How do you maintain porcelain coated cast iron grill grates?

Having porcelain enameled cast iron grates means you get all the benefits of cast iron grilling without the upkeep of raw cast iron. Cast iron retains heat well, offering an extremely hot cooking surface.  This is especially important if you’re looking for those professional grade sear marks, the true sign of any seasoned griller!  Since these grates have a porcelain enamel coating on them they will never need to be seasoned.  The coating is baked on during the manufacturing process at extremely high temperatures resulting in a very durable and non-stick cooking surface. 

Different models come with different types of cooking grates and it’s important to know which ones came on your grill.  All our 2017 gas grills except for the Summit and Genesis II LX come with porcelain enameled cast iron cooking grates.

Genesis II has very unique cooking grates.  For the first time, on Genesis II models the cooking grates are reversible and you can grill on either side of the grate.  The thinner side of the cooking grate is ideal for delicate foods such as fish, vegetables and shrimp.  While the wider side creates thicker sear marks enhancing the flavor of your food for items like steak, chicken breast or pork chops.

To make sure your cooking grates last as long as possible, check out the tips below!

Care – When it comes to cooking grates, the maintenance is the same for Porcelain coated cast iron as it is for Stainless steel.  Before each use, we recommend preheating your grill to 500-550°F, brushing your cooking grates clean with a stainless steel bristle brush and then adjusting your control knobs to your desired grilling temperature.  It is not uncommon for food to stick more to new cooking grates.  As you continue to use and clean your grates you will break them in reducing the amount of sticking. 

Rust prevention – Make sure to clean your grates before each use.  If you’re using a marinade, try to get as much liquid off as possible before placing the food on the grill and if using a BBQ sauce, wait until the last 5-10 minutes of grilling before applying it to your food.  Using excessive marinade and applying BBQ sauce too early in the grilling process can result in the sugar burning causing a dark color and sometimes an off-putting taste.  All that extra liquid is also going to mean that you’ll have to spend more time cleaning your grill.  And let’s be honest, cleaning a grill is not on most people’s short list of things they’re excited about!

Tools to use – Weber offers a variety of grill brushes to clean your grates.  They are all approved for use with our porcelain enameled cast iron grates.  We don’t recommend anything with sharp edges as that can damage the porcelain enamel coating and open the door for corrosion issues.  Make sure to test your brush for any loose bristles before each use and please keep in mind we recommend a new grill brush annually.  You can check out our grill brushes on weber.com.  

Cleaners – We have a line of cleaners made specifically for our grills.  These make cleaning your grates a piece of cake! 

If you’re ever in a grate debate you’ll now have enough knowledge on porcelain enameled cast iron cooking grates to impress any griller!

Summer is coming up, and that means long hours at the pool, fireworks, and cookouts with your family. Learning how to clean porcelain grill grates is key to ensuring that your BBQ food stays delicious all summer long.

The grill cleaning process can be incredibly fast and easy if you use one of these tricks. Maintaining grill grate cleanliness is not only crucial for the integrity of your grill but also food safety.

Dirty grates can affect the flavor of your food and potentially carry bacteria that may lead to illness. Take note of our simple suggestions for cleaning your grates for delicious barbeque meals all season.

Cleaning Porcelain Grill Grates

Porcelain is a popular type of grill grate coating because it holds heat well and is rust resistant. Clean porcelain is essential for achieving distinct grilling marks on your burgers and hot dogs.

It also makes your grilling adventures safer since large amounts of build-up might become a fire hazard if not removed.

A nylon grill brush solves most of your problems when cleaning porcelain grill grates, but we have also collected a few recipes and tricks for deep cleaning your porcelain grill grates, too.

Brushes for Cleaning Porcelain Grill Grates

You must treat porcelain grates with great care. Chipping the porcelain enamel causes the cast iron beneath to rust. Never use a wire brush or scraper tool and avoid steel wool.

Companies often market brushes with stainless steel bristles as porcelain safe, but keep in mind the delicate nature of porcelain. The abrasive nature of these tools causes cracks in the enamel and lead to rusting.

Ways to clean porcelain coated cast iron grill grates differ from those for other grill grates because even small chips can ruin the grate forever. A grill brush with nylon bristles is always the best tool to use for scrubbing porcelain grill grates.

If you do not have one a brush with brass bristles will work. Brass brushes are softer than wire and are less likely to damage the porcelain.

Different types of grill grate, such as stainless steel grates, have different care instructions, but these recipes work for most other types of grates.

How to Clean Porcelain Grill Grates after Each Use

Every time you use porcelain cooking grates, remember to clean up your grill to guarantee that grime does not build up on your grates over time. Build-up might negatively affect the taste of your food and even become a fire hazard.

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Grill Cleaning Basics

• Nylon or brass grill brush
• A scouring pad or toothbrush for small areas
• Gloves, potholders, or cooking mitts to avoid burns

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Turn up the heat on your grill to burn grime and leftover food particles from the cooking surface. Turn down the heat and start brushing away the cooking oil and leftover food while the surface is still warm or hot. Scrub diagonally for the best clean.

This method is essential for frequent grillers to practice after each grilling session. It is quick and requires no cleaner, just high temperatures and scrubbing.

Ways to Clean Porcelain Coated Cast Iron Grill Grates with Vinegar

The acidity of vinegar helps break down grease left on porcelain covered cast iron grates. Quickly make a DIY vinegar grate cleaner at home using things you already have in the house.

