is it all cast iron or just the cooking grate?
1168232
I can't see which of my reviews Mark D. is asking about. They are all cast iron, except for the one I reviewed in February 2014. The 2014 purchase has cheap grates for the charcoal to rest on that are not cast iron.
683102
Yes. These are natural cast iron grates. Some cast iron grates have a porcelain coating. I like the natural cast iron much better.
113753
Hello The grate is usually made out of coated steel - I hope that helps. thank you
874415
It's taken me longer than it should to figure out there are 3 options with Weber: porcelain enameled STEEL, porcelain embedded CAST IRON, and stainless steel. The 7525 model is the porcelain covered steel. Everyone loves cast iron skillets for a reason. They hold heat longer than steel. From a cooking standpoint, the cast iron is the best choice. I am not sure that it will last the longest. I've read a bunch of reviews on lifespan: some weber owners swear by the stainless and some swear by the cast iron.
1722016
The grate has openings between the bars of cast iron. Cooking on the stove top could make a mess and, more importantly, cause a grease fire in your kitchen. I would not recommend it for use indoors.
1933752
Yes. It is enameled cast iron, and I don't know why I waited so long to buy one. It works just great!
1260597
The top grate is stainless steel. The rest of the BBQ wipes down easy with disinfecting wipes(my preferences). Also add a little a little water in bottom drip tray before cooking for a easier clean up. This is our second one and love! Love, love it.
800179
I use with the grates. It is heavy enough to use without. It is heavy and cast Iron.
1759342
Cast iron is great. A patina builds and the heat is even so that I can do three grilled cheese sandwiches at a time. The holes are for hands to get a less hot section of the iron. There is a ridge around the ironso that the grease does not flow over the edge. It is heavy and works well.
1094569
It's not 100% cast...I argued with Weber on the phone. The person I spoke with actually suggested that I bring them inside so they wouldn't be exposed to the outdoor air??? It's a grill. It should be able to stay outside. I do not bring the grates or grill in the house, ever! Weber sells them as a cast iron grate, if they were 100% cast, they wouldn't rust! Weber sent me new ones. We love the grill, have two - different sizes, at least Weber made it right.
1291472
The grates are easier to clean than cast iron grates. The never come bright and shiny like they were when purchased. However, the can be scrubbed with plastic mesh pads with tough chunks of something. They get clean but not metal shiny. It hard work to get them really clean.The stainless finish gets fingerprints and crud like a stainless refrigerator with fingerprints. Being outside, its gets more crud and doesn't clean up as well. Still looks better than cast iron.
1534099
No, It's all stainless steel, seasoning helps during cooking, but you still have to clean em, these are not like cast iron pans
1737274
We have a tru infrared, with cast iron grates and it works very well. Hubby does the cleaning and is quite happy with it.
1027355
Easy, I cured the grates with olive oil when they are hot. This is like curing a cast iron skillet. No rust and food generally wipes right off. Food just seems to cook much better on cast iron.
589636
I believe the material of the grill surface is different-- aluminum vs. cast iron. I've been told that this makes a huge difference.
588210
It is ALL non-stick CAST IRON. Heat will not effect it. However, I don't cook at 500º, so I cannot address the temperature part of your question, I have used it at 450º..
524089
I have both. I use the cast iron at home and the aluminum for tailgating. The former is heavier and works better. The aluminum grate works fine but is showing signs of wear and won't last as long as the cast iron. I'd say the cast iron is better.