Does anyone know if such a thing exists? No hinges, no inserts, just a single solid piece of cast iron. Prefer 22" but 18 1/2" will work too.
Maybe this is what you are looking for? Looks like a solid piece grate. I don't have any CI grates so I can't say if this will fit or how good it is. For those that use CI grates, do they rust on you and require more care and maintenance?
http://www.charbroil.com/cooking-grate-c3040500w1?gdffi=e1085c8ad7a9423dba5a6854163ded82&gdfms=91BA96CA10534E5DA377B79AE9849BD1&gclid=CPmLiLC1is4CFYMDaQodoaINuA
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That one might be porcelain coated steel.
Quote from: kettlebb on July 23, 2016, 12:26:53 PM
Maybe this is what you are looking for? Looks like a solid piece grate. I don't have any CI grates so I can't say if this will fit or how good it is. For those that use CI grates, do they rust on you and require more care and maintenance?
http://www.charbroil.com/cooking-grate-c3040500w1?gdffi=e1085c8ad7a9423dba5a6854163ded82&gdfms=91BA96CA10534E5DA377B79AE9849BD1&gclid=CPmLiLC1is4CFYMDaQodoaINuA
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I doubt that grate is cast iron for $27.
I have a Craycort CI grate for my 22" and can tell you they require just a little more maintenance if you use them regularly - after cooking, simply use a wire brush and then apply some sort of oil with either a paper towel or a natural bristle brush. I use peanut oil because it has a high smoking point (also good for seasoning woks).
However, I've made the mistake before of neglecting them over a couple seasons and yes, it rusted, but I was able to restore and re-season them in an afternoon, NBD.
I discovered that I didn't use the CI grates much when I started to do a lot of low-and-slow indirect cooks on the kettle and that's why they were neglected for a couple years. Now that I have a WSM for smoking, I put the CI back in the kettle and plan to keep them in there permanently. Basically if you have to take them in and out a lot, it's a PITA. But I do love them and would recommend them to those who sear steaks a lot.
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Char-Broil makes a combination cast iron grate that will fit both a 22-1/2 or 18-1/2 inch grill. It is two piece for the larger grill and a single piece for the smaller 18-1/2" still. I use it for both of my grills. I think I paid about 30 dollars for it about 10 years ago.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/OldDave/WSM%20Cooking/DSC02667.jpg)
Shown in a 18-1/2" kettle.