If you love cooking, baking, or hosting backyard BBQs, you know what the best grill rack brings to the table. Grill racks, or cooking grates, are necessary for both home cooks and professional chefs, as they ensure proper heating and cooling of your meals. In this guide, we shed light on everything you need to know before purchasing a replacement cooking grate.
Purpose of a Grill Rack
You may use a cooking rack in a grill for barbecues, fish, veggies, and steak. It is generally oven-safe, perfect for baking tasty treats like macarons. You can also place it on top of a drip tray, ideal for juicy meats. Some grill grates double as cooling racks, letting soft foods like cookies cool without breaking when they are hot.
Material
Stainless steel grill racks are the most common choice, thanks to their durability and rust resistance. They are safe to use in the oven and can withstand the high temperatures they’re exposed to in grills. Some cooking grates feature plated steel, which provides durability but is not generally dishwasher-safe and may rust over time. Stainless steel is safe for the dishwasher and will not bend or warp with frequent use.
Size and Shape
Ensure the grate fits your grill and accommodates the amount of food you typically cook. These racks come in rectangular, circular, or specialty shapes, accommodating different cooking needs and specific grills. If you are looking for a rack for a specific grill, you will need to analyze the dimensions of both items to make sure they fit. The Weber Grill Grate, measuring 22 inches in diameter, is perfect for most round charcoal grills.
Grate Design
Analyze the cooking rack's grate design to ensure your meals will cook evenly and won't fall through. Racks with wide grids are ideal for fish, BBQ chicken, and similar foods. Small grid sizes are ideal for vegetables, cookies, and soft foods.
Value
To get the best value, select a durable and long-lasting BBQ rack. That way, you don't have to worry about it wearing down season after season, and you can save money buying frequent replacements. Also, consider investing in a two-pack, especially if you cook or host BBQ parties often.
Longevity
The longevity of the wire grill rack depends on the quality of the rack and how you treat it. Extremely good quality ones can last several years, even 10 to 15 years, if you take good care of them. Thick, stainless steel ones can withstand high temperatures and are easy to clean. It is important that you do not let any grease or food residue accumulate on the grill, as it can get very difficult to get rid of. Cleaning it after every use is a crucial step in keeping it in top-notch condition. If you notice signs of discoloration and some part of the rack has started to bend, it's time to replace it.
How Did We Choose Our Top Picks?
Our team goes through a rigorous process to ensure that we only bring the best products in the market to you. For this purpose, we analyze grill grates based on quality of material, brand reputation, value, and customer reviews.
