Raising the grate?

Volgrill

I see some of you raise the grate for certain recipes?  What effect do you get by doing that?  And in general, when should you raise it?

SoCalTim

This is done for direct spatchcock grilling among other things .. so you don't burn the chicken.

Mickey

Unless cooking VERY HOT AND FAST I always raise it. Makes me a much better cook. With it raised I can even cook chicken and turkey that I could never cook before. 

Scottborasjr

Basically it keeps the food far enough away from the coals that when fat or grease drips onto them it doesn't immediately burn the food from the flame up.  I cook almost everything raised direct except when trying to get a good sear.

Photo Egg

Cooking on a raised grate moves your food higher in the grill/dome.
This gives you less flare ups when you open the grill to flip or move food around.
Reduces hot spots as you are now cooking further from the lump and the heat will even out as it rises.
You are now getting some radiant heat from the air circulating around in the dome. Think browning the cheese on the top of your pizza, like a broiler oven.
It's also easier to flip food that's not below the "felt line".
Lots of good reasons to cook raised.