New cast iron grate - How the heck do I lift this thing?

MartyB

I've just concluded my first BBQ season with my new large BGE. Took me a few cooks to figure out how to manage the heat and how to start a hot! fire for grilling.. no problems doing slow cooks for ribs. I've learned TONS reading the comments here on the forum, so thanks, everyone, for sharing all the great ideas. 

Speaking of great: I just bought an inexpensive cast iron grate and would like to know of an inexpensive solution for lifting this baby onto and off of the egg. Anyone willing to share ideas on how to do this without blowing $20-30 for a fancy-dancy lifter? 

theyolksonyou

Welcome to the zoo! @Jeepster47‌ seems to be the local tinkerer. (I mean that as a compliment) I bet he will have some creative ideas.

Carolina Q

Welcome, Marty. I used to use a three pronged garden rake thing. Until the two outer prongs broke off and I discovered that the center one worked just fine.

EggNorth

Same as Carolina Q, but I use the ash tool to lower and remove, and grab the other end with my stove glove.

What's a BBQ season?

johnmitchell

Did you not get a grate lifter with your egg..Thats what I have been using..

DaveRichardson

It's New Years eve.... The year is over... Time to start the 2015 season!!

henapple

Use a hammer...or gloves.

Jeepster47

@theyokesonyou ... thanks for the compliment.

Check out this product ... looks like a good idea:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ott-Grill-Lifter/1474403899467040

Biggreenpharmacist

I've got this old thing that came with an old offset many years ago.

theyolksonyou

I have one of those^^^. CharBroil grill came with it.

Jeepster47

Sure looks a lot like the lid lifter on a cast iron topped wood fired stove?

Lit

The ash tool works great. That's what I always used.

Biggreenpharmacist

That thing I have works great for me. Works better when using the pointed side rather than the flat but works either. I also have a big pair of needlenose pliers I can use for extra help.

MartyB

You guys are grate. (Sorry... no more puns for the rest of 2014... I promise!)

Thanks for the suggestions.