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Vinegar Grill Grate Cleaning

• ½ cup of apple cider or white vinegar
• 1 cup of water
• Nylon or brass grill brush
• Bowl or spray bottle

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For this all natural grill cleaner, mix the vinegar and water and pour it into a spray bottle or bucket. Either spray the solution directly onto the grates or dip your brush in the bucket.

Start scrubbing your grill grates diagonally and watch as the grime starts to disappear. Be sure to scrub both sides of the rack.

This solution is a natural stove degreaser that tears through grease and oil to give you a clean grill. Also, use vinegar to soak your BBQ grill grates. After each use, turn up the heat to burn off excess grease and let cool.

Soak the grates in a large bucket or storage container overnight in a 1:2 vinegar solution. Scrub with a nylon or brass brush the next day and rinse off with warm water. This method is similar to cleaning oven racks in your dishwasher with vinegar.

Vinegar might leave a smell or taste on your grates and affect the taste of food. Turn up the heat again after you put the grates back to burn off the leftover vinegar.

Burning Off Debris

After cooking, turn up the heat on the grill and close the lid. Let the grill burn off the grease and food particles. After 10-15 minutes, switch off the heat and open the lid. Let the grates cool a little and scrape with a scraper or your grill brush to remove ash left behind.

Using Baking Soda to Clean Grill Grates

You already have baking soda in a kitchen cabinet, so why not put it to good use while cleaning? Baking soda’s texture is perfect for gently removing gunk stuck on grill grates. This solution is so simple you might consider using it after every BBQ.

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Baking Soda Recipe

• 1 cup of baking soda
• ½ cup of water
• Nylon or brass bristle brush
• Hose or bucket of water and washcloth

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Combine the baking soda and water to create a thick paste ideal for cleaning porcelain grill grates. Apply this gentle abrasive directly on the grates and use your brush to scrub off debris.

Flip over the grate if possible and repeat. Once you have scrubbed off the grime, rinse off the remaining baking soda using a hose or a bucket of water and a washcloth.

Soak the Grates

A couple of times a year, take the grates out of the grill and use the soaking method for excellent deep cleaning. Using a large bucket, the kitchen sink, or the bathtub, add several squirts of dish soap to some hot water and about a half a cup of baking soda and mix well.

Place the grates in the mixture and let them soak for an hour or so. Scrub all parts of the grates, rinse, and dry.

DIY Grate Scraping Tool

Your kitchen holds a wealth of items and materials perfect for DIY projects. If you can’t find a soft bristle brush, clean your stainless steel grill grates or those made from porcelain using a different tool.

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Make-Your-Own Grill Scraper

• Aluminum foil
• Tongs (optional)
• Any cleaning solution from this article (optional)

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Aluminum foil can scrape off gunk and grease from your grill. Simply roll the aluminum into a ball large enough to grip without touching the grates.

Make sure that there is plenty of aluminum foil between your hand and the grill to avoid burns. To ensure your safety, use tongs to hold the aluminum or use this method only after the grill has completely cooled down.

Applying a cleaning solution to the grates adds extra cleaning power to your DIY grill scraper. If you chose to use a cleaning solution, be sure to rinse off the remaining solution to avoid contaminating your future cookout food.

Another DIY Scraper

Use an old hardwood block that fits your hand well to rub the grates after you finish grilling. After repeated use, the wood develops grooves that fit the grate perfectly.

Using Dish Soap to Clean Grill Grates

Dish soap is the most natural solution for removing grease. The dish soap efficiently breaks down fats and oils, and what is greasier than a dirty grill?

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Clean Your Grill with Dish Soap

• 1 gallon of warm water
• 2 capfuls of dish soap
• Nylon or brass bristle brush
• Hose

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Combine the warm water and dish soap. Dip the brush into the soapy water and scrub away the grime. This solution is perfect for all types of grill grates, including stainless steel.

Rinse thoroughly with a hose before cooking on the grate again. Dish soap also creates a wonderful soaking solution for stuck-on food and oil.

Rinse off the grill grate and gently brush it with a brush before soaking it overnight using a dish soap solution. In the morning, scrub it again. Use a vinegar rinse to remove the soapy residue before using the grate again.

Deep Cleaning Grill Grates

Twice a year, deep clean your grill grates. You can do this at the beginning and the end of the summer season.

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Give Your Grill a Deep Clean

• Weber Grate Grill Cleaner
• Nylon or brass bristle brush
• Paper towels or washcloths
• Hose
• Vegetable oil (optional)

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Spray Weber Grate Grill Cleaner on the porcelain coating on your grill grate and let it sit for a few minutes. Then start scrubbing off the grime with your soft bristle brush. Flip the grate over if possible and repeat on the opposite side.

There will most likely be debris leftover. Hose down the grate using warm water. Use a paper towel or washcloth to dry the grates and remove the remaining grease.

To season cast iron grill grates after cleaning, apply a thin layer of vegetable oil. It is not necessary but helps to keep food from sticking the next time you cook.

This is the best way to clean grill grates because of the intense cleaning power of Weber Grate Grill Cleaner. It is also beneficial for charcoal grills, which may build up extra debris on the grates’ underside, unlike gas grills. Now your barbecue grill is as good as new!

Now you know a few new ways to get your porcelain grill grates looking brand new during cookout season. This summer, show off your pristine grates at family cookouts and barbecues and share. Keep your grill lines sharp with clean grates.

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