank. They don't really make them like that anymore—heavy castings, solid frames, and a simple design that just works. But even the toughest machines need a little TLC after a decade or two of exposure to the elements and high-heat grease fires.
Instead of dragging that heavy beast to the curb and replacing it with a flimsy, modern alternative, a few replacement pieces can usually get it back to its former glory. Let's dive into what usually needs replacing and how to make sure you're getting the right stuff for your setup.
The Heart of the Machine: The Burner
If your grill is heating unevenly or you're seeing big, flickering orange flames instead of a nice steady blue, your burner is likely the culprit. Most of the older Arkla models used what we call an "H-style" burner. It looks exactly like it sounds—a big metal H that distributes gas across the bottom of the cookbox.
Over time, moisture and salt from your food sit on that metal, causing it to rust. Eventually, those tiny little holes where the gas comes out turn into one giant jagged gap. When you start searching for arkla grill parts to fix this, you'll usually have a choice between stainless steel and cast iron.
Cast iron holds heat beautifully, but it can be prone to rusting if you don't use it often. Stainless steel is usually the "set it and forget it" choice for most people because it handles the humidity a bit better. Just make sure you measure your old burner before ordering. Even though many Arkla grills look similar, the dimensions of the venturi tubes (those pipes that connect the burner to the gas valves) can vary by an inch or two, and that makes all the difference during installation.
Cooking Grates and Heat Plates
There is nothing quite like the sear you get from a seasoned set of grates. If yours are starting to flake or look a bit too "crusty" to be saved by a wire brush, it's time for an upgrade. When looking at arkla grill parts for the cooking surface, you'll mostly see porcelain-coated steel, cast iron, or stainless steel.
Porcelain is great because it's non-stick right out of the box, but once that coating chips, the steel underneath will rust out pretty fast. A lot of purists prefer cast iron because it holds a massive amount of thermal mass, meaning your steak gets those perfect grill marks the second it hits the metal.
Don't forget the rock grate or briquette tray either. Older Arkla grills were famous for using lava rocks or ceramic briquettes to distribute heat. The metal tray that holds those rocks is often the first thing to crumble because it sits right in the "kill zone" between the burner and the food. If your tray is sagging or falling apart, your heat distribution will be a mess. Replacing that tray is a cheap way to make the grill cook like it's brand new again.
Dealing with Igniters and Knobs
We've all been there—clicking the igniter button over and over again while the smell of gas gets stronger, eventually giving up and reaching for a long-reach lighter. It's annoying, but it's a common reality with older grills. The good news is that igniter kits are some of the easiest arkla grill parts to swap out.
Usually, it's just a single wire and a spark electrode. Sometimes the button itself has just given up the ghost due to internal corrosion. If you're going through the trouble of refreshing your grill, spend the few extra bucks on a new ignition set. It makes the whole experience of grilling much less stressful when you know it'll fire up on the first click.
Knobs are another thing that tend to crack or get stripped over the years. While they don't affect how the food tastes, having a knob that actually stays on the valve stem makes a world of difference for safety and control. You can often find universal fit knobs if the specific Arkla ones are out of stock, but try to find ones with the correct "D-shape" fitting so they don't slip when you're trying to turn the gas off.
Why Fixing an Arkla is Worth the Effort
You might be wondering if it's even worth the hassle of tracking down arkla grill parts for a grill that might be older than your car. The short answer? Absolutely.
Modern "budget" grills are often made of very thin stamped steel. They look shiny on the showroom floor, but they lose heat the second you open the lid, and they tend to rust through in just three or four seasons. An old Arkla, with its thick aluminum or heavy steel casting, holds heat like an oven. This means better temperature control and much better fuel efficiency.
Plus, there's something satisfying about keeping a quality tool in service. It's better for your wallet and better for the planet than adding more scrap metal to the landfill. Most of these repairs only require a screwdriver and maybe a pair of pliers. It's a Saturday morning project that pays off the first time you drop some burgers on the grates.
Safety First: Regulators and Hoses
If your grill has been sitting unused for a few seasons, you need to check the rubber hose and the regulator. Rubber dries out and cracks over time, which is a major safety hazard. When you're browsing for arkla grill parts, don't overlook the gas line.
A simple way to check for leaks is the "soapy water test." Mix a little dish soap and water, spray it on the hose and the connections, and turn the gas on (without lighting the grill). If you see bubbles forming, you've got a leak. Replacing the regulator and hose is a quick fix and ensures that your next cookout doesn't end with an unexpected visit from the fire department.
Identifying Your Model
The trickiest part of buying arkla grill parts is making sure they actually fit. Since Arkla produced a lot of different series over several decades, you can't always go by looks alone. If you're lucky, there's still a metal data plate somewhere on the back of the grill or inside the pedestal base.
If that tag is long gone, don't panic. You can usually identify what you need by measuring the physical parts you're replacing. For the burner, measure the total length and width, and then measure the distance between the venturi tubes. For the grates, measure the total depth and width of the cooking area. Most parts retailers have "fit lists" that correspond to these measurements, making it pretty easy to find a match even if you don't know your exact model number.
Keeping It Clean
Once you've got your new arkla grill parts installed, a little maintenance goes a long way. After a big cook, let the grill run on high for about ten minutes to burn off the excess grease. Once it cools down, a quick scrape of the grates will keep them in good shape.
If you have a cast iron burner or grates, a light coating of cooking oil can help prevent rust during the off-season. It's also a great idea to buy a decent grill cover. It doesn't have to be fancy, but keeping the rain and snow off those new parts will double their lifespan.
At the end of the day, these grills were built to be workhorses. With a fresh burner, some sturdy grates, and a new igniter, your Arkla will be ready to handle another decade of backyard BBQs, birthday parties, and weeknight dinners. It's a classic for a reason, and it's well worth the small investment to keep it firing.