Which Rack for convEGGtor?

tm255

I've had a large BGE for a while and also have a pizza stone and convEGGtor.  I've decided that I want one of the racks with handles for easier removal of the hot convEGGtor when switching from indirect to direct cook.  It looks like my choices are one of the eggspander options, the PSWoo combo, the PSWoo Woo Ring, and the R&B combo.  I'm hoping to get some feedback here to help me make a choice.

Any particular reason to choose a rack that holds the convEGGtor over one that holds a pizza stone?  Looks like they both would work the same way, and I already have both the pizza stone and the convEGGtor so I could go either way.

I don't know if I would find much use for the eggspander or the R&B which add multiple racks to the mix.  I've got a gas Weber that I use for "overflow" or to keep stuff warm on the side.  What do you all like about the eggspander and R&B?

Any other options that I'm missing?

Thanks!

WeberWho

Give Tom a call at the Ceramic Grill Store. Explain your situation and he'll set you up for exactly what you need. He won't oversell you on things you don't need. Plus his grill setup's are made here in the USA. Hard to beat that. 

Here's his info below from his Website:

If you have a question, please drop us an email or call. We’ll gladly respond. Thanks for visiting and supporting our family enterprise!

Tom, Terri, Kelise & Brice 
ACGP Inc.

Ceramic Grill Store
Texas BBQ Grills
3923 Morse St., Suite 109
(Corner Morse & Mayhill, Store fronts Mayhill)
Denton TX 76208

www.ceramicgrillstore.com
www.texasbbqgrills.com

email: sales@ceramicgrillstore.com
(940) 387.0100

theyolksonyou

Agree button. ^^^^^^

tm255

Thanks for the info about CGS!  That's where I saw the "Woo" options.

My initial thought is that the eggspander or R&B would be overkill for my use but I'm curious what others like about them.

theyolksonyou

My R&B lives in the egg.  I do t use the second track often, but it’s a nice to have. I have a woo that I only use with a wok.  My mmax has a woo that I sue for raised and indirect, it also lives in the egg.  I rarely cook anything at fire ring level.  Mostly just for searing.  

I will say, removing the stone from the R&B is easier than the woo, but that’s no big deal. (I have CGS stone that slide in/out so you don’t have to lift through the top. 

It really depends on what you want/need.  CGS all the way for me.  

fishlessman

i just use the pizza stone, its lighter. and the full adjustable rig with spider. but call tom, he will break it all down for you. its easy for me to tell you what i use without ever having all of toms gadgets

tm255

fishlessman said:

i just use the pizza stone, its lighter. and the full adjustable rig with spider. but call tom, he will break it all down for you. its easy for me to tell you what i use without ever having all of toms gadgets

Called CGS, talked to the woman who answered the phone.  Maybe I caught her at a bad time -- she was very terse, said it was "just my choice" without much detail.  Certainly didn't come across as someone that I would want to do business with.

Still interested in what others here find useful but now I'm certainly leaning toward the eggspander or perhaps just a handle gizmo that allows lifting of the place setter.

danhoo

my kids gave me a PS woo + the expander as a christmas gift and it's great.

I use the PS woo all the time. It raises the grate to the felt line and makes it easy to remove the entire unit with food on the grate in case I need  to add smoke wood or adjust coals.





There are other suggestions. you can read through when I asked last year.

https://eggheadforum.com/discussion/1228616/suggestions-and-opinions-on-multi-rack-setups-for-a-large

tm255

danhoo said:

my kids gave me a PS woo + the expander as a christmas gift and it's great.

I use the PS woo all the time. It raises the grate to the felt line and makes it easy to remove the entire unit with food on the grate in case I need  to add smoke wood or adjust coals.





There are other suggestions. you can read through when I asked last year.

https://eggheadforum.com/discussion/1228616/suggestions-and-opinions-on-multi-rack-setups-for-a-large

Thanks, very helpful!  I didn't see that thread in my other searches.

Seems like the value of the eggspander et al is for really big cooks, which I don't do.

I might be best served by one of the handle thingies that is used to lift the platesetter out of the BGE (Ott, Kick Ash Super, Smokeware, etc.).

