Boretti Grill Grate for Barilo and Fratello – Perfectly fitting cast iron grate for ultimate grilling results

The Boretti Grill Grate for the Barilo and Fratello barbecues is the ideal accessory for owners of these popular models you may have seen on The Great Garden Renovation. This high-quality replacement grate combines authentic Italian design with Dutch craftsmanship and ensures your barbecue always performs optimally. Whether you want to replace your old grate or have an extra one for specific preparations, this cast iron example is the perfect choice for the demanding grill master.

The grate is made from solid cast iron and measures exactly 42 by 30 centimetres, fitting seamlessly onto the Boretti Barilo and Fratello barbecues. Cast iron is renowned for its superior heat distribution and heat retention, qualities that are crucial for achieving those perfect grill marks and professional cooking results. The black finish not only gives the grate a stylish appearance but also provides durability and protection against the elements. At just 2 centimetres high, the grate fits effortlessly into your existing barbecue setup.

Features & benefits of the Boretti Grill Grate

Cast iron quality for restaurant-level results

Cast iron is not without reason the material of choice for professional kitchens and serious barbecue enthusiasts. This material heats slowly and evenly, stores heat and releases it gradually to your food. The result? Perfect Maillard reactions, beautiful grill marks and consistent cooking temperature that cooks even thick pieces of meat and vegetables evenly from outside to inside. Unlike cheaper stainless steel or chrome-plated metal grates, cast iron delivers superior results that make the difference between a good and a fantastic meal.

Perfect fit for Barilo and Fratello models

This grill grate is specifically designed for the Boretti Barilo and Fratello barbecues, guaranteeing you a perfect fit. With dimensions of 42 by 30 centimetres, the grate fits precisely onto these popular models, without awkward gaps or overlaps. This exact fit is essential for optimal heat circulation and prevents smaller ingredients such as vegetables or prawns falling between the grate and barbecue. You can easily slide the grate in and out for cleaning or to switch between different grate surfaces when preparing your barbecue meal.

Durability with 2 year warranty

Boretti stands behind the quality of their products, as evidenced by the generous 2-year warranty period on this grill grate. Cast iron is by nature an extremely durable material that lasts generations with proper maintenance. The material is resistant to extreme temperatures, doesn't scratch easily and develops a natural non-stick layer (patina) over time that only gets better the more you use it. This investment in quality means you can enjoy consistent grilling performance for years to come without worrying about warping or corroding grates.

Versatile grilling surface for all ingredients

The cast iron surface of this Boretti grate is suitable for virtually any ingredient you want to prepare on the barbecue. From delicate fish fillets to large beef joints, from thin vegetable slices to whole peppers – the grate can handle it all. The bars are spaced at the optimal distance to create beautiful grill marks whilst excess fat can drip away. The material is even suitable for directly grilling smaller ingredients that would fall through the mesh of a standard grate, provided you move them regularly to prevent sticking.

Uses for the Boretti Grill Grate

Direct grilling at high temperature

The cast iron grate is ideal for direct grilling at high temperature, the technique where you cook food directly above the heat source. Perfect for steaks, burgers, chops and vegetables you want to sear quickly to keep the juices inside. The cast iron reaches high temperatures and maintains them, even when you place cold meat on the grate, allowing you to achieve that characteristic crispy crust and juicy interior that grill enthusiasts love.

Replacement grate for worn examples

After years of intensive use, even the best grill grate can show signs of wear. This replacement grate offers the perfect solution to get your Barilo or Fratello barbecue performing like new again. Instead of purchasing a completely new barbecue, you can upgrade affordably and enjoy years more use. Replacing your grate is also an excellent opportunity to thoroughly clean and maintain your barbecue, so you can start the grilling season with a virtually new barbecue.

Extra grate for zoned grilling

Serious barbecue enthusiasts often keep an extra grate on hand so they can switch between different cooking zones. For example, you could use this new grate for direct heat whilst using another grate that you preheat for indirect cooking. Or keep one grate specifically for fish and seafood to prevent flavour transfer to other ingredients. This flexibility allows you to take your barbecue techniques to the next level and prepare multiple dishes simultaneously without flavours mixing.

Assembly & use

The Boretti Grill Grate for Barilo and Fratello requires no assembly – it's ready to use straight from the box. However, it's important to properly season a new cast iron grate before first use. First clean the grate with warm water and mild washing up liquid to remove any manufacturing residue. Dry the grate thoroughly and then rub it in with a high-heat oil such as sunflower oil or specialist grill grate oil. Then place the grate in your preheated barbecue and let it 'season' for about an hour at medium-high temperature. This process creates the first layer of the natural non-stick coating.

During normal use you don't need to wash the grate with washing up liquid – this would damage the built-up patina. Heat the grate to a high temperature after use to burn off any food residue, then use a steel brush to sweep it clean. For stubborn burnt-on food you can soak the grate in hot water, but always dry it thoroughly afterwards and rub it lightly with oil to prevent rust. This simple routine keeps your grate in top condition and improves the non-stick properties with every use.

For off-season storage we recommend thoroughly cleaning the grate, drying it completely and rubbing it with a protective oil layer. Store the grate preferably dry and covered. If you notice small rust spots, these are easily removed with a steel brush and some oil. Cast iron is very resilient and with proper care can literally last generations, becoming only better with time.

Frequently asked questions

Will this grate fit other Boretti models?

This grate is specifically designed for Boretti Barilo and Fratello barbecues with dimensions of 42 x 30 centimetres. For other Boretti models, separate grates are available that fit those specific dimensions exactly. Always check the dimensions of your barbecue before purchasing a replacement grate to avoid disappointment.

How do I prevent food sticking to the cast iron grate?

The key to non-stick performance lies in building up and maintaining the patina layer. Make sure your grate is properly seasoned and ready to use, rub it lightly with oil before use, and let meat and vegetables sear well before you try to move them. Well-preheated grates and regular oiling after use are essential. Never use sharp metal spatulas that damage the patina.

Can I clean the grate in the dishwasher?

No, never put cast iron grates in the dishwasher. The aggressive cleaning agents and prolonged exposure to water remove the protective patina layer and can lead to rust. Clean the grate as described with heat and a steel brush, and only use mild washing up liquid in exceptional circumstances if really necessary. Always dry and oil the grate immediately after cleaning.

How long does a cast iron grill grate last?

With proper care, a cast iron grate lasts practically a lifetime. Professional kitchens use cast iron cookware that is decades old and has only improved. Boretti's 2-year warranty is merely a minimum – with proper care this grate will serve you faithfully through many barbecue seasons and may even be passed down through generations.

What's the difference with stainless steel grates?

Cast iron grates offer superior heat retention and heat dist