This notice covers dcs grill pre-season safety inspection guide. Read the full advisory below for affected models, safety actions, and next steps.
DCS outdoor grill pre-season safety inspection is an essential annual step for Series 9 Evolution and Series 7 grill owners before the first cook of the season, ensuring that winter storage, moisture, and insects have not compromised any critical components.
DCS Series 9 Evolution grills (36″ and 48″) and Series 7 grills (30″) are built from heavy-gauge 304 stainless steel and are designed for year-round outdoor use. Despite this durability, extended periods of low-use or storage create opportunities for spider webs to block burner tubes, moisture to oxidize igniter electrodes, and grease to harden in the catch tray — all of which can cause unsafe operation when the grill is fired up for the first time in spring.
Why This Matters
Spiders — particularly yellow sac spiders — are attracted to the residual gas scent in burner tubes and frequently build webs inside them during periods of inactivity. A blocked burner tube forces gas to backflow toward the control valves, creating a fire or explosion risk. A thorough pre-season inspection takes less than an hour and can prevent a dangerous incident.
Inspection Checklist
- Inspect burner tubes for spider webs, debris, or insect nests using a flashlight
- Check all gas supply hoses and connections for cracks, brittleness, or physical damage
- Verify the grease tray and grease cup are empty and not corroded through
- Test each igniter — the electrode tip should be clean and positioned close to the burner
- Inspect cooking grates for excessive rust, cracking, or warping
- Confirm the grill lid opens and closes smoothly and the hinge is not seized
- Check the LP regulator for cracks if propane-connected
Recommended Action Steps
- Disconnect the gas supply before beginning any inspection or cleaning.
- Remove burner tubes (if your model allows it) and clear them with a flexible bottle brush — work from the open end toward the burner ports, not the reverse.
- Clean cooking grates with a stiff wire grill brush, then inspect each rod for breakage before use.
- Empty, wash, and dry the grease tray and cup; replace the grease cup if it has rusted through.
- Reconnect gas and perform a soap-solution leak test at all fittings before igniting.
- Fire the grill on high heat for 15 minutes with the lid closed before placing food on it — this burns off any residual moisture or debris.
- Document the inspection date and any components replaced.
When to Call a Technician
If burner tubes are corroded through, the regulator appears damaged, or any gas connection fails the soap test, do not use the grill until repairs are completed. Contact DCS Customer Support to locate a certified outdoor cooking specialist in your area.