Worn heat plates can leave a gas grill with uneven heat and less protection for its burners. Replacing them is often a simple way to refresh a grill, but the right set depends on your grill’s measurements, burner layout, and the number of plates you need. The options below include adjustable heat tents and fixed-size replacements. Measure your existing parts and check your grill model before ordering: “universal” does not mean every plate fits every grill.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Set and dimensions | Material | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unicook Adjustable Heat Plates | 4 plates; adjustable from 11.75 to 21 in long, 3.75 in wide | Porcelain-coated steel, 1.2 mm thick | Grills that need adjustable plates |
| Arborlily 14.6-Inch Heat Plates | 6 plates; 14.6 x 4.2 x 1.6 in each | 20-gauge porcelain steel | Matching six-plate setups |
| Adviace Adjustable Heat Plates | 3 plates; adjustable from 11.75 to 21 in long, 3.75 in wide | Porcelain-coated steel, 1.2 mm thick | Replacing three adjustable plates |
| EmberFeast Universal Heat Plates | 4 plates; adjustable from 13.39 to 21 in long, 3.75 in wide | Porcelain-coated steel, 1.2 mm thick | Adjustable fit with hand-tightened hardware |
| Unicook 14.6-Inch Heat Plates | 5 plates; 14.6 x 4.2 in each | 20-gauge porcelain-coated steel | Compatible fixed-size replacements |
Our Picks: Best Grill Plates For Gas Grill reviews
Unicook Adjustable Heat Plates: A Flexible Four-Pack
This Unicook set includes four adjustable heat plates made to sit above the burners. They shield the burner tubes from drippings and help spread heat toward the cooking grates, which can help limit flare-ups and reduce hot and cool areas.
Each plate is 3.75 inches wide and adjusts from 11.75 to 21 inches long. The porcelain-coated steel is listed as 1.2 mm thick, and the set includes stainless steel bolts and wing nuts. The adjustable design makes this a flexible option if your original plates are longer than a fixed replacement, but you still need to confirm that the width and mounting points work with your grill.
There is an important fit detail: if installed in reverse, the plates extend only from 11.75 to 18.37 inches. Check the required orientation and your grill’s mounting slots before buying. Compared with the Adviace set, this one includes one more plate; compared with EmberFeast, its stated adjustment range starts shorter.
Pros:
- Four plates with an adjustable length range
- Thick, 1.2 mm porcelain-coated steel
- Stainless steel bolts and wing nuts are included
- Designed to protect burners and help distribute heat
Cons:
- Reverse installation shortens the maximum length
- Compatibility still depends on grill dimensions and mounting slots
Verdict: Choose this set if you need four adjustable plates and your grill’s measurements fit its range and mounting layout.
Arborlily 14.6-Inch Heat Plates: A Six-Pack for Matching Setups
Arborlily’s set contains six fixed-size heat tents, each measuring 14.6 inches long, 4.2 inches wide, and 1.6 inches high. The plates are made from 20-gauge porcelain-enameled steel and are intended for grills that use this specific size and quantity.
The supplied compatibility list names several Nexgrill, Backyard Grill, BBQ Pro, and Kenmore models. Those model references can help you narrow down a match, but they are not a substitute for comparing your original parts with the listed dimensions. The plates are designed to guard the burners from grease, help control flare-ups, and spread heat. The product information also says installation does not require tools.
This fixed-size set may be a closer fit than adjustable plates when your grill takes six plates of the same dimensions. However, it offers less flexibility if your grill needs another length or width. The supplied product information marks this option as unavailable, so check the listing before planning around it.
Pros:
- Six plates for grills that use a six-piece layout
- 20-gauge porcelain steel construction
- Specific model references are provided for several grill brands
- Designed for tool-free installation
Cons:
- Fixed dimensions make careful measuring essential
- The supplied product information marks it as unavailable
Verdict: Consider Arborlily if you need six fixed-size plates and can confirm an exact match, but verify availability before choosing it.
Adviace Adjustable Heat Plates: A Three-Pack for Flexible Replacements
Adviace’s pack includes three two-piece telescoping heat plates. Each one is 3.75 inches wide and adjusts from 11.75 to 21 inches long. That range gives you room to match a variety of grill lengths, provided the plates also suit your grill’s width and attachment points.
The plates are made from 1.2 mm porcelain-coated steel. Stainless steel bolts and wing nuts are included, and the product is intended for grills with burners arranged side to side or front to back. Its listed compatibility examples include selected Brinkmann, Char-Broil, Grill Master, Kenmore, and Master Forge models.
Its main trade-off is pack size: three plates are useful if that is what your grill requires, but they may not cover a grill designed for four or more. Compared with the Unicook adjustable pack, the dimensions and stated material thickness are similar, while the Unicook set includes four plates instead of three.
Pros:
- Adjustable length from 11.75 to 21 inches
- 1.2 mm porcelain-coated steel construction
- Includes stainless steel bolts and wing nuts
- Designed for different burner orientations
Cons:
- Three plates may not be enough for every grill
- Must be measured and positioned to match the grill
Verdict: Pick this set when you need three adjustable plates and its width, length range, and hardware suit your grill.
EmberFeast Universal Heat Plates: Adjustable Four-Pack with Hand-Tightened Hardware
EmberFeast supplies four adjustable heat plates, each 3.75 inches wide and expandable from 13.39 to 21 inches long. The plates are made from 1.2 mm porcelain-coated steel. Their job is to shield the burners from grease drips and help spread heat under the cooking surface.
