Summer is coming! It’s time to fire up the grill. When it comes to grills, corten steel BBQ grill is one of the ineluctable hot motifs. With the continuous improvement of human living norms, people’s conditions for barbecue grills are becoming more and more strict. So, how does the corten barbecue grill stand out from numerous grills and come the new favor of outdoor grillers? And how should those who like outdoor barbecues choose the right grill? In addition, I will also share some conservation tips for corten steel grill at the end of this composition.
As the name suggests, corten steel grill is a barbecue grill made of corten steel. Then what is corten steel? Corten steel, also known as weathering steel or COR-TEN steel, is a type of steel alloy. Grounded on natural conditions, adding niobium, molybdenum, phosphorus, titanium and other rainfall-resistant rudiments to the steel makes the steel form a tight oxide layer between the face and the deep structure. Due to the presence of this oxide layer, steel is not fluently corroded, which is one of its characteristics. This specific also gives it its distinctive rusty mottled appearance.
Knowing the definition ofcorten steel, let us turn our attention back to the center of our topic today: corten steel grill. Compared with other grills, what are the advantages of corten barbecue grill? Here are five manifestations.
Corten steel is a type of steel that is designed to rust, forming a protective layer of rust or patina that helps to prevent further corrosion. This means that corten steel BBQ grills are highly durable and can withstand a wide range of weather conditions. According to reliable research, corten steel can last up to three times longer than other types of steel in corrosive environments. According to a study published in Materials and Corrosion/Werkstoffe und Korrosion, weathering steel exhibited superior corrosion resistance compared to mild steel and stainless steel in a salt spray test. During grilling, grills are exposed to a lot of salt which can corrode the grill, and that’s why corten steel barbecue grills are so popular.
As we mentioned above, corten steel is of greatly corrosion resistance, which makes weathering steel less meticulous maintenance than other materials. Moreover, as the rust acts as a natural barrier against further corrosion and protect its internal structure from damage. Generally speaking, the characteristics of corten steel make it maintenance-free. Therefore, corten steel grills requires almost no maintenance, even if it is exposed to wind and rain outdoors, there is no need to worry too much about it being damaged.
The layer of rust that forms on the surface of the steel acts as a natural barrier to heat transfer. This layer has a low thermal conductivity, which means it does not readily transfer heat from the hot side of the metal to the cooler side. As a result, the metal is able to maintain its structural integrity and strength at high temperatures. Also, research has shown that the presence of copper in corten steel is a key factor in its heat resistance. Copper has a lower thermal conductivity than steel, which means it acts as a thermal barrier, slowing down the rate of heat transfer through the metal. In addition, the formation of the rust layer on the surface of the steel creates a thermally insulating layer that further protects the metal from heat damage. Heat can take a toll on a grill, so it’s no surprise that corten barbecue grills are so well-received.
As we all know, the rust on the surface of corten steel and its strong corrosion resistance are enough to resist the erosion from wind and sun outdoors, and there is no need to apply an additional anti-corrosion coating on its surface, which greatly reduces the use of chemical coatings. What’s more, without the chemical coating, we can enjoy the food provided by our corten grills without worrying about ingesting harmful chemicals. On the other hand, corten steel is extremely durable, so we don’t need to replace it often and it also saves resources to some extent. In other words, “a corten steel is forever”.
During the processing of corten steel, a unique layer of rust develops on its surface. Elements such as copper, phosphorus, nickel, and chromium present in steel react with oxygen and moisture in the air to form a layer of reddish-brown iron oxide rust. In addition, over time, the color will gradually darken and take on a more vintage reddish brown. The texture of the rust layer is also uneven and rough to the touch, adding to the vintage look of weathering steel.
For a small scale grill, a cooking area of around 200-400 square inches should be sufficient for 1-2 people. For 2-4 people, a cooking area of around 400-600 square inches is recommended.
Shape: A rectangular or square shape grill will likely be the most practical for cooking for a small group. These shapes tend to offer more surface area for cooking than circular grills of the same size, and they are also easier to use when cooking multiple items at once.
Fuel: A small scale corten steel grill can use a variety of fuel sources, such as propane, natural gas, charcoal, or wood pellets. Propane or natural gas grills offer convenience and ease of use, while charcoal or wood pellet grills offer a more authentic BBQ flavor.
Large scale grill, a cooking area of 600-900 square inches should be sufficient for 4-6 people. For 6-10 people, a cooking area of 900-1200 square inches is recommended.
Shape: A rectangular or oval shape grill will likely be the most practical for cooking for a larger group. These shapes tend to offer more surface area for cooking than circular grills of the same size, and they are also easier to use when cooking multiple items at once.
Fuel: A large scale corten steel grill is typically powered by charcoal or wood pellets, as they offer a more authentic BBQ flavor and are capable of producing higher temperatures for searing and cooking larger cuts of meat.
If you have specific requirements or unique needs, you can consider a custom-built corten steel BBQ grill. This option allows you to design a grill that meets your specific needs and cooking style. For example, you can add small shelves on the side of the grill to hold more ingredients according to your needs. You can choose the size, shape, and features of the grill, as well as the type of fuel you want to use. If branches are more easily available near where you are grilling, then you can opt for a wood-fired grill. Instead, you can opt for a charcoal corten grill because charcoal is portable and has a high burn rate and produces little dust.
Before using your corten steel grill for the first time, it’s important to season it. This process involves coating the grill grates with a layer of oil and heating the grill to a high temperature to create a non-stick surface. To season your grill, start by cleaning the grates with soap and water to remove any debris or coatings. Then, using a paper towel or brush, apply a layer of high-heat cooking oil (such as vegetable oil or flaxseed oil) to the grates. Heat the grill to a high temperature (around 400-500 degrees Fahrenheit) for around 20-30 minutes to allow the oil to bake onto the grates.
After each use, it is of great significance to clean your corten steel grill to prevent buildup of grease, food debris, and rust. Start by allowing the grill to cool down to a safe temperature. Then, using a grill brush or scraper, remove any food debris or grease from the grates. Wipe down the grates with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any remaining debris. If your grill has a removable ash pan, empty it out and wipe it clean. Avoid using soap or harsh chemicals on your corten steel grill, as this can strip the seasoning and cause rust.
To protect your corten steel grill from the elements and prevent rust, use a cover when the grill is not in use. A high-quality cover will protect the grill from rain, wind, and UV rays, and help to extend the lifespan of the grill. When covering your grill, make sure it is completely cool and dry, as moisture can cause rust.
To prevent rust and maintain the appearance of your corten grill, it’s a good idea to apply a layer of oil to the grill periodically. High-heat cooking oils such as vegetable oil or flaxseed oil work well for this purpose. To apply the oil, simply pour a small amount onto a paper towel or cloth and rub it onto the grill grates. Then, heat the grill to a high temperature to allow the oil to bake onto the grates.
Even with regular maintenance and cleaning, corten steel BBQ grills can develop rust over time. To prevent rust from spreading and causing damage, it’s important to address it as soon as possible. If you notice rust on your grill, use a wire brush or sandpaper to remove the rusted area. Then, apply a rust-resistant primer and paint to the area to prevent further rusting.
Hey there, outdoor barbecue fanatics! It’s time to enjoy your grilling game with corten steel grills! Corten steel is a kind of steel that develops a beautiful, rusty appearance over time. Not only do these grills look stunning, but they’re also extremely durable and resistant to corrosion. When choosing a corten steel grill, make sure to consider the size and style that meets your needs. And don’t forget to take care of your grill by cleaning it regularly and applying a protective coating to prevent rust. So, fire up that grill and get cooking with some charming and long-lasting corten steel!
