Q320 Grate Care

[pwcopy]

Hello, all. Recently replaced the first set of grates on a 4-5 year old Q320. The porcelain had cracked off the strips of solid cast iron near the outer ends of the grates, and the cast iron rusted. Being no kind of grill expert, I'd appreciate any help with getting the new grates to last longer. I live in the Detroit Metro area. The grill lives on my covered front porch where it gets used year round, and is stored under the factory cover when not in use. I preheat to 500-550, clean and oil the grill before each use. Any other maintenance or storage tips are greatly appreciated. Many thanks for your help, PW

[Seth1025]

Have you had to replace the burners?    My Q220 burners start to go after about 2 years.  The holes on the burner tubes get too big and put too much fire on the grates which burns the seasoning and porcelain off leading to rusting from the bottom up.


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[Dave in KC]

pwcopy, sounds like you are giving your grates the proper care.  I am
surprised that they were rusting so early.  At 4-5 years, I believe they
may have still been under warranty.  If you still have the original grates
they may still be salvageable.  Take a wire brush to them, re-oil and heat
for a couple of hours to reseason them.

Seth1025, I would definitely be looking into warranty issues if you are having
burner problems after only 2 years. 

[pwcopy]

Dave in KC, thanks for the tip! I wondered about Seth1025's post, so I pulled off the grates and lit burners full blast. The flames under the sold strips toward the left and right outside edges of the grates do look a little bigger. The flame on the side nearest the burner knobs comes from the slit in the burner that definitely looks factory. There are similar slits in the center of the outside and inside burners. I can't see where the larger flame on the side where the igniter is coming from.

[YardBurner]

As far as the wire brush.
Make sure it is a BRASS brush NOT a steel brush.
Porcelain is soft when hot and the steel or SS brush will kill the coating.

Best way I've found to prolong PCI grates life.
Finish cooking.
Turn grill to high for 6-7 minutes.
Turn off and let grates cool and then brush and oil.

[pwcopy]

YardBurner, thanks for the tip! I will try. Any recommendation on a particular brass brush? I bought a Weber stainless brush that uses a twisted wire frame with a wooden handle to support a three-sided round bristle head.

[YardBurner]

Do a Google search for brass broiler brush

http://bit.ly/2VjC7bj

I like the Libman brush
Picked up a couple at the grocery.

Home Depot also carries some brass stripping brushes.
They're under $3 ea.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-Brass-Stripping-Brush-BB2-HDX/206509385

[CurtP]

I like the Brushtech B108C - made in USA too.