Frustrated with CIGs


 
Jim McKelvey

Jim McKelvey

TVWBB All-Star
Hi Folks – I know there are a lot of CI fans here – me included. I have Weber CIGs on my Weber Genesis and am growing increasingly frustrated with maintenance and performance. I probably use the Genesis 3-4x per week in warm weather and unless I am cooking 80/20 burgers or well marbled and possibly oiled steaks, my grates dry out and food sticks – quite a bit. Eventually, I get some rust and deterioration - I think I am on my third set in 8-9 years. Any secrets to avoiding “dry out”? I’ve heard some people oil after every cook? Are the Craycorts signifcantly better?

Thanks – Jim
 
After each cook, I use a grill brush to get the gunk off, then after it has cooled off, I spray Pam cooking spray on the entire grate, then run the grill brush over it again to get it evenly coated.
 
Mine are about 8 years old and I have the same issue. I oil them before grilling with a paper towel soaked in peanut oil. Heelps to minimize the "sticking" problem.

Ray
 
He'll, brush off the rust, oil the grill. Rust is oxidized metal and will not hurt you. I grew up eating hamburgers, hot dogs and chicken cooked on freshly brushed rusty CI grates.
 
Jim, how long do you let the grill warm up/preheat before you put the food on? I found that if I let my Genesis heat up for at least 10 minutes, I have far less problem with my food sticking. As far as rust on my grates, I spray with olive oil before and after each time I use the grill, and have had good luck with keeping the grates rust free. Good luck, the Carolina Boys have to stick together!
Tim
 
Thanks for all the feedback guys. I've always been pretty good with pre-heating, but I've added "oiling the grates" as a regular task for each cook and it is really helping. Thanks for all the tips!!
 
Here's what I do -

Let grates preheat at least 10 minutes. Take them off the grill and quickly brush them with peanut oil (you don't have to do that, spraying is fine, I just find I tend to spray my coals more than the grates and it doesn't work great for me). Cook my food. Brush off grates with grill brush. Once I've eaten and cleaned up inside then I go out and I take the grates out, brush the bottom sides with a grill brush, lightly oil both sides, take a paper towel and wipe down any oil accumulating in the big circle or corners of whatever grill I'm using. I leave my vents open as well to prevent rusting. I keep my grills in my garage.

I love my Craycorts - just one more accessory that makes it seem like I know what I'm doing. ;)

Laura
 
Actually, I read what I wrote above and was like - that's an awful lot of bother. Now I just let them preheat for 10 minutes, lightly oil with peanut oil while keeping grates on, brush them off when I'm done, lightly oil after I've eaten and am putting the grill away.

Laura
 
Thanks for the additional feedback Laura! I'm using some of everyone's giudance and they are faring a lot better now. Jim
 
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