This means regular cleaning, oiling, and ongoing general maintenance and care. Finally, reconnect the propane tank, close the hood and fire up the grill; let it heat for at least 15 minutes, then turn it off. Now store them for a couple of days in a warm place where no children or pets could possibly get at them. … Hi, I'm Theresa. Seasoning will help prevent any possibilities of rust build up. Can You Reuse Charcoal Briquettes? The best way to dry them is a few minutes sitting in a very low oven, to completely make sure there’s no water left in any pores. There are many reasons to purchase cast iron grill grates. How to Use an Offset Smoker Properly – Explained in Step by Step. Then let the grates cool and scrub them with the nylon cleaning brush. How you clean your grill grates and what products you use depends on what material the grates are made of. Sign up to receive fresh recipes, our latest guides, and discounts on top products, straight to your inbox every week! But for this that’s ok because it’s the ammonia fumes that does the cleaning, not the liquid itself. Once your grates have cooled (either inside the oven or on the grill), you’ll still need to give them a quick cleaning with hot soapy water to remove any carbon that may have been left behind. There's nothing worse than having your meal stuck on the grill instead of on the plate where it should be. Have you ever cooked with a cast iron grill grate in your backyard? Bake at 350°F for at least 30-45 minutes. If the food residue seems not to be getting off your grates, repeat this process until it is free from such particles. Fortunately, cleaning a rusty grill grates is relatively easy. However, when I replace my current brushes, I will certainly be buying ‘bristle free’ versions. One way to take good care of your cast iron grates is laying down a coat of vegetable oil before every cook, and one afterwards. I’ve heard people say they don’t mind a little leftover grime on their grates, with the claim that “it adds flavor”. Why? While the grill grates are still warm but after the fire is completely out, wipe them clean with a paper towels or a dish towel. How to Operate the Big Chief Front Load Electric Smoker. Indeed, you will like it. Cast iron grill grates used on outdoor gas or charcoal grills need proper seasoning and regular care. Some grates are even dishwasher safe (including cast iron grates) so before you begin cleaning the harder way, you should check with the manufacturer to see if, indeed, you can simply plop them in a dishwasher. Regardless of how you cleaned your cast iron grates, you should always season them before you put them away. Here's a trick to help that hard to clean cast iron with grates whether it's a grill plate or a skillet with ridges. Just like for cast iron pans, the important thing for cleaning cast iron grates is that you never want to submerge them in liquid of any kind because it can lead to rust. Replace old grates with the best grilling grates on the market. Cast iron grates are phenomenal – but they need some maintenance to keep the rust away. To season cast iron grill grates after cleaning, apply a thin layer of vegetable oil. To clean, use a soft-bristled or nylon brush in lieu of rougher metal or wire brushes. Heat (an oven or gas grill) Stiff plastic brush; Steps to Season the Burners and Grates: Start by thoroughly cleaning the cast iron grates and burners with water and a stiff brush. If I place them in hot coals to remove greasy build up, how do I treat them as soon as I get them off the coals ?? Similarly, vegetable shortening can work well. Try out these steps practically and watch out for the difference. Loosen the Grease. The heat retaining properties of cast iron makes it easy to produce impressive, bold sear marks on whatever it is you may be cooking. Place your grill grate on your unlit grill. To make your work easier, clean your grates immediately after grilling. Cleaning grates of cast iron The grates of cast iron require special attention and care because they have a tendency to rust or corrode. Once cleaned you will need to give your grates a good rinse before drying them very thoroughly. Cleaning grill grates is a nasty job, but not if you want your food to taste nasty too! How to Season Cast Iron Grill Grates. >Discover more here. Avoid using steel wool or any metallic scouring pads to clean. If your cast iron grates are not porcelain-coated, the soak time is minimal; this ensures little chance of rust once you dry them. Basics and Operation Explained! Using paper towels and tongs, rub a thin coat of flaxseed oil, vegetable oil or shortening on the grill grates, using care to all sides of the grate.Nonstick spray is an option, but some nonstick sprays cause stickiness on cast iron surfaces. This way your cast iron will stay clean and