Fire plates are a real highlight for barbecue fans and outdoor chefs. They offer a wide range of options for grilling and provide a special atmosphere at every barbecue party. But there are a few important points to consider when buying a fire plate. Here you can find out what you should look out for in order to find the perfect fire plate for your needs.
Choice of material: steel or stainless steel
A decisive factor when choosing a fire plate is the material:
- Steel : Fire plates made of normal steel are robust and generally less expensive. Over time they develop a patina that acts as a natural non-stick coating. However, they are more susceptible to rust, especially if they are not regularly maintained. However, they have significantly better thermal conductivity than stainless steel and therefore better heat distribution. This means that you can reach the desired heat in the various heat zones more quickly with significantly less firewood.
- Stainless steel : Stainless steel plates are rust-proof and require less maintenance. They are more durable and retain their high-quality appearance even after intensive use. However, they are more expensive than steel plates and do not develop a patina. Furthermore, the thermal conductivity is significantly worse than that of steel. This means that it takes significantly longer to reach the desired heat. The result is very high firewood consumption.
- Recommendation : Fire plate made of steel. Even though we are absolute advocates of high-quality stainless steel, the steel plate has the edge in this case.
Material thickness: 5- 15 mm
The thickness of the material affects the performance and durability of the fire plate:
- Thin plates (up to 5 mm) : They heat up faster and are easier to handle. However, they can deform at high temperatures and are less durable. Area of use: Low demands on quality and grilling results - relatively inexpensive.
- Thick panels (from 10 mm) : These panels deform less, are more stable and can store heat well, but take a long time to heat up and therefore require a lot of firewood. Area of use: Large barbecue events or events with many participants. Very expensive to buy.
- Recommendation (6 mm): Plates of this thickness are a very good compromise. They can be carried easily by two people, heat up quickly, deform only minimally and are available at attractive prices. Area of use: From family barbecues to large barbecue parties - the ideal all-rounder.
Openings in the fire plate: What is better: large, small, or the golden mean?
The openings range in diameter from 20 cm to 50 cm. The size of the holes in the fire plate influences the heat distribution and the grilling behavior.
- Large openings (35-50 cm) : Here, it is much easier to add and move firewood. With additional products such as grill grates or Asado structures, more can be prepared over the direct flame. However, this significantly reduces the closed grill surface. Fat can drip into the flames more easily, which leads to smoke development. Even smaller grilled items can quickly end up in the fire without additional protection.
- Small openings (20 cm) : Adding firewood is much more difficult here. The logs have to be inserted through the small hole and can then only be moved with difficulty. With small holes, the fire is quite small, so such openings are usually only used with thin plates in order to still achieve the desired heat. In return, the closed grill surface is proportionally much larger, and small grilled items fall into the open fire much less often.
- Recommendation - the golden mean (30 cm): All advantages are combined here: large grill surface, good accessibility to the fire, very good heat distribution, good use of optional accessories such as grill grate or wok crown.
Size of the fire plate:
Consider how many people you plan to entertain on a regular basis. Larger plates offer more space, but are also heavier and more difficult to handle. The dimensions range from around 45 cm to 100 cm.
- Large plate (80-100 cm): Offers a lot of grilling space and still good access to the fire, as well as a wide range of accessories. Area of use: From family barbecues to large barbecue parties - the ideal all-rounder.
- Small plate (45 cm - 60 cm): Very small grill surface in relation to the opening. Very difficult to access the fire, often no extensive accessories available. Area of use: Small groups of 2-5 people. Usually only on the kettle grill.
- Recommendation: Large plate (80-100 cm): In order for the “fire plate experience” to really come into its own and leave the desired impression on the participants, you should really pay attention to the size in this case 😉. With these plates you have by far the greatest flexibility - the only limits are your imagination.
Heat resistance and temperature zones:
A good fire plate should offer different temperature zones that allow different foods to be grilled at the same time. The plate should be hotter in the middle and cool down towards the outside to enable optimal preparation of different foods. Large plates offer a warming zone in the outer area.
Accessories and additional functions:
Think about which accessories might be useful for your needs. Important accessories include grill grates, which prevent food from falling through the middle opening. These can also be used to grill directly over an open fire. Wok attachments offer further options for Asian dishes or the use of Dutch ovens. In addition, the popular flame salmon holder can also be attached to such fire plates using special adapters.
Care and cleaning:
Caring for a fire plate is crucial for its longevity. Burnt-in plates should be cleaned regularly to maintain the protective patina. Do not use detergent, as this can destroy the patina. Instead, clean water and a grill spatula are sufficient for cleaning. If rust develops on a steel plate despite the patina, it must be removed with sandpaper. The affected area should then be re-burned with cooking oil.
Handling and mobility:
Make sure the fire plate is easy to handle. Plates with handles are easier to transport and position. Mobility can also be affected by the weight of the plate, so a good balance between thickness and weight is important. Some fire plate grills are detachable and can be stored in special accessory stands to save space.
Burning in the fire plate:
Seasoning the fire plate before first use is important to create a non-stick layer and ensure the longevity of the plate. Follow the manufacturer's seasoning instructions carefully for best results.
Conclusion: Find the perfect fire plate:
A well-chosen fire plate can significantly increase your grilling pleasure. When buying, pay attention to the material, size, temperature zones, accessories, ease of care, handling and compatibility with your equipment. This way you can ensure that you find the right fire plate for your needs and that you will enjoy it for a long time.
At FENNEK Grill we focus on quality and functionality - Made in Germany. Our fire plates are the perfect addition to your grill equipment - durable, easy to clean and stylish. Think carefully about what you need from your fire plate and find the model that best suits your grilling habits. This way nothing stands in the way of a perfect barbecue evening!
Recommended products:
FENNEK fire bowl Allround
FENNEK fire plate for fire bowl Allround
And do you already know FENNEK Time ?
Here you will find out in detail why the Allround fire bowl in combination with the fire plate is the ideal grill.
