Can I Put Stove Grates In The Dishwasher? | Material Guide

You’ve just finished a big stove-top meal, and the grates are covered in baked-on grease and sauce. Tossing them in the dishwasher feels like the obvious move — it’s a machine built to handle tough messes.

The short answer is that it can work, but only if you know what your grates are made of. Putting the wrong material through a dishwasher cycle can cause rust, chipped finish, or permanent damage. The rule depends on your stove’s brand and the grate’s coating or material.

What Determines If Your Grates Are Dishwasher-Safe

Manufacturers design stove grates from different materials, and each one behaves differently in a dishwasher. The most common types are enamel-coated cast iron, uncoated cast iron, and stainless steel.

Enamel-coated cast iron is the most dishwasher-friendly option. Brands like GE state enamel-coated grates can go in the dishwasher as long as the bottom is also enamel-coated. Stainless steel is similarly safe — Char-Broil notes stainless grates handle machine washing without trouble.

Uncoated cast iron is the one to avoid. The dishwasher’s detergent and moisture strip the seasoning and promote rust. Bare cast iron needs hand washing with mild soap and thorough drying instead.

Why The Material Matters So Much

You might assume a grate is metal and therefore dishwasher-proof. But “cast iron” and “stainless steel” behave completely differently inside a dishwasher’s hot, humid, detergent-heavy environment.

• Enamel-coated cast iron: The glass-based coating forms a protective barrier. Most manufacturers say it’s safe, but repeated machine washing may dull the finish over time — Lodge prefers hand washing to preserve the piece’s surface.
• Uncoated cast iron: The dishwasher’s harsh detergent attacks the seasoning layer and leaves the metal exposed. Water exposure causes flash rusting, making the grate look orange and rough.
• Stainless steel: Non-porous and corrosion-resistant, so it typically survives the dishwasher without damage. Just avoid abrasive detergents that could scratch the surface.
• Brass burner caps: Brass should skip the dishwasher entirely. GE recommends soaking brass caps in a vinegar-and-water solution to remove discoloration with minimal scrubbing.

Your stove’s owner’s manual is the final authority. Maytag advises checking the manual before loading grates, even if you think they’re dishwasher-safe.

How To Prepare Stove Grates For The Dishwasher

Before you load grates into the dishwasher, scrape off stuck-on food with a plastic scraper or stiff brush. Large clumps of grease won’t dissolve fully and can clog the dishwasher’s spray arms.

Place grates on the bottom rack with space between each piece. Overcrowding prevents water from reaching every surface. Maytag dishwasher-safe grates should face downward for maximum spray contact.

Select the heavy-duty or pots-and-pans cycle with heated dry. The extra hot water and longer wash time are what handle the baked-on grease that a normal cycle might miss.

Even if your material is dishwasher-safe, inspect grates after every few washes. Small chips or gray edges on enameled surfaces mean the coating is wearing thin — switch to hand washing to avoid exposing the raw cast iron underneath.

After The Dishwasher Cycle Ends

Once the cycle finishes, remove grates right away. Leaving damp metal in a closed dishwasher traps moisture and can cause spotting or early rust on enameled edges.

1. Dry thoroughly: Use a clean towel to pat grates completely dry. Pay attention to corners and underneath the grate feet where water pools.
2. Re-season if needed: Frigidaire recommends coating clean grates with a thin layer of cooking oil and baking them at 350°F for 10 minutes. This prevents rust and keeps the surface non-stick.
3. Let them cool: After re-seasoning, let grates cool fully in the oven before putting them back on the stove. Sudden temperature changes can stress enamel coatings.
4. Check the burner openings: Make sure no food debris or detergent residue blocks the gas ports. A toothpick can clear any small clogs.

Avoid stacking grates while they’re still warm or damp. Stacking can trap moisture between surfaces and lead to discoloration or microscopic rust spots over time.

When To Skip The Dishwasher Entirely

There are a few situations where even dishwasher-safe grates should stay out of the machine. If your grates show visible chips, peeling, or cracks in the enamel coating, the dishwasher’s high pressure and heat can make the damage worse.

Some Whirlpool gas cooktops feature cast-iron grates labeled dishwasher-safe, but Whirlpool’s Whirlpool dishwasher-safe grates guidance still recommends checking your model’s manual for specific instructions. Certain high-end enameled grates from boutique brands may specify hand wash only — ignore the manual’s warning and you risk voiding the warranty.

If your grate has ornate shapes, tight crevices, or rubber feet, the dishwasher can cause those small features to loosen or warp. Hand washing with a soft sponge and warm soapy water is safer for detailed grates.

The Bottom Line

Stove grates made of enamel-coated cast iron or stainless steel are generally safe for the dishwasher, but uncoated cast iron and brass parts should always be washed by hand. Check your owner’s manual first, prepare grates by scraping off excess food, and re-season after washing to prevent rust.

If you’re unsure about your grate material or notice damage after washing, a certified appliance technician or your stove’s customer support team can confirm the best cleaning approach for your specific range model.