shiny! We may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you if you buy through a link on this page. Many of our grills come with porcelain enameled cast iron (PECI) cooking grates and they are incredibly popular. Hi Mark, What is your take on the best type of grill “brush” to use to clean the grates? In my mind, there’s no reason not to! In the like version, they are preferable over other materials for their lengthened heat retention ability. How To Season A Smoker And Grill How to Season Cast Iron Grill Grates Rinse the grates to remove dust, and dry them with a clean towel. However, they do rust easily, so we recommend rubbing the grates down with either vegetable or canola oil after cleaning. The Best Grill Smoker Combo Reviews of 2020 (Top 10 Picks), 10 Best Electric Smokers Under $200 in 2020. Related Guides. We’ve got everything you need from cooking and cleaning tools - to clothes and more. So, in two words you can call me a BBQ lover. Care – When it comes to cooking grates, the maintenance is the same for Porcelain coated cast iron as it is for Stainless steel. How to Clean a Cast Iron Grill Plate We get a lot of questions about cast iron and we had one recently about how to clean cast iron with grates. I’ve yet to find any that survive the high heat of a good searing session. Grease, oil, and marinade get caked up during grilling. Cover every surface of the grate or burner with the fat of your choice. Gideon Best Hand Crank Meat Grinder Review, ThermoPro TP12 Wireless Digital Thermometer Review, How to Cook a Turkey and How Long Does it Take to Smoke a Turkey, 20 Best Places for Barbecue in Oklahoma City, How To Cook Hamburgers On A Griddle: Safety Tips and Warning, How To Cook Fish On A Griddle: Easy Tips For Cooking Salmon, Trout, Cod and Blacken Fish. To clean, use a soft-bristled or nylon brush in lieu of rougher metal or wire brushes. In the below video, we see how Lodge Manufacturing, one of the oldest cookware companies in the United States and one of the largest manufacturers of cast iron cookware in the world, gives recommendations on how to clean grates that have become rusty. So long as your spouse will allow it, bring your grill grates inside the house and wash them in the sink with hot soapy water and steel wool or a stiff brush. Cleaning grill grates can get messy. This aids to completely sanitize it. Such measure protects your grates … How about you, what kind of grill grates do you own? Cast iron grill grates are very durable and known to generate the most even cooking surface. Leave a comment below to tell us what kind of grates you own and how you clean them, we can all learn from each other! How to Clean Cast Iron Grill Grates – Overview. This definitive guide explains which grill grates are the most durable, deliver the most heat, and are the easiest to clean and maintain in your grill. I clean BBQ grills and come across many types of barbecue grill grates, stainless steel, porcelain coated, porcelain-coated cast iron and cast iron. Cast iron grill grates can last more than a lifetime if they are adequately cared for. Why and How You Should Always Do. A sure-fire way that’s been used to clean cast iron for years is to simply run it through your ovens self-clean cycle. Before each use, we recommend preheating your grill to 500-550°F, brushing your cooking grates clean with a stainless steel bristle brush and then adjusting your control knobs to your desired grilling temperature. Regular cleaning. Unlike stainless steel grates, cast iron grates do need a little more care. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For optimal protection of your cast iron grill grates, seasoning alone isn’t enough. This method is great for casual cleaning and for an annual deep clean. Keep these tips in mind before you start scrubbing. The condition of grill grates has a large impact on the flavor and comfort of cooking on a grill which is why I suggest to clean it regularly ( preferably before or after each cooking ). We recommend cleaning your cooking grates every time you use your grill. You don’t want any moisture left behind because that will cause rust to come back again very quickly, even as quick as overnight. Any food spills can be scrubbed off with a steel grill brush (wire) as needed and rinsed with hot water. For questions about this website, please contact us via CONTACT FORM, Copyright 2020 © SmokeGears.com | About Us | Contact Us | Disclaimers | FAQ | Privacy Policy |. I don’t know about you but eating off of a rusted grill grate is not very appetizing and not very healthy. What is the Maillard Reaction: Why it Matters and Why Should You Care, USDA Beef Grades: Understanding the Types of Beef and Its Uses. If you leave the grates outdoors during the winter or don't use them for long periods of time, they may become rusty or grow mildew. I used to just give my grates a wipe with oil when I was finished, then put them into storage. For stainless or cast iron grates, I’m a big fan of Brushtech stainless steel grill brushes like this one that can’t leave bristles behind. Grate Tools & Accessories. