Q: Is a stainless steel grill better?
A: Cast iron grates last longer, retain more heat and provide greater nonstick properties, whereas stainless steel grates are better protected against rust and corrosion and are easier to clean. If you're struggling to choose between the two, you can always purchase both types of grates for your grill or smoker.
Q: Do you have to season a stainless steel grill?
A: However, many modern grill grates made from materials such as porcelain-coated cast iron or stainless steel are already treated with a non-stick coating or are naturally resistant to rust, so seasoning may not be necessary.
Q: Is it hard to keep a stainless steel grill clean?
A: Keeping stainless steel kitchen appliances smudge-free and shiny is hard enough. Keeping a stainless steel gas grill pristine requires even more time and attention. It's outdoors, exposed to the elements sometimes year-round.
Q: Do you need to oil stainless steel grates?
A: Not only does oiling your grates prevent food from sticking, it also protects your grates from rusting. Just a few simple steps will prevent rust from forming by protecting the metal from exposure to the corrosive combination of oxygen and moisture.
Q: How do I keep my stainless steel grill from rusting?
A: Keep it covered with a grill cover and it won't rust. Clean the grease out when needed (twice a year) more with heavy use and the main body won't corrode either. If it is stainless steel, it won't rust. You just spray it with stainless steel cleaner which is a light oil, and that will keep it clean and shiny.
Q: Which grill is least likely to rust?
A: On the other hand, stainless steel doesn't require re-seasoning, and over time, it can build up a nonstick-like coating. And high quality stainless steel grill grates won't be prone to rust for decades!
Q: Does meat stick to stainless steel grill?
A: If your grill isn't hot enough then food will stick because there is not enough conductive heat in the metal (cast iron or stainless steel), which results in a literal chemical bond between the food and cooking grids.
Q: Can I use vinegar on stainless steel grill?
A: After each bbq, do a quick wipe-down. Distilled white vinegar is excellent to use on stainless steel. It will remove any fingerprints, food residue, or grease marks left behind during cooking. White vinegar will also disinfect stainless steel surfaces.
Q: Do I need a grill cover for a stainless steel grill?
A: Although it's recommended to have a cover for your grill, it is not necessary to keep your grill covered 24/7. Just remember to give your grill a good wipe down about once a month, and cover it when necessary. The more you take care of your grill, the longer it can make great meals with you.
Q: What ruins stainless steel finish?
A: Not every technique is safe to use when cleaning stainless steel appliances. Avoid scouring powders, steel wool, bleach, ammonia, and other non-stainless steel cleaners to prevent damage to the appliance's finish.
Q: What foods should not be cooked in stainless steel?
A: Stainless steel: Another generally safe option. But experts note that you should ideally refrain from cooking acidic foods, like tomato sauce, in these types of pans. “Stainless steel may have some heavy metals in it, such as nickel and chromium, that can leach, especially when cooking acidic foods,” Minich explains.
Q: Should grill be oiled before grilling?
A: Oiling your grill grate helps prevent food from sticking when cooking. To do this, dip a wadded paper towel in a little oil and, using tongs, wipe the oil evenly over the grate. Be careful not to use too much oil, because that's a sure fire way to start a good flare-up—a little goes a long way here.
Q: What is the best grade of stainless steel for grills?
A: 304 Stainless Steel. One of the most common grades of austenitic stainless steel used for grills is 304 due to its incredibly high corrosion, oxidation resistance, and sublime durability. It comprises 18-20% chromium, 8-10.5% nickel, and small levels of manganese, carbon, and silicon.
Q: Can I grill on rusty grates?
A: To keep from serving your guests some dangerous burgers, you'll need to clean rusty grill grates before cooking anything. (And along those lines, we recommend avoiding any wire brush, as those have been known to fall off in food and lead to health complications when swallowed.)
Q: Can I put olive oil on the grill?
A: It's a common misconception that olive oils smoke point is too low to grill with, but high quality extra virgin olive oil has a smoke point of over 410°F. While you don't want to have oil dripping into the flames, a light brushing will do wonders in keeping your foods from sticking.
Q: How do you keep stainless steel grill grates from rusting?
A: Once the surface has cooled, wipe the grate with a damp cloth to remove residue or brush bristles, then use a rag or folded paper towels to apply a light coating vegetable oil to the clean grill grates. This will help prevent rust and food build-up.
Q: What is the difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel grill grates?
A: The physical and mechanical properties of stainless steel 316 are very similar to304 with a comparable material make-up. The main difference for stainless steel 316 is that it incorporates more nickel and the addition of a small percentage of molybdenum. The addition of molybdenum increases corrosion resistance.
Q: What is the best version of stainless steel?
A: Most stainless steel ordered around the world is Grade 304. It offers the standard corrosion resistance, formability, strength, and easy maintenance for which stainless is known. While 316 comes in second in terms of quantities sold, it offers vastly superior corrosion resistance to chlorides and acids.
Q: Can I leave stainless steel grill outside?
A: The Otto Grill is made of 304 stainless steel and will not develop rust if left outside uncovered. However, we do recommend covering your grill in order to protect it from dirt, pollen, animal droppings, and other natural elements.
Q: Is it better to BBQ with stainless steel or cast iron?
A: Cast iron grates last longer, retain more heat and provide greater nonstick properties, whereas stainless steel grates are better protected against rust and corrosion and are easier to clean. If you're struggling to choose between the two, you can always purchase both types of grates for your grill or smoker.
