Drain holes in CI Platesetter

Hibby

The cast iron platesetter is great but the one gripe I have is that there's no effective way to drain grease off without inverting the platesetter and basically burning it off. I'm considering drilling some pretty small holes (maybe 1/16") in the perimeter and possibly a few in the center. As long as I sparingly put holes in it, any concerns of compromising overall structure or any other problems I'll cause?

GrateEggspectations

Wouldn't it's be simpler to just elevate one leg very slightly to ensure the grease flows?

Hibby

It would need to be considerable elevation. The grooves are deep and there's no relief along the edges.

Biggreenpharmacist

Or cover it with heavy duty foil?

Hibby

I hadn't thought about that

HeavyG

Get one of these in the appropriate size and cut the handles off (or bend them up if room allows) and use as a drip pan:

https://smile.amazon.com/Oster-Cocina-Corrales-Stainless-Handles/dp/B01N53Q4ST/ref=sr_1_10?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1502161769&sr=1-10&keywords=16"+steel+pan

RRP

I'm not sure mere 1/16" holes will drain much before they are clogged. Personally I'd go clear on up to at least 1/2". Keep in mind however such holes will void any warranty claim. I've never understood the appeal of a c/s p/s anyway.

nolaegghead

Let's back up a second.  It's a plate setter, designed to create shade from direct heat.  Alternatively, unlike a ceramic plate setter, it can be used as a griddle.

If you're using it to create shade, just like a ceramic unit, put a drip pan on it.  You don't want grease falling into the fire and pooling up in your egg.

If you use it as a griddle, you don't want the grease draining into the fire either.

Regarding drain holes, if that's what you are hell-bent to do - they do create a fracture point, but I wouldn't worry about it.  From a stress analysis perspective, slots are better, but they would have to be milled in.  And they should be cut perpendicular to the ridges.   This difference is well known in the manufacture of performance brake rotors.

Stormbringer

Biggreenpharmacist said:

Or cover it with heavy duty foil?

This. I do this with ours.

YukonRon

I use round, heavy duty aluminium serving pans, typical to those you find as cheap platters for cookies or sandwiches server. Easy to clean, and recyclable. Depending on the cook, I use heavy duty foil as well, then I will use the foil from the previous cook, wadded up in a ball, and use it to clean the cooking grate.
I do not see the advantage of drilling holes to be an effective manner to controlling the problem with grease drippings. 
Might be a waste of lump to burn it off each time before a cook.
Anyway, those two methods have seemed to serve me well.
I like the idea of a cast iron plate setter, having had a ceramic one crack.
Good luck.

Photo Egg

I like to use the disposable steamer lids. Flipped they make a little drip pan with the lip.
https://www.amazon.com/Disposable-Roasting-Broiling-Cooking-Aluminum/dp/B071X2QZ7D/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1502193333&sr=8-3&keywords=disposable+steam+pan+lids