FAQ

GRILLGRATE FEATURES & USE

What makes GrillGrates better than the existing grates on my grill?

GrillGrates sear and sizzle foods better than traditional grills, which have more open exposure to direct flame and juices which fuel flareups. GrillGrates virtually eliminate charring but accentuate searing. This “sizzle effect” is a major difference when comparing GrillGrates to conventional grills. In open fire grilling much of the dripped fatty juice becomes fuel that is carbonized onto the outer layer of the food aided and compounded by flaming and flareups. With GrillGrates, juices steam and boil. This aromatic sizzling delivers a huge pop of flavor instead of charred taste. Over time, fatty juices drain out through the fat draining holes in the valleys. Learn more about the science of GrillGrates here.

Should I replace my existing grates with GrillGrates or simply place them on top of my grates? Which is better?

Although GrillGrates work well on top of existing grill surfaces, a lot of people are going the replacement route specifically on gas grills. Having some space in the back of the grill or on the sides is okay since GrillGrates trap heat and run hotter. If you want to remove your old grates because they are rusted or unusable, be careful covering more grill surface without leaving space for heat to escape. Your gas grill will run hotter, which is a good thing. The other good news is that your grill will be more efficient. Just watch your temps. Watch the video here.

Should I remove my flame tents and/or flavorizer bars?

No. They act as a flame shield to disperse heat laterally and to avoid hot spots. They also protect your burner tubes from accumulating debris.

GrillGrates are made from hard anodized aluminum. Is that safe to cook on?

Hard anodized aluminum is perfectly safe to cook on. Clemson University Extension’s Home and Garden Information Center tested different cookware types, and found anodized aluminum cookware to be safe. According to the University of Clemson, leaching is most likely when the foods being cooked or stored are highly basic (like baking soda) or highly acidic (like tomato sauce, lemon juice, oranges, or vinegar). For example, tomato sauce has been shown to contain 3-6 mg aluminum (per 100 g serving) after cooking in aluminum pans, which translates into about one-tenth of the typical daily intake. This leaching of aluminum with acidic foods does not happen with aluminum cookware that is anodized, or electro-chemically processed to seal the aluminum in the cookware.

Any special procedures for charcoal grills?

Wait to place GrillGrates after the coals are burned down, ready to grill, and preheat for 10-15 minutes. Otherwise you will burn off all of your seasoning. NOTE: Aluminum melts at 1125°. Most grills top out at 700-800°. Most charcoal purists are Weber or Green Egg aficionados who understand heat control well. GrillGrates functionality is the same for charcoal grills. Food is protected from charring flare-ups and good juices sizzle just below the food for noticeably juicer more tender meats – particularly chicken and pork. If you are a high- heat charcoal griller you will love the way GrillGrates sear a steak while protecting it from drying out and charring. NOTE: You will be able to do more direct (rather than indirect) grilling with GrillGrates on charcoal grills.

Will my grill run hotter with GrillGrates?

Yes. Most grills typically run 100-150° degrees hotter at the cooking surface than the air in the hood. GrillGrates will be hotter still. Kamado grills run 200-300° hotter at the surface, gas grills 100-200° hotter and pellet grills you can expect to see about 100° hotter. Aluminum is a superb conductor of heat smoothing out hot spots and cold spots and focusing the heat of the grill to the raised rails. Adjust grill temps downward and use less fuel.

Can I turn them over and use them as a flat surface?

Sure can! Our buddy Meathead from Amazingribs.com and lots of our customers do it all of the time. Or you can use our GrateGriddle.

Can I use my cast iron skillet or griddle on top of my GrillGrates?

We do not recommend you put anything on your GrillGrates other than food or our GrateGriddle. Heat can potentially become trapped and damage the GrillGrates.

I “stuck my food” on my GrillGrates! What went wrong?

There are a few things that could have gone wrong. The number one reason food will stick to any grilling surface is that the grill was not hot enough to begin with. Other times your seasoning or rub can be the culprit if it contains a high concentration of sugar. For a deeper dive about how to keep food from sticking to your grill, refer to this article on AmazingRibs.com.

PRODUCT SELECTION

How do I choose the right size GrillGrates for my grill?

Rectangular Gas Grill Owners: First, determine if you want to replace the grates on your existing gas grill or use GrillGrates on top of your existing surface. For choosing the right size of replacement sets, click here. For choosing the right size of top-sitting sets, click here.

Round Charcoal Grill Owners: GrillGrates sit on top of existing grates of round charcoal grills. Determine the diameter of your grill’s existing grate. Click here to shop for kamado-style grills. Shop for all other round charcoal grills by clicking here.

Pellet Grill Owners: GrillGrates sit on top of existing pellet grill grates, which introduces high heat direct grilling. We recommend positioning GrillGrates over the fire pot with most pellet grills. Click here to shop for your pellet grill Sear Station.

What is the dimension of a GrillGrate?

We have several lengths of GrillGrates: 12”, 13.75”, 15”, 16.25”, 17.375”, 18.5”, 18.8”, 19.25”, 20”, and 24”. Each grate is 5.25” wide, the space between each raised rail is 7/8”, and the height of the grate is 13/16”.

You do not have the exact size for my grill, do you custom cut the GrillGrates?

Our custom cutting service cuts lengths 24 inches or less. There is a $5 per panel cutting fee built into the price. For more info check out our Custom Cut Page. We can only customize the length of GrillGrates, not the width. Cutting GrillGrates is easy with any metal cutting saw. Place the cut side to the back of the grill. OR, take them to your local hardware store as most have chop saws on site.

CARE & CLEANING

How long will GrillGrates last?

GrillGrates are made of strong hard-anodized aluminum, which provides years of grate grilling. With moderate care and proper use, GrillGrates should outlast the life of your grill. Clean before grilling using a traditional wire brush or our GrillGrate’s GrateBrush. Keeping the rails clean will deliver the best searing and nonstick results. Periodic cleaning in a sink or bucket is helpful after a heavy marinade that coats the GrillGrates. Learn more about care and cleaning.

What is the best way to clean GrillGrates?

Visit our Care And Cleaning page to learn the details.

Can I clean GrillGrates in the dishwasher?

Do not put GrillGrates in the dishwasher. Their harsh detergents are caustic and can pit the hard-anodized surface. Additionally, do no use caustic dishwashing detergent or oven cleaners on GrillGrates.

What is the best way to break in my new GrillGrates?

Cook some food with a high-fat content like chicken thighs or burgers the first few times you grill. Let your grates season like a cast-iron skillet. Seasoning with an onion is also a great technique. See the video here.

ORDERING PROCESS

Is there a warranty on the GrillGrates?

Yes. We have a no questions asked warranty. After using GrillGrates, if you don’t like them for any reason, we’ll take them back. New or used GrillGrates may be returned within 90-days for a refund. You only pay shipping. Normal wear and tear or modifications are not covered by this warranty.

Where do GrillGrates ship from?

Our main warehouse is located in Cartersville, GA. We also have a warehouse in Roscoe, IL. We ship via FedEx Ground with no signature required as our default. If you want to sign for your package, please state in the order notes when you place your order. We ship USPS to HI, AK, and post office addresses. We ship worldwide via USPS Priority Mail International.

Do you accept returns or provide refunds?

The short answer is YES, except on custom cut orders. For full details on returns and shipping policies, please see our Returns & Shipping page here. 

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