Cast iron grill grates...are they worth the money?

[Bugeater]

I'm rebuilding a Weber gas grill I got for free off Craigslist a while back that some dumbass gutted and used for a charcoal grill. I see Home Depot has three different types of cooking grates for them, stainless steel, porcelain coated cast iron and porcelain coated steel. The stainless and cast iron are more than double the price of the steel, but are they really any better?

I know Fire Me Boy is a big fan of cast iron, but since it's porcelain coated just like the steel isn't it basically the same surface? What about stainless?

Thoughts? Experiences?

[Pitt Gorilla]

I love cast iron grates. They hold the heat much better and allow you to cook with far less fuel.

[Bugeater]

I love cast iron grates. They hold the heat much better and allow you to cook with far less fuel.
Huh, I suppose that means they probably work better when I go out in the winter and fire up the grill in 10° temperatures.

[Simply Red]

Look, I'm a little confused by the OP, bug, Just don't play with fire once you get your plan in place.

[LiveSteam]

I have what you want,cast iron in the garage. I was going to cut them to fit in the firebox of the choo choo

[007]

Nope a grate is a grate.

























enter the grilling snobs..... :)

[Bugeater]

I have what you want,cast iron in the garage. I was going to cut them to fit in the firebox of the choo choo
Can you apply a porcelain coating to them for me?

[Simply Red]

enter the grilling snobs..... :)



YOU NEED TO DROP THE GRILL BRUSH AND BUY A GREEN **** EGG!

[mikeyis4dcats.]

cast iron hold the heat much better so when you throw that steak on there it still gets a nice sear without having to wait.

[Simply Red]

If I may say this here, charcoal still makes a damn tasty burger, last weekend at my girls house, we did up some burgers w/ provolone. Very nice touch, it'd been yrs. since i'd tasted a charcoal cooked meat.

Feels good man

[007]

YOU NEED TO DROP THE GRILL BRUSH AND BUY A GREEN **** EGG!

ROFL

[LiveSteam]

jpg.gif 0715112340.jpg (68.1 KB)

I have 3 of them

They came out of a turn of the century brick bread oven

raw bacon diced up & mixed with a pound of hamburger. SO GOOD!

[Simply Red]

jpg.gif 0715112340.jpg (68.1 KB)

I have 3 of them

They came out of a turn of the century brick bread oven

raw bacon diced up & mixed with a pound of hamburger. SO GOOD!

my god she's pretty.

[arrowheadnation]

http://www.mangrate.com/

Check these out. Heard about them on Mike O'meara show. They have "troughs" to catch the grease to avoid flare-ups.

[Fish]

If I may say this here, charcoal still makes a damn tasty burger, last weekend at my girls house, we did up some burgers w/ provolone. Very nice touch, it'd been yrs. since i'd tasted a charcoal cooked meat.

Feels good man

Whoa whoa....... Nobody and I mean nobody is saying that gas is the preferred method. It never was and never shall be. Charcoal/wood is the only way to properly cook meat if you want the full delicious flavor that was intended. Gas is for quick lazy cooking. Nothing wrong with that, but charcoal/wood is the method you use for full flavor.

As Kingsford says...... "Slow down and grill..."

[RedandGold]

Whoa whoa....... Nobody and I mean nobody is saying that gas is the preferred method. It never was and never shall be. Charcoal/wood is the only way to properly cook meat if you want the full delicious flavor that was intended. Gas is for quick lazy cooking. Nothing wrong with that, but charcoal/wood is the method you use for full flavor.

As Kingsford says...... "Slow down and grill..."


I'll have to say that cooking on a Weber Genesis makes quick and lazy pretty enjoyable.

[icepick64]

I just got a weber q100 gas grill that has a cast iron grate and I can day it is awesome! Non-stick, even heating, I would say it depends on the difference in price, but they are nice.

[Bugeater]

Whoa whoa....... Nobody and I mean nobody is saying that gas is the preferred method. It never was and never shall be. Charcoal/wood is the only way to properly cook meat if you want the full delicious flavor that was intended. Gas is for quick lazy cooking. Nothing wrong with that, but charcoal/wood is the method you use for full flavor.

As Kingsford says...... "Slow down and grill..."
Yep, 75% of my grilling is still done on charcoal. But I don't always have time for that, and charcoal doesn't work well in the winter.

I just got a weber q100 gas grill that has a cast iron grate and I can day it is awesome! Non-stick, even heating, I would say it depends on the difference in price, but they are nice.
$70 vs $30

[icepick64]

Yep, 75% of my grilling is still done on charcoal. But I don't always have time for that, and charcoal doesn't work well in the winter.


$70 vs $30

I don't know if it's worth twice, but it is a weber so you'll have it for years...so go for it

[SAUTO]

I have a buddy that got me a bunch of stainless grating last year. Everyone I know has those grat es on their grills at this point.

