Gas grille, which grates?

**rob_s** · 03-15-10, 10:28

I have a 4 year old Weber and it needs some servicing. Among other things I was going to replace the grates. The enamel-coated grates it came with are working, and have worked, well but I'm considering changing to the cast-iron grates. Any thoughts one way or the other?

**orionz06** · 03-15-10, 11:23

I went to an infrared grill this summer and absolutely love it. Prior, I had both cast iron and enamel grates. I preferred the cast iron because they could be cleaned much easier and without fear of damaging the enamel. I had 4 grates chip on their own, but they were replaced by the mfg. The cast iron, once seasoned, also seemed to resist sticking much better.

**rob_s** · 03-15-10, 11:25

I have to admit I've been impressed with the Weber enamel grates. I have no chipping at all, must a lot of caked-on crap that's not cooking it's way off. I'm somewhat reluctant to mess with success, but always heard good things about the way the cat iron retained heat for things like steaks etc.

**orionz06** · 03-15-10, 11:29

They did seem to sear better for steaks. I guess I will elaborate a bit more. I cook at a very high temp for steaks, and the cast iron performed better. For lower temp stuff like burger and such, either will be fine. My sole reason for switching grills last summer was for steaks.

What is the current price difference?

**rob_s** · 03-15-10, 11:33

That's a good question, and I don't actually know!

Amazon has...

Stainless for $54

Enamel for $29

enameled cast iron for $65

I'm thinking that last option sounds like it might be best of both?

I am also going to go with the enamel falvorizer bars this time vs. the bare chrome/stainless/whatever that came originally.

**Irish** · 03-15-10, 11:40

I have the porcelain covered grates and would recommend them. About 5 years ago when I bought mine the only place that Weber sold their grills with these grates was Home Depot. Same model, same price, different grates at other stores.
My only complaint is I wish the burners went fore & aft VS side to side.

**orionz06** · 03-15-10, 11:42

The porcelain grids look to get great reviews, and require a simple burn off and wipe to clean. The durability also seems to be there per reviews. The main idea between enamel and cast iron is for size, but they are all the same general size. I suggested the cast iron assuming the grids were much thinner and closer to the traditional thin wire. You want more metal on the bottom to help conduct heat into the meat.

go with the last ones.

Good call on the flavorizer bars.