Keep Cast Iron Grill Grates from Rusting

Wondering about how to keep cast iron grill grates from rusting. In many ways, cast iron is the ultimate cooking utensil. Its versatility and ability to create a variety of dishes time and time again make it one of the best investments in your kitchen that you can make. 

It’s not only beneficial in the kitchen, but also for the outdoors. If you are fond of smoking or grilling, you may see that the grates of your cast iron grill may catch rust very fast. 

Here we are going to discuss how to keep cast iron grill grates from rusting. 

How to keep cast iron grill grates from rusting? 

This is an age-old question that many people have an issue with when it comes to maintaining their cast-iron grates for their barbecues. For additional protection, you may consider a layer of protective coating on your grill grates to prevent rusting or any other weather damage that could happen. 

But, if you don’t want this extra work, there are some easy solutions that you can use. Likewise:

1- Avoid Scraping the Grates of your grill

Most of the grills have a metal scraper to help you scrape off any extra fat or fat particles when grilling at high temperatures. But, if you don’t want to use this, it is okay to use a plastic scraper instead. Avoid scraping away at the grates with a metal scraper as this can rust over time and ruin your grill grates.

2- Avoid Moisture

Moisture is one of the leading causes of rusting. This is the same for any kind of cast iron grill grates, or even for your oven roasting pans. If you are looking to have a long-lasting finish on your grill grates, then avoid storing it in an area where there is a lot of moisture in the air.

3- Brush the grates

If you are looking to remove any kind of build-up on your grill grates, then you may want to consider giving them a good thorough brushing down. This will not only give your grill some TLC but also help ensure that you have a nice clean surface to cook on.

4- Keep It Clean     

Keeping your grill grate clean is not only good for appearance but also ensures that it lasts longer. If you’re not looking to use your grill as often, then you may want to consider giving it a good wash now and again. This will ensure that the grates remain clean and rust-free for longer.

5- Oiling the Grates  

If you are looking to condition the finish on your cast iron grill grate, then you may want to consider using a little bit of vegetable oil. You could either rub this onto the grates or brush it on with a little bit of paper towel.

6- No soaps with Citrus

Using soap to wash the grates may seem like a good idea, but if you are looking to maintain them, then you will want to avoid using any soaps with citrus products. The acids from the lemon and orange can loosen your grates and may even lead to rusting.

7- Seasoning

Seasoning is one of the best methods to prevent rusting. If you are already looking for how to season cast iron grill grates, then go ahead and read more about this method. This is an important step that you should take to ensure that you have a nice thick and durable finish on your grates.

How to Season your New Cast Iron Grill Grates?

The method that you will choose will depend on the type of finish that you prefer and the surface on which you want to cook. These simple tips may work for different types of finishes:

1. Start with a clean surface 

When you are looking for how to season cast iron grill grates, then you will want to start with a clean surface. Remove any dust or debris from the surface and ensure that the surface is smooth.

2. Apply the seasoning      

Once your grill grates are clean, the next step is to apply the seasoning. This will help seal up the pores on your grill grates and give it that nice thick finish that you may be looking for.

3. Heat it    

After you have applied the seasoning, you will need to heat your grill grates. There are a few different types of heat that you can use such as a torch or even an oven. You may also want to consider using a pan with water and submerging the grill grates into it.

4. Oil them

Once your grill grates are heated, the next step is to oil them down. After heating, oiling is one of the best methods for seasoning cast iron grill grates. Oil is essential when seasoning as it helps seal in the pores, ensuring that your grill grates are protected from rusting.

5. Wipe them down  

You will want to regularly wipe down your grill grates so that they remain clean and shiny. Because these are made of cast iron, the surface is porous and can easily get scratched up or damaged if it isn’t cared for properly.

6. Seasoning

Just like the seasoning on a pan, this is a simple process that will help seal up the pores and prevent rust from a building. You may also want to consider reseasoning your grill grates after every couple of uses. This will not only help to make sure that it lasts longer but will also ensure that you have a nice thick finish on your grates.

Conclusion 

Hope you know about how to keep cast iron grill grates from rusting as well as how to season them. And this blog post will certainly help you a lot in the maintenance of your grill grates.