This review dives into the Aurora cast iron grill grate, specifically its performance on a Rec Tec Bullseye smoker. We'll explore its impressive weight and build quality, examining how well it delivers on its promise of superior searing capabilities. From initial burn-off and seasoning to grilling a ribeye steak and a juicy burger, we'll detail the entire cooking process and the results achieved using this heavy-duty grate. Expect an honest assessment of the grill grate's strengths and any potential minor drawbacks, ultimately determining if it's a worthwhile upgrade for your grilling setup.This in-depth review covers the entire user experience, from unboxing and pre-seasoning the Aurora cast iron grate to achieving perfect sear marks on both steak and burgers. We'll analyze the even heat distribution provided by its substantial weight and discuss the overall grilling experience. The review concludes with a definitive recommendation, weighing the pros and cons and assessing the value proposition for serious grill enthusiasts seeking restaurant-quality results at home. Read on to discover if the Aurora grill grate lives up to the hype.
review.pros_cons
- Fits perfectly on the Rec Tec Bullseye grill.
- Produces good grill marks on steaks and burgers.
- Very heavy (estimated 30 pounds).
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Unboxing and Initial Impressions
The Aurora cast iron grill grate arrived, and right away, its substantial weight was noticeable. At 22.5 inches, it's a perfect fit for my Rec Tec Bullseye. The manufacturer claims it's pre-seasoned, but I decided to give it a quick burn-off with canola oil at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes to ensure it was ready for action.
The heft of the grate – I'd guess around 30 pounds – suggests durability and even heat distribution. The initial burn-off process was straightforward and eliminated any residual odors or factory coatings.
Its heavy-duty construction promises excellent heat retention, leading to those coveted sear marks on steaks and burgers. I'm eager to see how well it performs.
Steak Preparation and Grilling
Before grilling, I seasoned a ribeye steak with Gibson Steakhouse seasoning (a personal favorite!). I'll let the seasoning sit for about 30 minutes while the grate finishes its burn-off.
For the steak, I aimed for an internal temperature of around 115 degrees Fahrenheit using the reverse sear method – low and slow initially, then a quick sear at high heat.
The addition of coarse black pepper enhanced the flavor profile of the steak, complementing the Gibson seasoning. The combination ensures a delicious, intensely flavored final product.
Burger Grilling and Final Thoughts
After the steak, I moved on to grilling a burger. The grate delivered excellent grill marks on the burger, similar to those achieved on the steak.
The overall grilling experience was very positive, although the grill marks could have been more pronounced. However, the even cooking and beautiful sear on both the steak and the burger were incredibly satisfying.
The burger was perfectly cooked and juicy. The final result was fantastic. I also took the opportunity to share some thoughts on my family's upcoming travel agency and our love for Disney World.
Conclusion and Recommendation
The Aurora cast iron grill grate is a substantial and high-quality addition to any Rec Tec Bullseye setup. Its robust construction ensures even heat distribution, leading to perfectly seared meats.
While the grill marks might require some adjustment of cooking time and temperature for optimal results, the overall performance is excellent. The heavier weight might be a slight drawback for some, but the superior cooking results outweigh this.
I highly recommend this grill grate. It's a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about achieving restaurant-quality sears at home. It has improved my grilling experience significantly.