All The Firepit Source cook grates are 100% stainless steel. We don’t recommend cooking on painted grates or bare steel grates. Our round grates have an opening in the back, providing access for managing the fire. Grates for square pits come in large and medium sizes, with the large size fully covering the pit and the medium size allowing the user to place the grate where desired and have access to tend the fire. Grates get hot. Use a Poker/Lifter when moving or removing cooking grates.