How To Season Porcelain Coated Cast Iron Grill Grates? Definitive Guide

If you have experience cooking with a cast iron grill grate, you already know what seasoning means. Seasoning the grill does not mean putting salt and pepper on it. But, it is a very unique process of heating the pan with some oil on it to seal the pores of the cookware. This process helps your grill perform more efficiently.

Seasoning the grates Also helps it last a long time as it keeps the product from rusting.

Cast iron grates are quite easy to season. But how to season porcelain-coated cast iron grill grates? Don't worry, there are a lot of options that you can try.

Seasoning a porcelain-enameled grill grate also helps it perform better. By following some easy steps you can season it easily.

What Is A Porcelain Coated Cast Iron Grill Grate?

As the name suggests, this kind of grill grate is coated with porcelain.

One of the key benefits that you can get from using this kind of grill grade is that- they are better at retaining heat. If you're looking for a very bold sear mark on your fish or meat, a porcelain-enameled cast iron grill grate will be a good option for you.

These grates can hold on to heat for a longer period. They also warm up a lot faster and are quite light than traditional cast iron grill grates.

People also prefer investing in porcelain-coated steel grates because they are more affordable.

One thing that you should know about porcelain-coated cast iron is that it can perform quite well, but won't be as long-lasting as a typical cast iron grill grate. This is because the outer coating can keep away quite easily if it is not maintained properly.

How To Season Porcelain Coated Cast Iron Grill Grates from Rusting?

There is an argument about whether or not you need to season porcelain-coated grill grates. A lot of people say that the coating is baked on at extremely high temperatures, and therefore is already nonstick.

But, a lot of people feel like the grill grates just perform better when they have been seasoned.

Here is a very quick and easy way to season your porcelain-coated grill grates.

Step 1: Choose The Right Kind Of Oil

For seasoning cast iron grill grates, it is recommended that you use a neutral oil such as grapeseed oil or vegetable oil.

Similarly, to season a porcelain-coated cast iron grill grate, you should use some sort of vegetable shortening. The oil should not have too much flavor in it. Here neutral oils are preferred for seasoning.

Step 2: Cover The Surface With Oil

Next, you will have to spread a very thin layer of the vegetable shortening on the grill grate. Make sure the oil reaches every inch of the surface including all corners.

You can use a paper towel to spread the oil even better.

Step 3: Turn On The Heat

Now, all you have to do is heat the grill grate in the grill. Preheat your grill for about 15 minutes, and place the product inside.

The lids should be closed, and the burners should have a very low flame. Allow the grill grate to heat up for about 1 or 1.5 hours.

Then, turn off the burner, and allow the grill grates to cool inside the grill.

Take it out after it has cooled down completely. Your porcelain-coated cast iron grill grates are well seasoned and ready to use!

How To Take Care Of Your Porcelain Coated Cast Iron Grill Grates?

If you want a porcelain-coated cast iron grill grate to last a long time- you will have to take care of it. Here are a few tips that you can follow to maintain this kind of grill grate properly.

1. Cleaning

After heat retention, the main reason people invest in porcelain coated grill grates is that- they are quite easy to clean.

Make sure that you do not use any rough scrub that might put a chip on it. Therefore, try and avoid metal and wire brushes.

Instead, you can use a soft-bristled brush, or a nylon grill brush to scrub off the excess oil and debris. Any food that is leftover on the grill grates should be burned off.

Let the grill grate school completely, and then scrub it off with the nylon cleaning brush.

You can use any kind of dishwashing detergent with lukewarm water to do this.

2. Storage

Every time you store your grill grates after cooking, you need to make sure that all of the food and grease have been cleaned off.

After cleaning, you can apply a very light coat of oil onto the grill grates. This will prevent rusting if the grill grates are being stored for a long time.

3. Reseasoning

If you want to prevent rusting, you should always re-season your porcelain-coated cast iron grill grates. This will prevent rusting and also will help the grill grates last a long time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Kind Of Oil Should You Use For Seasoning Porcelain Coated Grill Grates?

It is better if you season your porcelain-coated cast iron grill grates with vegetable shortening. Any kind of oil or fat that is neutral will be ideal for this process.

Try not to use any salted fats such as margarine or butter.

2. Do You Have To Season Porcelain Coated Grill Grates?

A lot of people say that you don't have to season porcelain-coated grill grates. This is because they are already made with a lot of high heat and do not include any pores.

But, another school of thought is that the porcelain coated grill grate will perform much better if seasoned.

Our say in this matter is that- as the seasoning only takes a few hours, you can season the grill grates and see the results for yourself.

3. What Are The Benefits Of Seasoning A Grill Grate?

Grill grates when seasoned, will get a nonstick layer. It is also said that seasoning prevents the grill grates from rusting.

4. How To Prevent Rusting On A Porcelain Coated Cast Iron Grill Grate?

To prevent rusting, you should always re-season your porcelain-coated cast iron grill grates. Do this frequently, especially when they are new.

After you have used them for a couple of months, you can season them every other month. But for the first months, try and season them every other week.

Final Words

If you take care of porcelain-coated cast iron grill grates, they too can last a long time. If you're wondering how to season porcelain coated cast iron grill grates, we have the solution for you.

It is quite similar to seasoning a regular cast iron grill grate. Use a neutral oil, and let it heat up for about an hour or an hour and a half.

That's it! At the end of the process, you will have a grill grate that is non-stick, and non-porous. Try to avoid salted fats such as margarine or butter, and use neutral oils.

If you want the grill grate to last longer, and to be protected from rusting- you can try re-seasoning the grill grates frequently. And that's it! That is all you have to do to properly season and maintain a porcelain-coated cast iron grill grate!