Cast-iron grill grates: how to choose?

A delicious grilled dish can turn a regular weekday into a real holiday. It is believed that iron is the ideal material for the manufacture of barbecue grills, on which the process of cooking the most fragrant meat, fish and vegetables. In order to have a clear idea of ​​what the cast-iron grill grates are and how to choose them, it is necessary to become familiar with all the features of these products.

Features and benefits

Such material as cast iron is an alloy of iron and carbon with elements of manganese and sulfur. Products from this composition perfectly withstand the maximum temperature completely without deformation.That is why the ideal option for grilling and barbecue is considered to be a cast-iron grill. It can be made by pouring out of iron or created from cast iron rods. Such items for the barbecue can be used both indoors and outdoors.

Cast iron has the property of slow heating and good heat retention., the dishes cooked on the gratings of this material are always characterized by a uniform roasting and appetizing appearance.

It is worth noting that the cast iron grilles are quite convenient and practical, which makes the process of their operation as comfortable as possible.

Due to the porous structure of this material, dishes are always under reliable protection from burning. All this creates the most favorable conditions for the preparation of these culinary masterpieces with minimal effort.

Models

Different models of cast-iron grates are presented on the modern market, each of which is intended for the preparation of meat and vegetable dishes in a very different presentation. The two main types include flat and deep specimens.

Flat models look like baking sheets with special cuts and handles. They fall into two categories.

    • With vaporizer. Such products are characterized by high walls with a ribbed surface. Their design is created so thoughtfully that the fat in the process of draining does not fall on the fire, but evaporates directly on the runners, making the taste of dishes more pronounced and saturated.
    • Without evaporator. These lattices are made in the form of a solid base, complemented by handles and a special working surface in the form of a grid. The dishes cooked on them are very juicy and with an appetizing crust.

    Deep models are considered more convenient and mobile.

    They are great for preparing dishes from large pieces. The upper part, which serves as a fixer in the process of turning from one side to the other, makes them most functional.

    Forms and sizes

    In the process of choosing a cast-iron grating, special attention is paid to its shape, as well as its size. Such design can be round, square, oval or rectangular.

    These products are divided into two types:

    • with one plane - fixed above the fire with the help of metal legs;
    • with two planes - the upper part is a lid with the presence of metal rings, and the fixing process is also carried out with the help of the legs.

      The handles of both types of structures are made of high quality wood or are coated with a high temperature resistant latex to prevent burns. Wooden handles are considered the most practical and functional, harmoniously complementing the overall design. Large grilles are often equipped with two handles, so that their use is as convenient and comfortable as possible.

      Round and rectangular models of these constructions are considered to be the most popular.

      Depending on how many centimeters the lattice width is, it will depend on how well it is suitable for certain products. Standard sizes of barbecue grills are considered to be products with a diameter of 23 cm, 33 cm, 38 cm and 46 cm. But modern technologies allow producing these designs with the most different sizes, based on individual wishes and needs of customers.

      Advantages and disadvantages

      High-quality cast iron grill contributes to the creation of chic culinary masterpieces.

      Products made from this material are characterized by the following advantages:

        • uniform heating and high heat capacity;
        • strength;
        • durability;
        • security;
        • presentable.

        The disadvantages include heavy weight.

        If cooking requires a lot of time, then the weight of the product can cause inconvenience in use.

        It is worth noting the fact that the more often the cast-iron grating is subject to operation, the better the coating becomes. It is most resistant to deformation, so that its original properties are perfectly preserved for many years. Due to the impeccable quality of cast iron grates, all dishes cooked on them are characterized by a unique taste and unsurpassed aroma.

        Comparison with analogue of the "stainless steel"

        Stainless steel grills have their own distinctive features in relation to cast iron products. The material itself is an iron-carbon alloy, which includes at least 12% chromium. Such structures are resistant to corrosion, as they have electroplating, chrome, nickel or non-stick coating. Their weight in comparison with the cast-iron models is rather light, but they use steel gratings mainly for small products that are difficult to turn over during cooking using a spatula or forceps.

        Almost all barbecue grills after a certain period of time tend to fade and lose their original appearance. In addition, their non-stick coating burns out over time, emitting substances harmful to the human body, which can adversely affect health. Therefore, comparing cast-iron gratings with stainless steel specimens, it is better to make a choice in favor of the first option. Designs made of cast iron are absolutely safe for health and perfectly preserve their original qualities, regardless of the intensity of their operation.

