Grillmaster is a name that carries significant weight in the world of backyard barbecue, but it is often misunderstood because it does not represent a single, static company. For most homeowners, a Grillmaster grill refers to a line of budget-friendly, reliable gas grills primarily manufactured by Nexgrill and sold through major retailers like Lowe’s. Over the years, the brand has expanded to include high-end custom smokers, portable camping units, and modern indoor electric cookers.

Whether you have discovered an old Grillmaster 720-0697 in your new home’s garage and want to restore it, or you are looking for a smokeless indoor solution for an apartment, understanding the specific lineage of your equipment is the first step toward a successful grilling experience.

Understanding the Identity of Grillmaster Grills

The most common iteration of the Grillmaster brand is the mass-market gas grill series produced by Nexgrill. These units were designed to offer a stainless steel aesthetic and multi-burner performance at a price point accessible to the average family. However, because "Grillmaster" is a generic term, it has been used by various manufacturers across different regions and product categories.

In the United States, if you own a heavy gas grill with a "Grillmaster" logo, it is almost certainly a Nexgrill product. In international markets like Singapore or the UK, the name is currently associated with high-tech indoor electric grills and ultra-lightweight portable units. This distinction is vital because a manual for a Nexgrill gas unit will be useless if you are trying to troubleshoot a Kith GrillMaster electric cooker.

How to Identify Your Specific Grillmaster Model

One of the biggest challenges for owners is that these grills were often sold as "special buys" at big-box stores, and the branding on the lid rarely tells the whole story. To find the correct parts or safety information, you must look beyond the logo.

Locating the CSA Certification Tag

The key to your grill’s identity is the silver CSA (Canadian Standards Association) certification tag. This is not just a safety sticker; it is the "birth certificate" of your machine. You can typically find this tag in one of three places:

  1. Behind the Front Control Panel: Sometimes you need to peek underneath the knobs.
  2. Inside the Cabinet Doors: On cart-style models, it is often riveted to the side panel inside the storage area.
  3. On the Back of the Grill: For basic 2-burner or 3-burner models, check the rear frame.

The most important piece of information on this tag is the model number. Common Grillmaster model numbers usually follow a format like 720-XXXX (e.g., 720-0697, 720-0737, or 720-0670). Once you have this number, the world of replacement parts becomes much easier to navigate.

Why Keeping an Older Grillmaster Is Worth the Effort

While modern high-end grills can cost thousands of dollars, a well-maintained Grillmaster provides excellent value. These grills were built with a philosophy of simplicity. Because they do not rely on complex computer boards or proprietary infrared technology (in most base models), they are remarkably easy to repair.

In our experience, the firebox and the frame of a Grillmaster often outlast the internal components. By spending a fraction of the cost of a new grill on high-quality 304 stainless steel burners and porcelain-coated grates, you can effectively have a brand-new cooking machine every few seasons.

Detailed Guide to Replacing Grillmaster Parts

If your grill is producing uneven flames, yellow fire, or has significant rust on the grates, it is time for a refresh. Here is how to handle the most common component replacements.

Main Burners and Carryover Tubes

The burners are the heart of the machine. Most Grillmaster units use "pipe burners" held in place by a single cotter pin at the back.

  • The Inspection: Remove the grates and heat tents. If you see large holes or "flaking" metal on the burners, they are compromised.
  • The Swap: Pull the cotter pin, lift the back of the burner, and slide it off the gas valve orifice. When installing the new burner, ensure the air shutter is properly seated over the valve nozzle. Failing to do this can lead to a dangerous fire behind the control panel.
  • Carryover Tubes: These are the smaller tubes that connect the burners. They allow the flame to travel from one burner to the next. If these are rusted out, your electronic igniter might only light one burner, forcing you to use a match for the others.

Heat Plates and Flame Tamers

Also known as heat tents, these triangular metal pieces sit directly above the burners. Their job is to protect the burners from drippings and to distribute heat.

