Which Grill Grate Material Is Best for You?
Of course, the grill grate material we consider to be the best may not be the best for you! Everyone’s cooking preferences, tolerance for cleaning and maintenance, and budget are different.
Even your location can impact which grill grates will be the best option for you since living near water can cause even high-quality stainless steel to rust over time.
Before you choose which grill grate material will be the best fit for your grill, ask yourself these questions:
Do You Like to Cook With Low Heat or High Heat?
If you typically stick to low-heat cooking and cook things like fish or vegetables, then porcelain enameled grates are a fantastic choice.
If you prefer to get things roaring hot before cooking, you’ll want grates that offer high heat retention, like cast iron.
Do You Like to Season Your Grill?
Taking care of cast iron cooking equipment is a labor of love, and many people just don’t feel up to it.
However, if you enjoy the seasoning process, consider non-coated cast iron grates since they’ll allow you to season the surface without worrying about chipping the coating.
How Long Would You Like Your Grates to Last?
This may seem like a trick question (of course, you want your grates to last as long as possible!), but it is one to consider.
Cast iron grates can last for decades with proper handling, but one accidental drop onto your patio can break them apart.
Stainless steel, on the other hand, is incredibly durable and often comes with a lifetime warranty. Drop them on the patio and all you’ll have to deal with is a minor annoyance, not a broken grate.
Do You Have the Time and Patience to Handle Maintenance?
Both cast iron and porcelain-enameled grill grates are incredibly high maintenance.
Regular cleaning is important for any grill grate material, of course, but these two require a little extra TLC.
If you rather just wipe your grates down after cooking and call it a day, stick to stainless steel.
What Is Your Budget?
More expensive grill grates can give you years of quality cooking, and peace of mind that they won’t fall prey to corrosion.
But even if your budget is a little tighter, with regular maintenance you can help your grill grates last for a long time.