Barbecue is not just for cooking. Instead, it's about an experience that brings people together. A reliable barbecue grill will help you to prepare tasty barbecued food, regardless of whether you are organizing a backyard party, camping, or setting up your outdoor kitchen.
One of the biggest challenges for grill owners, though, is keeping the grill's grates from rusting. Having rust will not only make the grill last less, but it also affects cooking performance as well as food safety. Rusty BBQ grill plates may cause food to stick, create uneven heat, and could even have harmful substances seeping into the dish.
Keeping your grill grates from rusting is essential to ensure a high-quality grilling experience. In this guide, we'll talk you through all you need to know, from selecting the right materials to cleaning, lubrication, storage, and regular maintenance.
Material Selection: Select Rust-Resistant Grill Grates
The type of material your grill grate is made of has a major impact on its susceptibility to rust. Let's take a look at the most common materials and their rust resistance:
1. Cast Iron Grates
✅ Pros: Keeps food hot and flavorful the longer it sits.
❌ Cons: Easy to rust if not seasoned properly.
Rust Prevention: Cast iron grates have to be regularly oiled to create a protective coating. When left untreated, they rust quickly.
2. Stainless Steel Grates
✅ Pros: Rust-proof naturally, easy to clean.
❌ Cons: Never-stick finish may disappear with time.
Rust Resistance: Stainless steel grills should be cleaned regularly to maintain a surface that is smooth and protects against moisture buildup.
3. Porcelain-Coated Grills
✅ Pros: Coated with porcelain to prevent rust.
❌ Cons: Bottom metal can rust if the coating chips or cracks.
Rust Prevention: Keep away from wire brushes or rough cleaning tools that can scratch the porcelain.
4. Corten Steel Grating
✅ Pros: Weather resistant, protected, and durable.
❌ Cons: The Surface is susceptible to rust but protected against deep rust.
Rust Prevention: Corten steel grates last for years with minimal maintenance, perfect for outdoor kitchens.
Regular Cleaning: Prevents Rust
Proper cleaning is important to remove food residue, grease, and moisture, which are the main causes of rust.
Clean After Use (Quick Clean)
• Burn off Residues: Burn off food residues on the grill by cooking on high heat (150-200°C) for 10-15 minutes.
• Scrub the Grill: Remove any burnt-on residues from the grill with a wire brush or grill scraper while it is still hot.
• Wipe with a Wet Cloth: Dip a cloth in warm water, squeezing out the excess water, and wipe the grill.
• Dry Thoroughly: Humidity is the most common reason for rust. Use a paper towel or dry rag to wipe down the grill to ensure that there are no water stains on the BBQ grill.
Depth Cleaning ( Every Few Weeks)
If excessive fat, grease and carbon buildup is occurring, a complete cleaning will be necessary.
• Remove the Grill: Take the grill grates off for easy access.
• Soak in Warm Soapy Water: Combine dishwashing liquid with warm water and steep for 30 minutes to remove residue.
• Scrub with Baking Soda and Vinegar: Make a mixture of baking soda and vinegar and apply it to the grill, then scrub with a grill brush.
• Rinse and Dry: Give the soap a thorough rinse and let it dry before using.
Pro Tip: For tough rust, blend vinegar and baking soda in equal proportions, allow to stand for 10 minutes, then scrub with a wire brush.
Oil Coating: Creating a Protective Surface
Prevent rust and food from sticking by coating your grill with a thin layer of oil before and after cooking.
How to Oil a Grill?
1. Preheat the grill: Bring the grill up to approximately 250 degrees Fahrenheit to open up the pores of the metal.
2. Oil - Use an oil with a high smoking point, such as
• Vegetable oil
• Canola oil
• Peanut oil
• Avocado oil
3. Evenly Spread: Use paper towels dipped in oil to spread the oil over the entire grill with tongs.
4. Allow Oil to Set: Keep the grill covered and let the oil absorb for 10 minutes.
Pro Tip: Keep away from using olive oil, as it has a low smoking point and burns quickly.
Storage Tip: Store the grill in a dry place
Best Practices for Rust-Free Storage
• Use a Grill Cover: Be sure to cover your grill with a waterproof, UV-resistant cover.
• Store in a Dry Place: When possible, use a shed, garage, or covered deck to store your grill.
• Take the Grill Outside and Put It Away: For long-term storage, store it in a dry place.
• Use a Moisture Absorber: Put charcoal bags or silica gel packets on the grill to absorb moisture.
Pro Tip: Grills made of Corten steel are resistant to weather, so they are ideal for extended outdoor use.
Regular Inspections: Discovering Rust Before It Spreads
Scheduled checks help to catch rust early and prevent further damage.
How do You Check for Rust?
✅ Check for faded or rough spots.
✅ Inspect the bottom of the grill, where rust often develops.
✅ Get a feel for any changes in texture. A rough surface may indicate rust.
Fix Slight Rust Problems
• Use a Wire Brush: Scrub quickly before the rust spreads.
• Apply vinegar and baking soda: Let stand for 10 minutes, then scrub.
• Recondition with oil: Apply oil after cleaning to prevent future rusting.
Conclusion
For an enjoyable outdoor cooking experience, it is very crucial to stop your grill from rusting. Selecting the proper materials, periodic cleaning and lubrication, and careful storage, as well as inspection of your grill grates are just a few of the steps needed to extend the life of your grill grates and keep them in tip-top shape.
If you're searching for high-quality Corten steel grills with durable, rust-resistant grates, AHL Group specializes in wholesale commercial grill solutions.
