Hey man, I thought I was a diehard “charcoal only” griller until I found your channel. It didn’t take long for me to run out and get one of these weber qs for myself. Your channel was a real inspiration! Thank you so much!
Welcome aboard! Gas definitely has its place... great for quick weeknight cooks. It's also a lot more versatile than you may think. That said, sometimes you just want that good smoky flavor, and that's where charcoal comes into play. I have a video comparing a cook on a gas Q vs CharQ coming up! Stay tuned!
My first grill many years ago was gas, but it wasn’t very good quality and I never really learned to cook with it. I certainly didn’t know about that trick you do with the foil heat barrier to cook indirectly. I love how small this grill is too! Again, thanks for the tips! Keep it up, I’ll keep watching :)
Really appreciate your channel! I mentioned in another comment that my Q 3200 original grates lasted 10 years. I JUST replace them for the first time. I wonder if the Amazons would last 5 years, because if they lasted any longer I might consider THEM next time. But Weber quality is real, and from what I’ve experienced I believe the Weber grates could outlive the others. (but I have no proof of that)!!
Thanks for watching Dan. I don't see why these Amazon grates wouldn't hold up, unless the cast iron quality is really shoddy. This one may be worth a long term review down the road.
@Chicago Griller The Weber porcelain-enamel grates will wear out eventually the same as any porcelain-enamel coating, BUT they are easier to use from the get go due to not needing to 'season' them like ordinary (non-coated) cast iron grates, and they'll last for longer before eventually rusting/needing replacement. That said the non-coated cast iron needs to be looked after more and kept seasoned otherwise they WILL rust. There's nothing stopping anyone storing the non-coated cast iron grates indoors during months of the year they are not being used - suitably oiled and wrapped in prep for the forthcoming grill/bbq season. FROM another Jerry !! :))
Found you when needing to give my 10 year old Baby Q 100 a deep clean. I needed this video…wasn’t sure if my grates were still good and in the comments your description that when the porcelain scrapes/pops off in “shards”, that its time to go with a new grate. Seems obvious now but at first I figured it was just my bad care of the grates for the past 10 years and need to soak off the rust. Thank you for the teaching! Now I’m excited for new fresh grates!
You have upped my game so much. I am so very grateful. The only thing that I do that I haven’t seen you do is I bring the steaks up to room temperature and salt them way before I cook them. Now all I have to find is the video on the big slab of meat that you show in the opening photo credits.
Thank you for the kind comment, as well as the Super Thanks! You're right, that is something I typically haven't shown, or have glossed over during the voice over - but I do bring the steaks up to room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before I start prepping. Probably something I should do and make clearer to help out any grilling / Weber Q newbies out there!
Grate test (pun intended) and well done. I too used to prefer raw red onions on my burgers. Then I went to In and Out in California and tried one of thier burgers with a slice of onion grilled on the burger! Oh my!!! It was wonderful!!! So you might want to try that at some point too. I alternate these days between raw and grilled, but they are so yummy either way!!!
I love the porcelain coated grates. I never "burn off" the charred grease. Just go over them with a nylon brush in hot water, then run them through the dishwasher after every use. No build-up at all, and I just oil them with a soaked paper towel when the grill comes up to temperature. The inside of the grill gets cleaned after every 2- or 3-uses, so no build-up there, either.
Living in Orlando, the humidity capital of the world, the original cast iron Weber series grades, and the new third party cast iron grates last less than a year here. If you think it is a problem with the eval coming off, wait till you get flecks of rust in your food!! I think I will stick with the expensive grades, I’m keeping an eye on the porcelain
Yeah, it’s awfully muggy down there! I wonder if stainless steel grates might be a solution for you. Yes, under the right circumstances they still could discolor and rust, but I wonder if they will last longer than the other options out there.
I have the bell icon set to max and only happened upon this as I was looking around this morning. I am getting ready to do a few ribeyes that have been basking in the fridge overnight. I was also looking to have a set of grates on hand should I drop one and it breaks or they get so "worn out" they need replacing. Once again another relevant video covering our addiction/passion for our Q grills. I am also actively looking for a used 2200 that I can refurbish to supplement my 1200.
Hey Jerry, the chipping of the porcelain may actually just be completed polymerization of whatever grease has been coated on it. I recall seeing a video about that, though I am not doubting your research.
There is certainly a good amount of that as well. When you scrape the bubbles it's pretty obvious it's just whatever polymerized nastiness. However, in some sections where it flakes off in shards instead of popping like the bubbles? Yeah, time for a replacement :-)
I just took my 4 year old Weber electric grill to the junkyard because the controller broke down. I paid a premium price for this grill and its cart and boy, was it a disappointment. Replaced it with a Char Broil at about half the price.
Very interesting video! My Q2200 grates are now 7+ years old and have withstood my lack of maintenance very well. There is one or two chips on the enamel but in locations where I don't really cook (towards the edges of the grill). My only maintenance is the preheat and scrub with the weber brush before each cook. I think I cleaned the underside of them maybe twice in the 7 years I've owned the Q. I expect mine to last a fair bit longer, and my Q sits outside 24/7 (covered patio).
