From the first barbecue, probably a whole animal slow-roasted in a fire pit, to the modern barbecue with all its paraphernalia of gas and electric grills, the taste of smoked meat and vegetables has migrated around the world from the Caribbean. The popularity of summer cookouts has elevated the practice to an art. If you are keen on barbecues you can start by looking at cast iron grill grates vs stainless steel grill grates.
Whether you choose to use a gas-fired grill or a traditional coal burner, it is the surface grill that is your most important consideration. A good grill should be tough, durable, it should heat well and the food should not stick to it. Let's look at these two types of grates, what do they offer in terms of superior cooking surface?
The material you choose has to tolerate the high temperature generated by your grill. If you use plain steel, for example, heat tolerance is poor and will eventually lead to a rough surface, which is not good for sliding burgers or steaks on and off the grill. Stainless steel will, on the other hand, stand up better to intense heat and should be good for quite a long time. In terms of durability when it comes to choosing between the two, the vote goes to cast iron. As it is heavier, cast iron is tougher and retains heat better than stainless steel.
It's a different matter with cleaning and maintenance; cast iron grills need a lot of care. Apart from using a metal bristle brush to scour away stuck-on grease and food, you need to thoroughly oil your cast iron grill. Not just after you use it, but from time to time, especially during winter as cast iron is very prone to rust. For hassle-free maintenance, the stainless steel grate possesses a distinct advantage.
Much depends on how you use your grill: how fussy you are when it comes to searing your meat, nothing comes close to cast iron for searing, but if you leave it outdoors all year-round, on the other hand, no matter how careful you are it is bound to rust. While you can get rid of the rust by sanding and re-oiling, you are the best judge of how much time and effort you are willing to put into maintenance. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide on what works best for you. Even people who use cast iron cookware sometimes choose stainless steel grates, especially the thick, flat, slatted grills that look a lot like cast iron grills and some claim, work as well.
Cast Iron Grill Grates VS Stainless Steel Grill Grates some people prefer stainless steel as it has the virtue of brushing clean. Also give due consideration to weight when deciding on buying them, because you will need to lift the grates to replenish your smoker box.
It's obviously a personal choice when it comes to picking out grill grates, because they both have their own advantages and disadvantages. I personally like stainless steel because they are easy to keep clean, light weight, and also retain heat very well.
The other thing I had noticed is that when I grill cast iron, the grates tend to hold more of the meats juices causing flair ups that sit and burn the grease and unintentionally burn my food. That's why I tend to steer closer to stainless steel grill grates.
