When buying a grill one has to consider the features the grill possess such as the best heat source for the grill or how the grill looks like, but it is also important to consider the type of grill grate a grill is made up of, in order to get you food cooked just the way you desire it to look and taste.
A grill grate is a surface above the heat where food can be cooked and also helps in even heat distribution, giving meat or any food those beautiful sear marks and prevent food from sticking on the grill.
7 Best Grill Grates Review In 2020
1. Weber porcelain enameled cast iron cooking grates
The weber porcelain enameled cast iron cooking grates comes in two pieces and is made to fit perfectly on your Genesis E and S 300 series grill. The 19-½ inch × 13-inch grate gives nice sear marks on your chicken breast, pork, fish, burgers and vegetables.
The cast iron aids in retaining heat and the porcelain enameled helps in the swift warm-up of grates and its nonstick coating makes it better and easier to clean. Durable and long-lasting grate which requires little maintenance with a 5 years warranty and it’s considered to be the best porcelain enameled cast iron.
Top features
- Two sets of grates with high quality cast iron which lock-in and makes food flavors better and tastier with every use.
- Sear all types of food ranging from your chicken breast, meat, fish, seafood and vegetables and enjoy deliciously flavored food without burning or sticking on the grate.
- Made to fit the Weber Genesis E and S 300 series, when your grate needs replacement. Take along when going for camping, tailgating or backyard cooking.
- Cast iron helps in retaining heat temperature for exceptional performance. Durable and heavy-duty porcelain enameled cast iron last for decades if properly maintained.
- Nonstick grates that are easy to clean. But don’t use sharp scrapers for cleaning of grates.
2. Weber hinged cooking grates
Enjoy cooking on the stainless steel Weber hinged cooking grates which are made for a charcoal kettle grill to serve as a replacement for broken or worn-out grates. The stainless steel grate is durable, fast and easy to insert on your grill top.
This easy to clean accessory allows you to enjoy and experience the delicious traditional way of grilling. The stainless steel grill distributes even heat and ensures even cooking of food. Grill your meat, chicken breast, and other food on this durable grate.
Too features
- 22-inch wide Weber hinged stainless steel charcoal grate for high performance and even cooking.
- Durable, long-lasting and resilient grate which last for decades if properly maintained. It retains heat and warms up easily for swift cooking.
- Even heat distribution on grates for even cooking and allow you to add charcoal without removing the hinged grate.
- Easy to clean. Does not require a hard scraping of grate surface.
- Fits perfectly on a 57cm weber BBQ.
3. Weber 7431 cooking grates
When your grill grates need replacement and you have a low budget for a grate, then the Weber 7431 is the best option. The chrome-plated grate is durable and retains heat. The silver and shiny grate is best for BBQ
The grate is made with a side flip which allows you to add briquettes when cooking indirectly and it consumes little amount of coal. The 13.5 diameter grate is made in such a way that it nicely fits into a 14 diameter Smokey Joe, Smokey Joe Silver, Gold, Tuck – N- Carry grills.
Top features
- Made of durable heavy duty chrome plated steel to last long.
- Side flip-up for adding charcoal. You don’t need to put down your food while cooking just to add some briquettes, the flip side is crafted to support the addition of coal while cooking.
- The sturdy 13.5 diameter grates easily fit Smokey Joe Silver, Gold or Tuck- N – Carry 14 diameter grates. And it is also easy to remove from a grill top.
- Protects your food from falling into the fire and adding delicious flavor that comes with using charcoal grates.
- The replacement grate is long-lasting and easy to clean. Also the best budget grates.
4. Hongso 16 ⅞ inch cast iron grill grates replacement for gas grills char broil
The Hongso cast iron grates are coated with porcelain enameled cast iron for durability which takes away the need of seasoning or re-reasoning of grates before use. This replacement grates add and new and beautiful look to your grill.
The safe and non-toxic grates have passed SGS test and have attained the FDA standard. The nonstick grates leave delicious char marks on your meat, fish or any other food.
Top features
- Highly durable grates. These grates are made of strong cast iron which is long-lasting, distribute even cooking heat and also retains the heat.
- Get nice sear marks on your food from the fast and heat holding grates.
- Safe and non-toxic grates for any type of cooking. Replacement grate has passed the SGS test to satisfy the FDA standard.
- Porcelain-coated grates which prevent food from sticking in grates and helps in the easy cleanup.
- Best fit for Charbroil model: 463436213, 463436214, 463436215, 463420508, 463429509, 463440109, 463441312, 463441514, Thermos 461442114, PCH 763.
5. Weber 8834 Gourmet BBQ system sear grates
The weber 8844 gourmet bbq system sear grate is made to fit 22 ½ inch weber charcoal grill. This is one of the finest cast iron grates that provide even heat cooking and also retains high heat temperature. The durable and long-lasting cast iron which allow seasoning of grates for better and juicer taste.
These grates give professional sear marks on meats by locking in moisture and flavor for a scrumptious and delicious meal. The porcelain enamel coating makes the grate non-sticky and supports an easy cleanup.
Top features
- Cast iron cooking grate provides even heat to food and retains heat. Durable and long-lasting grates which can be pre-seasoned before use enhance flavor and prevent rust.
