Learn How To Tell If Stove Grates Are Enamel Coated?

The grates are regarded as an essential component of every gas range, but how to tell if stove grates are enamel coated or not?

Stove grates are used to prevent scratching or damage to a gas cooktop when cooking with a heavy utensil.

Most gas stove graters are either enameled coated or made of cast iron.

These two types of grates are relatively similar, but each has unique characteristics. Therefore, it can be difficult to distinguish between them at times.

So, how do I know if my stove grates are enamel coated?

Your stove grates are enamel coated if they are smooth and shiny and are in brown, brown, and bare metal color. 

How To Tell If Stove Grates Are Enamel Coated Or Not?

You can confirm if stove grates are enamel coated or not by considering their color and texture.

Checking with magnets is yet another way to tell if they are enamel coated or made of cast iron.

It is important to check because enamel-coated grates are likely to be more expensive because they also offer several benefits.

But, to understand it better, you first need to know what enamel coating really is.

Tip: Use enamel-coated stove grates for high-temperature cooking because it does not react with food.

What is Enamel Coating on Stove Grates?

To understand the topic well, you must first comprehend what enamel coating is.

Enamel is a glassy, often opaque substance used as a protective and decorative coating layer on glass, metal, and ceramic objects. 

However, the ceramic coating is typically applied to metals in order to increase their aesthetic appeal and impart a glossy, multicolored sheen.

Vitreous enamel, commonly known as porcelain enamel, is made by applying powdered glass to a substrate and then heating the mixture to up to 1,560F.

Consequently, they have a ‘velvety texture’ that is discernible upon contact, and that is why you need to check the texture to tell if it is enamel coated. 

How Do You Identify Enamel Coated Stove Grates?

It may seem a bit confusing to distinguish between enamel-coated stove grates and other types, but it does not have to be. Here are a few ways to tell the difference. 

Check The Texture

An easy way to tell if the grate on your gas stove has an enamel coating is to give it a light rub.

Just check how it feels. Does it feel smooth to the touch or do you notice a grainy texture?

Your stove grates are enamel coated if they feel smooth and have a small sheen when touched with your fingertips. 

Check The Rust

Stove grates are enameled for anti-rust purposes. It means that you need to consider the condition of your stove grates.

Is there any sign of rusting or corrosion?

Grates for a gas stove that have rusted over are not enamel coated. They are more likely to be cast-iron grates.

Consider The Color

Checking the color of your stove grates may also tell you a bit about the material they use.

Do you notice them fading into a grayish tint? Chances are they have never been enamel coated in the first place.

The change in color is the result of oxidation. Only stove grates that lack an enamel covering will oxidize and turn gray when scrubbed harshly. 

Try Hot Soapy Water

To confirm whether your stove grates are enamel coated or not, you may also clean them using hot soapy water.

Simply apply some soapy water and then utilize a scrubbing pad to wash it off.

The grates of your gas stove are enamel coated if they have a greasy, smooth texture. The grates are coated so that they are less slippery and oily.

Tip: Make use of a soft-bristled brush when washing your grates to clean them properly without causing any damage. 

Inspect For Cracks And Chips

Porcelain enamel covering is used in the first place to provide stove grates with a more durable feel.

While porcelain is durable and makes items dishwasher safe, it is fragile and can be cracked if dropped.

Furthermore, this form of chip or fracture is also caused by abrupt temperature changes.

It means that you are not likely to see such issues with cast-iron grates. But, you know you have enamel-coated stove grates if they have flaws like these. 

Use A Magnet

Using a magnet, you can tell if your stove grate has an enamel coating or not.

Cast iron gratings have a resistance of about 0 Ohms, making them ideal conductors. Enamel, on the other hand, is an insulator with a nearly limitless resistance. 

What To Do?

Simply use a magnet to attach the paper to a magnetic surface, such as a refrigerator, and a magnetizing needle to verify its authenticity.

You can simply place it on the stove grate, which will reveal whether or not the surface is enameled.

If it does not stick to the surface, the grate is likely coated in enamel. 

Read the Manual

Sometimes, you do not have to play Sherlock, as what you want to know may already be there in the manual.

Simply refer to the manual that comes with any cooktop’s grates to discover what sort of material they use. 

Note

In case you do not have a manual, you can check the model number of your cooktop and then use it to download the manual online. 

Talk To The Manufacturer

If you are still confused after trying everything, it is best to give a quick call to the manufacturer to confirm.

The truth is that there are several stove models for which you will not be able to find an online handbook.

Your best bet is to contact the gas stove manufacturer.

Just contact them and state the specifics of your range’s make and model, and inquire if the grates are enamel coated or not.

Tip: Consider washing your stove grates in your sink with boiling water to get good results.  

Why There Is So Much Fuss About Enamel Coated Stove Grates?

Cast iron in its raw state has a dark, matte finish and a rough, unrefined texture.

Because of this, grates are covered with enamel to prevent rusting throughout the cooking and cleaning processes.

It suggests that the biggest benefit of getting enamel-coated stove grates is that they would not rust. And, of course, this will extend your stove grates’ life.  

However, there are many other reasons why people are so much interested in learning if stove grates are enamel coated or not.

For instance: 

They Are Easy To Clean

Going with enamel-coated stove grates is a good idea because they save a lot of time you would otherwise spend cleaning.

The enamel coating on the grates makes them dishwashing safe, which is a huge convenience.

And in most cases, you can clean them with a scrub and some detergent solution. 

They Are Durable

Stove grates are protected from corrosion and erosion by an enamel coating. In return, it increases their longevity and durability. 

They Look Pleasing

Enamel stove grates provide a number of advantages over cast iron grates.

One of the most noticeable is their superior aesthetic appeal when placed atop a stove.

Without a doubt, their matte finish will make your kitchen look even more luxurious. 

How Do You Make Enamel Coated Stove Grates Last Longer?

To make your stove grates last longer, you need to pay attention to maintaining them properly.

The good thing is that stove grate cleaning is simple and fast with the right product.

In most cases, you can clean it with a little soap and water. How do you do it?

All you have to do is use baking soda combined with vinegar to clean stove grates. Otherwise, you can also use a commercially-made degreaser.

Tip: Be sure to clean stove grates often but limit yourself to sponges and non-scratch pads to avoid damaging the surface. 

Takeaway

No doubt, enamel-coated stove grates offer various benefits, especially compared to cast iron.

But, quite often, it becomes rather confusing to identify enamel-coated stove grates.

So, how to tell if stove grates are enamel coated?

Of course, paying attention to its color is important, but you can also try other ways, like using a magnet, checking the texture, and looking for chips and cracks.

But, sometimes, it is simply a matter of checking the product manual.