  • Experience Tip: Original Grillmaster heat plates are often made of thin porcelain-coated steel. We recommend upgrading to stainless steel versions. They are easier to clean with a wire brush and won't chip over time, preventing the "flare-ups" that occur when grease hits rusted metal.

Cooking Grates

You generally have two choices for Grillmaster grills: Porcelain-coated cast iron or stainless steel.

  • Cast Iron: Provides superior heat retention and those sought-after "sear marks." However, they require seasoning with oil after every use to prevent rust.
  • Stainless Steel: Lower maintenance and easier to scrub clean, but they don't hold heat quite as well as the heavy iron versions.

Troubleshooting Common Gas Flow Issues

A frequent complaint with older Grillmaster units is a low flame even when the tank is full. This is rarely a problem with the grill itself and is usually a safety feature of the regulator known as "bypass mode."

How to Reset Your Grillmaster Regulator

If your grill isn't getting hot enough (stuck at 250°F-300°F), follow these steps:

  1. Turn all control knobs to OFF.
  2. Turn off the gas at the propane tank.
  3. Disconnect the regulator hose from the tank.
  4. Wait 60 seconds to allow the pressure to equalize.
  5. Reconnect the regulator to the tank.
  6. Slowly turn the tank valve on (only a quarter turn at first).
  7. Light the grill as usual.

This reset procedure solves nearly 80% of "low heat" issues reported by users.

The Evolution to Indoor Grilling with the GrillMaster Electric

As urban living becomes more common, the Grillmaster brand has adapted. The modern GrillMaster™ Indoor Electric Grill (specifically the MGM-IG-SB1 model) is a far cry from the gas-guzzling giants of the past. It is designed for those who want the flavor of a barbecue without the smoke or the need for a backyard.

Key Specifications of the 10-in-1 Electric Model

  • Power: 1750W dual heating elements.
  • Technology: 360° Cyclone Heat with a high-velocity turbine fan.
  • Functions: Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate, Steam, Slow Cook, Griddle, Smart Cook, and Manual.
  • Temperature Range: 25°C to 230°C (77°F to 446°F).

Performance in a Real Kitchen Environment

In a typical apartment setting, the 1750W power is sufficient to reach searing temperatures quickly. The "360° Cyclone" technology effectively turns the grill into a high-powered air fryer. In our testing, a frozen salmon fillet can go from the freezer to perfectly grilled in about 10 minutes, which is a game-changer for weeknight dinners.

The "Flip" notification is a particularly useful feature for beginners. The machine monitors the internal temperature and the elapsed time, beeping exactly when the meat needs to be turned to ensure even sear marks on both sides.

Maintenance and Care for Longevity

Whether you have a 6-burner gas beast or a compact electric unit, maintenance is the difference between a tool that lasts two years and one that lasts ten.

For Gas Models

  • Seasoning the Box: Twice a year, coat the inside of the lid and the firebox with a light layer of vegetable oil and run the grill on high for 15 minutes. This creates a carbonized protective layer that prevents the aluminum or steel from pitting.
  • Spider Guards: Spiders love the smell of propane. They often spin webs inside the venturi tubes (the part of the burner that connects to the valve). If your grill is popping or lighting at the front but not the back, use a long pipe cleaner to clear these tubes.

For Electric Models

  • Non-Stick Care: Most modern Grillmaster electric grates are ceramic-coated. Never use metal tongs or spatulas on these surfaces. A single scratch can compromise the non-stick integrity, making cleanup a nightmare.
  • Filter Cleaning: Because these units use fans to circulate air, grease can build up near the heating element. Ensure you wipe down the splatter guard after every use to prevent the unit from smoking during your next session.

Safety Guidelines for Outdoor and Indoor Use

Safety should always be the priority when dealing with high-heat appliances.

Outdoor Propane Safety

According to the original Grillmaster manuals (like the 720-0737), you must maintain a minimum clearance of 24 inches from all sides of the grill to combustible materials. Never use these grills under low-hanging eaves or on wooden decks without a protective grill mat.