You should have made this thread a couple of months ago. I could have hooked you right up...
Posted via Mobile Device

[ILChief]

My Chargriller Duo has cast iron (porcelain coated) on both the charcoal and gas sides (The grates are interchangeable). I love the cast iron grates.

[Bugeater]

I have a buddy that got me a bunch of stainless grating last year. Everyone I know has those grat es on their grills at this point.

You should have made this thread a couple of months ago. I could have hooked you right up...
Posted via Mobile Device
What advantages does stainless have over cast iron? They're roughly the same price.

[Fire Me Boy!]

I looked for months to get plain cast iron (not enameled) for my grill. That's right. I'm hardcore.

Seriously, the stainless will do well, but the enameled cast iron perform better. They retain heat better and will sear better/faster. Frankly, though, I didn't want enameled because the porcelain is relatively easy to chip, and once chipped they're a pain in the ass.

I'd recommend holding out for real cast iron. These fit perfectly in my grill:

https://secure.lodgemfg.com/storefront/product1_new.asp?menu=prologic&idProduct=3978

[WV]

I have un-coated cast iron grates in my Kenmore Stainless grill and they've rusted to shit. I basically have two sections I can cook on now and the replacements are $$$$$.

[Chiefshrink]

Also if you want your grill to last a long time get a cast iron or brass burner.

As everyone has said cast iron grates rock!

[Bugeater]

I looked for months to get plain cast iron (not enameled) for my grill. That's right. I'm hardcore.

Seriously, the stainless will do well, but the enameled cast iron perform better. They retain heat better and will sear better/faster. Frankly, though, I didn't want enameled because the porcelain is relatively easy to chip, and once chipped they're a pain in the ass.

I'd recommend holding out for real cast iron. These fit perfectly in my grill:

https://secure.lodgemfg.com/storefront/product1_new.asp?menu=prologic&idProduct=3978
Interesting...those are the exact same size as my old grates. Although I'm wondering if those handles built into them are going to interfere with the lid.

And yeah, I don't quite get the coating, I would think if they were properly seasoned you wouldn't need it and would prevent the rust that WV mentioned.

[SAUTO]

What advantages does stainless have over cast iron? They're roughly the same price.

In my case? Free vs money.

We welded up the grates exactly like we need.

Buddy works where they make shit for burger king, I think, and the grate was actually scrap. The missing pieces are what they use.

Works AND looks great.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Deberg_1990]

If I may say this here, charcoal still makes a damn tasty burger, last weekend at my girls house, we did up some burgers w/ provolone. Very nice touch, it'd been yrs. since i'd tasted a charcoal cooked meat.

Feels good man

Yes this...i prefer charcoal to gas.

[SAUTO]

Yes this...i prefer charcoal to gas.

Who doesn't?
Posted via Mobile Device

[Fire Me Boy!]

Interesting...those are the exact same size as my old grates. Although I'm wondering if those handles built into them are going to interfere with the lid.

And yeah, I don't quite get the coating, I would think if they were properly seasoned you wouldn't need it and would prevent the rust that WV mentioned.

The handles don't interfere with mine, they're actually what hold it in my grill. Properly seasoned and if you take care of 'em, they work great. Add in the fact that if they rust, take some steel wool to 'em and fix them, then re-season.

[CoMoChief]

If I may say this here, charcoal still makes a damn tasty burger, last weekend at my girls house, we did up some burgers w/ provolone. Very nice touch, it'd been yrs. since i'd tasted a charcoal cooked meat.

Feels good man

YOU SON OF A BITCH!!!!!
http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110222025603/kingofthehill/images/a/a8/Hqdefault.jpg

[LiveSteam]

I should never have gotten involved.

[Bugeater]

The handles don't interfere with mine, they're actually what hold it in my grill. Properly seasoned and if you take care of 'em, they work great. Add in the fact that if they rust, take some steel wool to 'em and fix them, then re-season.
I don't suppose I could get you to measure the distance from the outer edge of one handle to the outer edge of the opposite one for me sometime? It looks like I may have a bit of extra room but not much.

What kind of grill do you have anyway?

[Bugeater]

I should never have gotten involved.
LMAO I haven't even asked you for anything. But if you want to build me a set go right ahead.

[Fish]

I'll have to say that cooking on a Weber Genesis makes quick and lazy pretty enjoyable.

I hear you. I grill with my gas grill when the occasion calls for it. I'm not putting down gas. But I always prefer coal when I can.

[Fire Me Boy!]

I don't suppose I could get you to measure the distance from the outer edge of one handle to the outer edge of the opposite one for me sometime? It looks like I may have a bit of extra room but not much.

What kind of grill do you have anyway?

