Plates & Grills

Why Plates and Grills Transform Your BBQ

Outdoor meals can be more than basic. Even a simple hot plate for a barbeque or smoker gives you a stable surface for making breakfasts, sauces and sides outdoors, or BBQ grills to char and add flavour. You can cook every meal on a BBQ if you really want to, with the right accessories.

Plates and Grills Types Compared

Cast Iron Plates & Grills

When you want excellent heat retention and richer flavour, cast iron BBQ grills are the BBQ accessory you didn’t know you needed. They may cost more, but can last 10 years or more when they’re regularly seasoned, scraped clean and lightly oiled after every use.

Stainless Steel Hotplates

A stainless steel hotplate is something every BBQ owner should have. They’re reliable and low-maintenance, heating evenly while being easy to clean, so they’re good for busy families. Plus, they stand up well to UV, humidity and salt air.

Non-Stick & Specialty Surfaces

For those tricky fish, egg and vegetable dishes, non-stick surfaces make it easier to transition to cooking on the BBQ. These affordable pans require gentle utensils and cleaning, and typically won’t last as long as some others, but can be a good starting point for beginners.

Matching Plates & Grills to Your BBQ & Style

Barbeque hot plates and grills are handy as long as they suit both your BBQ and the way you cook. Before choosing a single plate or grill, check your surface size, mounting style and heat source. Then think about your favourite foods, how often you entertain, your budget and how much maintenance you’re comfortable with. Our team can help match it all with the right BBQ accessories. 

The BBQ Store Advantage

The BBQ Store stocks plates and grills in every size and material so you can fully kit out your outdoor kitchen. Our team can check compatibility with your 2-burner, 3-burner, 4-burner or portable BBQ, rotisserie or smoker so you get the right fittings. With Australian stock ready to buy, it’s easy to upgrade your cooking. 

FAQ's

Will a hotplate or grill fit my BBQ?

Whether a hotplate or grill fits depends on the cooking surface size, mounting style and the BBQ’s heat source. The BBQ Store can confirm with a compatibility check using your existing plate’s measurements and BBQ model number. 

What's the difference between a hotplate and a grill plate?

While barbeque hotplates are flat for cooking eggs, onions and saucy foods, grill plates have ridges that create char and sear marks. Which one is right depends on how you like to cook.

Can I use cast iron on a gas BBQ?

Yes, cast iron works well on gas BBQs. They evenly distribute heat, giving you plenty of temperature control. Regular seasoning also improves its cooking over time. 

How do I season and maintain cast iron?

Cooking fatty foods regularly can help maintain a cast iron pan by helping build up the pan’s natural seasoning and improving the surface with use. To clean, scrape away the residue, apply a light coat of oil and wipe it down. Keep it dry and covered when storing.

Do I need a special cover for my hotplate?

Using a barbeque hotplate cover can help prevent rust and damage while it’s stored, especially in humid Aussie conditions. The BBQ Store has cover options available with this purpose in mind.

Are premium plates worth buying or is budget okay?

It depends on how often you like to cook. Premium plates can give you better heat retention and last longer, but budget plates can still be handy if you use them less often.