Cast Iron Grate Rehab


 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Stuart S

TVWBB Pro
I scored a set of cast iron grates for my performer today in a really sweet deal.

There is some rust on them, was wondering if anyone has any advice for cleaning them up and seasoning them properly.

Here's a pic of the rust...
IMG_0280_small.jpg
 
Stuart, give the grates a good cleaning, then rub the grates with lard, stick in the oven and bake at 450-500 degrees for 1 hr
 
Stuart,

The flax oil works incredible. Time consuming to follow the process, but it is well worth it. I did it on my Weber griddle with great results, although I may put a couple more coats. The Weber griddle is slightly domed and I'd like a little more seasoning on the center.
 
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by JSMcdowell:
Stuart,

The flax oil works incredible. Time consuming to follow the process, but it is well worth it. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Speaking of flaxseed oil, I came across the following blog entry yesterday: Chemistry of Cast Iron Seasoning: A Science-Based How-To. Going to this much effort on a grill in my opinion seems to be a bit overkill. A supersmooth, high quality CI seasoning is valuable in a antique Griswold pan with a flat bottom which one may use to fry up an egg but is it so valuable in a grill?
 
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Timothy Hoffman:
Stuart, Please see my post Cleaning and seasoning Cast Iron.

Flaxseed or grapeseed oil works best due to the high smoke points they have. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks, I was looking for that post and found it after I posted here. Do you think I need to strip them right down and start from scratch?
 
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Timothy Hoffman:
They dont look like they need to be stripped. Just knock out that rust and season them up. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Wire brush, or vinegar and water??
 
Grrrrr, the outer ring that holds the 4 grate sections won't fit in my oven. I'm contemplating building a nice fire in the kettle and seasoning the ring on there. That's where the majority of the rust is...

Thoughts?
 
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Stuart S:
Grrrrr, the outer ring that holds the 4 grate sections won't fit in my oven. I'm contemplating building a nice fire in the kettle and seasoning the ring on there. That's where the majority of the rust is...

Thoughts? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


I season all of my cast iron on the grill. Why season CI in the house and stink it up??
 
Thanks guys, I guess I finally found a use for the Kingsford that came in the bin with my performer when I bought it used.
 
Figured my second day of vacation was as good as any to start seasoning these CI grates. And giving my grill a Good clean in general. 

Fired up a full chimney of Briqs. Not sure what kind they are because they came in the bin when I bought the BBQ. 
IMG-20110823-00122.jpg


Got my weapons in order to give them a good cleaning. 
Ottawa-20110823-00123.jpg


Easily hit the smoke point of the grape seed oil. 
Ottawa-20110823-00124.jpg


I let them cook for 30 minutes until the smoke stopped, then choked the fire back and let the temp at the lid drop to 300 and oiled them again. Stoked the fire back up to 550 for another 30 minutes then repeated the cool down period/re-oil 2 more times. 

And here is the finished product. 
Ottawa-20110823-00125.jpg
 
grate looks new. As long as you oil before & after each cook you'll be all set for a LONG time. Sad to see you haven't made the blue performer switch yet
icon_frown.gif
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

 

Back
Top