What You Need to Know About Cast Iron Cooking Grids

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What You Need to Know About Cast Iron Cooking Grids

So, let’s begin…

When it comes to preparing consistently great foods on a barbecue, a cast iron cooking grid is the way to go. As professional chefs’ top choice, a cast iron cooking surface makes the task of grilling much easier. Reasons you may want to consider a cast iron grid include better heat retention, even heat distribution, superior non-stick surface, sturdier grilling surface, beautiful grill marks, faster cooking times, a longer life, and we could go on and on.

 

If you’re trying to decide on what type of grilling surface you’d prefer, talk to the professionals at Barbecue Country in Edmonton.

 

We share your passion for being the master griller of the neighborhood. We’ll not only thoroughly explain each type of barbecue, but we’re happy to answer any questions you may have just like these:

 

How do I properly season a cast iron cooking grid?

Any cast iron cooking surface needs to be properly seasoned before you ever use it. It’s also an excellent idea to re-season your cast iron cooking grids periodically to prevent rusting, prevent food from sticking, and to increase the life of your grill.

 

Seasoning a cast iron grid is super easy with these three simple steps:

  1. 1. Wash the cast iron grid in mild dish soap and water. Do not put in the dishwasher. Rinse thoroughly. Completely dry with a towel, never air dry as it starts the rusting process. 

  2. 2. Thinly coat the entire cooking surface with a high smoke point oil. Make sure you get into all the nooks and crannies. A basting brush or oil mister works well for this. Avoid salted fats like butter for this process as well as non-stick sprays and olive oil. Peanut oil has a high smoke point but many people have allergies so it’s best to stay away. Our favourite is grapeseed oil because it has a high smoke point but a neutral flavor that is perfect for grilling. Avocado, rice bran and canola oils also work well. 

  3. 3. Place the cast iron grids onto the barbecue and heat the grill on Med/Low (200C/400F) for 30-40 minutes. The oil will bake onto the surface and create a non-stick layer. Turn the barbecue off and let the grids cool.

What if my cast iron grids get dirty? 

Each time you use the barbecue, we recommend NOT cleaning your cast iron cooking grids. Simply turn off the barbecue and let the oil left on the grid cool. The next time you cook, preheat the barbecue, brush the grids with a soft brass brush as to not harm the porcelain coating and re-apply some oil.


This process re-seasons the grids with every use. However, marinades and heavy use could make the grids extra dirty. In that case, you should take off the cooled grids and give them a good washing with mild dish soap. Remember, dry thoroughly with a towel and re-season the cast iron grids.


Need to know more about cast iron barbecue grills? We’re here to help. Contact us or Visit our Edmonton store located at 5682 – 75 Street NW.

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  • Taylor Mitchell