Missing Fire Box - viable alternatives?

Dean · September 2010

I just acquired a medium BGE but unfortunately it is missing the fire box (holder and grate) It looks like the last owner was just putting the coals on the bottom - sub-optimal but may have been getting the job done? I'm wondering do I just use it like that, buy expensive replacment parts, or try to rig something that will allow some venting (such as a wire mesh basket?)
Welcome suggestions.
Thanks

Dan in StL · September 2010

I would never use mine without a firebox - especially on a high temp cook. Just my opinion...

PattyO · September 2010

How about a sewer cover to replace that bottom grate. Lots of holes in them and various sizes.
PattyO

Buxwheat · September 2010

You are probably missing the fire ring, too. Since you "aquired" your egg, I'm guessing you didn't put much money (if any) into it. Go ahead and buy the fire box, fire ring, CI grate for the bottom of the fire box, and any other parts you are missing. Total cost still less than a new egg and it's going to last you a life time. Enjoy.

Capt Frank · September 2010

It won't cook worth a darn with the parts you are missing, which probably explains why you were able to get it cheap. Buy the missing parts

Capt Frank
Homosassa, FL

Dreggs · September 2010

Won't the city object?

cookingdude555 · September 2010

My used medium was just a shell, like yours. I bought a new firebox and ring from a local dealer, seems like it was a little over $200 for both. You can make a fire grate out of expanded metal. I did this for my other eggs for performance reasons. Works great.