Need to replace fire grate

njl

My original fire grate is splitting and actually flaking off large bits of iron/iron-oxide.  I suspect I should replace it before I find during some cook that it's broken and fallen into the bottom of the egg.

Looking at the options, I could 

a) go with a OEM grate, and figure it'll last a few years.

b) get one of the stainless "grill-type" (high-que) ones.

c) get a turbo-grate.

The grill type worries me in that the holes are much larger/wider, and the [Publix] lump I use often has lots of little pieces that might fall through.

The turbo looks neat and looks like lump won't be raining through it...but it's also the most expensive.

I'm curious to hear from people who've tried either (or both) of these upgrades.

ChokeOnSmoke

I went the route that cost me no money (just did this a few weeks ago).  Get a replacement through warranty through your dealer.
(Mine split perfectly right down the middle).

njl

I'm not the original owner...so I wonder if that's still an option.

Botch

I recently replaced my OEM with the High-Que grate, mainly to increase my max temp for pizzas.  Even with BGE lump a lot of pieces fall through, which then burn in a pile on the floor of the bottom egg half.  I don't know if the outer shell is a different ceramic than the firebox itself, but it makes me a bit uncomfortable.  I also worry that a chunk will bounce to the front and rest against the screen on the air intake; that would burn through!  

Sorry I don't have a definitive answer for you, I'm still wondering myself.  Got a link to the "turbo-grate"?  I'm unfamiliar with that... 

3littleribs

Can't say about the turbo,but I have and like the High-Que grate. It eliminates the problem of the original grates holes clogging up and limiting airflow (no wiggle rod needed) .Climbs to temp very quickly and maintains it and I have hit higher temps with this grate than the original. It does allow a few small pieces of lump to fall through on a burned down fire but it's not bad in my opinion. I always place the bigger pieces of lump on the bottom when building the fire and the smaller stuff on top so it gets burned up before it has a chance to get small enough to fall through.

njl

This is the turbo grate:
http://www.thebbqguru.com/products/Turbo-Grate.html

Other than the deterioration of the original grate, I haven't had any problems with it, and have no trouble getting Publix lump up to 700+F (though I try to avoid letting it get out of control, since I melted/burned off the original gasket doing that).  I guess I should talk to a local dealer and see how inquisitive they are if I ask for a warranty replacement on the fire grate.

Austin Egghead

njl, my large grate is doing the same thing.  I could replace it under warranty or go to HD and buy a floor drain (what the grate really is) but I have decided to replace all the grates (mSL) with the high-que.  

The high que grates are available for all sizes now thru Amazon.  What 3littleribs says about lump placement makes sense  and I will start doing that method.  Thanks 3littleribs for posting the idea. 

4Runner

Does state on the BGE web site that the warranty is for the original owner on the purchase receipt. However, I received mine as a Christmas gift so my name is not on the receipt nor did the dealer ask to see it. They did confirm I was registered with BGE. Anyway, they took care of my fire box and fire grate. Didn't cost me anything. Good luck. Joe

Mickey

I have had all three you named.

To me the high-que is by far the best and I use it in my Large and have ordered for my Small and Mini.

I gave my Turbo Grate to Kent (GG) (he seems to like it, I did not).

BOWHUNR

Get the High-Que and don't look back!  I have them on both of my larges and just ordered one for my small.  They produce great air flow and those burning pieces in the bottom don't hurt a thing.  I do 800*+ sears on a regular basis as well as a lot of high temp pizzas.  I bought a Turbo Grate a couple of years ago and now it is a hanging ornament on my deck.

Mike

Omaha, NE

BOWHUNR

Woo Hoo!!  Just got my small today.

Mike

Omaha, NE

vchelf

I wonder if you got two of the high-que grates and placed them at 90 degrees from each other, if that would take care of the smaller pieces of lump falling through.

SWVABeanCounter

Check out the ones @stlcharcoal sells.  I've had mine for about three months and really like it.

Mickey

vchelf said:

I wonder if you got two of the high-que grates and placed them at 90 degrees from each other, if that would take care of the smaller pieces of lump falling through.

Have them on both Larges and Mini. No need to worry about lump falling through. Just not a problem.

Hotch

I have the HiQue and like it. A few small pieces that may drop are not really an issue. No need to be  shaken and stirring the lump anymore.

Loosemoose

SWVABeanCounter said:

Check out the ones @stlcharcoal sells.  I've had mine for about three months and really like it.

This is what I have also.

baywulf

Loosemoose said:

Check out the ones @stlcharcoal sells.  I've had mine for about three months and really like it.

This is what I have also.

+1.  I also find that very little lump falls thru.