Grill grate questions

[Bruce]

I was wondering about the grill grates on the Weber grills. I have three Genesis series grills in need of TLC. They all have the cast iron grates which seem to be in pretty good condition even though they are likely original. The grills are in the 10-15 year old range.
Do these heavy cast iron grates have that ceramic coating like the Weber Q grill grates? Or are they just plain cast iron? I know there is an option for the stamped steel ceramic coated grates on these grills as well.
Would you prefer a the cast iron grates or the newer stamped steel/ceramic coated grates if you had a choice? And Why?

 

[Bruce]

Anybody????

 

[DaveW]

If memory serves, Weber offered both over time. Cast Iron and Porcelain coated cast iron. the thing about cast iron is that they are sometimes difficult to maintain, and can rust out just sitting in your grill. But, if they don't rust on you, they last a heck of a lot longer than the stamped grates. Absolute best would be stainless steel rod grates, but those are pricey. From Weber, they are $120 per grate. From RC, I believe they are $120 per set. Expensive either way, but you'd never have to buy a set of grates again.

 

[Greg M]

Sorry I don't know the answer to your question. Both my old refurbished webers originally had the stamped stainless grates.

I also highly recommend the stainless solid rod grates. They were a big upgrade over the stamped steel grates.

 

[Bruce]

Thanks guys, I have two genesis grills sitting in my garage. Both have heavy cast iron grates that look to me in pretty good shape. Just dirty and a little rust. However, from the Q grills I have done, I know that once the porcelain coated cast iron starts going, they are really bad. I was hoping Weber would just stay away from the porcelain on these heavy cast grates....I will have to clean them up and look them over real good and find out.

If I was refurbing these grills for me, I would probably invest in some of those stainless grates. But for resale, I would never be able to recoup my money. Does anyone know of anyone that manufactures stainless grates for the Q grills?