Correct Way to Use Searing Grate?

[robertwhite]

So I have the searing grate and went to use it tonight. Heated grill to 350* with searing grate in place. Put the steak on grate for about 1 minute, flipped and repeated. Then removed searing grate and upped the grill to 450* to finish.

Got a half way decent sear, and the steak (Choice NY Strip from Costco, Mmmmmgood stuff) came out great, but I feel like I am doing it wrong.

I thought I read to not take the searing grate past 350* (grill temp) as it could harm the aluminum, yes or no?

I removed the grate, then put the steak on the 1/2 normal grate, then raised temp, but that is not only letting a ton of heat out, but it also is not cooking (finishing) the meat at a set temp, never mind a high temp.

Sooooooooooooooo, can someone explain the proper use and if I can leave the grate in?

[TentHunteR]

Boy, I'm not aware of a 350° limitation.  Can you remember where you read that?

When using the searing grate, I take the grill to 450° or High and let it get good and hot before I ever put any food on it, and I've had no issues.

[Old Dave]

First paragraph....

http://www.grillgrate.com/pdf/grillgrate_tips.pdf

[Las Vegan Cajun]

I always get mine up to 700F when using them on the Weber, never a problem and a good sear.   

[TentHunteR]

Just an FYI for clarification:   We're talking specifically about the MAK Searing Grate here, not GrillGrates.

[SmokinKat]

Boy, I'm not aware of a 350° limitation.  Can you remember where you read that?

When using the searing grate, I take the grill to 450° or High and let it get good and hot before I ever put any food on it, and I've had no issues.

Robert, there is not a 350° limitation on the searing grate.   Tenthunter is correct, you can crank the grill up and let that searing grate get good and hot (remember you want to have the lid closed at all times, unless you're actively doing something on the grill) then put your food on it.  Also, if you have the Flame Zone set up, you'll want to remove the cover to allow that direct flame to hit the grate and your food.

As another tip, the Pellet Boss control shows the temperature at the location of the Thermocouple (in the back left side inside the grill), but the surface of the searing grate will be considerably hotter than what shows as the ambient temperature inside the grill. 

[robertwhite]

Don't recall where I saw it, but could have sworn I did.

Good to hear it can take high heat as the way I did it just seemed wrong.

When I had the grill at 350*, I measure the sear grate at about 390* with a laser. Seemed way too low, and now I know why.

Thanks folks.