How to Keep Food From Sticking to Porcelain-Coated Grates

A tablespoon of olive oil keeps food from sticking to pans, pots and grates.

Porcelain-coated grates in charcoal and gas grills are easier to clean and are not as susceptible to chipping as grates containing other coatings. Foods, including meats, fish and vegetables, are also not as susceptible to sticking to porcelain-coated grates, but you may still experience some foods sticking. You don’t need any special solutions, chemicals or oils to keep your food from sticking and possibly burning on the grates -- all you is olive or vegetable oil.

Things You'll Need

• 2 clean cloths or rags
• Latex gloves
• Unsalted olive or vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Wipe your grill’s porcelain-coated grate with a clean cloth or rag to remove any loose dust and debris. Wear latex gloves to keep your hands clean.

2. Pour 1 to 2 tablespoons of unsalted olive or vegetable oil onto another clean cloth or rag. Wipe the grate with the cloth or rag.

3. Reapply 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil onto the cloth or rag and continue wiping the grate, including all corners, until it is completely coated with oil.

Tips & Warnings

• If your grill’s porcelain-coated grate contains any rusty spots, scrub the spots with a scrub pad to remove the rust and then coat the grate with unsalted olive or vegetable oil to keep it from rusting again.

• Do not use margarine, butter or butter substitutes to coat your porcelain-coated grate. These substances can drip into your grill, start burning and produce excessive smoke.

• Non-stick sprays may or may not keep food from sticking to your grill’s porcelain-coated grate.

References

• Friendly Fires: Cast Iron Grates Care & Use

Resources

• Consumer Reports: Tip of the Day: Be Safe When Grilling