Finding the right jenn-air grill replacement parts model 720 doesn't have to be a massive headache, even if your backyard cooker has seen better days. We've all been there—the sun is out, the steaks are seasoned, and you go to click the igniter only to realize your burners are looking more like Swiss cheese than actual cooking equipment. These grills were built with some serious muscle, but after a few seasons of heavy use and weather exposure, parts are going to wear out. That's just the reality of outdoor cooking.
The good news is that the Jenn-Air 720 series was incredibly popular, which means there's a huge market for replacement components. Whether you're dealing with a 720-0336, a 720-0709, or any other variation in that lineup, you can usually swap out the guts of the grill and get it running like it's brand new for a fraction of the cost of a new unit.
Why Burners Are Usually the First to Go
If you're looking for jenn-air grill replacement parts model 720, you're almost certainly looking for burners. It's the heart of the machine, but it's also the part that takes the most abuse. Think about it: they're constantly subjected to extreme heat, dripping grease, salty marinades, and then they sit out in the humidity. Over time, the metal starts to oxidize and flake away.
When your burners start to fail, you'll notice "hot spots" or areas where the flame is flickering yellow instead of a nice, crisp blue. Worse yet, you might see the flame coming out of the sides of the burner tube instead of the little holes on top. That's a clear sign that the metal has rusted through. Swapping these out is usually a breeze. Most of the 720 series models use stainless steel tube burners or cast iron ones. If you have the choice, stainless steel is often the way to go for longevity, provided it's a high-grade material.
Dealing With Crumbling Heat Plates
The next thing on the list for most folks is the heat plates, also known as flame tamers or heat tents. These sit right above the burners and their job is basically to take a beating so the burners don't have to. They catch the drippings, turn them into flavor-enhancing smoke, and distribute the heat evenly across the cooking surface.
Because they're right in the line of fire (literally), they tend to rust out faster than almost anything else. If yours are starting to look like thin wafers or have holes burnt through them, it's time to shop for some jenn-air grill replacement parts model 720. When these plates fail, you'll get massive flare-ups that can ruin a good rack of ribs in seconds. Replacing them is probably the easiest DIY fix you can do; they usually just drop right into place without needing a single tool.
Choosing the Right Cooking Grids
Let's talk about the actual surface where the magic happens: the cooking grids. Jenn-Air 720 models often came with heavy-duty grates, but even those can get nasty over time. You might find that the porcelain coating is chipping off, or the stainless steel is getting so pitted that food sticks no matter how much oil you use.
When you're looking for jenn-air grill replacement parts model 720, you'll often have to choose between stainless steel and matte-finish cast iron. It's a bit of a toss-up. Stainless steel is easier to clean and won't rust as easily, but cast iron holds heat like nothing else and gives you those gorgeous sear marks. If you're the type who forgets to cover the grill, stick with stainless. If you're a grill purist who doesn't mind a little extra maintenance (like seasoning the grates), cast iron is a solid bet.
The Mystery of the Clicking Igniter
We've all had that moment of frustration where you turn the knob, click the button, and nothing. You hear the click, but there's no spark. Sometimes it's just a dead battery (always check that first!), but often the collector box or the electrode has simply corroded away.
The ignition system is a common item when searching for jenn-air grill replacement parts model 720. These systems involve a lot of small wires and ceramic tips that can crack. It's an annoying fix because you usually have to crawl under the control panel, but it beats using a long-reach lighter every time you want to cook a burger. Plus, there's something deeply satisfying about a grill that fires up on the first click.
Making Sure You Have the Right Model Number
Here's where things get a little tricky. The "720" in your model number is actually just the beginning. Jenn-Air grills were manufactured by several different companies over the years (like Nexgrill), and they produced dozens of models starting with those three digits.
Before you click "buy" on any jenn-air grill replacement parts model 720, you absolutely have to find the full model number. It's usually on a silver sticker or a metal plate located on the back of the grill or inside the cabinet doors. It'll look something like "720-0709" or "720-0193". Getting those last four digits right is the difference between a part that fits perfectly and a part that's an inch too long and leaves you frustrated on a Saturday afternoon.
Why Quality Materials Matter
When you start looking at prices, you'll see a huge range. You can find dirt-cheap kits on some sites, but be careful. If the "stainless steel" is actually a low-grade magnetic steel, it's going to rust out in a single season. If you're going to the trouble of stripping your grill down and replacing the internals, it's worth spending a few extra bucks on high-quality 304-grade stainless steel. It'll save you from having to do the exact same job next year.
Tips for a Smooth Installation
Once your jenn-air grill replacement parts model 720 arrive, take a deep breath. It's usually a pretty straightforward job. My best advice? Take a "before" picture with your phone. You think you'll remember exactly how those cotter pins and carryover tubes went together, but once you get all the old, greasy parts out, everything starts looking the same.
Also, have some degreaser and a wire brush handy. Since you've already got the grill apart, this is the perfect time to scrape out the bottom of the firebox. Removing that old, caked-on grease not only makes the grill safer (fewer grease fires!) but it also helps your new parts last longer because they aren't sitting in a bed of acidic, salty gunk.
Keeping the New Parts Alive
After you've successfully installed your new jenn-air grill replacement parts model 720, you probably want them to last longer than the originals. The secret isn't some high-tech chemical; it's just basic cleaning. After a cook, let the grill run on high for a few minutes to burn off the excess, then give the grates a quick brush.
If you live near the ocean or in a place with high humidity, consider wiping down the burners with a tiny bit of vegetable oil if you aren't going to use the grill for a while. And for the love of all things BBQ, get a decent cover. A good cover is the cheapest insurance policy you can buy for your grill.
Is It Worth Repairing?
Sometimes people ask if it's even worth putting money into an old Jenn-Air. Honestly, in most cases, the answer is a resounding yes. These older 720 series models often have better, thicker lids and sturdier frames than the "disposable" grills you find at the big-box stores today for $300. For maybe $100 to $150 in parts, you can have a high-performing machine that outcooks anything in its price range.
It's also just more sustainable. Instead of sending five hundred pounds of metal to the landfill, you're just swapping out the components that actually wear out. It's better for your wallet and better for the planet. Plus, there's a certain "dad-cred" that comes with being the person who can fix their own gear rather than just buying something new when the old one gets a little rusty.
So, go ahead and grab those jenn-air grill replacement parts model 720. Your next backyard cookout is waiting, and there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of hearing those burners roar back to life after a quick tune-up. Happy grilling!