Product Care & Maintenance
Embers & Iron Grill Grate
Congratulations on choosing to elevate your grilling game. You’ve moved away from disposable hardware and invested in a grate built for performance. To ensure your Grill Rack delivers a lifetime of service and remains free from the rust that plagues lesser products, please follow these care guidelines.
1. Initial Preparation: The First Burn
Wash thoroughly with warm water and mild dishwashing detergent to remove manufacturing oils and residue.
Rinse and dry completely before placing the grate over heat.
Chef’s Tip — Season for Easier Food Release
Like a quality stainless steel pan, your grate benefits from good heat control and a little oil. A light seasoning can help reduce sticking:
Apply a very thin, even coating of canola or grapeseed oil to the clean, dry grate. Wipe away excess—there should be no drips.
Heat gradually in a well-ventilated cooking area until the oil just begins to smoke.
Remove from the heat safely and allow it to cool naturally. Repeat once or twice if desired.
For each cook, preheat the grate, lightly oil your food and let it develop a crust before turning. If it resists lifting, give it a little more time.
Allowing salts, acids, or carbonized food to remain on the surface for extended periods can degrade the finish.
2. Clean After Each Use
Let the grate cool until it is safe to handle. Cleaning while slightly warm can help loosen food residue.
Wash with warm, soapy water and a non-scratch scouring pad. Use nylon cleaning tools only once the grate has cooled.
For stubborn residue, soak the cooled grate in warm, soapy water before scrubbing.
If using a stainless steel brush, check for loose bristles before use and inspect the grate thoroughly afterwards.
Rinse well and dry completely.
Avoid ordinary steel wool, carbon steel brushes and tools previously used on ordinary steel. They can leave iron particles that cause rust staining.
3. Choose Cleaning Products Carefully
Hand washing is recommended.
Avoid chlorine bleach, hydrochloric acid and abrasive cleaners that may damage the surface. Use specialized cleaners only if labelled suitable for stainless steel cooking surfaces, following their instructions and rinsing thoroughly.
Remove salt, marinades and food residue promptly rather than leaving them on the grate between uses.
4. Protect Against Moisture
Stainless steel is corrosion-resistant, but it is not completely rust-proof.
Store the grate clean and completely dry.
Choose a dry, ventilated storage area.
Cover outdoor equipment only after it has cooled and dried.
In coastal areas, rinse away salt deposits and store the grate indoors during extended periods between uses.
A cover helps protect against weather, but trapped moisture can still encourage corrosion.
5. Handle Heat with Care
Use suitable heat-resistant gloves and tools when handling a hot grate.
Allow it to cool naturally. Never plunge a hot grate into water or pour cold water over it.
Avoid dropping, striking, bending or forcing the grate, particularly when hot.
Support the frame securely and distribute food evenly.
Prolonged exposure to certain high temperatures can increase the brittleness of 310 stainless steel. Gentle handling helps protect the mesh, frame and welded joints.
6. Know What Is Normal
Heat can produce gold, blue or darker coloring on stainless steel. Color changes alone do not necessarily indicate rust or a defect.
Inspect the grate regularly. If you notice cracked welds, broken wires, sharp edges or significant deformation, stop using it and contact Embers & Iron.
Clean after cooking. Dry before storing. Cool naturally.