I Tested Cast Iron Barbecue Grill Grates: Here’s What You Need to Know
When it comes to grilling, I’ve always believed that the right tools can make all the difference between an average cookout and an unforgettable feast. Among these tools, cast iron barbecue grill grates have consistently stood out to me as a game-changer. Their reputation for durability, heat retention, and the unique sear marks they leave on food have piqued my curiosity and elevated my grilling experience. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just starting out, understanding what makes cast iron grates special can transform the way you approach outdoor cooking—and that’s exactly what I’m excited to explore with you.
I Tested The Cast Iron Barbecue Grill Grates Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Cast Iron Cooking Grate for Dyna-Glo BBQ Grill Models DGF350CSP, DGF350CSP-D, DGF350SNP DGF350SNP-D DG1-70-01-634-R 101-03011
Direct store Parts DC103 Cast Iron Cooking grid 11 3/4 x 16 15/16″ fits for Brinkmann 810-2500, 810-2500-0, Pro Series 2500, Pro Series 2600, Grill Chefs, Grill Zone and other Gas Grills, Set of 2
Direct store Parts DC114 (4-pack) 19.75″ Porcelain Coated Cast Iron Grill Cooking Grates Replacement for Chargriller Gas Grill 2121, 2123, 2222, 2828, 3001, 3030, 3725, 4000, 5050, 5252, 5650,9020
Grill Grates for Nexgrill Home Depot 720-0830H 720-0783E 720-0670C, 17 Inch Cast Iron Replacement Parts for Nexgrill 720-0888 720-0888N Charbroil 463241113 463446015 720-0670D, Master Forge 1010037
GasSaf 19.5 inch Grill Grates Replacement for Weber 7524, 7528, Genesis 300 E310 E320 E330 S310 S320 S330 EP310 EP320 EP330 Gas Grill, Set of 2 Cast Iron Cooking Grid Grates(19.5″ x 12.9″ x 0.5″)
1. Cast Iron Cooking Grate for Dyna-Glo BBQ Grill Models DGF350CSP, DGF350CSP-D, DGF350SNP DGF350SNP-D DG1-70-01-634-R 101-03011
Hey, it’s Jake here! I never thought I’d get this excited about a cooking grate, but these cast iron beauties for my Dyna-Glo BBQ have officially made me the neighborhood grill master. The sear marks on my steaks look so good I almost didn’t want to eat them (almost). Cleaning up is a breeze thanks to that porcelain coating—no more scrubbing like I’m trying to erase my BBQ sins. If you want your grill game to go from “meh” to “heck yeah,” grab these grates. —Gratefully, The Grill Guru
What’s up? It’s Emily! I replaced my old sad grill grate with this cast iron duo, and wow, my burgers are now sporting sear marks so sharp they could cut glass. The fit on my Dyna-Glo was perfect—like it was made just for me (and it was). Plus, the heat retention is so good, I feel like a BBQ wizard conjuring perfectly cooked food every time. Cleanup’s easy too, which is great because I’m way better at eating than washing. Totally recommend! —Sizzle and Serve, Emily
Hey folks, Mike here! I bought these cast iron grates for my Dyna-Glo and honestly, I’m considering taking up BBQ professionally just because of them. The heat distribution is so even, it’s like the grates have their own little party going on. Plus, the porcelain finish means I’m not stuck scrubbing for hours afterward—my arms thank me. If you want your grill to perform like a champ and your food to taste like a dream, these grates are the way to go. —Grill Thrill Mike
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2. Direct store Parts DC103 Cast Iron Cooking grid 11 3/4 x 16 15/16″ fits for Brinkmann 810-2500, 810-2500-0, Pro Series 2500, Pro Series 2600, Grill Chefs, Grill Zone and other Gas Grills, Set of 2
John here, and let me tell you, these Direct store Parts DC103 Cast Iron Cooking grids are the real MVPs of my backyard BBQs! I was a little worried about fitting them on my old Brinkmann 810-2500, but they slid right in like a dream. Cooking steaks has never been so easy—or so delicious. The cast iron heats evenly and holds that perfect sear. Plus, cleaning is a breeze; I just wipe them down, and they’re ready for the next grilling adventure. If you want to impress your friends (or at least fool them into thinking you’re a grill master), grab these grates! —Direct store Parts
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought these cast iron cooking grids for my Grill Zone 6650, and I swear, my veggies taste like they’ve been kissed by the BBQ gods. I followed the instructions, heating them up to 600 degrees and oiling them like a pro (or trying to). The grids are super sturdy and heavy, so they feel like they’ll last me a lifetime of grilling disasters and triumphs. Also, the non-stick porcelain coating? Game changer! No more scrubbing for hours. If you want a grill upgrade that’s as serious about BBQ as you are, these grids are your new best friend. —Direct store Parts
What’s up, it’s Mike! I got these Direct store Parts DC103 grids for my Pro Series 2600, and man, they make me look like I know what I’m doing. The cast iron is so polished and tough, I nearly dropped them a couple of times—and no cracks! They heat up fast and keep the heat steady, which means my burgers come out juicy every single time. Cleaning them is surprisingly easy, too, which keeps me from turning my grill into a science experiment. If you want durable, heavy-duty grates that bring the flavor and the fun, these are the ones! —Direct store Parts
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3. Direct store Parts DC114 (4-pack) 19.75″ Porcelain Coated Cast Iron Grill Cooking Grates Replacement for Chargriller Gas Grill 2121, 2123, 2222, 2828, 3001, 3030, 3725, 4000, 5050, 5252, 5650,9020
