Traeger Modfire Sear Grate Review: Perfect Seared Steaks Every Time

Achieve restaurant-quality steak every time with the Traeger Modfire Sear Grate. This comprehensive review dives into the performance and ease of use of this innovative grilling accessory, designed to transform your Traeger experience. We'll explore its robust construction, straightforward installation, and the two-stage cooking method that guarantees perfectly seared steaks with a juicy, tender interior. From initial impressions to the final delicious results, we'll cover everything you need to know before adding this game-changing grate to your grilling arsenal.This review will detail the simple yet effective process, highlighting the importance of the cross-hatching technique for achieving those coveted sear marks. We'll examine the recommended cooking times and temperatures, ensuring you understand how to replicate restaurant-quality results in your own backyard. Discover how this seemingly simple upgrade significantly enhances the grilling experience, making it a worthwhile investment for any serious Traeger owner seeking to elevate their grilling skills and create unforgettable meals.

Pros And Cons

Sear Grate
  • Produces good sear marks on steaks
  • Reaches high temperatures (475°)

Read more: Traeger Grill Grates: Top 10 Best Reviews & Buying Guide

Unboxing and Initial Impressions

The Traeger Modfire Sear Grate arrived, and I was immediately impressed with its build quality. The grate itself felt robust and well-made, promising even heat distribution for a perfect sear.

Removing the old grate from the Traeger grill.
Removing the old grate from the Traeger grill.

I was eager to test it out on my Ironwood Traeger. The installation process was straightforward; simply remove the existing grate and replace it with the Modfire Sear Grate. It was a quick and easy swap.

The Two-Stage Cooking Process

This sear grate uses a two-stage cooking method. First, the steaks are cooked low and slow to an internal temperature of 115°F. This ensures they are cooked through but still juicy.

Temperature setting of 225 degrees on the Traeger grill.
Temperature setting of 225 degrees on the Traeger grill.

Then, the heat is cranked up to 475°F, the maximum recommended temperature, for searing. This high heat creates those beautiful sear marks while keeping the inside perfectly tender.

The temperature is increased to 475°F for searing.
The temperature is increased to 475°F for searing.

The entire process, including resting time, usually takes about 30-40 minutes.

Resting the steaks after searing.
Resting the steaks after searing.

Achieving the Perfect Sear

The key to a perfect sear is the cross-hatching technique. The grate's design allows for easy creation of those iconic sear marks, adding a delightful visual appeal to the steaks.

Cross-hatching the steak on the sear grate.
Cross-hatching the steak on the sear grate.

Remember to use heat-resistant gloves when handling the hot grate. A quick wipe down with paper towels between flips helps maintain a clean surface for even searing.

Using heat-resistant gloves to handle the hot grate.
Using heat-resistant gloves to handle the hot grate.

The recommended sear time is about 40 seconds per side at 475°F to achieve that perfect balance of crust and tenderness.

Seating the steak for 40 seconds per side.
Seating the steak for 40 seconds per side.

Final Thoughts and Conclusion

The Traeger Modfire Sear Grate exceeded my expectations. It delivers on its promise of perfectly seared steaks every time, thanks to its well-designed construction and the two-stage cooking process.

Final shot of the perfectly seared steaks.
Final shot of the perfectly seared steaks.

The ease of use and the consistently delicious results make this a worthwhile addition for any serious Traeger grill owner. It's a relatively simple upgrade that significantly improves the grilling experience.

If you want to elevate your steak game and achieve restaurant-quality results at home, the Traeger Modfire Sear Grate is a must-have.