HI! Really appreciate your channel. I recently bought a new Q2200. What is the correct way to clean the porcelain-coated griil? I am a bit worried that metal brushes may damage the coating.. Thanks!
Thank you and welcome to the channel! Hope you are enjoying the new Q2200. To be honest, I think the chipping and cracking is just going to happen over time. That said, I think I read or heard somewhere that if you use the flat metal scrapers, you are more likely to take off some of the coating and instead stick to brushes. However brushes have their own problems too - the bristles come off over time so be sure to replace them every season.
You can clean rust off cast iron---rust doesn't mean they're ruined. I have restored cast iron pans that lived in a barn for 50 years. Scour the grates with steel wool and dry the grates in your oven, then coat with oil. Good as new. Keep them clean and oiled, and you won't have any more trouble, even in FL.
The Grates that came with my Q-2200 were not ceramic coated. I tried to replace them with the webber ceramic ones. My original grate was one piece. My replacement was 2 pieces. It did not fit.
As I understand it the original Q100/120/200/220 had single piece cast iron (non ceramic coated) grates. I’m a little surprised the two piece doesn’t fit as my understanding was the grates were backwards compatible. I guess not 🤷♂️
thanks for posting your excellent videos. I've had bad experience with weber porcelain enamel grills. Did you find the 3rd party grill more durable than the weber porcelain enamel grills.
I am running on nearly two years with this after-market grate, and I am not finding any issues with it so far with regular use. Might be worth a long-term follow up video!
I had bad luck with the only non weber part I bought for my Genesis 3 burner. I bought flavoriser bars through Amazon and they rusted and I think were too thick totally changing the way the grill worked. Would be nice to find some aftermarket parts that are just as good though.
Aftermarket Amazon parts can indeed be hit or miss. These grates have been solid. However an aftermarket burner that I purchased did not fit right and I had to return it.
Hi, from Australia! Just wondering how the cast iron grates are going? I've had terrible luck with my genuine Weber grates. Two sets in seven years. The coating is coming off terribly and rusting. I don't understand why, I only clean with a Weber brush, and oil them. They are getting unusable and very frustrating! Kerry
So far so good, but it has only been about half a year - and with two Weber Qs I don’t use it as much as I did with the old grates. That said, so far no chipping or bubbling and they conduct heat and cook the same as the original. Hope that helps. I will probably do a 1-yr follow up video!
Thank you for your reply. Unfortunately these after market grates are pretty expensive in Australia with the postage. We are doing an experiment on some old genuine grates. My husband is tediously removing the enamel on the cooking side with a grinder. We are going to try reseasoning them so they are virtually like a cast iron grate. Yes I understand the advantages of the porcelain, but very unpleasant when it ends up on your expensive steak. I think I'd rather maintain the seasoning, I've had cast iron fry pans for years and they are amazing. I would say the grates are the only disappointing part of my Weber.
This probably depends on how often you clean them, what kind of cooks you do, what kind of weather you have, etc. But for reference, I cook 3x per week, my grills are usually reasonably clean (a quick mop up every month or so). This is now my third set of Q2000 grates after 5 years, so about 1.5-2 years per set for me.
Thanks for this video. Have you experienced similar problems with the porcelain enamel wearing off on the weber griddle? I want to get the weber q griddle but I'm not sure if 3rd party raw cast iron would be better.
I haven't, but my griddle is used far less than the grates. That said, I do think straight up cast iron (3rd party) is the way to go, especially if you protect your grill and your accessories from the elements. Save a few bucks, and no coating to ever chip and flake off.
Hi Annie - thanks for watching. A couple of ideas to try if you haven't already: 1) always preheat your grill before cooking. Turn your gas to high, and let it run for about 10-15 min. 2) be sure there is some kind of oil or lubrication on your food. Without it, the food will almost always stick to the grates. 3) if all of the above fail, you can try to re-season your grates. Dab some olive oil on a paper towel, and brush it on the surface of your grill. Then let the grill run on high for about 15 minutes. Hope that helps!
Just a quick question even if you keep your grill covered won't the humidity in the air rust the new grill grates without the enamel on them? I am in the market for new grillgrates for my Q 1200 which are original to the grill and there's 6 years old I believe. I'm just wondering if you think I'll get 6 years out of the non enameled grates? And mine is always covered also
This is a very valid point. I'll have to do a longer term follow up to share how these are holding up, as it does get quite humid in Chicago in the summer. I do make sure my grill is dried and covered so we'll see...
My grates seem to only last about a year or two. Kind of disappointing in an otherwise awesome overall product. Rust in itself is not a bad thing. If it’s just that and it comes off easily with a brush I wouldn’t worry about. It’s those porcelain flakes - if you start seeing those come off - is when it’s time to retire the grate
Hey Q man!~ I am trying to get my Q to heat at 190/220 degrees for some minor smoking. I have replaced the burner, the regulator, and plugged part of the burner holes with stainless steel screws, opened the door a couple inches, however all to no avail. I can only get it down to 350 degrees. Does anyone have any suggestions?