Langner91

I have the eggspander system from BGE.  I agree that CGS makes great stuff.  But, it isn't easy to order or know what you want.  I even have a great grill shop near me that carries their stuff.  Seeing it all is overwhelming.  

"Well, if you want to cook ribs, you buy the R&B combo, and get the woo and spider and ...."  I just don't talk the lingo, I guess.

I already owned a plate setter (convEGGtor), so the Eggspander system was perfect.  I went home with ONE box, immediately saw how to use it, and immediately knew which additional EGGsessories I would put on my list.

It works great, everything is well made.  I feel bad that it is a bit of a knock-off of CGS stuff, but they did a good job with marketing it.

Good luck!

danhoo

The ps woo works great with the platesetter or conveggtor, even without the second level rack. 

I also use a 14 in or 16 in SS  drip pan.

The ps woo makes it easy to move the entire setup in and out if needed. 

I like to get my temp stable with the grate and platesetter in, and then add a chunk or two of smoke wood. Here's how easy it is.

Pic is just for example. Coals are not lit.

EzraBrooks

I've bought a TON of stuff from CGS over the years, I'd hate for you to turn away from them after one bad conversation.

If you already have the convEGGtor, I would go with the PSWoo or the PSWoo combo. I have been using the PSWoo in my Large for probably 10 years and it lives in the egg. It is great for going raised direct also. It is such a trusty tool in my arsenal that as soon as I bought my XL I bought the Woo for it as well. For the XL it is even more necessary because the convEGGtor is is much heavier to deal with, even when not hot.

Also, if you are making the purchase from CGS anyway, I would highly recommend adding some of their drip pans. They hold up very well (especially if you foil them) and last a LONG time.

4TheGrillOfIt

A basic PS Woo is probably the way to go.  Frankly, people are losing the ability to talk on the phone.  Don’t let that stop you.  

You can also just order the EggSpander, which has one advantage over the PS Woo.  It has a circular lower level that can be used for half moons, a smaller cooking grid or wok.  I have a PS Woo for the large and small and a full EggSpander for the XL.  

You can’t go wrong either way.  

@EzraBrooks not a fan or the CGS pans, even foiled they don’t hold up very well.  I’ve been using a Smokeware drip for the large for the last year and it is outstanding.  

Eggdicted_Dawgfan

@tm255 take 5 minutes and call CGS back and ask to speak with Tom. If he is not available, leave your name and number. You will be glad you took the time to chat with him. Even if you don’t buy from him. He’s a stand up guy and a pleasure to talk to. He won’t try to sell you anything you don’t need. I have no affiliation with Tom or CGS. I just know your first experience with them is not the norm. 

bbracey21

I currently have the PSWoo + expander for my large from CGS. And I have the PSWoo and circle stone for my Minimax from CGS. Love both and work perfectly for my needs. I’ve turned a few buddies onto CGS and the PSWoo and never heard any complaints. 

tm255

Thanks for all the additional comments!

EzraBrooks

4TheGrillOfIt said:

A basic PS Woo is probably the way to go.  Frankly, people are losing the ability to talk on the phone.  Don’t let that stop you.  

You can also just order the EggSpander, which has one advantage over the PS Woo.  It has a circular lower level that can be used for half moons, a smaller cooking grid or wok.  I have a PS Woo for the large and small and a full EggSpander for the XL.  

You can’t go wrong either way.  

@EzraBrooks not a fan or the CGS pans, even foiled they don’t hold up very well.  I’ve been using a Smokeware drip for the large for the last year and it is outstanding.  

That's weird, my drip pan lasted 8 years before it started to disintegrate 

bbracey21

tm255 said:

Thanks for all the additional comments!

What did you decide to go with? 

RagingIrishman

Following along with this thread. I asked for the eggspander for my birthday but I’ll call CSG next week to talk about their options. 

I’m looking to be able to at least 2 levels of a cook. Protein on the bottom and some roasted potatoes up top type situation. 

danhoo

Tom may be slightly biased, and to be candid he should be. 

its a good video.

