Choosing a durable, heat-retentive round grill grate is key to achieving even searing and consistent results on 20-inch grills. This guide highlights five top replacements designed to fit popular 20-inch kettles and ceramics, including Akorn Kamado, Char-Griller 16620, and Louisiana Grills K24. Each option focuses on longevity, heat retention, and practical features like hinged sections or dual surfaces. Read on to compare materials, design advantages, and what to consider before you buy.
Summary of Selected Products
| Product | Brand | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| QuliMetal 19.5″ 304 Stainless Steel Round Grate | QuliMetal | Rust-resistant, precise fit, strong sear |
| CANDANA 19.5″ Round Grill Grate Stainless Steel | CANDANA | Hinged lift-up design, easy charcoal access |
| QuliMetal 19.5″ Round Grate For Akorn Kamado | QuliMetal | Heavy-duty cast iron, dual-surface option |
| GRISUN 19.5″ Round Grill Grate | GRISUN | 304 stainless, keep-warm feature, durable |
| FlameDuty 19.5″ 304 Stainless Steel Grate | FlameDuty | Solid rod construction, excellent sear marks |
QuliMetal 19.5″ 304 Stainless Steel Round Grate
Overview: This 19.5-inch round grill grate from QuliMetal is designed to fit most 20-inch inner-diameter kettle grills and ceramics, including Char-Griller 16620 and Pit Boss K24. The grate is made from premium 304 stainless steel for corrosion resistance and longevity. It promises a seamless, precise fit and easy maintenance, helping maintain consistent heat and sear performance over time.
Key Features: Stainless steel construction for rust resistance; upgraded round grate provides precise fit; heavy-duty bars help retain heat and deliver professional sear marks; compatible with multiple 20-inch models for broad applicability.
CANDANA 19.5″ Round Grill Grate Stainless Steel
Overview: The CANDANA grate fits most 20-inch kettles and ceramics and is compatible with Char-Griller 16620, 6520, 16820, and related models. It features a hinged lift-up design that allows easy access to charcoal during cooking and an overall durable stainless steel build intended to resist rust and provide robust longevity.
Key Features: 19.5-inch round, hinged lift-up design for adding charcoal; stainless steel durability for anti-rust performance; keeps grill marks while enabling simple warming rack insertion; durable construction suitable for regular grilling.
QuliMetal Round Grill Grate 19.5″ For Akorn Kamado
Overview: This QuliMetal model adapts to several 20-inch Kamado-style grills and stands out with a cast iron construction. It offers a dual-surface option with a smooth griddle face on one side for sautéing and a diamond-patterned grate on the other for grilling, enabling versatile cooking styles while providing strong heat retention and distinct sear patterns.
Key Features: Cast iron with enamel-free surface for high-heat durability; dual-surface design for griddle and grill use; robust heat retention; compatible with Akorn Kamado and similar grills.
GRISUN 19.5″ Round Grill Grate
Overview: GRISUN’s 19.5-inch stainless steel grate is designed for a broad range of 20-inch grills, including Char-Griller and Pit Boss variants. Made from heavy-duty 304 stainless steel, it resists corrosion and maintains even heating. A keep-warm feature allows a warming rack to be installed, helping you manage cooking stages efficiently.
Key Features: 304 stainless steel; non-magnetic and corrosion-resistant; keeps warm section accessible with a center hole for warming rack; durable and easy to clean.
FlameDuty 19.5″ 304 Stainless Steel Grate
Overview: FlameDuty offers a 19.5-inch stainless steel grate tailored for a wide array of 20-inch grill models, including Char-Griller 16620 and Pit Boss K24. Its sturdy rod construction supports excellent heat retention and uniform searing while avoiding the chipping issues common with enamel-coated grates.
Key Features: 304 stainless steel; solid rod design for durability; strong sear performance and non-stick surface; compatibility across multiple 20-inch grills.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Fit and compatibility: Ensure the grate diameter matches your grill’s inner diameter (commonly 20 inches for these models) and verify model compatibility with your specific grill brand and series.
- Material and durability: Stainless steel (304) resists rust and corrosion and tends to outlast cast iron when not seasonally maintained. Cast iron alternatives offer superb heat retention but require more seasoning and care to prevent rust.
- Construction and design: Look for solid rod bars for durability and even heat distribution. Hinged designs aid charcoal access without removing the grate, while dual-surface options expand cooking versatility.
- Maintenance: Stainless steel grates are typically easier to clean and less prone to rust. Consider enamel-coated options if you prefer less maintenance, but be mindful of chipping.
- Keep-warm and accessory compatibility: Some grates support warming racks or additional inserts. Check whether the model supports compatible warming accessories if you plan to keep food warm during cooking.
- Ease of installation: A precise fit reduces gaps and hot spots. Some replacements include hardware or are designed for quick swaps with existing mounts.
- Budget and replacement intervals: Higher-quality metals may cost more upfront but offer longer lifespans, reducing replacement frequency over time.
Comparative Considerations
- Stainless steel vs. cast iron: Stainless steel handles weather and cleaning more easily; cast iron offers exceptional heat retention but requires seasoning and careful drying to prevent rust.
- Single surface vs. dual surface: Dual-surface grates provide flexibility for searing and griddling without swapping tools, ideal for diverse cooking tasks.
- Accessibility features: Hinged designs simplify charcoal refueling and ash management, reducing disruption to cooking flow.