Optimum Height for SS grate as a makeshift rig recommendation

Greygoose · October 2011

While sitting around drinking and waiting for my 9lb butt to finish, the liquor must have taken a strange path and i got the idea to use my stainless steel grate as a "rigged somewhat adjustable" rig. I saw a couple of forum members doing something similar and thought i'd give it try. I'd like to know the optimum height the secondary grate should be off the main grate to be best used with plate setter in and out. The problem here is that the stainless steel grate is an 18 incher (vs. a 15).

as you can see in my photo, with the plate setter in place, I run out of room real quick. the height you see was actually set up for a direct cook and fit pretty well. Lid closed just fine. Can someone whos been through this already tell me the optimum height from the primary grate this secondary grate should be for proper fit with and without the plate setter? i want to set this at one height and just be done. biggest item that will be put on the primary grate will be a pork shoulder of about 9lbs. The rest is usually grilled thin meats (burgers, steaks, pork loins, etc), and spatchcocked birds. just looking for enough room to put another spatchcocked bird up there or a vegetable tray.

Appreciate the help

GreyGoose

ribmaster · October 2011

I would get 6" bolts. Use three bolts to avoid wobble.

Grillin_n_Chillin · October 2011

Grillin_n_Chillin · October 2011

Wouldn't that setup be easier???

http://ceramicgrillworks.com/products-page/product-category/

Greygoose · October 2011

That would be alot easier but its something i just wont be needing very often. i also like the idea of being able to put both of my current grates to good use.

I would get 6" bolts. Use three bolts to avoid wobble.

So it sounds like your suggesting a 5in gap between the primary and the secondary grate.

thanx

Greygoose

lousubcap · October 2011

Looking at your pic and commentary, you appear to want a fixed height raised grid that will work with the platesetter in place i.e. up in the dome. I haven't done any measurements but if the upper grid is 18" in diameter then you don't have much vertical clearance before hitting the dome. If using a smaller upper grid is not an option then I would figure out the minimum height I would need to fit the pork on the lower grid and place it there. Then test fit and it it works, fine, if not then you may need to go with a smaller grid.

Ramblings on a cold Friday-

jmbduke20 · October 2011

I picked one of these up at Lowe's the other day for $10 and it has been working fantastic. I know it's not ideal but the 16.5 inch diameter allows you to go a little higher in the dome and for $10 bucks I can't complain. I also use the 4 6inch bolt set up.

http://www.amazon.com/Weber-72801-Replacement-Charcoal-Grates/dp/B00004RALN

Optimum Height for SS grate as a makeshift rig recommendation

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