As someone else my PS woo is always in, unless I'm using the drop spider with a sear grate right on top of the coals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4NqEFNgqV4

tm255

bbracey21 said:

tm255 said:

Thanks for all the additional comments!

What did you decide to go with? 

Feedback indicates to me that the main reason folks like having an eggSpander device is for the additional cooking surface.  Since that isn't on my radar at all, I'm going to go with just a platesetter lifting device, probably the Smokeware.

On impulse a few years ago I grabbed a Weber Spirit gas grill at a year-end half price sale and while the BGE is my primary tool the versatility of having the Weber has really been nice.  Maybe like an eggSpander on steroids.

Langner91

tm255 said:

bbracey21 said:

tm255 said:

Thanks for all the additional comments!

What did you decide to go with? 

Feedback indicates to me that the main reason folks like having an eggSpander device is for the additional cooking surface.  Since that isn't on my radar at all, I'm going to go with just a platesetter lifting device, probably the Smokeware.

On impulse a few years ago I grabbed a Weber Spirit gas grill at a year-end half price sale and while the BGE is my primary tool the versatility of having the Weber has really been nice.  Maybe like an eggSpander on steroids.

My main reason for buying the EGGspander system was for the ability to remove the platesetter, mid-cook.  With the new bands/springs on the Large, the lid doesn't open far enough for a claw to work.

So, the Eggspander gets the platesetter in and out quickly.

I am not sure if the XL could still work with the claw or other removal tools.

Botch

danhoo said:

Tom may be slightly biased, and to be candid he should be. 

its a good video.

As someone else my PS woo is always in, unless I'm using the drop spider with a sear grate right on top of the coals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4NqEFNgqV4

Thank you for posting that.  I bought my two eggs just over ten years ago, and some wire thingies soon after, and I know I've seen that video before but it was a good review.  
I'm pretty sure I have a PSWoo for my Small, a Spyder for my Large, and OEM platesetters for both.  I also have what kinda looks like a Woo for my Large, but not the same thing; no idea what it is.  I can cook on either Egg, both direct and indirect, at both the fire ring and the felt level, and that's always worked for me for all cooks.  
 
But there's a couple things the CGS stuff does that I wasn't aware of, and I may have to play with what I have a bit, and mebbe buy another toy or two.  Thanks Dan.  

tm255

danhoo said:

Tom may be slightly biased, and to be candid he should be. 

its a good video.

As someone else my PS woo is always in, unless I'm using the drop spider with a sear grate right on top of the coals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4NqEFNgqV4

Question about this video:

He describes how there are three triangular “tabs” that support the place setter.

If the place setter rotates off the tabs, can it fall out the bottom of the Woo?

If I am understanding the process, to switch from indirect to direct one removes the Woo, sets it down, slides the place setter out the side, then places the Woo back into the BGE. Correct?

danhoo

tm255 said:

danhoo said:

Tom may be slightly biased, and to be candid he should be. 

its a good video.

As someone else my PS woo is always in, unless I'm using the drop spider with a sear grate right on top of the coals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4NqEFNgqV4

Question about this video:

He describes how there are three triangular “tabs” that support the place setter.

If the place setter rotates off the tabs, can it fall out the bottom of the Woo?

If I am understanding the process, to switch from indirect to direct one removes the Woo, sets it down, slides the place setter out the side, then places the Woo back into the BGE. Correct?

The platesetter cannot fall out. The tabs and the vertical bars limit it from going anywhere except out the front. 

To go indirect to direct you have options. Slide the platesetter out to cook raised direct or take the PSWoo out and remove the food grate and set it on the fire ring. 

Or geta drop spider in addition along with a sear grate to get right on the coals like this. I do this for reverse sear tri tip. 

tm255

danhoo said:

tm255 said:

danhoo said:

Tom may be slightly biased, and to be candid he should be. 

its a good video.

As someone else my PS woo is always in, unless I'm using the drop spider with a sear grate right on top of the coals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4NqEFNgqV4

Question about this video:

He describes how there are three triangular “tabs” that support the place setter.

If the place setter rotates off the tabs, can it fall out the bottom of the Woo?