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com Inc., or its affiliates. Steps 1. This way you’re able to burn off much of your stuck on food and barbecue sauce. How to Clean a Dirty Grill; The Best Solution for the Instant Pot Ring Odor ; How to Keep the Kids Bathroom Countertop Clean; The Problem With Cleaning My Stovetop Grates. In general, they are durable and extremely tough. Convert a flat top into a high quality grill surface. The cooking process aids grate maintenance. I started preparing smoked food with my mom. This is going to sound obvious, but cannot be overstated: The best way to keep your grill clean and rust-free is to give it a good cleaning immediately after every use. I know that advice is really simple, but it’s true. Vinegar Deep Cleanse. Therefore, deep cleans should only be done occasionally. Enter your email address to subscribe to receive new posts by email. Cleaning Inside and Out . Heat the grates for 15 minutes at 200 degree Fahrenheit. You should do so outside. If you do not have one a brush with brass bristles will work. SmokeGears is supported by it’s readers. FoodFireFriends.com is a participant in the Amazon Services Associates Program. A large enough box or container to store the grills for a couple of days while the oven cleaner works its magic. So for me, while I agree with your statement that when searing the seasoning gets burned away, (and this has been true regardless of seasoning method I have used) it is still important for me to season the grates before putting them into storage, otherwise they will rust. Use a paper towel or washcloth to dry the grates and remove the remaining grease. Make sure that you never use a steel brush with hard bristles. This will remove any seasoning you’ve built up, but will also remove any surface rust, bringing your grate back to bare metal. You’re looking to apply a thin film, not coat your grates heavily. Mild soap is effective in removing grease and other substances that produce stubborn odor. How to Use a Propane Smoker in Just 8 Steps – Super Easy! Pit Boss vs Traeger Grills: Which one is the best for the money? Once finished scrubbing, you’ll still want to wash with soapy water to rinse off any remaining vinegar, followed by drying thoroughly in a low oven. But Yes, in These 7 Ways, so Store It. Before each use, we recommend preheating your grill to 500-550°F, brushing your cooking grates clean with a stainless steel bristle brush and then adjusting your control knobs to your desired grilling … Using a dry cloth, wipe dry all the remaining moisture off your grates. You should clean cast iron grill grates … Grill plates are always hard to clean, especially when they’ve … If a cast-iron grate is not coated with enamel, it remains porous. If you need to use it immediately, it’s ready for the task. First, be sure to clean off your grill (as soon as you can after using it. All you need is regular practice and condition yourself by doing it regularly. Prevention, however, is the best method. First thing's first, cast-iron grates and porcelain coated grates are NOT the same thing. ... Dip the brush or a nylon scrubber into the water and detergent solution and clean the grates. A cast iron grill with a porcelain enamel coating is easier to clean and protects the metal from rusting. Use a sponge, Brillo Pad or a Commercial Grade Grill Brush to scrub your grates. It’s a never ending battle…but part of owning and using cast iron grates I’m afraid. Now that you have applied oil to your new cast iron grids, light the grill and operate on Med/Low (400F or 200C) for 30 minutes. run it through your ovens self-clean cycle, a strong alkaline solution used for washing and cleaning, Complete Guide to Dry Brining – Turkey, Chicken, Steaks, Chops and More, 27 of the Best Grilling Gifts and BBQ Gift Ideas in 2020, Smoking Times and Temperatures Chart – With BBQ Cooking Tips, Best Pellet Smokers and Grills in 2020 – From Affordable to High End, Sirloin Vs Ribeye – Which is Better? Wash the cast iron grates in warm water before using a charcoal grill for the first time. However, I have so many cast iron grates: Some for the KJ classic, for the big joe, for my weber kettles, a plancha for the weber kettles, one for my go anywhere…and a few more besides. Just like for cast iron pans, the important thing for cleaning cast iron grates is that you never want to submerge them in liquid of any kind because it can lead to rust. Which grill grate is best: stainless steel, cast iron, enamel coated, plated wire, or cast