Unleash Grill Power: How GrillGrates Revolutionize Your BBQ Results

If you've ever struggled with uneven cooking, inadequate searing, or frustrating flare-ups on your gas grill, GrillGrates might be the solution you've been searching for. These innovative raised-rail cooking surfaces have earned a devoted following among grilling enthusiasts, and after testing them ourselves, we understand why. In this comprehensive review, we'll explore what makes GrillGrates so effective and whether they're worth adding to your grilling arsenal.

Quick Comparison

Quick comparison of Grill Great with GrillGrates products.

Grill Grate	Material	Fit	Best For	Where to Buy
GrillGrates Set with GrateTool	Hard-anodized aluminum	Modular panels for gas, charcoal, and electric grills	Searing and flare-up control	See at Amazon

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Best Overall

GrillGrates Set with GrateTool

Dramatic improvement in searing capability

Editor's Top Pick

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Product Reviews

Best Overall

GrillGrates Set with GrateTool

4.7BBQ Report Score

At a glance

• Dramatic improvement in searing capability
• Virtually eliminates flare-ups
• More even cooking
• Works on any type of grill
• Durable hard-anodized aluminum

Why we picked it

GrillGrates are modular, interlocking hard-anodized aluminum panels with raised rails that sit on top of your existing grill surface. Unlike standard grill grates, they feature a unique design that fundamentally changes how heat transfers to your food. The system consists of a solid aluminum base with perforations that blocks direct flame while trapping heat, and raised rails that provide excellent sear marks.

The superior heat conductivity of aluminum allows GrillGrates to heat up faster, distribute heat more evenly, and reduce hot and cold spots. The design amplifies surface temperatures by 100-200°F for steakhouse-quality searing while the solid base prevents flare-ups by vaporizing juices in the valleys, adding flavor without charring.

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One of the most appealing aspects of GrillGrates is their versatility and ease of installation:

1. Modular Design: GrillGrates come in various sizes that can be used individually or connected together to cover your entire grill surface.
2. Simple Installation: Simply place GrillGrates on top of your existing grill grates, or remove the old grates and use GrillGrates as a complete replacement.
3. Universal Compatibility: GrillGrates work on virtually any cooking surface – gas grills, charcoal grills, pellet grills, and even indoor griddles.

The company offers pre-sized sets for popular grill models or individual panels that can be customized to fit any cooking surface. Installation requires no tools and takes less than a minute.

We tested GrillGrates on a standard three-burner gas grill, comparing results against the original cast-iron grates. Here's what we found:

With GrillGrates:

• Achieved restaurant-quality sear marks in just 2-3 minutes
• Maintained consistent searing power throughout multiple steaks
• Created the perfect crust while preserving juicy interior

With standard grates:

• Required nearly twice the time to achieve similar sear marks
• Heat diminished significantly after the first steak
• Results were less consistent with noticeable cold spots

GrillGrates excelled with delicate proteins:

• Chicken skin crisped beautifully without burning
• Fish fillets released easily without sticking or falling apart
• Even cooking eliminated the dry exterior/raw interior problem

Perhaps the most dramatic improvement was with vegetables and smaller items:

• Asparagus, sliced zucchini, and bell peppers cooked evenly without falling through
• Cherry tomatoes and mushrooms stayed in place in the valleys between rails
• Even thin-sliced vegetables achieved beautiful grill marks without burning

• Dramatic improvement in searing capability: Achieves steakhouse-quality results on even basic grills
• Virtually eliminates flare-ups: No more burnt food or singed eyebrows
• More even cooking: Significantly reduces hot and cold spots
• Versatility: Works on any type of grill
• Durability: Hard-anodized aluminum resists warping and will last for many years

• Price: A full set for a standard three-burner grill ranges from $100-$150, which is a significant investment
• Cleaning: The valleys require a special cleaning tool (included) to properly maintain
• Weight: Slightly heavier than standard grates, though not significantly
• Learning curve: Requires slightly adjusting cooking times and temperatures

GrillGrates shine in several specific scenarios:

1. Apartment/Condo Grilling: For those with small balcony grills or community grills of questionable quality, GrillGrates instantly upgrade the cooking experience.
2. Vacation Rentals: Pack these portable grates when staying somewhere with unknown grill quality.
3. Tailgating and Camping: Transform portable grills into high-performance cooking systems.
4. Rejuvenating Older Grills: Rather than replacing an entire grill, adding GrillGrates can breathe new life into aging equipment.

At approximately $100-$150 for a complete set, GrillGrates represent a significant investment. However, when compared to the cost of upgrading to a higher-end grill (often $500-$1,000 more), GrillGrates offer tremendous value. They effectively transform mid-range grills into high-performance cooking systems at a fraction of the upgrade cost. View GrillGrates on Amazon

Like cast iron, GrillGrates perform best when properly seasoned. The manufacturer recommends:

1. Initial Seasoning: Before first use, clean with soap and water, then apply a light coating of high-heat oil
2. Regular Maintenance: After grilling, scrape the rails with the GrateTool or brush
3. Occasional Deep Cleaning: For buildup in the valleys, soak in hot water and clean with a soft brush
4. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Don't use grill cleaners or degreasers that might damage the seasoning

With proper care, GrillGrates will develop a natural non-stick patina over time.

GrillGrates are ideal for:

• Gas grill owners frustrated with inadequate searing and uneven cooking
• Beginner grillers who want more consistent, forgiving results
• Apartment dwellers stuck with basic community grills
• Experienced grillers looking to expand their cooking capabilities
• Anyone who grills delicate foods that typically stick or fall through standard grates

The Verdict

Our Top Pick · Best Overall

GrillGrates Set with GrateTool

4.7 our overall score

Dramatic improvement in searing capability

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After extensive testing, we can confidently say that GrillGrates deliver on their promises. They represent one of the most impactful upgrades you can make to any grill, dramatically improving performance in the areas that matter most: searing capability, temperature consistency, and flare-up prevention. While the initial investment might give some pause, the improvement in cooking quality and the extended lifespan they can give to a mediocre grill make them worth every penny. If you're serious about grilling or simply tired of disappointing results from your current setup, GrillGrates are an upgrade we enthusiastically recommend. View GrillGrates on Amazon