A special thanks to our Barbecues Galore Edmonton team for their contribution to this article.
Did You Know?: The heavy mass of cast iron absorbs and retains heat better than almost anything else. That’s why cast iron grills and grates are a barbecue essential—they create unsurpassed searing performance, lock in juices, and deliver those restaurant-quality grill marks we all love.
But unlike stainless-steel, cast-iron needs a little extra TLC. With the right seasoning, oiling, and cleaning routine, your cast iron will last for decades and reward you with unbeatable results every time you fire up the barbecue.
Why Cast Iron Needs TLC
Most cast iron grills and cooking grates are coated with a porcelain enamel finish. This coating helps with cleaning and provides some rust resistance, though occasional chipping can happen if mishandled. Over time, the coating will naturally wear, but this won’t affect performance.
Brands like Napoleon and Broil King are known for high-quality cast iron cooking grids. Napoleon features their iconic WAVE™ design, while Broil King offers reversible cast iron options—pointed for steakhouse sears, flat for catching juices. Both are built to last when properly cared for.
👉 Curious how cast iron stacks up against stainless steel? Read our guide: Cast Iron vs. Stainless Steel Maintenance.
Before First Use: How to Season Cast Iron
Seasoning protects your cast iron products (frying pans, griddles, etc.) and creates a natural non-stick surface. Before you use it for the first time:
- Wash your cast iron with soap and water to remove any manufacturing residue.
- Rinse and dry thoroughly.
- Coat lightly with grape seed oil, shortening, or unsalted lard—be sure to cover all corners and edges.
- Place in your barbecue on low (about 200°F) for one hour.
- Let cool, reapply a light coat of oil, and heat for another hour.
Over time, your cast iron will develop a seasoned finish that makes cooking easier and cleanup faster.
💡 Pro Tip: Re-season occasionally, especially after heavy marinades, long storage, or if you notice rust.
👉 Learn more here: Caring for Your Cast Iron Grills, Griddles & Pans.
Cooking with Cast Iron: High, Low, or Sloped
Depending on your barbecue model, cast iron grates can often be used in multiple positions:
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High Position – Further from the burners for gentler heat. Great for chicken breasts, fish, and vegetables. Channels capture juices for added flavour.
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Low Position – Closer to the burners for higher heat. Ideal for steaks and burgers, delivering those classic sear marks.
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Sloped Position – Perfect for greasy foods like chicken wings. The slope allows excess grease to drain away.
Broil King’s reversible grids are a great example—use the pointed side for searing, or flip to the channel side to reduce flare-ups.
Cleaning Cast Iron Grills & Grates
Cleaning cast iron isn’t about scrubbing—it’s about protecting the seasoning.
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After cooking: Simply turn off the barbecue and leave the grease. It helps protect against rust.
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Before your next cook: Preheat your barbecue, brush the grates clean, and apply a thin layer of oil.
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For a deep clean: Use warm water only (no soap), dry immediately, and re-oil before storing.
The Best Oils for Cast Iron
Not all oils perform the same on cast iron.
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✅ Best Choice: Grape Seed Oil – high burn temperature, neutral flavour
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✅ Canola or Vegetable Oil – reliable alternatives
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❌ Olive Oil – burns at low heat and leaves residue
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❌ Peanut Oil – strong flavour and potential allergy risk
💡 Pro Tip: Always oil before and after cooking to protect your cast iron.
👉 More tips here: Tipster: A Well Oiled Grill.
Preventing Rust on Cast Iron
Rust is the most common issue with cast iron, but it’s easy to prevent:
- Rotate your grates frequently so they wear evenly.
- Use brass or stainless-steel brushes—safe for porcelain coatings.
- Avoid harsh steel scrapers or abrasives.
- Keep grates lightly oiled before and after each cook.
If rust does appear, scrub it away gently and re-season the cast iron.
Cast Iron Done Right
Cast iron is an investment worth protecting. With a little care, your cast iron grills, grates, and griddles will last for years, delivering unbeatable searing power and bold barbecue flavour.
Brands like Napoleon and Broil King design their cast iron cooking grids to do just that—improve with every use.
Show your cast iron some TLC—it will thank you with every juicy steak, crispy chicken wing, and perfectly charred vegetable you grill.
👉 Ready to dive deeper into cast iron? Whether you’re replacing worn grills or expanding with reversible griddles, skillets, or accessories—browse our full Cast Iron Collection here.