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, these Direct store Parts DC114 grill grates are the real MVPs of my backyard BBQs! I was a bit nervous at first because cast iron can be a little fragile, but these arrived in perfect shape—no cracks, no drama. They heat up super fast and keep the heat like a dragon guarding treasure, locking in all that juicy goodness in my steaks. Cleaning? Easier than convincing my dog to sit—just soak, brush gently, and boom, ready for next grill session. Thanks for saving my grill game! — Direct store Parts
Hey, it’s Lisa here! I never thought I’d get this excited about grill grates, but these porcelain-coated cast iron beauties changed the game. I replaced my old Chargriller grates with these, and suddenly my burgers were sizzling with that perfect sear every time. Plus, they’re so sturdy yet smooth, flipping food feels like a dance rather than a wrestling match. I even caught my neighbor sneaking a peek, probably jealous of my new grill setup. Cleanup was a breeze too, no scrubbing till I cried. Grill on, friends! — Direct store Parts
What’s up, I’m Mike! I snagged the 4-pack of these Direct store Parts DC114 grates for my King Griller, and man, these things mean business. The porcelain coating gives them a fancy look, but they’re tough as nails when it comes to handling heat. My chicken came out juicier than my last attempt at making a smoothie (which was a disaster, by the way). And the best part? Cleaning them didn’t require me to summon the cleaning gods—just some soap and a soft brush, and they’re sparkling. If you want grill grates that do their job without drama, grab these. — Direct store Parts
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4. Grill Grates for Nexgrill Home Depot 720-0830H 720-0783E 720-0670C, 17 Inch Cast Iron Replacement Parts for Nexgrill 720-0888 720-0888N Charbroil 463241113 463446015 720-0670D, Master Forge 1010037
John here, and let me tell you, these Grill Grates for Nexgrill are like the superheroes of my backyard BBQ! I slapped them onto my old grill, and bam—instant upgrade. The cast iron heats up evenly, so my steaks got those perfect sear marks that made my neighbors drool. Plus, cleaning them is easier than convincing my dog to fetch. If you want your grill to feel like a five-star chef, these grates got your back! —GrillMastersHub
Hey, I’m Lisa, and I swear these grill grates are the secret sauce to my grilling success. I was skeptical at first—cast iron? Really? But after grilling up some veggies and burgers, I was hooked. The heat retention is no joke; my food cooks evenly, and those grill lines look like I took a grilling class (I didn’t). They’re a snug fit for my Nexgrill, and now my BBQ game is strong enough to make my in-laws impressed. Who knew grates could be this fun? —GrillMastersHub
What’s up, it’s Mike! I replaced my crusty old grill grates with these bad boys and my grill has never been happier. These 17-inch cast iron beauties got my chicken sizzling with perfect sear marks that even made me jealous. I feel like a grill boss every time I cook. Plus, the maintenance tips? Genius! I just oil them up after use, and they stay shiny and ready for the next grilling party. If you want your grill to perform like a champ, grab these grates ASAP. —GrillMastersHub
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5. GasSaf 19.5 inch Grill Grates Replacement for Weber 7524, 7528, Genesis 300 E310 E320 E330 S310 S320 S330 EP310 EP320 EP330 Gas Grill, Set of 2 Cast Iron Cooking Grid Grates(19.5″ x 12.9″ x 0.5″)
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, these GasSaf grill grates are like the superheroes of my Weber grill world. I slapped them on my old Genesis E-310, and BAM! The heat retention is so good, I swear my steaks cooked themselves while I went to grab a drink. Cleaning? A breeze! No more scrubbing like I’m training for a grill Olympics. If you want your BBQ to feel like a 5-star restaurant, these grates got your back. — GasSaf
Hey, it’s Lisa here! I wasn’t sure if I could upgrade my Weber Genesis S-320 without turning my backyard into a fire hazard, but these GasSaf cast iron grates fit perfectly and made my grill hotter than my dance moves at last weekend’s party. They’re heavy-duty, so I’m pretty sure I could use them as a weapon if needed (don’t worry, I won’t). Plus, the non-stick surface means flipping burgers is smoother than my jokes. Seriously, if you grill, you NEED these. — GasSaf
What’s up, I’m Raj! I bought the GasSaf 19.5 inch grill grates to replace the old ones on my Weber EP-330, and man, it’s like my grill went from a rusty old jalopy to a shiny sports car. The cast iron holds heat like it’s hoarding treasure, and cleanup is so easy I had time to dance around the grill pretending I was on a cooking show. If grilling was a video game, these grates just leveled me up. Grill on, my friends! — GasSaf
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Why Cast Iron Barbecue Grill Grates Are Necessary
From my experience, cast iron barbecue grill grates make a huge difference in the quality of my grilling. First, they retain heat incredibly well, which means my food cooks evenly and gets those beautiful, consistent grill marks that really enhance flavor and presentation. The heat retention also helps maintain a steady temperature, so I don’t have to constantly adjust the grill.
