Charbroil Grill Grates: The Ultimate Upgrade | Arteflame

Is Updating Your Char-Broil Grill Grates Worth It?

Yes, replacing standard cast iron grates with a carbon steel griddle insert dramatically improves performance. While cast iron is prone to rust and uneven heating, a solid carbon steel insert converts your Char-Broil into a versatile flat-top grill. This upgrade eliminates flare-ups, allows for restaurant-quality searing, and becomes virtually non-stick with proper seasoning.

Char-Broil Grates vs. Carbon Steel Inserts: What's the Difference?

Many grill owners assume cast iron is the gold standard, but for gas grills, carbon steel offers superior thermal conductivity and maintenance benefits. The table below compares the standard equipment against the Arteflame carbon steel upgrade.

Why Do Standard Char-Broil Grates Rust So Quickly?

Standard Char-Broil grills typically come with cast iron grates coated in porcelain or left raw. While decent for retaining heat, cast iron is porous. Moisture from the air, sauces, or washing penetrates these pores, causing oxidation (rust) from the inside out.

Once the porcelain coating chips—which happens frequently with metal tongs or spatulas—the exposed iron deteriorates rapidly. This forces users to replace grates every few seasons.

Pro Tip: Unlike cast iron, carbon steel does not degrade when scratched. In fact, using metal scrapers on carbon steel helps level the seasoning layer, making the surface smoother and more non-stick over time.

How Does a Griddle Insert Improve Searing?

The primary issue with open grate grilling is air exposure. When cooking on grates, only the metal bars contact the meat. The rest of the surface is exposed to air, which dries out the food before a proper crust can form.

A solid carbon steel insert solves this by providing 100% surface contact. This facilitates the Maillard reaction across the entire steak or burger, locking in juices and creating a steakhouse-quality sear that open grates cannot achieve.

Pro Tip: For the ultimate sear, apply a thin layer of grapeseed oil to the carbon steel insert and let it reach smoking point before adding your meat. This oil has a high smoke point and bonds with the steel to enhance the non-stick polymer layer.

How Do I Clean a Carbon Steel Upgrade?

Cleaning standard grates often involves tedious wire brushing and dangerous burn-off methods. Carbon steel simplifies this process significantly.

Because the surface is solid, grease and debris do not fall into the burner box (which causes flare-ups and fire hazards). Instead, you simply scrape the residue into the grease trough while the grill is still warm. Wipe it with a paper towel and a drop of oil, and it is ready for the next cook.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the carbon steel insert rust if left outside?

Carbon steel can rust if stripped of oil and exposed to moisture, similar to a cast iron skillet. However, once properly seasoned (coated with polymerized oil), the insert is rust-resistant and can be left outdoors year-round with a grill cover.

Does the insert fit all Char-Broil models?

Arteflame inserts are designed to replace standard grate sizes, but you must measure your specific firebox dimensions before ordering. Ensure you measure the area where the grates sit, not the exterior of the grill.

Can I use metal utensils on the insert?

Yes. You should use metal spatulas and scrapers. Unlike Teflon or porcelain-coated grates, you cannot damage the carbon steel surface with metal tools; aggressive scraping actually improves the surface texture.