Outer measurements are 17x11. My grill is a nondescript Sam's brand. I use two of those grates, which doesn't fit perfectly width-wise because my grill is 26-inches wide, so I end up with a little 4-inch gap. It's never caused me trouble, though.

[Titty Meat]

Hey Bug save your money and buy my golf bag.

[Bugeater]

Outer measurements are 17x11. My grill is a nondescript Sam's brand. I use two of those grates, which doesn't fit perfectly width-wise because my grill is 26-inches wide, so I end up with a little 4-inch gap. It's never caused me trouble, though.
Gah! I don't have 2" to spare. Maybe I can get Mr LiveSteam to cut the damn things off. That sucks because other than that they are perfect.


Hey Bug save your money and buy my golf bag.
I don't golf.

[Titty Meat]

I don't golf.

You will after you buy this bag?

[Bugeater]

You will after you buy this bag?
Then I would have to buy clubs. And a golf membership. And some dorky clothes and a visor.

[Rausch]

Then I would have to buy clubs. And a golf membership. And some dorky clothes and a visor.

For whom?

[Bugeater]

For whom?
Well I suppose me and whoever my new golfing buddy is going to be. You want in?

[Titty Meat]

Then I would have to buy clubs. And a golf membership. And some dorky clothes and a visor.

Just wear your Scott Frost jersey and go golfin after hours. There I just saved ya 50 bucks.

[Fire Me Boy!]

I have un-coated cast iron grates in my Kenmore Stainless grill and they've rusted to shit. I basically have two sections I can cook on now and the replacements are $$$$$.

WV - get some steel wool and go to town on those grates. Then do this:

http://chiefsplanet.com/BB/showthread.php?p=7739566#post7739566

[LiveSteam]

This went from /Man grills, to fucking GIRLY BALL! come on man

[sedated]

WV - get some steel wool and go to town on those grates. Then do this:

http://chiefsplanet.com/BB/showthread.php?p=7739566#post7739566

This. I'm investing in a variety of cast iron - the price doesn't bother me anymore knowing they will last my lifetime and then some.

[Titty Meat]

This went from /Man grills, to ****ing GIRLY BALL! come on man

How bout we paint a girls cooter like a golf hole and shoot balls into it?

[WV]

WV - get some steel wool and go to town on those grates. Then do this:

http://chiefsplanet.com/BB/showthread.php?p=7739566#post7739566

You know I hadn't thought about sanding them and starting over.....they're pretty rusty for steel wool, but I can have my dads lab at work blast clean them down to good metal....thanks for putting me on track.

[sedated]

Question about cast iron pans - after I use them, I rinse, wipe dry, oil (I use walnut so it doesn't go rancid), then put in oven while its still hot (upside down). Is there an easier cleaning method? Seems like I'm seasoning it with every use, and its kind of a pain in the ass.

[Fire Me Boy!]

Question about cast iron pans - after I use them, I rinse, wipe dry, oil (I use walnut so it doesn't go rancid), then put in oven while its still hot (upside down). Is there an easier cleaning method? Seems like I'm seasoning it with every use, and its kind of a pain in the ass.

You shouldn't need to season like that all the time. After I get done, I rinse (with a non abrasive scrub sponge and hot water), do a wipe down with oil and set it on the stove for 15-20 minutes. I wipe it out again and let it cool down overnight.

I'm seriously debating taking one of my younger pans and doing the flaxseed treatment. According to that article, I won't even need to do anything besides rinse it out.

[WV]

Question about cast iron pans - after I use them, I rinse, wipe dry, oil (I use walnut so it doesn't go rancid), then put in oven while its still hot (upside down). Is there an easier cleaning method? Seems like I'm seasoning it with every use, and its kind of a pain in the ass.

I actually scrub mine with soap and water to get the big hunks out and as long as i dry them on the stove then apply a light coat of oil afterwards I have no issues.

[arrowheadnation]

Here's what I meant by the "troughs that catch grease on the mangrates.

<img src=http://www.mangrate.com/images/sidebar-patent.jpg>

[Bugeater]

Here's what I meant by the "troughs that catch grease on the mangrates.

http://www.mangrate.com/images/sidebar-patent.jpg
Yeah I checked out their webpage, if can't find something that fits well I may go that route and just set that thing on top of my old grates.

[Bugeater]

This went from /Man grills, to fucking GIRLY BALL! come on man
Do you have a way to cut cast iron?

[SAUTO]

Do you have a way to cut cast iron?

I would imagine a cut off wheel would do the trick
Posted via Mobile Device

[Titty Meat]

I would imagine a cut off wheel would do the trick
Posted via Mobile Device

Haha Bug do this! It's probably cheaper than buying a new grill!

[Bugeater]

I would imagine a cut off wheel would do the trick
Posted via Mobile Device
You mean a grinder? Through cast iron? I really have no idea, I don't work with metal at all.

