High Que stainless steel charcoal grate

njl · July 2012

I'm new, hadn't seen the Hi Q, thanks for that.

I see the dome concept providing more surface area to provide more holes for ash to plug and feed the fire. But at the same time the dome would tend to disrupt how the inverted cone pattern that the lump wants to burn.

The Hi Q grate looks like it would be more difficult to clog. It also looks like it would pass more unburned lump.

There've been plenty of '+1's' FOR the Hi Q grate. But nobody's mentioned whether unburned lump, or how much more unburned lump drops through, if it does.

And, no one's mentioned anything about the unburned lump that drops through, if it drops through, and whether it burns in the bottom of the Egg.

So, WHY BGE, does your warranty not apply if the Hi Q grate is used? What's the concern? Why don't you use a Hi-Q design grate?

I'm sure it depends on your lump (avg size distribution of the pieces, how careful you are in arranging them). I have a Hi-Q and only used it a couple of times. It totally solves the ash clogging the grate issue...but I kept ending up with lots of burning lump down on the floor of the egg and it seemed like even not fully burned bits would fall into the ash and smother. I went back to using the original grate and made a wiggle rod from wire hanger that I use to poke the grate holes during a cook if I think they're clogging.

Grill Sargent · July 2012

Yes there is some small bits that fall through during cooks, but I would have to say, when cooled down I was only cleaning out small 1/2 inch pieces with the fine ash, And this is after quite a few short dinner cooks. I also start with large lump on bottom and put the smaller lump in the starter chimney. Love the better air flow!!! I would compare the performance to the larger oval holes Primo uses on their grates.

eggo · July 2012

I have not noticed a lot of unburned lump in the bottom a,though there's some. No issue with burning pieces falling through that I can tell.

None here either. Haven't had the fire choked since I got the Hi-Q grate.

twlangan · July 2012

Anyone dislodge it while stirring their charcoal? The bars look like the ash tool could catch pretty easy if you at inattentive/inebriated.

I have found no need to stir my charcoal while using the High Que. The ash works its way down and falls through very well on its own. About the only stirring I do is prior to a new cook, I will shuffle the leftover lump from previous cook to fill the hole that seems to burn down through the center that I mentioned in my earlier post in this thread. It doesn't take much - just nudging some lump from the edges down into the hole is all.

probe1957 · July 2012

I have had the High Que grate for some time and have done both low and slow and high temp cooks on it.

Of course larger lump falls through than would fall through the factory provided drain cover. Not an issue to me.

I can get a MUCH higher sear temp with the HQ than the factory BUT I find it a bit more difficult to do low and slow. I can no longer maintain 200 degree dome temp (not that I have much need to do that anyway) as the fire goes out (twice out of two attempts) with the HQ.

SkinnyV · August 2012

+1 on the thread and recommendation, used mine on the mini today and it heated up quick. All coals on the bottom turned to ash so I think less waste also. The outside of the egg was noticeably hotter versus using the other grate, or maybe it was just me.

Wendy_Beachcomber · August 2012

Is the High Que grate bought through a BGE dealer? If not, where do you buy them? I have looked through BGE website and don't see anything that looks like the picture posted above. (newbie)

bigphil · August 2012

http://www.high-que.com

scottc454 · August 2012

probe1957 said:

I have had the High Que grate for some time and have done both low and slow and high temp cooks on it.

Of course larger lump falls through than would fall through the factory provided drain cover. Not an issue to me.

I can get a MUCH higher sear temp with the HQ than the factory BUT I find it a bit more difficult to do low and slow. I can no longer maintain 200 degree dome temp (not that I have much need to do that anyway) as the fire goes out (twice out of two attempts) with the HQ.

This has been my experience too. Henceforth, I will be putting the cast iron grate back in when I do low and slow.

Charcoal_Addict · August 2012

I don't know why they with grid bars going in both directions. That would have made it better suited to working with lump.

gumbo_bill · August 2012

My grate has holes drilled with a chamfer. Do you put the small size hole on top which I think helps the ash fall through. If large size hole is on top i think more charcoal will get stuck. Is this right? Visualize a funnel where it is large on top and small on bottom.

Dave in Florida · August 2012

I have the High Q and have yet to have a fire go out or need a wiggle rod to open any clogged holes. I have no problems cooking lo and slo or high heat, it doesn't matter with the High Q.

tazcrash · August 2012

gumbo_bill said:

My grate has holes drilled with a chamfer. Do you put the small size hole on top which I think helps the ash fall through. If large size hole is on top i think more charcoal will get stuck. Is this right? Visualize a funnel where it is large on top and small on bottom.

when I used the CI plate, I put it in as it said somewhere, larger hole on bottom for the very reason you stated.

Dave in Florida said:

I have the High Q and have yet to have a fire go out or need a wiggle rod to open any clogged holes. I have no problems cooking lo and slo or high heat, it doesn't matter with the High Q.

+1 here. Also can keep grate and dome under 275, not an issue, just make the bottom vent look like a coin slot.

Also haven't had an overnighter go out. :D

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High Que stainless steel charcoal grate

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