The Q is a great all-around grill, however one of the negative things about it is that it does run very hot. The lowest I can get it is down to 300, so that's still not low enough for true smoking. I think the only version of the Q that might be capable of running that low is the Q3000/3200, as it has multiple burners.
I've used a third party griddle from the same company (Qulimetal) but I've not done a direct side by side comparison cook like I did with these grates.
Ah yes this is a good point. Truth be told I’ve not seen much of a difference in how much food sticks or tastes (the smoke is very visible though), but I’ve also never done a direct comparison. That gives me a good idea for a future video. Thanks for watching!
This is my second one. We have it outside the garage door exposed to the elements yearound th-cam.com/users/postUgkxreK_FUQ74_bylFqCr3y2MHqL3u78-b3r Direct sunlight deteriorated the plastic on the thermostat and severe winds blew the lid off. We found it about an acre away. I bought a new one and I saved the good parts from the old one as spares. Got about 8 years out of the first one.
Well obviously I disagree about them being pos bbqs, but I do agree parts are expensive. Exactly what this video recommends going with Amazon third party!
Just found your channel today as I dug out and cleaned up my old Weber Q200. Funny enough while watching your videos I had already ordered these grates and also a griddle. Had to order new grates to use the griddle because my grates are a single piece! Looking forward to watching more of your content! Great stuff!
I have had my q2200 since 2005 or so. Have had no grate issues because I clean them after every cook and then oil them. Yes, I have areas of enamel missing. This issue makes no differance. The real issue is that folks dont keep the grate clean and oiled.
Hi Jerry! I was here quite some time ago and never turned on my notifications which I have done now, I have a lot to catch up on!!! This was an interesting comparison I'll be curious to see how those third party grates hold up over time!
Great video straight to the point good audio I could hear everything you're saying and all your points came across. I would probably buy a set of the Amazon greats
Thanks for the kind comment. About 9 months later, including the cold winter months, and these Amazon grates are still holding up really well. I will do a one-year recap but they are terrific!
It is holding up very well, however to be fair, I do tend to use the Q1200 more frequently so these grates don’t see nearly as much action. That said it has been a good buy two summers later. I should post a follow up!
Good question! I am thinking of picking up a set of steel grates for my Char Q and would be keen on testing it out on the gas Qs as well. Keep checking back as if I do make that purchase, I'll certainly post a review video!
I don’t think my original Q2000 grate ( single) has porcelain on it. I think I bought mine back around 2008. It’s an extremely heavy single piece that looks like new when brushed well. In the beginning I took my grill apart and cleaned everything once a year but now I have not removed the grate except to change my burner tube or drill out the clogged holes. I only brush the grate on top. It is so well seasoned now I don’t want to mess it up. I’m 60 years old and have a few spare parts that I’m guaranteed my grill will outlive me.
I got the cast iron ones and have never looked back. been 2 years and they still look new and half the time i don't even need grill spray. just like a cast iron pan, takes a little bit to season them but the extra work pays off. also, they have never rusted. again, season it well and you'll be good to go.
Hey Chicago Griller! Have you done an update after a couple years since this video released? I'd love to know how those Amazon grates have been fairing.
Jerry---I have a new Q1200 grill. It has the enameled grill plates. It it acceptabile to put these in the dishwasher? My older Q100 (purchased in 2010) has the cast iron grates that are heated and brushed and scraped and cook great and never has had any rust. Thanks for the help, I enjoy your channel, recipes and knowledge.
Thanks for watching! The grates are not dishwasher safe. Even with the enameled grates, the best way to clean them is to just turn the gas to high for about 15-20 minutes and that should carbonize any stuck bits on the grates. You should then be able to brush off the crispy bits off pretty easily. Oil the grates up again if necessary and you're good to go.
Big fan of Weber products in general, but they should go back to straight up cast iron like the original Qs. I am guessing they went the porcelain enameled route because too many new users didn't know or were too lazy to season their grates before use and thus have consistent problems with food sticking.
Just got my Q1000 and i saw that you put oil on your weber grates is this a good practice to keep build up off of them over time or can you just start grilling without putting oil on them???
Since your grates are new, I think you should oil the grates before grilling, to help get a nice layer polymerized on them. Once you get that seasoning on your grates after a few cooks, you can get away with just oiling your food. That said, you will almost always need some oil on either the food or the grates, or things will get stuck. Happy grilling!
Hi Chicago Griller - just curious if you have done the regulator modification to any of your Weber Qs, it's supposed to increase output by a lot. I just read about it and I'm considering doing it.
Thanks for watching. I have not tried modifying the regulators. I'm not sure if it's necessary though as I find especially after cleaning, the Q's can run pretty hot at nearly 500 degrees F. I'm not sure you'd need it to run hotter unless you just want to cook with the lid open.
