Tips on Buying Replacement Barbecue Grates

Eventually, the grate that came with your BBQ when you first bought it will probably need to be replaced. There's a wide variety of replacement barbecue grates, some cheap, some much more expensive. While it's not always true that you get what you pay for, in our experience it's the 'heavy-duty' BBQ grates that last far longer and perform much better. Unfortunately, these tend to be the more expensive ones (note, not the most expensive, just more expensive!). Here are a few things to look for when choosing a new grate.

• Get the right size! Yeah, I know, sounds obvious, doesn't it? No one would really buy a grate that didn't fit... (I never did, never, not once... okay, maybe once). Measure the grate before you go shopping, or bring the old one with you.

• Get a hinged grate. This is particularly useful for those of us who grill with lump charcoal or briquettes, since it allows us to just flip up the side of the grate and add more charcoal or move it around - no more removing the entire grate! Once you try it, you'll always want a hinged grate, it really is that much more convenient.

• Consider an adjustable grate. Move food closer or further away from the coals. A grate extender is also a good option, especially if you like to grill up lots of food at the same time.

• Decide what type of grate material you want. A regular steel grate is the most affordable, but it won't last very long. Stainless steel is better, but over time it'll wear out too. Both can chip and cause food to stick. There are also cast-iron grates which are heavy-duty, retain heat very well, and are very durable. The downside? They need to be 'seasoned' with oil more frequently. And finally, porcelain-coated grates are also available but the coating can sometimes chips or flakes off - then you'll see whatever material it was covering, whether it's steel or cast-iron.

You don't have to spend a fortune buying the highest-end replacement barbecue grates available... but spending a bit extra can get you a quality, longer-lasting product, saving you the hassle of having to buy replacement parts frequently, and giving you more time to concoct the best grilled recipes in the neighbourhood. Check out our other tips on BBQing with charcoal!