        Overview of popular manufacturers

        The global market offers a wide range of cast-iron grill grates from a variety of brands. All of them are characterized by individual features that every lover of grilled dishes will appreciate. High positions in the popularity rating are occupied by several manufacturers of these products.

          Forester

          Reliable and comfortable cast iron grates, which are ideal for preparing delicious dishes not only from meat but also from vegetables. Among them are models with different sizes and volumes.The presence of a special coating protects dishes from burning and also ensures the preservation of their rich taste and aroma. The cost of these products is quite affordable for everyone.

          Weber

          The original cast-iron grates, created for the preparation of various dishes of meat, fish and vegetables, taking into account individual wishes and imagination. They are distinguished by ease of use, which is an important advantage of the products of this brand. All of them are made of high-quality materials that ensure the strength and durability of these structures.

          Spin-spin

          Smooth cast iron grilles with a smooth non-stick coating. They are the most resistant to rust and perfectly retain their original qualities for many years of operation.

          Wellberg

          Functional cast iron gratings made using the most modern technologies. Models from this manufacturer differ in wear resistance and convenience. Their range allows you to choose the most appropriate instance, depending on the individual wishes and preferences of customers.

          Maestro

          Practical and easy-to-use cast iron grates, which are great for almost any model of grill and barbecue.It is as easy to care for them as it is to cook delicious culinary dishes.

          Numerous customer reviews indicate that the cast-iron gratings of these manufacturers fully comply with the required standards and quality standards.

          Their designs are so well thought out that the operation process brings only positive impressions from the use of these products.

          How to make yourself?

          Despite the fact that there is a wide variety of ready-made cast iron gratings on sale, you can make them yourself. Thus, it is possible to create any model based on certain parameters. In addition, this option is more economical, because it does not require large financial investments, which is considered an important advantage. The technology of self-production of such structures is very popular, because it allows you to create such models of grids that will best meet the individual needs.

          The whole process of making a cast-iron grating consists of several stages.

          • The choice of design. Determined by its future size, shape and type.For example, for 2 kg of meat there is enough capacity 35 cm long, 26 cm wide and 2 cm high. Such a surface is quite enough for cooking for 4 persons.
          • Selection of material. The main thing is that the material was as fire-resistant and resistant to moisture. Cast iron fully meets these requirements, so it will be the perfect solution. Pig-iron lattices turn out very strong and convenient in application.
          • Making components. Cut the rods of the desired size and are interconnected in the form of a lattice using argon welding. The edges are carefully cleaned with a disk or sandpaper.
          • Fastening handles. Depending on the number of handles are fixed with one or two sides. At the same time, it is important that these structural elements are as comfortable as possible during operation. The best option is metal or classic wooden handles.

          The process of self-production of a cast-iron grating requires some effort and skill.

          But, a properly planned process can bring both a lot of positive emotions and a chic result in the form of high-quality and durable elements of the grill.

          Useful tips

          Starting the process of buying a cast-iron grating, you should familiarize yourself with the advice of professionals, which are as follows:

            • It is recommended to make a choice in favor of deep and volumetric products, as they are best suited for preparing a variety of dishes;
            • it is good if the handles are made of wood, so that they will not be heated by fire;
            • the presence of special clamps will make the lattice as easy to use.

            Avoid unpleasant incidents during the holidays will help compliance with the following rules:

              • grill or barbecue should be located in open space or in a well-ventilated area;
              • it is necessary to set fire to fire only with high-quality and specially designed liquids for the purpose of preventing food poisoning;
              • the place where the grill is located must be level, which will make the structure as stable as possible;
              • A cast-iron grill should be installed away from dry grass and hanging branches to create a safe environment.

              Using cast-iron gratings for cooking is very important to follow all these tips, which will create the most comfortable and safe conditions for a good rest.

              In general, such constructions are the best option for the presentation of exquisite culinary masterpieces and filling the surrounding atmosphere with pleasant moments.

              For a video review of the cast iron grill, as well as more details about its benefits, see the video below.

              Comments
               Author
              Information provided for reference purposes. For construction issues, always consult a specialist.

              Entrance hall

              Living room

              Bedroom