CI grates with adjustable rigs?

mdozier · February 2019

Been quite a while since I posted, happy to be back. I've researched everything I can here about Tom's AR. I'm ordering something but haven't quite decided as yet. I've got 2 large BGE's both with plate setters. I keep a CI grate in one and stainless in the second.

Seems I read somewhere that you shouldn't use a CI grate with the AR? Not sure why - top heavy or something? I have been leaning towards the AR instead of the woo setup to go in one of the eggs for added adjustability. I haven't had much experience cooking above the felt line but based on research it seem like something well worth a try.

Any advice about pairing the CI grate with any of Tom's rigs?

Any input is much appreciated.
Thanks,
Matt in Nashville

gte1 · February 2019

I have the AR and it is great, not sure about the CI thing though. Cooking direct raised is the best part about it. Direct cooking is very difficult in my opinion at the level that the grate sits in the BGE. Cooking raised direct is perfect with the AR. Try tip, steaks, chicken, pork chops, pretty much everything is much easier at that level and you are so close to the dome that the heat coming from the dome seems very close to the heat from the lump so food cooks very evenly from both sides.

George

mEGG_My_Day · February 2019

I’d call Tom at CGS. You might even consider two setups. An AR for the BGE with the stainless and a Pswoo for the cast iron BGE. Maybe put an extender and additional grid on top of the CI grid. You have a lot of options with the two eggs. Best of luck and please let us know where you land.

Edit - just checked CGS website and they do not recommend cast iron grid with the pswoo.

mdozier · February 2019

Thanks to both of you. Not sure what the deal is with a cast iron grate. Will give Tom a call for advice. Maybe something in each egg is a great idea.
Looking forward to taking my eggsperience to new heights. (Pun intended)
thanks again

mEGG_My_Day · February 2019

mdozier said:

Thanks to both of you. Not sure what the deal is with a cast iron grate. Will give Tom a call for advice. Maybe something in each egg is a great idea.
Looking forward to taking my eggsperience to new heights. (Pun intended)
thanks again

I’m sure Tom can guide you in the right direction. In the mean time, from the CGS website -

Note on Cast Iron Grids

Unless you absolute love grilling on cast iron, we recommend shying away from using cast iron atop any raised grid configuration. Cast iron needs heat to do its thing - create grill marks. By raising the CI grid, we are, in affect, moving it away from the heat it needs to do its thing. The higher we place it, the less effective it becomes. The only way to counter-balance height is to run the EGG hotter. Why run hotter, when it's easier to drop the CI grid closer to the fire! Also note, when paired together, the CI grid & ConvEGGtor weigh approximately 21 lbs. Add 10 to 20 pounds of butts or brisket and it becomes a very heavy set-up to lift on any rack system.

CI grates with adjustable rigs?

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Note on Cast Iron Grids

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