I wanted to say hanks for the great videos on the Q series grills! I never realized that the porcelain enamel on the grates would break down over time and I'm glad you mentioned that. I'm definitely going to order some of the regular cast iron grates. As a fellow Chicagoan, I have to say though I'd like for them to come out with a White Sox branded version of the Q grill. :)
Hello Chicago friend! 👋 Yeah that Cubs grill was owned by one of the neighbors who moved away. I think the MLB series of lids have been discontinued. 🙁
Yes, it's never fun to pick up unexpected maintenance expenses. Luckily Weber makes a pretty darn good product. Re: onion, well to each their own. I like that sharp bite but I know it's not for all. Thanks for watching!
Hi, ever considered using flaxseed oil for seasoning, like it is recommended for cast iron pans and things - but may be this is a different stage : Your are the expert!!! You're the man
I've not, I use olive oil for almost everything instead of keeping so many different varieties on hand. I'm sure there is a difference, but not enough for me to notice or really care about using different types of oil for seasoning.
That's a good question. For surface level scrapes the carbonized gunk comes off pretty easily. I've not yet done a deep clean on the Amazon grates yet. Perhaps a long time follow up will be worthwhile.
Great comparison. I own a Weber 3200 for a good 10 years and the grates are exactly like you said. I have seen stainless steel grates too that clean easier. I wish Weber would make the grates like they do on the Weber kettles.
Thanks BBQRando! I thought about getting the stainless ones instead, but I've never tried grilling on stainless. Figured I better stick to what I know!
I just replaced my original Q3200 grates with new Weber porcelain coated ones. The reason I bought them? My originals lasted for 10 years. OK, I stretched their life a little, and in the last year I only cooked in the center area due to grate deterioration. BUT, the fact is I NEVER removed the originals and cleaned them - I only ever “cleaned”them with high heat for several minutes followed by a stainless steel weber brush scrape after each cook. So, to me the originals/Weber brand earned my respect and I’m thrilled with the new ones! Basically following Weber’s simple instructions got me a decade out of a set of grates!
Awesome, and glad to have you around. This has been a fun pandemic project for me, but don't worry, I'm sticking around :-) So many great recipes still to try and share!
Hey man, I thought I was a diehard “charcoal only” griller until I found your channel. It didn’t take long for me to run out and get one of these weber qs for myself. Your channel was a real inspiration! Thank you so much!
Welcome aboard! Gas definitely has its place... great for quick weeknight cooks. It's also a lot more versatile than you may think. That said, sometimes you just want that good smoky flavor, and that's where charcoal comes into play. I have a video comparing a cook on a gas Q vs CharQ coming up! Stay tuned!
My first grill many years ago was gas, but it wasn’t very good quality and I never really learned to cook with it. I certainly didn’t know about that trick you do with the foil heat barrier to cook indirectly. I love how small this grill is too! Again, thanks for the tips! Keep it up, I’ll keep watching :)
Really appreciate your channel! I mentioned in another comment that my Q 3200 original grates lasted 10 years. I JUST replace them for the first time. I wonder if the Amazons would last 5 years, because if they lasted any longer I might consider THEM next time. But Weber quality is real, and from what I’ve experienced I believe the Weber grates could outlive the others. (but I have no proof of that)!!
Thanks for watching Dan. I don't see why these Amazon grates wouldn't hold up, unless the cast iron quality is really shoddy. This one may be worth a long term review down the road.
@Chicago Griller The Weber porcelain-enamel grates will wear out eventually the same as any porcelain-enamel coating, BUT they are easier to use from the get go due to not needing to 'season' them like ordinary (non-coated) cast iron grates, and they'll last for longer before eventually rusting/needing replacement. That said the non-coated cast iron needs to be looked after more and kept seasoned otherwise they WILL rust. There's nothing stopping anyone storing the non-coated cast iron grates indoors during months of the year they are not being used - suitably oiled and wrapped in prep for the forthcoming grill/bbq season. FROM another Jerry !! :))
Found you when needing to give my 10 year old Baby Q 100 a deep clean. I needed this video…wasn’t sure if my grates were still good and in the comments your description that when the porcelain scrapes/pops off in “shards”, that its time to go with a new grate. Seems obvious now but at first I figured it was just my bad care of the grates for the past 10 years and need to soak off the rust. Thank you for the teaching! Now I’m excited for new fresh grates!
EXCELLENT GERRY!!! Thanks for demonstrating the differences. APPRECIATE IT SO MUCH!!!🎉🎉🎉
You have upped my game so much. I am so very grateful. The only thing that I do that I haven’t seen you do is I bring the steaks up to room temperature and salt them way before I cook them. Now all I have to find is the video on the big slab of meat that you show in the opening photo credits.
Thank you for the kind comment, as well as the Super Thanks! You're right, that is something I typically haven't shown, or have glossed over during the voice over - but I do bring the steaks up to room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before I start prepping. Probably something I should do and make clearer to help out any grilling / Weber Q newbies out there!
