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Does cast iron grate make a difference?

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slovelad
slovelad Posts: 1,742
in EggHead Forum
i love searing on my mini, and I am curious... Does the cast iron make a noticeable difference?

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  • RRP
    RRP Posts: 25,916
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    Personally a mini is a great searing machine due to the proximity of the meat and the fire so I don't see the need. OTOH I have only used cast iron on my small for years and never have gone back! With my med and large I see no advantage, but that's just my opinion!
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  • slovelad
    slovelad Posts: 1,742
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    RRP said:
    Personally a mini is a great searing machine due to the proximity of the meat and the fire so I don't see the need. OTOH I have only used cast iron on my small for years and never have gone back! With my med and large I see no advantage, but that's just my opinion!
    Thanks for he feedback! I thought I would stir up some action with this one
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  • tarheelmatt
    tarheelmatt Posts: 9,867
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    After many discussions, I hear if you're wanting nice grill marks, the CI is okay.  However, I do okay with the standard one.  I don't have a mini, but the standard one works well for me.  

    The CI is also a PITA to keep clean and maintain.  Plus I'd rather sear in a CI pan.  
    ------------------------------
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  • Tbent
    Tbent Posts: 225
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    I use a CI Craycort on my large and I do like it, but I don't think it's necessary or makes much difference if any. I use the stock grate on my small and I'm perfectly happy with it. 
    L, S, MM, Mini
    Washington, IL
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  • nolaegghead
    nolaegghead Posts: 42,102
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    Yes over the factory grate
    ______________________________________________
    I love lamp..
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  • SGH
    SGH Posts: 28,791
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    slovelad said:
    i love searing on my mini, and I am curious... Does the cast iron make a noticeable difference?

    I will leave the debate between CI and the regular grate to others. However i would like to offer this. I use the mini a lot. Two or three times a day everyday when im not working. With that said, due to the grate being so close to the coals, i found it near impossible to keep the seasoning on the CI grate. I find it much easier and less hassle to use the SS grid with the mini. If you are a casual user, your results may differ. However if you use it daily or more, you will encounter this as well. It gets to be a real pain. I went back to the SS grate on my mini. 

    Location- Just "this side" of Biloxi, Ms.

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    The greatest barrier against all wisdom, the stronghold against knowledge itself, is the single thought, in ones mind, that they already have it all figured out. 

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  • slovelad
    slovelad Posts: 1,742
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    SGH said:
    slovelad said:
    i love searing on my mini, and I am curious... Does the cast iron make a noticeable difference?

    I will leave the debate between CI and the regular grate to others. However i would like to offer this. I use the mini a lot. Two or three times a day everyday when im not working. With that said, due to the grate being so close to the coals, i found it near impossible to keep the seasoning on the CI grate. I find it much easier and less hassle to use the SS grid with the mini. If you are a casual user, your results may differ. However if you use it daily or more, you will encounter this as well. It gets to be a real pain. I went back to the SS grate on my mini. 
    Thanks for the insight ! After all the comments, I'm in no hurry to get the CI
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  • fishlessman
    fishlessman Posts: 32,821
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    cast iron grids work better at gaaser temps, high egg temps dont need the benefits of cast iron. i stppoed using mine when bge changed to stainless grids over the porcelain junk grids
    fukahwee maine

    you can lead a fish to water but you can not make him drink it
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  • Eggaroo
    Eggaroo Posts: 417
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    I don't have a mini, but I'm with @tarheelmatt; I'd rather have an overall sear from a CI pan. Sear marks from the grid are all about visual appeal.
    Greenwood, IN | XL BGE | Weber Genesis | Blackstone 28 | bunch of accessories  =)
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  • msloan
    msloan Posts: 399
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    i can tell you this.....i have the CI grids and basically I paid for nothing, because I am either too lazy to put them in when doing steaks or I forget.....so even though I have them they have been of no use to me.
    gettin lucky in kentucky!   2 XL eggs!
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  • msloan
    msloan Posts: 399
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    i can tell you this.....i have the CI grids and basically I paid for nothing, because I am either too lazy to put them in when doing steaks or I forget.....so even though I have them they have been of no use to me.
    gettin lucky in kentucky!   2 XL eggs!
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  • Ladeback69
    Ladeback69 Posts: 4,482
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    They do make GrillGrates for the Mini now, but they are not cheap. I get a good sear with mine for the XL.

    http://mygrillgrate.com/grillgrates-for-the-cobb-grill/
    XL, WSM, Coleman Road Trip Gas Grill

    Kansas City, Mo.
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  • chupacabra
    chupacabra Posts: 77
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    I leave my cast iron grates in for every cook, I've never used the SS since 
    Marietta, Ga
    I feel bad for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day
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