Cast iron cooking grids are a grill lover’s best friend, providing an ideal surface for everything from searing steaks to slow-cooking lamb.
But to get the best performance out of cast iron, a bit of regular maintenance is essential.
The good news? After the initial seasoning, it’s a quick 30-second task every time you grill.
Start by washing your cast iron cooking grids thoroughly with mild dish soap. Rinse with hot water and pat dry completely with a cloth – don’t let them air dry or put them in the dishwasher.
Before you start grilling, season your grids to prevent rust and create a non-stick surface. Not sure how? We’ve got seasoning instructions for you below!
Many cast iron grids are coated with a matte porcelain enamel coating, making cleaning easier and reducing corrosion.
While some chipping may occur, it won’t affect performance. If rust appears, just use a good grill brush to remove it and re-season the grids.
Like cast iron skillets, cast iron cooking grids need regular seasoning. Seasoning protects the porcelain coating, reduces food sticking, and prevents rust. Properly seasoned grids will also keep your cast iron stove grates looking rich and black over time.
For the first seasoning, use solid unsalted vegetable shortening, although grape seed or olive oil will work. Spread a thin coating of oil across the entire surface of the cast iron grids with a paper towel. You can also melt some vegetable shortening in microwave and brush on using a silicone basting brush.
Make sure you cover every corner. Avoid using salted fats like margarine or butter. Non-stick sprays are also less effective as they burn off at low temperatures.
Preheat your grill on HIGH for about 10 minutes, then turn burners to MEDIUM with the lid closed for another 30 minutes. Turn off the grill and let the grids cool inside. They’re now seasoned and ready for grilling!
Re-seasoning Tips: Periodic re-seasoning with unsalted vegetable shortening or oil will keep your cast iron grids in great condition. Over time, the grids will build up a durable non-stick layer, making maintenance easier with each use.
Skip the burn-off right after you grill; leave the cooking residue on to act as a protective layer. Do the burn-off just before you start grilling again. Brush off any residue with a grill brush, and you’re set to go.
If you won’t be grilling for an extended period, we recommend you lightly season the grids before storing them in a dry place. This will help prevent any rust buildup, so they’re ready for action the next time you fire up the grill.
When it comes to barbecue grill grids, cast iron is in a class of its own. Its heat retention and durability make it ideal for everything from creating rich sear marks on steaks to grilling delicate vegetables.
Plus, when properly seasoned, cast iron grids offer an exceptionally non-stick surface that improves over time.
Although they require a bit more upkeep than stainless steel or porcelain-coated wire grids, the benefits of cast iron are well worth it for any grill enthusiast. With the right care, your cast iron cooking grids will reward you with years of peak grilling performance.
For more grill care tips, check out our blogpost How to Clean a Flat-Top Grill or Griddle or How to Clean Grill Grates. If you want more information, we’ve also got a complete guide for how to clean a grill!
David B. February 7th, 2017
Posted In: BBQ Maintenance
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