How to fix uneven heating on a Whirlpool gas grill


Steven E / Wednesday April 23, 2025


Uneven heating on a Whirlpool gas grill can cause food to cook inconsistently, with some pieces burning while others remain underdone. We’re here with tips to help you figure out the root cause like a Pro. With some troubleshooting and basic maintenance, you’ll be able to get your grill heating evenly again. 

If you need any replacement parts for your appliance, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

Troubleshooting steps

1. Clean the burners and grates

  • Remove debris from the burners are clean and free of debris or blockages. Food particles, grease, or spider webs can clog the burner holes, causing uneven heating.
  • Use a brush to clean the burner tubes. Make sure the burner ports (holes) are free from blockages. A toothpick or a small wire can help clear any clogged holes.
  • Clean the cooking grates to remove any buildup of grease or debris. This can affect the distribution of heat.

2. Check the gas supply

  • Inspect the propane tank or gas line. Make sure there are no kinks, leaks, or blockages in the gas line. A low or uneven gas supply can cause uneven heating.
  • Make sure the gas regulator is working correctly. Sometimes, the regulator may not allow the right amount of gas to flow to the burners, causing uneven heating.

3. Level the grill

  • Make sure your grill is on a level surface. An uneven surface can cause uneven heat distribution. Check to see if your grill is level, and adjust the legs if necessary.

4. Adjust the burners

  • Align the burners correctly. Ensure that all burners are seated correctly and aligned with the gas valves. Misaligned burners can cause uneven heating.
  • Check for burner damage. Look for any signs of rust, cracks, or other damage on the burners. Damaged burners can cause irregular heating patterns.

5. Check heat distribution plates 

  • Inspect the heat distribution plates. These are located above the burners and below the cooking grates. If they are misaligned, warped, or damaged, they can cause uneven heating. Replace them if necessary.

6. Test the Temperature

  • Use a grill thermometer. Place a thermometer on the grates to check for hot and cold spots. This can help you identify if the problem is specific to a certain area of the grill.

7. Adjust the Cooking Technique

  • Preheat the grill properly. Always preheat the grill for 10-15 minutes to allow the burners to distribute heat evenly before placing food on the grates.
  • Rotate food. For more even cooking, rotate and move food around the grill as needed, especially if you notice some spots cooking faster than others.

Additional information

Thank you for reading! We hope you found this information useful to get your grill heating evenly again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our thousands of free videos and troubleshooting guides available. If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

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