If you are replacing the grill plates on your Weber, you have two main choices: cast iron or stainless steel. Both work. Both fit. But they cook differently, age differently, and suit different people.
Here is an honest comparison to help you decide.
Heat Retention and Distribution
Cast iron wins here, and it is not close. Cast iron is dense and heavy, which means it absorbs heat slowly but holds it for a long time. Once a cast iron grill plate is hot, it stays hot, even when you drop a cold steak onto it.
Stainless steel is lighter and heats up faster, but it also loses heat quickly. When food hits a stainless plate, the surface temperature drops more noticeably. For searing, that matters.
Practical difference: cast iron gives you better sear marks and more consistent results across the whole cooking surface. Stainless steel can develop hot spots, especially on gas barbecues where the burner pattern creates uneven heating.
Non-Stick Performance
Neither material is truly non-stick out of the box, but cast iron develops a natural seasoning over time. Each time you cook with oil, a thin layer polymerises onto the surface. After a few uses, eggs slide and fish releases cleanly.
Stainless steel does not season in the same way. You need to preheat properly and use enough oil to prevent sticking. It is more forgiving if you forget to clean it, but it never develops that effortless release that well-seasoned cast iron has.
Durability and Lifespan
Cast iron is essentially indestructible if you maintain it. It does not warp, does not thin out, and the only real risk is rust, which is easily prevented with basic seasoning.
Stainless steel resists rust naturally (no seasoning needed) and handles neglect better. But thinner stainless plates can warp over time with repeated heating and cooling cycles. Higher-quality stainless (thicker gauge) lasts longer but costs more.
Both materials will outlast the rest of your barbecue if treated reasonably.
Maintenance
This is where personal preference really matters.
Cast iron: Clean while warm with a brush or scraper. Avoid soap (it strips seasoning). Dry thoroughly and apply a thin coat of oil after each use. If rust appears, scrub it off, re-season, and carry on. It takes 30 seconds per cook.
Stainless steel: Scrub with a brush and soapy water. No seasoning required. More tolerant of leaving it exposed to weather, though it will still discolour.
If you forget to oil your grill plates after cooking, or leave your barbecue uncovered in the rain regularly, stainless steel is more forgiving. If you do not mind spending 30 seconds after each cook to wipe on some oil, cast iron rewards you with better cooking performance.
Matt Finish vs Gloss (Porcelain Enamel)
Weber's original cast iron grill plates use a porcelain enamel (gloss) coating. This protects against rust but has downsides: the enamel can chip over time, especially if you use metal utensils or drop the plates. Once chipped, the exposed iron underneath rusts faster than uncoated cast iron because moisture gets trapped under the remaining enamel.
Campaquip's cast iron plates use a matt finish with no enamel coating. The matt surface grips food better, develops a more even seasoning, and when it does wear, it wears evenly. There is no coating to chip. You are working with the iron directly, which is simpler and longer-lasting.
Price
Weber's original cast iron grill plates are premium-priced and typically sold in pairs. If only one grill is worn, you still have to buy two.
Campaquip sells singles. One grill, one price, more than half what Weber charges for a pair. If you need a full set, you still save. If you only need one replacement, you save even more.
The Verdict
For most barbecue owners who cook regularly and want the best results, cast iron is the better choice. It sears better, holds heat longer, develops a natural non-stick surface, and lasts effectively forever.
Stainless steel is a solid option if low maintenance is your top priority and you do not want to think about seasoning.
If you are choosing cast iron, we would say skip the porcelain enamel and go matt finish. It is simpler, tougher, and performs better over the long run.
Shop Campaquip cast iron grill plates for Weber Q, Baby Q, Family Q, Traveller and 57cm Kettle.