Grate test (pun intended) and well done. I too used to prefer raw red onions on my burgers. Then I went to In and Out in California and tried one of thier burgers with a slice of onion grilled on the burger! Oh my!!! It was wonderful!!! So you might want to try that at some point too. I alternate these days between raw and grilled, but they are so yummy either way!!!
I'll be doing my take on a popular Chicago burger soon... although an In-N-Out Burger is a good idea to attempt!
I love the porcelain coated grates. I never "burn off" the charred grease. Just go over them with a nylon brush in hot water, then run them through the dishwasher after every use. No build-up at all, and I just oil them with a soaked paper towel when the grill comes up to temperature. The inside of the grill gets cleaned after every 2- or 3-uses, so no build-up there, either.
You are very diligent with clean up!
Living in Orlando, the humidity capital of the world, the original cast iron Weber series grades, and the new third party cast iron grates last less than a year here. If you think it is a problem with the eval coming off, wait till you get flecks of rust in your food!!
I think I will stick with the expensive grades, I’m keeping an eye on the porcelain
Yeah, it’s awfully muggy down there! I wonder if stainless steel grates might be a solution for you. Yes, under the right circumstances they still could discolor and rust, but I wonder if they will last longer than the other options out there.
Thanks! Love to see a comparison of the Weber griddles vs third party ones...
I have the bell icon set to max and only happened upon this as I was looking around this morning. I am getting ready to do a few ribeyes that have been basking in the fridge overnight. I was also looking to have a set of grates on hand should I drop one and it breaks or they get so "worn out" they need replacing. Once again another relevant video covering our addiction/passion for our Q grills. I am also actively looking for a used 2200 that I can refurbish to supplement my 1200.
Hi Ernest thanks for watching and your support. The mid size Q and the baby Q make a great team! I reach for both of them equally!
Hey Jerry, the chipping of the porcelain may actually just be completed polymerization of whatever grease has been coated on it. I recall seeing a video about that, though I am not doubting your research.
There is certainly a good amount of that as well. When you scrape the bubbles it's pretty obvious it's just whatever polymerized nastiness. However, in some sections where it flakes off in shards instead of popping like the bubbles? Yeah, time for a replacement :-)
I just took my 4 year old Weber electric grill to the junkyard because the controller broke down. I paid a premium price for this grill and its cart and boy, was it a disappointment.
Replaced it with a Char Broil at about half the price.
Love it. Cooked to equal doneness.. 😂 Should be cooked, evenly... Love from England.. 😉
I wasn't expecting a difference in cooking. I'd be interested to how they they compared with cleaning.
Yeah I need to replace as well.. great review
Thank you - good information.
Very interesting video! My Q2200 grates are now 7+ years old and have withstood my lack of maintenance very well. There is one or two chips on the enamel but in locations where I don't really cook (towards the edges of the grill). My only maintenance is the preheat and scrub with the weber brush before each cook. I think I cleaned the underside of them maybe twice in the 7 years I've owned the Q. I expect mine to last a fair bit longer, and my Q sits outside 24/7 (covered patio).
Weber products have incredible durability!
HI! Really appreciate your channel. I recently bought a new Q2200. What is the correct way to clean the porcelain-coated griil? I am a bit worried that metal brushes may damage the coating.. Thanks!
Thank you and welcome to the channel! Hope you are enjoying the new Q2200. To be honest, I think the chipping and cracking is just going to happen over time. That said, I think I read or heard somewhere that if you use the flat metal scrapers, you are more likely to take off some of the coating and instead stick to brushes. However brushes have their own problems too - the bristles come off over time so be sure to replace them every season.
You can clean rust off cast iron---rust doesn't mean they're ruined. I have restored cast iron pans that lived in a barn for 50 years. Scour the grates with steel wool and dry the grates in your oven, then coat with oil. Good as new. Keep them clean and oiled, and you won't have any more trouble, even in FL.
The Grates that came with my Q-2200 were not ceramic coated. I tried to replace them with the webber ceramic ones. My original grate was one piece. My replacement was 2 pieces. It did not fit.
As I understand it the original Q100/120/200/220 had single piece cast iron (non ceramic coated) grates. I’m a little surprised the two piece doesn’t fit as my understanding was the grates were backwards compatible. I guess not 🤷♂️
How do you think it would work if I had lasered out some grates out of 3O4 stainless 3/8 thick?
Great review. Important to know.
Sure beats eating shards of glass!
thanks for posting your excellent videos. I've had bad experience with weber porcelain enamel grills. Did you find the 3rd party grill more durable than the weber porcelain enamel grills.
I am running on nearly two years with this after-market grate, and I am not finding any issues with it so far with regular use. Might be worth a long-term follow up video!
Great info! Saving ❤️
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent where is the smell?
I had bad luck with the only non weber part I bought for my Genesis 3 burner. I bought flavoriser bars through Amazon and they rusted and I think were too thick totally changing the way the grill worked. Would be nice to find some aftermarket parts that are just as good though.
