Welcome to the EGGhead Forum - a great place to visit and packed with tips and EGGspert advice! You can also join the conversation and get more information and amazing kamado recipes by following Big Green Egg to Experience our World of Flavor™ at:
Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Pinterest  |  Youtube  |  Vimeo
Share your photos by tagging us and using the hashtag #BigGreenEgg.

Want to see how the EGG is made? Click to Watch

Raised Grate Size Question?

YYZegger
YYZegger Posts: 231
in EggHead Forum
I have a LBGE and purchased a BGE raised grate extender the kinda sucks really.  It cant support its weight when you put anything on it.  I would like to like to get an WOO, but shipping to Canada also sucks!  So I am going to make an extended grate like so many of you have made so far, my question is what size of grate do you use with what height of bolts?  I would like to max the size of grate as much as possible.  The Large is a 18 1/4" grate, so I am guessing the top grate is around a 14"?  Please let me know what works best.  Thanks
Pictured below is the BGE extender that really sucks in my opinion.
Toronto, Canada  LBGE
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Sardonicus
    Sardonicus Posts: 1,700
    edited August 2015
    The raised "D" grid that comes with the Woo extender is 16".
    That's probably the largest advisable size for a 4" elevation above gasket level.

    "Too bad all the people who know how to run the country are busy driving cabs and barbecuing."      - George Burns

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • smbishop
    smbishop Posts: 3,061
    The woo ring is 4 inches and raises the grid just above the felt line.  The woo extender raises it almost another 4 inches with a 16 in grate.  If you have a spider, you can invert it, put your grate on it, and you have a grate just below the felt line.  :)
    Southlake, TX and Cowhouse Creek - King, TX.  2 Large, 1 Small and a lot of Eggcessories.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • YYZegger
    YYZegger Posts: 231
    Thanks Guys!
    Toronto, Canada  LBGE
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MeTed
    MeTed Posts: 800
    I have that very same extender and it works great for me. I just put two spatched chickens on it yesterday with veggies in a pan under it. But if you don`t have the legs extended as far as they will go it will be a bit saggy.
    Belleville, Michigan

    Just burnin lump in Sumpter
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • YYZegger
    YYZegger Posts: 231
    MeTed said:
    I have that very same extender and it works great for me. I just put two spatched chickens on it yesterday with veggies in a pan under it. But if you don`t have the legs extended as far as they will go it will be a bit saggy.
    Its sagging alot for me, It is pushing down so much I cant access anything underneath it unless I flip up one of the sides, I'm sure i can brace it somehow with wire, but I think I will just build a nice solid one that I can rely on.
    Toronto, Canada  LBGE
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MeTed
    MeTed Posts: 800
    Are you sure you have the legs extended far enough to hook onto the last wire on the bottom grate? If it still sags I guess they make them cheaper tan they used to. Good luck!
    Belleville, Michigan

    Just burnin lump in Sumpter
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Langner91
    Langner91 Posts: 2,120

    I have the same extended grate.  I removed the legs that came with it and stuck 5" bolts through the holes that are already there. 

    If I have my main grid at the felt line, the 5" bolts are too long, so I run the nuts down about an inch when I am cooking that way.

    I hope that makes sense.  Basically, if you can get your regular grid to the felt line, buy 4" bolts.  If your regular grid is on the fire ring or plate setter, you can tolerate 5" bolts.

    Be careful with the positioning of the meat on top, you can easily skewer it with the dome thermo.

    Clinton, Iowa
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • YYZegger
    YYZegger Posts: 231
    MeTed said:
    Are you sure you have the legs extended far enough to hook onto the last wire on the bottom grate? If it still sags I guess they make them cheaper tan they used to. Good luck!
    Definitely extended all the way, I have tried a few variations also just to make sure I am using it correctly.  I bought it this year, so it might be made differently than yours?  But the metal is pretty flimsy, especially the legs of the unit. Not worth the money for me at least.
    Toronto, Canada  LBGE
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • YYZegger
    YYZegger Posts: 231
    Langner91 said:

    I have the same extended grate.  I removed the legs that came with it and stuck 5" bolts through the holes that are already there. 

    If I have my main grid at the felt line, the 5" bolts are too long, so I run the nuts down about an inch when I am cooking that way.

    I hope that makes sense.  Basically, if you can get your regular grid to the felt line, buy 4" bolts.  If your regular grid is on the fire ring or plate setter, you can tolerate 5" bolts.

    Be careful with the positioning of the meat on top, you can easily skewer it with the dome thermo.

    Thanks, might give that a try first.
    Toronto, Canada  LBGE
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MeTed
    MeTed Posts: 800
    Well my friend you are probably better off doing what Langner91 said, but be sure to use stainless steel nuts bolts and washers. Sorry you wasted money on something that did not work, but if your like most people on this forum it won`t be your last. :)
    Belleville, Michigan

    Just burnin lump in Sumpter
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Mickey
    Mickey Posts: 19,768
    Call Tom and get the adjustable rig. You will forget all about the shipping cost in a month. 
    Salado TX & 30A  FL: Egg Family: 3 Large and a very well used Mini, added a Mini Max when they came out (I'm good for now). Just given a Mini to add to the herd. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories