Everyone is going to have a different answer on this topic depending on a few key things:
1) How often do you plan to use them? If it’s once a month or once every 6 weeks you could be just fine with a standard chrome steel grate. But...stainless/cast iron will last longer over time. I don’t use my 18WSM smoker grates enough to justify SS even though I’d love it if they were stainless.
2) Do you have time to maintain cast iron? And by that I mean a free Saturday afternoon for cooking/seasoning is much different than coming home from work and cooking for the family on a weeknight...and forgetting about that grate until the next cook.
3) Where is the grill going to be stored? Inside a garage or outside in the elements?
Some people love their Cray Corts/SToK cast iron, while others prefer stainless steel. KillaGrilla makes a thick SS grate, while a few manufacturers make some with thinner rods. ABC makes one that is great for spinning.
Personally, I love the stainless steel grates in the newer 26.75.” They are easy to maintain and will probably outlast parts on the grill.
For me...stainless steel grates with a cast iron griddle. You can get a griddle that is flat on one side and raised on the other for sear marks.
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