Are you wondering what kind of grill does not rust? Many grills sold on the market are designed to be rust-resistant. On the other hand, most of these grills still develop rust and also form corrosion. If you are looking for a rust-resistant that can last for a long time and will make a good investment for the money that you will pay, there are a lot of factors that you need to consider. To help you get started, below are tips and information that you can refer to.
What kind of grill does not rust? All kinds of grill will eventually rust after many years of use especially if it is exposed to harsh weather conditions. While a lot of grills claim to be rust-resistant, there are still vulnerable to rust especially when they are not properly maintained and cared for. Even sturdy stainless steel grills can rust and corrode when left exposed to the elements for an extended time.
Metallic objects are prone to rust and grills are not an exemption. To some extent, some high-quality grills are immune to rust. On the other hand, they can still get rusty without proper care and maintenance. Read the rest of this article to learn more about the different kinds of grills and how vulnerable they are to rust.
Is There a Grill that Does Not Rust?
There is no grill that will not rust. Take note that even high-quality and rust-resistant grills will eventually rust and corrode over time. Rusting begins when the iron is exposed to oxygen. If this happens, it forms a ferric oxide layer. Because the molecules of ferric oxide have a larger volume as compared to steel molecules, it eventually causes stress between the two molecules and the rust layer begins to separate from the steel. As a result, more of the steel is being exposed to the atmosphere which encourages the rust cycle to continue and end up damaging the steel.
Do All Grills Rust?
All grills will eventually rust. Take note that rust is common on metallic objects, especially those that are left outdoors. While it is true that some high-quality grills are immune to rust, it is only to some extend and that they require proper care and maintenance or they might get rusty as well.
Will a Stainless Steel Grill Rust?
Stainless steel is vulnerable to rust. To create stainless steel, chromium is added to the iron. Iron is the dominant metal mixture that increases its resilience to rust. On the other hand, rust is a type of corrosion that affects both iron and steel. When iron reacts with oxygen which is a process called oxidation, rust can form. Moreover, aluminum and other metals are also prone to corrosion because of oxidation. The good news is that all types of corrosion can be easily prevented by doing proper care and maintenance. The signs of corrosion include discoloration, blemishes, and tiny pits that detract from the grill. These are visible to the naked eye and should be remedied as soon as possible to prevent further damage to happen on your grill.
Materials Used for Making BBQ Grills
In the olden days, cavemen dug a hole in the ground to burn wood. This leads to the soil being the first material used for grilling. Nowadays, grills are typically made of metals which include sheet metal, cast iron, and stainless steel. Let us learn more about these materials below.
Cast Iron
These types of grills can be traced back to ancient times. It is commonly called hibachi grills in Asia. The traditional hibachis are designed to be small and rectangular. Cast iron hibachi grills have become popular in the US during the 21st century. They are commonly used by those who are living in apartments that have limited outdoor space. They are also preferred by campers because they are small and portable.
Stainless Steel
This is considered the newest material used for making BBQ grills. They are the main material that is usually used for making gas grills. Most restaurants prefer to use stainless steel grills. You can also check out this article that we have shared titled, do stainless steel grills rust? We have shared information about stainless steel grills and how vulnerable it is to rusting.
Sheet Metal
This type of metal is shaped like an oil drum. Some grillers make DIY grills from oil drums. Sheet metal grills have a cylindrical drum shape that is positioned horizontally. Usually, the drum is cut in half and a hinged is placed on the back. There is a handle on the front that is used to flip the top section open. These types of grills feature a short stovepipe on the rear left side that is meant for ventilation. You can also find some models with a door vent on the front. The drum is then set on a stand that is made of metal pipes.
✅ Video – How To Make The Easiest And Best Oil Barrel Barbecue Ever!
Way Out West Blow-in blog shared the video below on YouTube. It shows how to make a BBQ grill with an oil barrel. This is an easy DIY project that you can do at home and it does not need welding. Check out the video for the demonstration.
Common Grill Grates Materials
Gas grills grates are usually made from stainless steel, cast iron, porcelain, or just plain steel. These materials are commonly chosen because the intense heat that comes from the grill can easily wear down metals that are thinly or poorly made. Let us learn more about each material and its quality below.
Porcelain Grates
A porcelain-coated steel grate is a popular choice. On the other hand, the coating can chip away which exposes the metal underneath to moisture. As a result, rust can settle on the surface over time. Take note that porcelain-coated grates are a good choice as long as you choose one that is of high quality. Do not get tempted by the price because cheap porcelain coatings can easily get damaged and will not be worth the money that you have paid. Moreover, do not use hard tools and metal scrapers on porcelain-coated grill grates as they can damage and chip the coating from the grate.
Steel Grates
This is considered to be the most affordable material on the list. On the other hand, plain steel can lose its temper with constant use. As a result, it starts to chip. When this happens, the surface of the grill becomes rough and uneven which makes the food stick. Moreover, stainless steel can lose its non-stick abilities when they get chipped up. Make sure to keep stainless steel grates clean and well maintained so that they last for a long time.
Cast Iron Grates
A lot of grillers prefer to use heavy bare cast iron when grilling. This is because the surface of the grate can easily get hot and also hold a lot of heat. It allows food to cook faster and it is also your best choice if you want your BBQ to have good grill marks. Cast iron grates are on the expensive side, but the good thing is that they can last for a long time if you take good care of them. However, one of the advantages of having a cast iron grate is that it requires a lot of maintenance. If you have a cast iron grate, make sure that you keep it clean and the surface of the grate is well-oiled.
Does Ash Cause Rust?
Ash can cause rust. It can absorb moisture that can lead to corrosion when left exposed for too long. If you have a charcoal grill, make sure that you clean the ash as soon as it has cooled down. Removing ash from your grill can take a lot of effort that is why it is recommended that you purchase a grill basket and ash can make the task easier. You can also read this article that discusses why a grill rusts. We have shared different factors that can cause rust in a grill.
How do I Keep My Grill Grates from Rusting?
Prevent rust from damaging your grill by keeping it clean and well maintained. Regardless you have a charcoal or gas grill, oil, debris, and food residue can accumulate in the bottom which can cause rust. Moreover, ashes and marinades that get in contact with the metal of the grill can cause rusting. Make sure that you properly clean your grill after every cooking to remove any food and debris that sticks into it.
Is it Ok to Grill on Rusted Grates?
It is not OK to grill on rusted grates. Loose rust is not safe because it can easily stick into the food. Ingesting a small amount of rust may not likely cause harm, but continuous ingestion can cause health risks especially for the intestinal tract. To be on the safe side, make sure to clean and treat the grill grate before using. We have also shared this article that discusses if rust on grill grates is bad. Check out the article for an in-depth discussion about the topic.
Conclusion
You have reached the end of this article that discusses what kind of grill does not rust. We have found out that all kinds of grill eventually rust in the long run. How you clean, care for and maintain the grill will affect its performance. If you see any signs of rusting in your grill, make sure that you treat it immediately. The good thing is that with proper care, use, and maintenance, rust can be avoided. Thank you for reading!