Aftermarket Amazon parts can indeed be hit or miss. These grates have been solid. However an aftermarket burner that I purchased did not fit right and I had to return it.
Hi, from Australia! Just wondering how the cast iron grates are going? I've had terrible luck with my genuine Weber grates. Two sets in seven years. The coating is coming off terribly and rusting. I don't understand why, I only clean with a Weber brush, and oil them. They are getting unusable and very frustrating! Kerry
So far so good, but it has only been about half a year - and with two Weber Qs I don’t use it as much as I did with the old grates. That said, so far no chipping or bubbling and they conduct heat and cook the same as the original. Hope that helps. I will probably do a 1-yr follow up video!
Thank you for your reply. Unfortunately these after market grates are pretty expensive in Australia with the postage. We are doing an experiment on some old genuine grates. My husband is tediously removing the enamel on the cooking side with a grinder. We are going to try reseasoning them so they are virtually like a cast iron grate. Yes I understand the advantages of the porcelain, but very unpleasant when it ends up on your expensive steak. I think I'd rather maintain the seasoning, I've had cast iron fry pans for years and they are amazing. I would say the grates are the only disappointing part of my Weber.
How often do you replace the grates? Good videos brotha!
This probably depends on how often you clean them, what kind of cooks you do, what kind of weather you have, etc. But for reference, I cook 3x per week, my grills are usually reasonably clean (a quick mop up every month or so). This is now my third set of Q2000 grates after 5 years, so about 1.5-2 years per set for me.
Thanks for this video. Have you experienced similar problems with the porcelain enamel wearing off on the weber griddle? I want to get the weber q griddle but I'm not sure if 3rd party raw cast iron would be better.
I haven't, but my griddle is used far less than the grates. That said, I do think straight up cast iron (3rd party) is the way to go, especially if you protect your grill and your accessories from the elements. Save a few bucks, and no coating to ever chip and flake off.
Hello from 🇬🇧
Everything gets stuck to our new grill, where are we going wrong?
Thank you
Annie in London
Hi Annie - thanks for watching. A couple of ideas to try if you haven't already:
1) always preheat your grill before cooking. Turn your gas to high, and let it run for about 10-15 min.
2) be sure there is some kind of oil or lubrication on your food. Without it, the food will almost always stick to the grates.
3) if all of the above fail, you can try to re-season your grates. Dab some olive oil on a paper towel, and brush it on the surface of your grill. Then let the grill run on high for about 15 minutes.
Hope that helps!
Thanks!
Have you used the WEber Q Sause pan and trivet and/or w/ the casserole dish?
I would love to if I could get my hands on them. Unfortunately those accessories don’t seem to be available in the US market.
@@ChicagoGriller I was wondering if I could find the right size round grills so that two could fit inside the Q and rest on the burner tube?
Just a quick question even if you keep your grill covered won't the humidity in the air rust the new grill grates without the enamel on them? I am in the market for new grillgrates for my Q 1200 which are original to the grill and there's 6 years old I believe. I'm just wondering if you think I'll get 6 years out of the non enameled grates? And mine is always covered also
This is a very valid point. I'll have to do a longer term follow up to share how these are holding up, as it does get quite humid in Chicago in the summer. I do make sure my grill is dried and covered so we'll see...
How long does the enamel coating last - with cleaning it with a wire brush I notice some rust after rain - does that mean the enamel has worn off?
My grates seem to only last about a year or two. Kind of disappointing in an otherwise awesome overall product. Rust in itself is not a bad thing. If it’s just that and it comes off easily with a brush I wouldn’t worry about. It’s those porcelain flakes - if you start seeing those come off - is when it’s time to retire the grate
Hey Q man!~ I am trying to get my Q to heat at 190/220 degrees for some minor smoking. I have replaced the burner, the regulator, and plugged part of the burner holes with stainless steel screws, opened the door a couple inches, however all to no avail. I can only get it down to 350 degrees. Does anyone have any suggestions?
The Q is a great all-around grill, however one of the negative things about it is that it does run very hot. The lowest I can get it is down to 300, so that's still not low enough for true smoking. I think the only version of the Q that might be capable of running that low is the Q3000/3200, as it has multiple burners.
It will be interesting to see their condition 1 or 2 years from now.
I think they will be fine, as long as I keep them clean and dry. Cast iron is cast iron, right?
@@ChicagoGriller Oh yes. I hope you had a good 4th. Did you grill?? Did brats here today.
Chicago style hot dog bar here! 🇺🇸
@@ChicagoGriller Sounds good.
Have you ever done a comparison with a third party griddle?
I've used a third party griddle from the same company (Qulimetal) but I've not done a direct side by side comparison cook like I did with these grates.
We’ve used the Stanbroil cast iron grates in our Q for about a year now. They perform beautifully. Available on Amazon.
Olive oil has a low burn/smoke temperature, you really should use avacado oil
Ah yes this is a good point. Truth be told I’ve not seen much of a difference in how much food sticks or tastes (the smoke is very visible though), but I’ve also never done a direct comparison. That gives me a good idea for a future video. Thanks for watching!