The set includes stainless steel 304 bolts and wing nuts that can be tightened by hand, according to the product information. That can make installation and removal more convenient. The longer minimum length is worth noting: unlike the Unicook and Adviace options, this set does not adjust down to 11.75 inches. Measure the original plates carefully to make sure the shorter end of its range will fit.
EmberFeast has a similar plate count and stated thickness to the Unicook adjustable set, with a different adjustment range and specified hardware. It may suit a grill that needs four longer plates, but its “universal” label should not replace a dimension check.
Pros:
- Four adjustable plates extend up to 21 inches
- 1.2 mm porcelain-coated steel
- Includes stainless steel 304 bolts and wing nuts
- Hardware is designed for hand installation
Cons:
- Its minimum length is longer than some adjustable options
- Compatibility depends on the grill’s original plate size and layout
Verdict: Choose EmberFeast if your grill needs four plates at least 13.39 inches long and you want hand-tightened hardware.
Unicook 14.6-Inch Heat Plates: A Five-Pack for Listed Grill Models
This Unicook pack contains five fixed-size heat plates, each measuring 14.6 by 4.2 inches. They are made from porcelain-coated steel and are intended as replacements for grills that use this size. The product information lists compatibility examples from Nexgrill, Backyard Grill, BBQ Pro, Kenmore, and other brands.
Because the plates are not adjustable, they are best suited to a grill whose existing parts match the listed dimensions. The coating is designed to help protect the burners from drippings and spread heat, while the smooth surface is described as easy to clean. Installation is intended to take only a few minutes without tools.
This five-pack is a practical alternative to adjustable plates if your grill uses five matching heat tents. It is not the right choice just because your grill brand appears in the compatibility list: compare the model number and the shape and measurements of the original parts before ordering.
Pros:
- Five fixed-size plates in one set
- 20-gauge porcelain-coated steel
- Compatibility examples cover several grill brands
- Designed for tool-free installation and straightforward cleaning
Cons:
- Fixed size offers no adjustment if your grill needs different dimensions
- Model and measurement checks are essential
Verdict: Choose this Unicook set if your grill takes five plates measuring 14.6 by 4.2 inches and the listed model information confirms the fit.
How to Choose Grill Plates for a Gas Grill
Measure Your Original Plates
Take out an existing heat plate and measure its length, width, and height. For adjustable models, compare your needed length with both the minimum and maximum range. Also check the width: a plate that reaches the right length can still be too wide for the space above your burners.
Match the Number of Plates
Count the plates in your grill before choosing a set. The products here include three, four, five, or six pieces. Buying a set with the wrong count may leave part of the grill uncovered or give you extra plates that do not fit elsewhere.
Check the Grill Model and Mounting Layout
Look for the model number on the grill, often on a label attached to the cabinet or frame, and compare it with the replacement-part information. Check how the original plates rest or attach, too. Some models list compatible grill names, but model numbers and measurements offer a more reliable way to narrow down a match.
Choose Adjustable or Fixed-Size Plates
Adjustable plates offer more flexibility in length, but their usable range and installation orientation matter. Fixed-size plates have no adjustment, so they make sense when you can match the dimensions of your original parts closely. Neither type is automatically a universal fit.
Consider Material and Thickness
The listed options use porcelain-coated steel, with some products specifying 1.2 mm thickness and others specifying 20-gauge steel. The coating is intended to resist corrosion and make cleanup easier. Compare the details supplied for each product, but focus first on fit: a heavier plate still will not work if it does not sit correctly in your grill.
Think About Installation and Upkeep
Some sets include bolts and wing nuts, while others describe tool-free installation. Check the included hardware and instructions for the product you choose. Regularly inspect heat plates for rust, holes, or warping, and follow the grill maker’s care guidance when cleaning or replacing parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do grill heat plates do?
Heat plates sit between the burners and cooking grates. They help shield burners from grease drippings, reduce direct exposure to flame, and distribute heat across the cooking area.
Are grill plates and heat tents the same thing?
These names are often used for the same type of part: a metal cover positioned over a gas grill burner. Product listings may also call them heat shields, burner covers, or heat deflectors. Check the shape and measurements rather than relying on the name alone.
How do I know which size to buy?
Measure an original plate, including its length and width, and compare those measurements with the replacement’s full dimensions or adjustment range. Confirm the quantity and mounting layout as well.
Will universal heat plates fit any gas grill?
No. “Universal” generally means the plates are designed to fit a range of grills, not every grill. Burner spacing, plate width, length, and mounting points can vary.
Should I choose adjustable or fixed-size plates?
Adjustable plates can suit grills that need a length within their stated range. Fixed-size plates can be a straightforward match when your original parts share the exact listed dimensions. Measure before deciding.
How many heat plates should I order?
Order the number your grill uses. Count the existing plates and confirm that the replacement set’s quantity matches your grill’s layout.
Final Recommendation
For a flexible four-piece replacement, the Unicook adjustable set offers a broad stated length range and 1.2 mm porcelain-coated steel. EmberFeast is another four-piece adjustable option, particularly for grills that need plates at least 13.39 inches long. If your grill uses fixed-size parts, compare the Unicook five-pack or Arborlily six-pack with your original dimensions and model information. The best choice is the one that matches your grill’s size, quantity, and mounting layout—not simply the one described as universal.