Grills come in all shapes and sizes, from small portable grills for camping to large built-in grills for backyard entertaining. No matter what type of grill you have, they typically share some common features and components. One key component found on most grills are the grill grates or bars that hold and cook the food.
Page Contents
Names for Grill Grates
The bars or grates on a grill go by several common names:
- Grill grates
- Cooking grates
- Barbeque grates
- Grill bars
- Grill grids
These all refer to the same part – the metal bars or grids that sit over the heat source where you place the food to cook. The terms grates, grids, and bars are often used interchangeably by both manufacturers and backyard grillers.
Materials for Grill Grates
Grill grates are typically made from one of three main materials:
- Stainless steel – Most common material for grill grates. Provides excellent durability and easier cleaning. Can deliver some hot and cold spots.
- Cast iron – Retains heat well for an even cooking surface. Seasoning required for rust protection. Can be heavy.
- Porcelain-enameled – Cast iron grates with a porcelain coating for protection and non-stick surface. Provides even heating.
The best material for you depends on your budget, grill type, and cooking preferences. Stainless steel is the most popular choice for its strength, value, and resistance to rust.
Grill Grate Designs
In addition to different materials, grill grates come in a variety of designs and configurations, including:
- Flat bars – Basic rectangular shape in various widths.
- Round bars – Uses metal rods instead of flat bars.
- V-shape – Angled bars allow fatty drippings to drain off.
- Wavy shape – Provides more contact points for smaller foods.
- Hinged – Grates fold up for easier cleaning access.
- Interlocking – Bars fit together and can be rearranged for different cooking zones.
The most common design is simple flat grill bars, but other configurations offer versatility for particular grilling needs. V-shaped and interlocking bars are popular upgrades.
Importance of Grill Grates
Having high quality grill grates is important for several reasons:
- Hold food safely above the flame.
- Allow fat and juices to drain away from food.
- Provide an even cooking surface.
- Prevent food from slipping through.
- Give attractive grill marks.
- Distribute heat evenly and minimize hot spots.
- Are easy to clean and maintain.
Poor quality grill grates that are uneven, crowded, or flimsy will lead to poorly cooked food and frustration. Investing in a high end grate material and design pays dividends for your grilling success.
Common Grill Grate Sizes
Grill grates come in a range of sizes to fit different grill bodies. Some typical sizes include:
- 16 x 9 inches – For portable grills
- 24 x 14 inches – For medium 2-burner grills
- 30 x 15 inches – For larger 3-4 burner grills
- 38 x 16 inches – For 6+ burner built-in grills
Having grates that maximize your primary cooking area for the grill size is important. Many grills allow you to add additional grate pieces for more capacity.
Replacing Grill Grates
With heavy use over time, grill grates can become worn, rusted, or damaged. Replacing them is an easy DIY grill upgrade. When shopping for replacements, look for grates that:
- Exactly fit your make and model
- Are durable stainless, porcelain, or cast iron
- Have slotted, V-shaped, or interlocking design
- Come in restaurant grade or commercial quality
Upgrading to better grill grates can mean improved performance and more professional results. Installation is as simple as removing old grates and inserting new ones in the same spots.
Cleaning Grill Grates
Regular cleaning is key to keep grill grates in good condition. Recommended cleaning tips include:
- Use a stiff wire grill brush to remove stuck-on food.
- Scrape with a plastic or wooden scraper for stubborn spots.
- Clean after each use once grates have cooled.
- Use baking soda and water for an abrasive paste.
- Rinse well after scrubbing and let fully dry.
- Season cast iron grates after cleaning.
Avoid using soap or acidic cleaners than can break down grate materials. With regular scrubbing after cooking, the grates will stay clean and free of rust.
Grill Grate Alternatives
In addition to traditional grill grates, some alternative cooking surfaces include:
- Grill grids – Stainless steel grids with thousands of holes to prevent flare-ups.
- Grill mats – Non-stick mats that fit on top of grates.
- Vegetable grilling baskets – Stainless steel baskets for grilling delicate foods.
- Smoker boxes – Containers for wood chips to add smoke flavor.
- Grill skillets – Cast iron pans that replicate grill marks.
These specialty accessories can enhance your grilling capabilities in certain scenarios. But standard grill grates remain the essential workhorse component in most cases.
Key Takeaways
Knowing the common terminology, materials, designs, and proper techniques for grill grates allows you to use them effectively. The key takeaways include:
- Grill grates are also called bars, grids, and cooking grates.
- Popular grate materials are stainless steel, cast iron, and porcelain.
- Look for quality designs like V-shape, hinged, or interlocking.
- Match grate size to your grill’s primary cooking area.
- Regular cleaning with a grill brush is important.
- Replacing worn grates improves safety and performance.
With proper grill grates and regular care, you will be on your way to becoming a backyard barbecue pro.
Conclusion
Grill grates are an essential component that can make or break your barbecue experience. Knowing the options for materials, ideal sizing, cleaning methods, and possible upgrades allows you to get the most out of this simple but important grilling tool. Quality grill grates will distribute heat evenly, prevent sticking and flare-ups, deliver perfect grill marks, and hold up beautifully over time. By understanding what makes a great set of grill grates, you can take your barbecue game to the next level.