Always perform a "Leak Test" at the start of the season. Mix a 50/50 solution of water and dish soap and spray it on the gas hose and regulator connections. If bubbles form when the gas is turned on (but the burners are off), you have a leak that must be addressed before cooking.

Indoor Electrical Safety

The GrillMaster electric units draw a significant amount of current (1750W). It is highly recommended to plug these directly into a wall outlet rather than using an extension cord. If an extension cord must be used, it needs to be a heavy-duty 14-gauge cord rated for the wattage to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards.

Comparing Grillmaster Variants

To help you decide which path to take—restoring an old unit or buying a new one—consider this comparison:

Feature Classic Nexgrill Gas Model Modern Kith Electric Model Portable Camping Model
Heat Source Liquid Propane / Natural Gas Electricity (1750W) Charcoal
Best For Large family gatherings Apartment balconies / Kitchens Tailgating / Camping
Flavor Profile Traditional BBQ smokiness Clean, consistent searing Authentic charcoal char
Maintenance High (parts replacement) Low (dishwasher safe parts) Moderate (ash removal)
Portability Low (heavy cart) High (countertop size) Extreme (foldable book-size)

Selecting the Right Accessories

Enhancing your Grillmaster experience often involves getting the right add-ons.

  1. Rotisserie Kits: Many 4-burner and 6-burner Grillmaster models come pre-drilled for a rotisserie motor. Adding a universal rotisserie kit allows you to do "spit-roasted" chicken that remains incredibly moist compared to standard grilling.
  2. Cast Iron Griddles: For gas models, replacing one side of the grates with a solid cast iron griddle plate allows you to cook smash burgers, eggs, and bacon, effectively turning your grill into a full outdoor kitchen.
  3. Digital Meat Thermometers: While many modern Grillmaster electric units have built-in probes, older gas models rely on a hood thermometer which is often inaccurate. A dual-probe digital thermometer will give you the exact internal temperature of the meat and the ambient temperature at the grate level.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What company owns Grillmaster?

The name is used by several companies. Most historically popular gas grills were manufactured by Nexgrill Industries. However, other companies like Kith (in Singapore) and various independent US-based manufacturers use the name for different types of grilling equipment.

Where can I find my Grillmaster grill manual?

Since many models are discontinued, physical manuals are hard to find. However, searching by your model number (found on the CSA tag) on sites like "ManualsLib" or the Nexgrill support site usually yields a PDF version.

Can I convert my Grillmaster from Propane to Natural Gas?

Some Grillmaster 6-burner models are "Dual Fuel" ready. Look at your control knobs; if they have a small "NG" icon or if the manual specifically mentions a conversion kit, it is possible. If not, converting a budget propane grill to natural gas is dangerous and not recommended.

How do I clean rusted Grillmaster grates?

For cast iron, use a wire brush to remove loose rust, then soak them in a mixture of vinegar and water for several hours. Scrub again, dry thoroughly, and immediately coat with oil and "bake" them in an oven at 400°F for an hour to re-season them.

Is the Grillmaster electric grill truly smokeless?

While it is marketed as "smokeless," all fat-rendering processes produce some vapor. The GrillMaster electric uses a drainage system and fan to minimize smoke, making it safe for indoor use, but it should still be used in a well-ventilated kitchen or near a range hood.

Conclusion

The Grillmaster brand represents a versatile spectrum of cooking tools, from the rugged, repairable gas grills of the early 2000s to the precision-engineered electric cookers of today. For those who own a classic Nexgrill-made unit, the key to longevity is identifying your model number and staying ahead of rust through consistent part replacement. For the modern home cook, the move toward multi-functional electric units offers a convenient, healthy way to enjoy grilled flavors year-round.

By understanding the hardware you have and following a disciplined maintenance routine, you can ensure that your "Grillmaster" title is well-deserved, producing restaurant-quality results in any environment. Whether you are replacing a 720-0697 burner or air-frying wings in an MGM-IG-SB1, the fundamentals of heat control and surface maintenance remain the cornerstone of a great meal.