OT Raised grate?

humbleprisoner

So I have been seeing a ton of pictures and reading a lot about a lot of cooks here using a raised grate when they do direct cooks sometimes. I was wondering where something like this could be purchased, I checked amazon, found something like what I was looking for, but wasn't set on it. Is this something I buy at my local Egg dealer or do y'all have a site you buy at? 

MRbge

Ceramic grill store .com.  I have the Woo2 and like it very much.

Langner91

I haven't bit the bullet on a CGS unit yet.  I just don't know what I really want.  So, I use empty beer/pop cans on the fire ring to elevate the grid to the felt line.

Some people use fire brick, available at your local Home Depot, Lowe's, Menards, etc.  These are ceramic bricks that can withstand high temp.  They are the right size to elevate your grid.

Some folks use stainless bolts, washers and nuts to make legs to raise the grid.

Someday, I will have a CGS piece, but not yet.

ar15203

I got the CGS unit when I got my XL and it gives you so much flexibility. 

http://www.ceramicgrillstore.com/

Mdlrat

Woo2 for XL

humbleprisoner

Ok thanks for the info. With my Large Egg, I am thinking that I may try the fire brick idea. After looking at prices of the CGS, I think I will have to wait just a little while. 

texaswig

Got to have raised. No matter how you get it done. No OT for this thread. you are right on topic. 

stemc33

I use firebricks or a homemade grill made from a Weber Smokey Joe and stainless bolts on my LBGE. Lately, I've used the homemade grill most. Just because it's easy to add/remove during a sear or reverse sear. Also works as a second tier. It's nice to just toss it in the egg to gain distance between the direct radiant coals within 5-10 seconds. I have a Woo/stone combo for my MM. I'd look at that option for sure. 

humbleprisoner

While I am on the topic, can anyone point me to some of their favorite links of guys who have done this with great success. I see the concept in my mind, and checked into those stones at Lowe's, but I am struggling to see where to place, and how to properly execute. It's something little I am missing, but something definitely is missing from my plans. 

Papzi

I use fire bricks.  I bought a box of a dozen at Menards (probably available at Lowes or Home Depot as well) for about $10.  I cut them to size so the top of my grate is level with the felt line.  I use five bricks equally spaced around the perimeter. 

IPASooner

I have just used empty beer cans...always have empty beer cans around, it's the full ones that I always have to go find more of

humbleprisoner

@Papzi Ok that makes a ton of sense. I was trying to just lay them where you would put the platesetter legs and now, I feel I need to cue up a .gif of Homer Simpson doing "doh" lol. 

stemc33

@humbleprisoner, pics of bricks and of homemade grate. 

humbleprisoner

@stemc33 Thank you very much for that. I don't know why I was having such a hard time picturing this. I may try and replicate your top picture with the nuts and bolts there. Have you had any problems shutting the top or roughing up the thermometer on the inside? 

Langner91

humbleprisoner said:

 Have you had any problems shutting the top or roughing up the thermometer on the inside? 

You have to be cautious.  If you buy a second grid, get it smaller than your main grid.  I bought bolts that were too long, the grid always hit the dome, so I simply turned the bottom nuts up the bolt until it cleared.

When I put food on it, I gently close the lid the first time to make sure I don't skewer it with the thermo, or rub it against the dome.

I have it set perfectly now.  My pizza stone fits exactly into the dome.  By now, there is enough gunk on the bolt threads, that turning the nuts isn't an option.

I really like the BGE brand raised grid for this setup.  The grid has wings, and folds so that you can reach the food below for turning or temperature taking.

stemc33

humbleprisoner said:

@stemc33 Thank you very much for that. I don't know why I was having such a hard time picturing this. I may try and replicate your top picture with the nuts and bolts there. Have you had any problems shutting the top or roughing up the thermometer on the inside? 

Sometimes because I used 6" bolts. Usually it's okay if cooking direct and nothing thicker than a spatchcock. Just been to lazy to get shorter bolts. 

Definitely worth rigging up or buying something to cook raised. 

johnnyp

+1 on the bolt and washer method.  Just get stainless steel