[LiveSteam]

Yes. Pops left me a nice machine shop. Member the bandsaw you cut out your kids soapbox derby car on? That tool should work just fine.
You can do most anything to cast iron except weld it. you can weld cast-iron, but you need to pack it in lime & let it cool slowly for a day or so. & then its still not that strong.

[SAUTO]

You mean a grinder? Through cast iron? I really have no idea, I don't work with metal at all.

No an air rotary cut off wheel.

But the bandsaw will work just a s good or better
Posted via Mobile Device

[LiveSteam]

No an air rotary cut off wheel.

But the bandsaw will work just a s good or better
Posted via Mobile Device

I have air & electric. I just hate using them. F-ing wheels like to blow apart on both. not sure if its me ? or cheap Home Depot cut off wheels. I do use them a lot when making new train cars. either way bugs i got what you need from tools to cast iron gra8ts



Am I involved yet?

[SAUTO]

I have air & electric. I just hate using them. F-ing wheels like to blow apart on both. not sure if its me ? or cheap Home Depot cut off wheels. I do use them a lot when making new train cars. either way bugs i got what you need from tools to cast iron gra8ts



Am I involved yet?


I buy good wheels. Never tried home depot though. Usually off the tool trucks. I also regulate the air down to about 120 psi . Everything else gets 175 in my shop
Posted via Mobile Device

[LiveSteam]

I buy good wheels. Never tried home depot though. Usually off the tool trucks. I also regulate the air down to about 120 psi . Everything else gets 175 in my shop
Posted via Mobile Device

What brand? Im down ta 2 Home D wheels. I would like to try another brand.

[Bugeater]

I have air & electric. I just hate using them. F-ing wheels like to blow apart on both. not sure if its me ? or cheap Home Depot cut off wheels. I do use them a lot when making new train cars. either way bugs i got what you need from tools to cast iron gra8ts



Am I involved yet?
Not only are you involved, you're now obligated. :)

[LiveSteam]

Not only are you involved, you're now obligated. :)

The Threshing B is this weekend. You gonna come out tomorrow? Im not running my locomotive. TO HOT!

[Fire Me Boy!]

I actually scrub mine with soap and water to get the big hunks out and as long as i dry them on the stove then apply a light coat of oil afterwards I have no issues.

You should really consider not using soap at all. You're not supposed to. Hot water will work just fine. If you need to scrub, use a non-abrasive scrub sponge or salt and a paper towel.

With the soap, you're preventing the cast iron from building up its seasoning. And there is no cook wear better than a really well-seasoned cast iron pan. You're just not giving yours an opportunity to get there.

[Bugeater]

Since the price was right, I took the cast iron grates LiveSteam offered me. After some minor modifications as they were a bit too big for my grill, I cleaned them with steel wool and they are ready to go. Any suggestions (paging Fire Me Boy)on how to go about seasoning these? Should I just wipe them down with cooking oil and start using them? Or is there some other procedure I should use?

[LiveSteam]

Wipe them down with BACON:banghead:

Everything must have bacon

[Bugeater]

Wipe them down with BACON:banghead:

Everything must have bacon
LMAO That's not a bad idea, I may just go with that.

[Fire Me Boy!]

Since the price was right, I took the cast iron grates LiveSteam offered me. After some minor modifications as they were a bit too big for my grill, I cleaned them with steel wool and they are ready to go. Any suggestions (paging Fire Me Boy)on how to go about seasoning these? Should I just wipe them down with cooking oil and start using them? Or is there some other procedure I should use?

You can do one of two things: Either cook on it and take very good care of it for a while, or season it before you cook on it. For an outdoor grill, I would highly recommend pre-seasoning. This will take some time, but I've never been led astray by Cook's Illustrated:

http://chiefsplanet.com/BB/showthread.php?p=7739566#post7739566

[Bugeater]

You can do one of two things: Either cook on it and take very good care of it for a while, or season it before you cook on it. For an outdoor grill, I would highly recommend pre-seasoning. This will take some time, but I've never been led astray by Cook's Illustrated:

http://chiefsplanet.com/BB/showthread.php?p=7739566#post7739566
Oh yeah, I remember that thread. I'd rather not have the oven going any more than I have to this time of year so I'll probably just cook on them for a while, and then strip and re-season them sometime this fall.

[Fire Me Boy!]

Oh yeah, I remember that thread. I'd rather not have the oven going any more than I have to this time of year so I'll probably just cook on them for a while, and then strip and re-season them sometime this fall.

Cool. Wipe 'em down with oil (bacon grease works well) before you cook on them. Then bring them inside, clean them, DRY them and wipe 'em down again and get back outside on the grill while the fire dies down. Until they're really well seasoned, you probably don't want to leave them outside.