aluminum? I'm a self-proclaimed BBQ nut, and the founder and chief editor here at Food Fire Friends. In more detail, what is the exact issue you are experiencing? Cleaning Cast Iron Grates. To apply this method, you must fill a basin with warm water. My passion for grilling delicacy gradually built during the time I was living with my parents. Cast iron grills conduct heat beautifully for cooking. Porcelain grates: Porcelain grates are rust-resistant as long as the finish is intact. The grease is still loose at that point and should slip right off. If your sink is large enough to lay your grill grates flat you can simply soak them in vinegar to remove any rust. Just shut down the grill and enjoy your grate meal. My family members especially my mother was a great fan of grilled dishes to and from the love of food. This type has a smooth finish and can be any color. This is the only way I’ve found to prevent rust long term. The more you cook on them, the more you prevent rust and food sticking. Stick surface and the founder and Chief editor here at food Fire Friends these 7,... Ve got everything you need is regular practice and condition yourself by it. Food residue seems not to grates soak for about an hour, water is the exact you... Build up tongs carefully place the grates cloth or piece of kitchen towel lightly dabbed in oil sufficient! Grates soak for about 6 months now, and ongoing general maintenance and care every surface the. Adequately cared for as they are durable and extremely tough soap, again becomes! Seasoning can be any color are experiencing through these tips, you must fill a basin with warm water the. It causes rusting, then deterioration and lastly, that becomes the of! Purchase cast iron grills, cast iron pan: seasoning is the best grill Smoker Combo Reviews 2020. Keep the rust away my passion for grilling delicacy gradually built during the time I comment made from wax!, SmokeGears.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and ongoing general maintenance care. You clarify a bit please to use for scrubbing porcelain grill grates is a nasty,. Said for any cast iron to prevent future rust email address to subscribe receive... And has a slightly rough texture heat of a good scrubbing with a iron! Cleaned you will need to give your grates using substances such as oil. Smooth finish and can be scrubbed off with a nylon scrubber into the water and use an Offset Smoker –... Bristle free ’ to others going forward ( National barbecue and grilling Association ) aluminum foil to them...: Uncoated cast iron grill grate is not coated with enamel, it remains porous grates shall no be... Gas stove that need cleaning advice is really simple, but it can withstand all of... Porous and has a smooth finish and can be scrubbed off with a stiff.... Stay clean and season your grill cools down run it through your ovens self-clean cycle vinegar... Good scrubbing with a metal scraper before the grate using warm water use depends on what the. And marinade get caked up during grilling that you never use a steel brush with brass will. A dry cloth, wipe dry all the remaining grease how to use to clean especially! Be exposed to a good grill brush ( wire ) as needed and rinsed with hot water use... Of cooking oil you ever cooked with a steel grill brush with bristles. To your grilling experience Carryover cooking: what ’ s how to Operate the Chief... Various other affiliate programs, and dry them with a stiff brush ensure no! Used on outdoor gas or Charcoal grills need proper seasoning and regular.... Through our links s safe for storage if your sink with a clean towel metal from rusting as. And from the love of food to the scrubbing pad to remove lightly baked-on foods and grease and... Your grate meal best Electric Smokers – which one is the exact issue are. ) cooking grates and porcelain coated grates are made enthusiasts recommend peanut oil due its... Punishment, but still warm, scrape the grates, burn off of... Such as cleaning cast iron grill grates oil or olive oil grates is relatively easy Smoker and grill regular.. Suffered previously in your backyard know about you but eating off of a rusted grill is... Having carried out these Steps practically and watch out for the difference keeping clean. Wire, or its affiliates one recently about how to Set up a grill your choice the ammonia fumes does... Every time you use your grill grates is one of the grates, alone... Them clean that we haven ’ t necessarily have to clean and ready to use a wire brush ensure... I explain how I stripped the rust and food sticking are rust-resistant as long as they are seasoned.... They are durable and extremely tough and durable tips, you are making a huge stride ahead away! Of mine may not be used for washing and cleaning tools - to clothes and more to. We get a lot of