Santa Maria and Argentine Grill Grate Styles
12
Oct
Exploring Santa Maria BBQ Grill Pit Grates: Steel Expanded, Stainless Expanded, Argentine V Grate, and Stainless Round Rod Grate
Santa Maria BBQ Grill Pits are renowned for their ability to deliver mouthwatering, wood-grilled flavors to a variety of dishes. One key component that significantly influences the cooking experience is the type of grate you use. In this blog, we’ll delve into the benefits and differences of four popular grate options: Steel Expanded, Stainless Expanded, Argentine V Grate, and Stainless Round Rod Grate, as offered by JD Fabrications.
Steel Expanded and Stainless Expanded Grates
Benefits:
– Economical Option: Both steel and stainless expanded grates provide an affordable choice for grill enthusiasts.
– Versatile: They work well with various cooking styles, making them adaptable to your culinary preferences.
Differences:
– Rust Resistance: Stainless expanded grates outshine steel counterparts in terms of rust resistance. This quality makes stainless an ideal choice for those who plan to use their grates frequently and want them to last longer.
Downsides:
– Durability: Expanded grates, whether steel or stainless, may not last as long as other options.
– Warping: Over time, these grates may warp slightly, but this can often be mitigated by flipping them periodically.
– Cleaning Limitations: Cleaning options are limited to using steel, stainless, or plastic bristle brushes, which may require more effort.
Argentine V Grate
Benefits:
– Flare-Up Control: The Argentine V Grate excels at limiting flare-ups when cooking close to the fire, providing a safer grilling experience.
– Juice Capture: The V-shaped grooves capture meat juices, channeling them to a removable drip pan.
– Rust Resistance: Opting for a stainless Argentine V Grate prevents rust formation when not in use.
– Easy Cleaning: Cleaning is a breeze with stainless or plastic bristle brushes, or a simple damp rag.
– Modularity: Argentine grates come in convenient 15″-18″ segments, which can be removed to accommodate JD Fabrications’ height-adjustable rotisserie while cooking on the grate.
Downsides:
– Drip Pan Cleaning: The only minor inconvenience with Argentine V Grates is having to clean the drip pan after use, which is a small price to pay for the exceptional grilling experience they provide.
Stainless Round Rod Grate
Benefits:
– Warp Resistance: These grates are designed with precision, allowing each rod to spin independently, expanding and contracting to adapt to different heat zones. This design minimizes warping.
– Easy Cleaning: Stainless round rod grates are easy to clean using various methods, including pumice stones, damp rags, wood cleaning tools, stainless wire brushes, and plastic wire brushes.
– Perfect Grill Marks: The precise construction of these grates ensures perfect grill marks on your food.
– Durability: Made from 304 food-grade stainless steel, they are built to last and can be used for years on different grills.
Downsides:
– Flare-Ups: Occasionally, fatty meats can cause small flare-ups. However, the flexibility of a Santa Maria grill allows you to raise the grate out of the flare-up and lower it once the flare-up subsides.
In conclusion, when choosing a grate for your Santa Maria BBQ Grill Pit, you have several excellent options to consider. Steel expanded and stainless expanded grates offer affordability and versatility, with stainless being the more durable choice. Argentine V Grates provide superior flare-up control and juice capture, while stainless round rod grates combine warp resistance with exceptional durability and ease of cleaning. Your choice ultimately depends on your cooking preferences and priorities, but any of these grates will help you achieve the perfect Santa Maria BBQ experience.