If I am understanding the process, to switch from indirect to direct one removes the Woo, sets it down, slides the place setter out the side, then places the Woo back into the BGE. Correct?

The platesetter cannot fall out. The tabs and the vertical bars limit it from going anywhere except out the front. 

To go indirect to direct you have options. Slide the platesetter out to cook raised direct or take the PSWoo out and remove the food grate and set it on the fire ring. 

Or geta drop spider in addition along with a sear grate to get right on the coals like this. I do this for reverse sear tri tip. 

aHa!  Now it makes sense!  Thanks!

Interesting about the spider.  I don't do steaks real often, but when I do they turn out great with the grill grate in the regular position.  I occasionally cook on a Weber kettle where I can get the steak maybe an inch from the coals and I honestly can't tell any difference in the final result.

My experience with "felt line" cooking is similar.  I bought some fire bricks to get the grate up to the felt line for some kind of chicken cook and there wasn't any difference when compared to grilling in the regular position.

I like your choice of accessories -- thermapen and red wine!

danhoo

aHa!  Now it makes sense!  Thanks!

Interesting about the spider.  I don't do steaks real often, but when I do they turn out great with the grill grate in the regular position.  I occasionally cook on a Weber kettle where I can get the steak maybe an inch from the coals and I honestly can't tell any difference in the final result.

My experience with "felt line" cooking is similar.  I bought some fire bricks to get the grate up to the felt line for some kind of chicken cook and there wasn't any difference when compared to grilling in the regular position.

I like your choice of accessories -- thermapen and red wine!

red wine is an essential grilling tool. 

SonVolt

I've been perfectly happy with my XL Eggspander.  I know CGS is hugely popular here but their website is very confusing, so trying figure out what's what is a nightmare. There's also differences in what's available for XL vs the L which adds to the confusion.  And there's the rub -  I also had a bad experience calling the store with someone that had no interest in talking.  

tm255

SonVolt said:

I've been perfectly happy with my XL Eggspander.  I know CGS is hugely popular here but their website is very confusing, so trying figure out what's what is a nightmare. There's also differences in what's available for XL vs the L which adds to the confusion.  And there's the rub -  I also had a bad experience calling the store with someone that had no interest in talking.  

Thanks.  I agree about the www site, and info in a couple of videos seemed to be contradictory.  But the treatment by the woman who answered the phone really rubbed me the wrong way -- she wasn't just terse, she was borderline rude.  I'm very reluctant to buy into businesses that are like that, even though the products may be superb.

danhoo

tm255 said:

SonVolt said:

I've been perfectly happy with my XL Eggspander.  I know CGS is hugely popular here but their website is very confusing, so trying figure out what's what is a nightmare. There's also differences in what's available for XL vs the L which adds to the confusion.  And there's the rub -  I also had a bad experience calling the store with someone that had no interest in talking.  

Thanks.  I agree about the www site, and info in a couple of videos seemed to be contradictory.  But the treatment by the woman who answered the phone really rubbed me the wrong way -- she wasn't just terse, she was borderline rude.  I'm very reluctant to buy into businesses that are like that, even though the products may be superb.

Seems like you can choose to never consider CGS again, or call them back ask to speak with the owner, and share your experience.

I'll bet any business owner wants feedback about their staff, both positive and negative.

YukonRon

danhoo said:

tm255 said:

SonVolt said:

I've been perfectly happy with my XL Eggspander.  I know CGS is hugely popular here but their website is very confusing, so trying figure out what's what is a nightmare. There's also differences in what's available for XL vs the L which adds to the confusion.  And there's the rub -  I also had a bad experience calling the store with someone that had no interest in talking.  

Thanks.  I agree about the www site, and info in a couple of videos seemed to be contradictory.  But the treatment by the woman who answered the phone really rubbed me the wrong way -- she wasn't just terse, she was borderline rude.  I'm very reluctant to buy into businesses that are like that, even though the products may be superb.

Seems like you can choose to never consider CGS again, or call them back ask to speak with the owner, and share your experience.

I'll bet any business owner wants feedback about their staff, both positive and negative.

That is a shame. They helped me and now I have a killer set up for my XL and my MMx. You should call and let them know.