GrillGrates are very useful. The base blocks fire flare-ups and helps prevent burning. As a result, meats brown beautifully, and you get really crispy chicken skin without scorching. Juices drip into the valleys between the rails where they are vaporized and the vapors penetrate the meat-enhancing flavor. The holes in the base allow some juices down and smoke and combustion gases up to reach the food adding more superb flavors.