Or grapeseed. The higher smoke point, the harder it is to burn off the oil. BBQs get pretty hot
This is my second one. We have it outside the garage door exposed to the elements yearound th-cam.com/users/postUgkxreK_FUQ74_bylFqCr3y2MHqL3u78-b3r Direct sunlight deteriorated the plastic on the thermostat and severe winds blew the lid off. We found it about an acre away. I bought a new one and I saved the good parts from the old one as spares. Got about 8 years out of the first one.
Been over two years now, holding up great!
Soak them for 1-2 days, then use a wire wheel on an electric drill.
you get a 5 year warranty with the grates....
I think my grates may have been older than 5 years by that point 🤷♂️
Weber piece of shit bbq s. Dont buy these. Parts are expensive and hard to get.
Well obviously I disagree about them being pos bbqs, but I do agree parts are expensive. Exactly what this video recommends going with Amazon third party!
Just found your channel today as I dug out and cleaned up my old Weber Q200. Funny enough while watching your videos I had already ordered these grates and also a griddle. Had to order new grates to use the griddle because my grates are a single piece! Looking forward to watching more of your content! Great stuff!
Thank you for watching and welcome to the channel! About a month in and so far these new grates are performing well!
I have had my q2200 since 2005 or so. Have had no grate issues because I clean them after every cook and then oil them. Yes, I have areas of enamel missing. This issue makes no differance. The real issue is that folks dont keep the grate clean and oiled.
Hi Jerry! I was here quite some time ago and never turned on my notifications which I have done now, I have a lot to catch up on!!! This was an interesting comparison I'll be curious to see how those third party grates hold up over time!
PaddyJoeCooking! Welcome back, yes it has been a while and I gotta hit that bell and catch up with you as well! Cheers!
Great video straight to the point good audio I could hear everything you're saying and all your points came across. I would probably buy a set of the Amazon greats
Thanks for the kind comment. About 9 months later, including the cold winter months, and these Amazon grates are still holding up really well. I will do a one-year recap but they are terrific!
Great video, my son wanted to know if you are a weight lifter or a UFC fighter! 💪
Haha, I can assure your son I have never been mistaken for a weightlifter ;-)
Thank you both for watching!
Super helpful !!! Great review. Now I'll know when its time to replace my originals :)
Indeed!
Its been 2 years, how are the cast iron ones doing ?
It is holding up very well, however to be fair, I do tend to use the Q1200 more frequently so these grates don’t see nearly as much action. That said it has been a good buy two summers later. I should post a follow up!
are those Amazon grill grates holding up good today 3 years later ?
Still going strong! Just cooked on them this Labor Day weekend!
How would a comparison with the stainless grates available be?
Good question! I am thinking of picking up a set of steel grates for my Char Q and would be keen on testing it out on the gas Qs as well. Keep checking back as if I do make that purchase, I'll certainly post a review video!
I don’t think my original Q2000 grate ( single) has porcelain on it. I think I bought mine back around 2008. It’s an extremely heavy single piece that looks like new when brushed well. In the beginning I took my grill apart and cleaned everything once a year but now I have not removed the grate except to change my burner tube or drill out the clogged holes. I only brush the grate on top. It is so well seasoned now I don’t want to mess it up. I’m 60 years old and have a few spare parts that I’m guaranteed my grill will outlive me.
Uh, excuse me, but a brush would do it better and quicker....................Recap" waste of time.............
I got the cast iron ones and have never looked back. been 2 years and they still look new and half the time i don't even need grill spray. just like a cast iron pan, takes a little bit to season them but the extra work pays off. also, they have never rusted. again, season it well and you'll be good to go.
Could you instead just sand off the coating from the Weber? Would be easy with just a drill attachment I think.
Can you test the Amazon stainless steel grates on the Weber Q? Just ordered a set yesterday because my original grates are really falling apart.
Hey Chicago Griller! Have you done an update after a couple years since this video released? I'd love to know how those Amazon grates have been fairing.
I have not done a followup but it has been two years now and they have been holding up great (pun intended)!
First time seeing your channel! How have these held up over time for you?
They've been holding up great! Still on the Amazon replacement set and going strong here in spring 2024.
What would you say the durability of porcelain grates is relative to the cast iron ones?
Couldn’t I just cut my grates in half with a saw and save $80
Great video, thank you! Those fillets look so most and tasty. 😋
Thanks for a great video. Unfortunately it’s going to cost me more in freight to get them to Australia. Lol
Lol yeah, I have the same problem with many Weber Q accessories found only in OZ/NZ!
Thank you sir!
Jerry---I have a new Q1200 grill. It has the enameled grill plates. It it acceptabile to put these in the dishwasher? My older Q100 (purchased in 2010) has the cast iron grates that are heated and brushed and scraped and cook great and never has had any rust. Thanks for the help, I enjoy your channel, recipes and knowledge.
