5 myths about fire plates - Matthias clears them up!

January 29, 2024

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Overview - Size of the fire plates

The basis for a fire plate is very different. There are fire barrels, fire bowls, kettle grills, washing machine drums and other do-it-yourself constructions. They all have different diameters and, depending on the application, we have the right size as a fire plate market leader.

Our range includes:

100cm & 80cm fire plates for fire bowls, fire barrels & kettle barbecues
67cm, 60cm, 57cm, 50cm, 47cm for use in kettle barbecues

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Top 1 - Material thickness

We use 6mm material thickness for our 100 cm fire plate (36 KG weight).

It is often claimed that 8mm or 10mm would be better. It is true that the heat is stored better, but it takes much more effort to get the plate up to temperature. In addition, there is not enough space to accommodate a suitable fire.

This means that the desired heat of the fire plate is not achieved, especially for the different temperature zones, e.g. 350°C in the centre. We use 4 mm thick material for the fire plates that are placed in the kettle barbecues. Perfectly balanced, as there is only a single temperature zone in the kettle barbecue.

Top 2 - Material type

A distinction is made between three types of material:

Cast iron
stainless steel
Fine-grained steel

In comparison, stainless steel has poorer thermal conductivity and therefore has less pronounced and therefore poor temperature zones. In addition, the correct curvature cannot be achieved and ultimately costs too much.

Cast iron has excellent thermal conductivity, but curves only slightly, so the liquids do not drain away and the meat is more likely to be fried. Fine-grained steel is therefore the ideal material for hotplates. The desired curvature is always achieved, as are the temperature zones, for the best grilling results.

Top 3 - Curvature

We think that the curvature is essential for fire-plate grilling. Precisely because it is supposed to be grilling and not roasting. Oil and meat juices run off into the centre. The meat gets the desired roasted flavours thanks to the direct heat over the metal.

Top 4 - Burning in

Perhaps a somewhat hyped topic. But it's actually quite simple. The fire plate is heated, it curves in one direction and can then be moistened with oil.
This creates the necessary patina, which intensifies after each barbecue.
From below, the fire plate is protected from rust by the soot that forms.

Top 5 - Grilling or roasting?

In contrast to a kitchen, a fire plate creates a special atmosphere around the barbecue. Several people can stand around the plate and enjoy the barbecue together. Due to the curvature of the grill plate, the food is grilled through direct contact with the metal.

This is always a great experience, as confirmed by many of our customers who are always delighted with the grill plates.