This is the second time in 3 seasons that my Magma A10-205 grill radiant plate has disintegrated. I last purchased one for $55 in July 2023. The part is advertised as corrosion resistant stainless steel, but its longevity seems to indicate low quality - we don’t use the grill very often. I’m curious if others have experienced this and found a way to make it last longer than 3 seasons, or if there’s a better solution.
Magma grill radiant plate build quality
- Thread starter skunther
- Start date
I wonder if attaching a zinc bar to it when in storage would slow corrosion down some. Get one of the bars used for small outboards. Bolt it on for storage then remove it when grilling.
Maybe clean it, then apply a light coat of mineral oil and seal up in a plastic ziplock bag at the end of the season, etc.
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While they start out as stainless, that quality is quickly lost under the high heat oxidizing conditions the BBQ provides. A few years is it for these. Cast iron or aluminum would be better in this application.
We use these grates and just forget about the radiant plate. I don't know if they make ones for round grills. BBQ Grill Grates - Replacement Grill Grates | GrillGrate
Mark
We use these grates and just forget about the radiant plate. I don't know if they make ones for round grills. BBQ Grill Grates - Replacement Grill Grates | GrillGrate
Mark
Thanks Mark,
You have just removed the radiant plate from your grill and use it without? I wonder if that would work on mine. I wouldn’t mine one less thing to maintain.
No. The small burner will just incinerate anything in the center. Every BBQ has radiant plates or flame spreaders. Mostly, they don't last well.
I built my own from heavier SS plate. Lasted 10 years and was fine when I sold the boat. But that's not really DIY. But really, building something from ~ 1/8" carbon steel would be just as good and much better than stock.
For his design, this is probably true. Our Magma is the rectangular design that uses a tube across the grill with lots of holes in it to deliver the gas below the radiant plate. The cast aluminum grill grates I linked to now act as our radiant plate, as they absorb and distribute the heat evenly through themselves. No doubt the center of them is a bit hotter, but the cast aluminum absorbs and distributes this so quickly that it isn't noticeable in use.
It is probably a moot point because I don't think those grates are made for round BBQ's, but there is a good chance they would work fine without a radiant plate in that design.
Those grill grates I linked to make a HUGE difference in these cheap marine BBQ's. I was skeptical when someone was proselytizing them to me, but they were correct. If one wants to take their grill up a step, these are worth the money.
Mark
It is probably a moot point because I don't think those grates are made for round BBQ's, but there is a good chance they would work fine without a radiant plate in that design.
Those grill grates I linked to make a HUGE difference in these cheap marine BBQ's. I was skeptical when someone was proselytizing them to me, but they were correct. If one wants to take their grill up a step, these are worth the money.
Mark
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 24,454
I checked in with Grill Grate, and they claimed their "Mini_Grate" is 12" long. There is a pair, and they can be set inside the 13" Magma Grill diameter. I'll report back what I learned.
I bring my grill inside when not on the boat. It has lasted fairly well. I will get a photo of the burn plate when I go back up to the boat. You guys got me putting the grill on the Spring Commissioning project list.
I bring my grill inside when not on the boat. It has lasted fairly well. I will get a photo of the burn plate when I go back up to the boat. You guys got me putting the grill on the Spring Commissioning project list.
GrillGrates makes half-moon shaped grates for Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe style grills. After using a set on my Kamado Classic grill I bought another set and cut them down to fit my round Magma grill. I concur that they made an improvement in the grill's performance.
You got just about the life expectancy it can give. I keep my Magma, covered, on the rail all season then remove it and store it in a locker for the winter. But 3 years is the max I ever got from it. We use it a lot throughout the season.
Last year, in a “very rare” instance, I was able to replace the plate, dome, grate and even the lighter cheaper than buying an entire new grill. Defender had a great sale for the items separately. But it is a “rare“ event to have happen.
Last year, in a “very rare” instance, I was able to replace the plate, dome, grate and even the lighter cheaper than buying an entire new grill. Defender had a great sale for the items separately. But it is a “rare“ event to have happen.