The onlyfire Cast Iron Cooking Grate is one of those accessories that seems simple on the surface but can change how you approach your kamado grill. Designed to replace the standard wire grates that come with most ceramic cookers, this heavy-duty cast iron grate promises better heat retention and searing performance. After spending several weeks using it for everything from direct grilling to indirect smoking, here is a realistic look at what it delivers and where it falls short.
The first thing you notice is the weight. This is not a flimsy piece of metal. The grate is substantial, with thick bars that feel like they could survive a decade of heavy use without bending or warping. That heft translates directly to heat behavior. Cast iron holds heat far better than stainless steel or chrome-plated wire, so when you drop a cold steak onto the surface, the grate doesn’t lose its temperature as quickly. The result is a more consistent sear, with those deep, caramelized grill marks that are hard to achieve on thinner grates.
In practice, the onlyfire grate excels at high-heat cooking. Burgers develop a crust that locks in juices, chicken thighs get crispy skin without sticking, and vegetables like peppers and zucchini char nicely without falling through the gaps. The bar spacing is wide enough to allow good airflow, which matters on a kamado where you are often managing both direct and indirect zones. When used for indirect cooking, the cast iron acts as a heat sink, helping to stabilize temperature swings during long cooks like pork shoulder or brisket. It is not a magic bullet, but it does seem to smooth out the temperature curve slightly compared to the stock grates.
That said, there are trade-offs. The most obvious one is maintenance. Cast iron requires care. After each use, you should scrape off residue and apply a light coat of oil to prevent rust. If you are used to throwing your grill grates in the dishwasher or just giving them a quick scrub, this will be an adjustment. The onlyfire grate also rusts if left wet or exposed to humidity for long periods, which is a common complaint among users. In a rainy climate, you will need to be diligent about drying and oiling after every cook.
Another limitation is the weight. At around 20 pounds, this grate is not something you want to lift in and out of the grill frequently. If you often switch between direct and indirect setups, you might find yourself wrestling with the hot cast iron, which is awkward and slightly risky. A pair of heavy-duty grill gloves is essential.
Compared to the standard stainless steel grates that come with most kamados, the onlyfire cast iron grate is a clear upgrade for searing and heat retention. Stainless steel is lighter and easier to clean, but it does not hold heat as well, and thin wire grates can flex under heavy loads. Cast iron also offers a larger cooking surface because the bars are thicker and more closely spaced, which means fewer items fall through. If you are coming from a cheap kettle grill with a flimsy grate, the difference is night and day.
However, if you are looking for a non-stick surface, this is not it. Cast iron is naturally non-stick when properly seasoned, but that requires an initial seasoning process and ongoing maintenance. The onlyfire grate comes pre-seasoned, but the coating is not as effective as a good Teflon or ceramic coating. You will still need to oil your food and the grate to prevent sticking, especially with delicate items like fish or tofu.
Who is this grate for? It is ideal for kamado owners who prioritize searing and are willing to put in the maintenance. If you cook steaks, chops, or burgers regularly and want that high-heat crust, this grate will make a noticeable difference. It also suits people who enjoy the ritual of caring for cast iron, treating it as a long-term investment rather than a disposable accessory.
Who should avoid it? If you are a casual griller who wants a set-and-forget experience, or if you live in a humid environment and do not want to fuss with oiling and drying, this grate will likely frustrate you. Also, if you have physical limitations that make lifting heavy objects difficult, the weight could be a dealbreaker. And if you rarely cook above 350°F, the benefits of cast iron are less pronounced; a lighter stainless grate might serve you just as well.
In terms of build quality, the onlyfire grate feels solid. The bars are welded to a sturdy frame, and the overall construction inspires confidence. The fit on a large kamado is snug but not tight, and it sits flat on the fire ring. Some users have reported minor rust spots appearing after a few months, but that is typical for cast iron and can be managed with proper care.
One more thing to consider: price. The onlyfire grate is not the cheapest option on the market, but it is also not the most expensive. It sits in a mid-range bracket, and you are paying for the cast iron material and the brand’s reputation. If you already own a cast iron skillet and like how it performs, this grate will feel familiar.
Overall, the onlyfire Cast Iron Cooking Grate is a functional upgrade that does what it promises: better searing and heat retention. It is not a revolutionary product, and it comes with maintenance demands that some will find tedious. But for those who are willing to put in the effort, it is a reliable workhorse that will likely outlast your grill. Just be prepared to treat it like a cast iron pan, not a disposable grate.