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Caring for cast iron grates

12 years ago

We purchased a new range (Electrolux) and it has cast iron grates across the entire cook surface. The guy at the appliance store mentioned spraying cooking spray on them periodically to "treat/season" them. Is this necessary? Is it even a good idea? I've had cast iron cookware but never had cast iron grates in the past. Not quite sure if I need to do anything special to them to keep them looking decent.

Featured Answer

deeageaux

12 years ago

I have not looked at every possible model of Electrolux range but pretty sure grates are porcelain coated which makes "seasoning" unnecessary.

People season raw grill grates because you don't want raw iron/or cracked porcelain grates with exposed iron rusting and coming in direct contact with food.

I don't think you are putting food directly on grates,maybe a chile for salsa once in a blue moon?

Maybe if you are super cautious you may want to do that once you see scratches or the porcelain has burned off. If you are not super diligent about cleaning the grates they will season themselves by that time:)

If you want to prematurely "age" the range to look more "cooked in" you could season the grates. There is no harm in it.

If you want them looking new just scrub them with a sponge with green scrubber using the rough side with water and dish soap

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Comments (6)

lauraWi
Original Author
12 years ago
The grates are actually cast iron. I realize that I won't be cooking directly on the grates, but spills and splatters are most definitely going to happen (I don't happen to be the neatest of cooks!) I will probably treat them like a cast iron pan, unless I hear otherwise. Thought someone here might have some experience with this.
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The 36 looks beautiful! I have to get a 30 inch. Checked out ajmadison and they have an Electrolux that might just do it. Model EWDF65GS. The EW#LDF65GS is the same price, but when doing a comparison the latter has lower burner outputs. Both are the same price. One reviewer wasn't happy with his Electrolux,but you can't please everyone. The only thing that I would want to know is how to override the electronic ignition for the oven. I think there is a way to do it. One of the reasons for getting a gas stove is for when our power goes out, which is more than I care for. Thanks so much! You may have helped me find my stove. :) Here is a link that might be useful: Electrolux E36DF76GPS
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My grates are black, and when they look a little goey I toss them in the dishwasher. And boy that does the trick they look like new again. I have heard (don't quote me) that this can cause them to rust. I wonder if this would be the case with SS grates. Mine are some black metal, not sure what they are made of. Bosch Range. ~boxerpups This is from Good Housekeeping Magazine Ask Helouise Is there an easy way to keep burners from getting grimy? -- Elizabeth Malvey, Wakefield, MA If you cook, there's really no way around it -- but you can give burners a thorough cleaning. Start by wiping grates and burners with a damp sponge. Remove grates and soak in hot, soapy water for 30 minutes. Add a teaspoon of ammonia to the sink water to help loosen the grime. Scrub them with a stiff brush to remove any remaining gunk. To minimize future messes, keep an eye on pots so they don't boil over.
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deeageaux
12 years ago
The grates are actually cast iron

No kidding. So are mine.

Most cast iron grates are porcelain coated not raw like a Lodge cast iron pan.

I don't think I have seen cast iron grates on a range that are raw but there may be an example.

but spills and splatters are most definitely going to happen

Again, that is a given.

How will seasoning be helpful vis-a-vis spills and splatters on good condition grates?

There are many many people on Appliance Forum that cook with ranges that have cast iron grates.

Below is a link to an ehow blog on how to clean your Electrolux range. It does say that Elux recommends seasoning your porcelain grates.

From Blog

The porcelain coated grates should be washed in the dishwasher and rubbed with vegetable oil. Do not cure the porcelain coated grates in the oven.

As long as porcelain is in good condition I don't see a reason to season but Electrolux ......

Here is a link that might be useful: How to Clean an Electrolux Gas Range
stooxie
12 years ago
Might save some speculation if a picture was posted.

My grates are enameled and I don't clean them beyond wiping off any solids. So far so good. Very good.

-Stooxie
deeageaux
12 years ago
Now that I think about it they want you to season so you can wash the grates in the dishwasher. That way dishwasher cleans the seasoning and spill/splatters without dishwasher detergent attacking the integrity of the porcelain coating.

I just clean mine with green scrubbie and mild dish liquid soap.
lauraWi
Original Author
12 years ago
okay...thanks for the advice. I'm moving from a basic, basic GE range that had light gray enameled grates and they were a total pain to keep clean, even with wiping and washing after meal preparation. Obvs, the color of the grates caused much of the issue and the fact that the new grates are black should minimize some of the struggle to keep them looking decent. I'm glad to hear that you have had no issues maintaining.

Ah...re:dishwasher. I'm not one to put larger items in the dishwasher, but I suppose if someone was to do that, the dishwashing detergent could cause some issues. I'm in the hand wash camp when it comes to pots, pans and other larger items.

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