I don't know about you but my favourite cooking method is grilling. There is something about the smell of barbecue that lifts up the spirit. It gives one a sense of contentment and inner joy. Perhaps this is because most food grilling sessions are done during holiday seasons or family gatherings.

Today, grilling food has become a lot easier. Gone are the days when you would have to light up piles of charcoal over the grill grate. You can now purchase gas grills. These are gas-operated grills that are easier to use and easier to maintain.

When you are buying a new gas grill, you would want to know more about your most durable choices. These kitchen equipments are generally made from different materials. If you are looking for durability, you should know what type of grill grate material is the best.

Your main options are porcelain coated cast iron, cast iron, low-grade steel, stainless steel and porcelain coated steel. So why do you need to find the best grate material anyway?

The grate can be subjected to intense heat. Because of that, it can wear out quickly. Moreover, it is also exposed to different elements such as air and moisture. These things can cause an oxidation process to happen. Oxidation can speed up the rusting process of grate materials. If the metal is thin and fragile, it can also kink easily. I am sure you would not want that to happen.

Many people say uncoated cast iron is the best. They are heavy and they do not get damaged easily. Moreover, this material is a good conductor of heat. It can distribute heat easily so you can cook faster and better. If you are looking for nice grill marks on your food, a good cast iron grate can provide that for you.

However, this material requires a lot of maintenance. Compared to steel, it turns rusty quite easily. You would not want to subject it to external elements such as oxygen and moisture. You should also regularly clean it to get rid of oil residues. Moreover, this material also tends to vaporize and burn faster if you use intense heat.

But if you want something more durable, go for porcelain coated cast iron. It still has the heat distribution benefits of cast iron but without the lengthy cleaning and maintenance ritual. It lasts longer.

Stainless steel seems to be a durable material. But if you are using the low-grade ones, they tend to lose their temper. As a result, the surface area of the grate starts to chip off and it will eventually become uneven. Do not rely so much on the non-stick properties of stainless steel.

You should consider buying cast iron. They may require a lot of work but they will surely last for a few decades.