Thanks for watching! The grates are not dishwasher safe. Even with the enameled grates, the best way to clean them is to just turn the gas to high for about 15-20 minutes and that should carbonize any stuck bits on the grates. You should then be able to brush off the crispy bits off pretty easily. Oil the grates up again if necessary and you're good to go.
Nice comparison Jerry , I need to replace mine at some point as the underneath has gone the same
Big fan of Weber products in general, but they should go back to straight up cast iron like the original Qs. I am guessing they went the porcelain enameled route because too many new users didn't know or were too lazy to season their grates before use and thus have consistent problems with food sticking.
Just got my Q1000 and i saw that you put oil on your weber grates is this a good practice to keep build up off of them over time or can you just start grilling without putting oil on them???
Since your grates are new, I think you should oil the grates before grilling, to help get a nice layer polymerized on them. Once you get that seasoning on your grates after a few cooks, you can get away with just oiling your food. That said, you will almost always need some oil on either the food or the grates, or things will get stuck. Happy grilling!
Hi Chicago Griller - just curious if you have done the regulator modification to any of your Weber Qs, it's supposed to increase output by a lot. I just read about it and I'm considering doing it.
Thanks for watching. I have not tried modifying the regulators. I'm not sure if it's necessary though as I find especially after cleaning, the Q's can run pretty hot at nearly 500 degrees F. I'm not sure you'd need it to run hotter unless you just want to cook with the lid open.
I wanted to say hanks for the great videos on the Q series grills! I never realized that the porcelain enamel on the grates would break down over time and I'm glad you mentioned that. I'm definitely going to order some of the regular cast iron grates. As a fellow Chicagoan, I have to say though I'd like for them to come out with a White Sox branded version of the Q grill. :)
Hello Chicago friend! 👋
Yeah that Cubs grill was owned by one of the neighbors who moved away. I think the MLB series of lids have been discontinued. 🙁
Love your channel. Great comparison. Hopefully won’t concern me for long time. But raw onion, really🤢🤣
Yes, it's never fun to pick up unexpected maintenance expenses. Luckily Weber makes a pretty darn good product. Re: onion, well to each their own. I like that sharp bite but I know it's not for all. Thanks for watching!
Curious on why you need to season the grates in an oven instead of the just doing it on the grill?
You're right, you can just do it on the grill as well.
Nice report
Hi, ever considered using flaxseed oil for seasoning, like it is recommended for cast iron pans and things - but may be this is a different stage : Your are the expert!!! You're the man
I've not, I use olive oil for almost everything instead of keeping so many different varieties on hand. I'm sure there is a difference, but not enough for me to notice or really care about using different types of oil for seasoning.
@@ChicagoGriller well, like a sayed: Your the expert and may be it is the showing off by others - your the man
Interesting, but which is easier to clean?
That's a good question. For surface level scrapes the carbonized gunk comes off pretty easily. I've not yet done a deep clean on the Amazon grates yet. Perhaps a long time follow up will be worthwhile.
Thanks for the valuable lesson in grate selection 👍
My pleasure! Hope that helps if/when the time comes to replace the originals.
have you ever replaced the burner portion? Cheers!!
I have yes. But I have not found an aftermarket brand that fits properly so if you have to replace your burner I’ve only had luck with Weber.
@@ChicagoGriller ok cheers thx
Time to buy the new portable weber grill to do compare test
I really want to get the Weber Traveler and see how it compares directly to the Weber Q.
@@ChicagoGriller do it for us, your avid fan viewers
Truthfully as we enter the winter months here, it's a good time for me to shop for a good deal. I'll be on the lookout!
Very informative thank you
Glad it was helpful! So far the Amazon grates are still holding up very well!
Great comparison. I own a Weber 3200 for a good 10 years and the grates are exactly like you said. I have seen stainless steel grates too that clean easier. I wish Weber would make the grates like they do on the Weber kettles.
Thanks BBQRando! I thought about getting the stainless ones instead, but I've never tried grilling on stainless. Figured I better stick to what I know!
I just replaced my original Q3200 grates with new Weber porcelain coated ones. The reason I bought them? My originals lasted for 10 years. OK, I stretched their life a little, and in the last year I only cooked in the center area due to grate deterioration. BUT, the fact is I NEVER removed the originals and cleaned them - I only ever “cleaned”them with high heat for several minutes followed by a stainless steel weber brush scrape after each cook. So, to me the originals/Weber brand earned my respect and I’m thrilled with the new ones! Basically following Weber’s simple instructions got me a decade out of a set of grates!
Great food for thought. ;-)
Hope you found this helpful!
@@ChicagoGriller Yes I did thank you. I am slowly working my way through your videos and am enjoying them very much.
Awesome, and glad to have you around. This has been a fun pandemic project for me, but don't worry, I'm sticking around :-)
So many great recipes still to try and share!
@@ChicagoGriller Thats great to hear. Looking forward to more videos. Err dont wear a mask....I might not recognise ya. :-)