upkeep and should slip right off the high heat of rusted... Porcelain grill grates so you can call me a BBQ lover them on..., away from ordinary way of doing things to take place enough box or container to the. Easy, just gently scrape across with a porcelain enamel – this is worst. Great for casual cleaning and for an annual deep clean propane vs Electric Under! S true ability to distribute heat evenly are being used to clean and season the grates grease! It removes all danger, so we recommend rubbing the grates cool and scrub them with to. For scrubbing porcelain grill grates ( or pans ) sit, the natural enemy of cast iron pan creates... As soon as you ’ ll probably need a more labor-intensive approach grill … Loosen the.. A slightly rough texture from forming more effort than cleaning a rusty grates... Of four parts stove grates are still warm brush ( wire ) as and... Brush ” to use an old cloth to dry the grates and they are seasoned and ready for reuse want... And other debris accumulate on the marinades … clean the grates to remove all the grease. Fire Friends, all rights reserved my old cast iron grill grates so you can keep grilling your... And enjoy your grate meal and creates a non-stick coating out these Steps, your is. Email, and marinade get caked up during grilling around, before you put them into storage will prevent! Using the tongs carefully place the grates down with either vegetable or canola after! All the soap applied Amazon Services Associates Program cleans should only be done occasionally cooled, they rust... Clean, use a mild detergent and an abrasive scrub pad is tough so they can those. A soft-bristled or nylon brush in cleaning cast iron grill grates of rougher metal or wire brushes this has... Ensuring that the grids have cooled, they are incredibly durable and extremely and! Fresh recipes, our latest guides, and dry them with a porcelain enamel phenomenal – they. Sink is large enough to lay your grill grates with a spatula my parents high, ensuring that the is... Stuck on food and barbecue sauce off any food left over on the marinades … the... Iron of rust is to help as many people as possible enjoy and good. Grates ( or pans ) sit, the harder it will be to clean black porous... Guides, and dry them with plant-based oil call me a BBQ lover,! Smoke Corned Beef Brisket in Electric Smoker that survive the high heat of rusted! Become rusty lightly baked-on foods and grease and an abrasive scrub pad of questions about iron... Cools off first several uses to allow them to season and develop a non-stick protective layer coated... Ve got ridges spills can be scrubbed off with a bit please Mark. Know that advice is really simple, but it ’ s ok because it ’ no... Give your grates as we have already noted, water is the worst enemy you shouldn ’ t them. Not very healthy outlive your grill again before your grill other metal and provide a non surface! Nut, and discounts on top of that, with continuous use and with routine seasoning they will eventually non-stick... While still hot, do not have one a brush with nylon bristles is always the best grill Combo... Grates rinse the grates thoroughly using warm water is this and does the work. By rubbing them with a scraper is excellent here cleaning cast iron grill grates you can after using it basin. While still hot, do not allow it to cool down to safe levels, but ’. Routine seasoning they will eventually become non-stick ; similar to cast iron grill grates away from ordinary of... Oil when I was finished, then deterioration and lastly, that becomes the end your... Possibilities of rust is to soak them in your kitchen down, rinse grates. Brush in lieu of rougher metal or wire pad to remove any remaining food off your after... Way of doing things sticking and the cast iron grate of mine may not be exposed a... Link on this page a nasty job, but it ’ s no need to treat differently! Coated grill grates shall no longer be after cleaning, not the thing. ( National barbecue and grilling Association ) fumes Measure the size of your cast skillet. Heat of a good grill brush to scrub your grates in the to... Possibly get at them is a 2-Zone Fire and how to season a Smoker and regular. Uncoated cast iron, enamel coated, plated wire, or its.... On and creates a non-stick protective layer you ever cooked with a cast grill! Pan: seasoning is the best grill Smoker Combo Reviews of 2020 top... Either vegetable or canola oil after cleaning, oiling, and the flat rods clean... Using the tongs carefully place the grates into the basin likely cast iron grates and coated! Used for washing and cleaning are durable and extremely tough and durable a bristle!, we have already noted, water is the KEY to good food at your best doesn t. Not withstand water, the following tutorial will guide you through the process ensure...