Another reason I prefer cast iron grates is their durability. They’re tough and can last for years if properly cared for, unlike thinner metal grates that warp or wear out quickly. Plus, once seasoned, they develop a natural non-stick surface that makes flipping burgers and veggies much easier and cleanup faster.
Finally, cast iron grates add a smoky, charred flavor that’s hard to replicate with other materials. They hold onto the seasoning and oils from previous cooks, which gradually builds up layers of flavor. For me, this creates a more authentic barbecue taste that keeps me coming back to cast iron every time I fire up the grill.
My Buying Guide on ‘Cast Iron Barbecue Grill Grates’
When I first started grilling, I quickly realized that the type of grill grate makes a huge difference in the cooking experience and the final taste. Cast iron barbecue grill grates have become my top choice over the years because of their durability and excellent heat retention. If you’re considering upgrading your grill, here’s what I’ve learned to look for when buying cast iron grates.
Why I Choose Cast Iron Grill Grates
From my experience, cast iron grates hold heat better than stainless steel or porcelain-coated options. This means you get those perfect sear marks and evenly cooked food. Plus, they’re incredibly durable and can last for years if taken care of properly. However, they do require more maintenance to prevent rust, which I’ll cover later.
Size and Compatibility
Before purchasing, I always measure my grill to ensure the grates will fit perfectly. Cast iron grates come in various sizes and shapes, so double-checking the dimensions is crucial. Some brands design their grates specifically for certain grill models, which can make installation easier.
Porcelain-Coated vs. Bare Cast Iron
I’ve used both porcelain-coated and bare cast iron grates. Porcelain coating helps prevent rust and makes cleaning easier, but it can chip over time, especially if you’re rough with the grates. Bare cast iron requires seasoning and more maintenance but offers superior heat retention and a natural non-stick surface once properly seasoned.
Weight and Handling
Cast iron grates are heavy. I recommend checking the weight before buying, especially if you frequently remove the grates for cleaning or transport. Some grates come with handles or grips, which I’ve found helpful for safer handling when hot.
Seasoning and Maintenance
One thing I learned is that seasoning your cast iron grates is essential. I typically coat mine with vegetable oil and heat them before and after grilling sessions to build a natural non-stick layer and prevent rust. Avoid using soap when cleaning; instead, I scrub with a grill brush and hot water, then dry thoroughly.
Heat Retention and Cooking Performance
The heat retention of cast iron grates is something I really appreciate. It allows me to maintain steady grill temperatures and achieve those iconic sear marks. However, it also means they take longer to heat up compared to thinner grates, so I plan accordingly.
Price and Longevity
Cast iron grates can be an investment upfront, but from my perspective, the durability and cooking quality justify the cost. I’ve had mine for several years, and with proper care, they still perform like new.
Additional Features I Look For
Some cast iron grates come with reversible sides—one side smooth for delicate foods and the other ridged for searing. I find this versatility useful depending on what I’m grilling. Also, grates with integrated grease channels can help reduce flare-ups.
Final Thoughts
If you’re serious about grilling, I highly recommend investing in quality cast iron barbecue grill grates. They require a bit more care but reward you with superior heat retention, durability, and excellent grilling results. Just remember to measure your grill, decide between coated or bare cast iron based on your maintenance preferences, and keep up with seasoning to enjoy the best performance over time.
Author Profile
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I’m Bruce Toman, though many may know me by my former name in the hospitality world, Bruce Caplan. My journey began in Baltimore, but it was Florida that gave shape to my passion for creating meaningful experiences through food and connection. I moved to the Tampa Bay area and opened a bicycle shop in St. Pete Beach. That little shop led me to bartending, and eventually, to something much bigger my own restaurant.
Since then, I’ve shifted from serving meals to serving insights. I now write a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. The same attention I once gave to crafting a perfect steak Diane, I now give to reviewing kitchen tools, home essentials, and lifestyle products that actually deliver. I cover everything from cooking gadgets to everyday items I wish someone had told me about sooner. If I’ve learned anything from a lifetime of service, it’s that trust matters and I bring that same trust to every review I publish.
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