- Locks in moisture and flavor by adding a delicious taste to food.
- Porcelain-enameled finish coating for a non-sticky grilling and helps to make cleaning easier.
- Fits 22 ½ inches Weber charcoal grills with the 0.5 inches × 11.9 inches × 11.9 inches with individual carton dimensions.
- Best fit for Gourmet BBQ hinged cooking grate.
6. Weber 7646 Porcelain Enameled Cast Iron Cooking Grates
The Weber 7646 porcelain enameled cast iron cooking grates are made of cast iron and coated with porcelain enamel for long-lasting use. This replacement grates come in 2 sets and fits Weber Q3000 and Q300 series grill with a dimension of 25 × 17.8 × 0.5 inches.
The cast iron smoker or gas grill cooking grates retain and evenly distribute heat to all corners of the grates. The porcelain enamel ensures non-stick cooking, durability, and rust resistance and easy to clean.
Top features
- Heavy-duty cast-iron grates for even heat supply on all sides of grates and heat retention.
- Porcelain enamel coating ensures a non-stick grilling which makes cleaning easy.
- The replacement grill grates come in 2 pieces and have been improved to withstand rust and it’s more durable.
- Best fit for Weber Q3000 and Q300 series. The grates dimension is 25 x 17.8 x 0.5.inches.
- Long-lasting grates. Can last for decades if properly maintained.
7. GrillGrates Set of Three 13.75″(Interlocking) + Grate Tool
GrillGrates are interlocking grilling surface which can replace your old grate or simply cover them. They are made of hard-anodized aluminum which is a great heat conductor and can withstand rust, and fire. Even heat distribution and flavor enhanced by the evaporated juices between the rails.
The GrillGrate features a free spatula for easy flipping and cleaning of rail grates and requires no assembling. The grate can be used at a campsite or tailgating because of its lightweight nature.
Too features
- 5-star cooking standard. Enjoy grilling the restaurant standard with GrillGrate by replacing your existing grate with the cut to fit, fireproof and rust resistance grate.
- Ultimate cooking experience. GrillGrates ushers a new and memorable grilling experience, enjoy a char free, rust free and unburnt food with family and friends.
- 5 years Winning and still the best running grate for the National Barbeque Associations Champions. Well-known for giving nice sear without much effort and is best for any pitmaster.
- Free spatula for easy flipping and cleaning of the grate. Cooks food evenly at a stable temperature and tames flare-ups.
- Made with hard-anodized aluminum which is portable and convenient to transport and it’s also very easy to clean.
The right grill grate is what determines a delicious meal and appetizing sear marks, even cooking and distribution of heat, heat retention and healthy lifestyle. Grilling food reduces fats and oils in our food, making it healthy for our daily consumption and that can be achieved with good grates that can burn moisture and enhance flavor in the food without char or burning of the food.
The GrillGrate is what I consider to be the best type of grill grate for any type of cooking activity. It does not flare-up, withstand rust and fire, lightweight and durable.
Common materials for the grill grates.
Grates are made of different materials ranging from cast iron to stainless steel, and porcelain coated cast iron grates and many more. But we will be briefly discussing on 3 types of grill grates materials.
Cast iron grates
It is often believed that the heavier the better, which is true when it comes to a cast iron grate. Cast iron is considered by most grillers to be the best because of its durability and how it gives nice sear marks on your food, the best option for BBQ and vegetables.
Cast iron allows live fire cooking by retaining the heat temperature for longer periods, and evenly distributing the heat to your food. It also lasts for decades and allows you to use metal grilling accessories.
Cast iron grates require high maintenance and oiling of grates to ensure a rust-free grate and are not easy to clean.
Protect your cast iron always by always applying your cooking oils and seasoning before every use for a better and tasty flavor and also serve as protection from rust.
Stainless steel grates
Most stainless steel grates are made of long rods which can be hexagonal circular or diamond. These shapes provide a flat surface which aids in even cooking.
Stainless steel grates are either rod, cast or hexagonal in form. But the widely used stainless steel grate is the rod which is vertically connected to a horizontal bar across the grill top.
Stainless steel grates are resilient and easy to clean and maintain, even though your food tends to stick on it because it tends to lose its non-stick abilities after several uses. They last longer but does not retain heat like cast iron. One needs to be careful when buying stainless steel grates because most of them are thin layers of stainless steel wrapped in a rod and does not withstand high heat for long, therefore, it peels off with time leaving the rod open and not suitable for cooking.
Porcelain-coated cast-iron grates.
Most gas grills are made porcelain coated grates which are lightweight and super economical. They warm up very fast but has a poor heat retention ability.
They are the best grill grates when it comes to the non-sticking coating which means less cleaning and maintenance.
Never use sharp edge scraper when cleaning your porcelain-coated cast-iron grates because they are made of multiple steel thread which is lengthened and strengthened to create a tightly braid- like cord which might break and flake off when it comes in contact with sharp scrapers.
The cast iron grill grate stands out to be the best for me due to its durability, additional flavor gotten from greasing of grates, nice sear marks, and heat retention.