Jenn-Air Electric Grill

[OBXTucker]

You can normally find the heating elements (and even entire units) on fleabay pretty cheap. Given the recession, I found a builder that had a couple sitting around from work that never transpired. I actually got a whole new unit delivered for under $200.00. Wiring was a snap and I had the old unit old and new one installed in under an hour.

 

[JLR]

Checked out the grill yesterday. It is wired for 240V but the model says it can run on 110 or 220 or 208. Not sure how the choice is made. Also, checked the cow rods with a heat gun--they are between 800-900 degrees on high. Does this sound like the elements are getting hot enough? Also, no matter how long I leave it on high, the elements NEVER get red hot. Your continued help is appreciated.

 

[aquacraig@shaw.ca]

The grill part of the stove on Shellani does the same thing! I'm going to shoot it with an IR this morning and see what temp I get. I KNOW I am wired correctly and am suspect that the coil itself is hooped. Will advise.

 

[aquacraig@shaw.ca]

So here is the result. Grilling element(s) got to 675-725F. The coil elements on the cooktop are over 1000F and only show as HI on my IR. I think they should all run at about 1200F. Got everything so hot I couldn't monkey anymore today but will try wire brushing the contacts and reshoot. Will let you know.
Craig

 

[JLR]

Thank you. By the way, do you use any sort of lava rocks or anything else to absorb and retain the heat from the elements?

 

[aquacraig@shaw.ca]

I don't have anything under the elements right now but realize that I should. The old cast iron lava things had gotten so rotten that they got tossed. There are lots on ebay available though.
Craig

 

[JLR]

Craig - do you think that could make a difference in the way the grill works for me. Perhaps that might negate the ill affect of wind passing over the heating coils. I still have the cast iron grates (Jenn-Air calls them rocks) but nothing between the heating coils and those cast iron grates. Also, do you know what model you have? Mine is a model go 106B and I may simply be looking for a drop in replacement if this problem is too cumbersome to diagnose- although I will likely swing for new coils first. Finally, the blower has been bypassed. Some literature I recall indicates that by doing so, you may lose one heating leg. I have no idea. Do you?

 

[JLR]

I just ordered replacement heating coils. Jenn-Air was quite useless but I did confirm that the coils should glow red hot on high and mine do not. Hopefully, this is the fix. Time will tell.

 

[MikeP]

We had a Jenn-air in our house in AK back in the 80's. We liked it generally but it was never any good at grilling - it just never got hot enough due, I think, to the way the exhaust fan worked.

 

[JLR]

Mike - the exhaust blower on mine has been bypassed so it is not used at all. Hopefully the new coils will help. If not, I will be back here asking how to fill up that hole on the FB with a grill that works well.

 

[JLR]

I should have added above that I did replace the heating elements last summer. It made a world of difference! Before going to that expense though, make sure you're getting the proper voltage to the unit.

Also, my closure is also fiberglass but has a stainless insert which works well.
This isn't a great picture, but you can see what I mean.

Jeff- can you give me any more info on your stainless grill cover. I replaced the element yesterday but it was blowing 40 so I could not really test the results. No doubt, air flow over the element makes a difference and I would like to add a cover to use while grilling. Thanks. John

 

[OBXTucker]

I'm headed. Down to the boat now. I will try to take some pictures.

 

[JLR]

Thanks so much.

 

[OBXTucker]

John,
Here are a few pictures of the grill:

Size is 3' x 5'

Box appears to be made of starboard (or similar), full stainless hinge and stainless insert under top

There's about 4" height difference from the grill to the stainless top, when closed.

As you can see, there's some tarnish on the inside lid, but it dissipate the heat enough that the outside doesn't get hot.

I top is VERY heavy (probably 25 pounds) and needs a new lift/assist strut, hence the 2x4! Sometimes simpler is better! Let me know if I can help further.
Jeff

 

[JLR]

Jeff - thanks so much. I am going to see if I can cut and paste the pictures and email them to my mechanic. If not, I may need you to email them to me if you do not mind.

 

[OBXTucker]

Not a problem. I'm travelling this week, but they're on my phone.
email is kismetlrc @ gmail dot com.

 

[JLR]

Jeff - I was able to do it by cut and paste. Thanks again for all for your help. Much appreciated.