RUBBING SALT INTO IT

Q We have just returned from an overseas trip. Before we left I was told to
put some cooking salt on our bbq hotplate to keep it in good condition. The
hotplate appears to be ruined (top layer has gone leaving it very rusty).
Have you ever heard of this method, or is it simply bad advice? Also, is
there anything that can be done to try and rescue the cast iron hotplate?

Andrew

Engadine

New South Wales

A Andrew, that was just about the worst advice you could possibly receive. Are
you sure they didn't say 'cooking oil'?

Cast iron is porous - particularly so in recent years when a lot has been
made from recycled materials in Asian foundries.

And once salt gets a hold, it is difficult to remove every trace so the
plate will continue to rust from within. Food will also be more likely to stick to the

damaged surface.

I suggest you tie it around the ankle of the person who gave you the stupid
advice and take them both for a ride in a boat.

If your plate is a standard size, you can buy replacements at retail outlets
like Barbeques Galore and Bunnings. It might also be a good time to bite the
bullet and invest in the ultimate solution - Australian made stainless steel
plates designed specially for barbecuing. They're not cheap but they are
forever.

Cheers

BBQ Blue

R Thanks for the advice Blue. I will indeed take him out for a ride on the boat and
drop him in the water with the hotplate tied around his ankle. After he buys
my new hotplate that is.

Usually you would expect the father-in-law to know about barbys. Obviously
not in this case. I questioned him when he said salt, and he was sure it was
the right thing to do (he told me to sprinkle plenty on there). I will go to the

barbeque shop this arvo and grab a new one.

I think the fact he goes through more bbqs than I go through cases of beer
should have given me the tip he was doing something wrong. He probably
wonders why his cast iron plates are constantly rusting.

Regards

Andrew

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