When it comes to outdoor cooking, the smallest details often make the biggest difference. One of those details sits right at the centre of every BBQ session: your grill grates.
Cast iron and stainless steel are the two most common options, and while they might look similar once the grill is hot, they behave very differently. Understanding how each one performs can help you choose a BBQ setup that truly suits the way you cook.
Cast Iron: Heat, Contact and Character
Cast iron grills are prized for their ability to absorb and retain heat. Once hot, they create strong, even contact with food, making them ideal for developing rich colour, texture and flavour, particularly when searing meats.
Because cast iron is naturally porous, it benefits from regular seasoning. For many outdoor cooks, this care becomes part of the process, enhancing performance over time and building a well-used cooking surface that improves with age.
Best suited for:
Those who value intense heat, defined sear marks and a more hands-on approach to outdoor cooking.
Stainless Steel: Consistency and Control
Stainless steel grills are known for their quick heat-up time and reliable temperature recovery, especially when cooking multiple batches of food. They offer a clean, responsive cooking surface and perform well across a wide range of foods.
While stainless steel doesn’t hold heat in the same way as cast iron, thicker grates can still deliver strong results when properly preheated. Stainless steel also resists corrosion and doesn’t require seasoning, making it a practical and dependable choice for many outdoor kitchens.
Best suited for:
Those who prioritise consistency, ease of cleaning and long-term durability.
Maintenance and Environment
Both materials benefit from proper care; they just require different approaches.
Cast iron performs best when kept seasoned and dry between uses. Stainless steel is more forgiving in exposed or coastal environments, but still rewards regular cleaning to maintain performance and appearance.
Choosing the right option often comes down to how much interaction you want with your cooking surface and the conditions it lives in.
So, Which One Should You Choose?
There’s no universal “better” option - only what suits your cooking style.
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Cast iron offers exceptional heat retention and surface contact for those who enjoy traditional BBQ techniques.
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Stainless steel provides versatility, reliability and ease without sacrificing quality results.
Both materials can produce outstanding food when used well.
Final Thoughts
Great outdoor cooking is about understanding your tools and using them to their strengths. Whether you prefer the character and heat of cast iron or the control and durability of stainless steel, the right material is the one that complements how you cook and entertain.
