General Rule for cleaning Grill?

[newbbqsmoker]

The smoker that I have has 4 individual cast iron grates. I was wondering what is the best way to clean these and how often? The manual that came with the grill says if they become caked you can put them in an oven and use some of that self cleaning stuff but you will have to reseason. What is the best way to keep from having to reseason?

[Grumpy Gator]

With cast iron - no water ever. Clean with a brush after every cook, and light on the grill brush. Always oil afterwards. Canola oil is good, unsalted pork fat grease is good too. Don't use spray oils like PAM.

Cast iron is great (grate?), but does require some care. I was fortunate enough recently to find a Weber grate for my kettle that has a cast iron insert set in the center. It has been discontinued by Weber for a couple of years because people disregarded proper care instructions but still expected Weber to replace them under warranty. After much searching I found a couple in a BBQ Galore in California.

Can't beat the grill marks with cast iron!

[newbbqsmoker]

what kind of brush? is a wire brush to harsh?

[farmboy]

Do you have rock crushers down there. If you do, get the stanless grates out of them. When new they are about 2-3 inches thick when they are pulled out of sevice they are down to 1/4 inch thick. these will leave a diamind pattern on your meat. They are very easy to care for. For normal grills put your grates in your self cleaning oven and let it run threw its cycle. When done just wipe down with a cloth throw them back in the grill and start cooking. Colin

[newbbqsmoker]

Since Cast Iron is Great? (Grate) what is the best way to care for them and how long should I expect them to last if I use the grill on average 2 times a week year round.

[Grumpy Gator]

Wire brush is fine... the brass bristle ones work great.

If properly cared for cast iron will last for years. Extremely high heat for prolonged periods is not good, so cleaning them by cranking up the heat like folks do with gas grills is not recommended. In a smoker, with the relatively low heat, cast iron can last many years.

[newbbqsmoker]

Thanks for the advice. I have gotten a wire brush and plan to clean it that way. How often should I add oil to the grates or is the one time enough?

[Buckeye]

Hey Newbbq....go ahead an season yer grates in tha oven or on yer pit. After yer finished cookin...scrape/brush off tha grates then coat lightly with sum oil an yer good ta go fer tha next cook......wish I'd follow my own advice an on a regular basis :oops: ...cuz it does make things easier the next time out....Buckeye

[Qjunkie will]

i KNOW DATS RIGHT BUCKEY SOMETIMES WE GIVE GOOD ADVICE BUT FAIL TO FOLLOW THROUGH OURSELVES

[Big Rob]

:lol: :lol: :lol: