Weber Kettle Club Forums

Grill Talk => Weber Grill Forum (Grills, Accessories) => Topic started by: addicted-to-smoke on March 27, 2015, 04:39:34 AM

Title: accessories storage
Post by: addicted-to-smoke on March 27, 2015, 04:39:34 AM
Like most of you I'm fine with "storing" (keeping) greasy grates in the kettle when frequently used. But the spares tend to ... atrophy sorta, and not "be ready." Hope that makes sense.

Extra grates, roastng racks, he roti spit etc --- anything that touches food I want to store more or less ready-to-go. For me that means inside, basically sheltered from rust formation and insects. So maybe large plastic tubs with lids ... or a second kitchen cabinet setup. (Yeah right!)

A lot of this stuff seems to benefit from hanging vertically but don't know how that would play out.

I can't see how I'd want outside or garage storage for things that take up awkward space like tongs, the remote thermometer, drip pans that you want to stay clean in case you want to make drip beans and so on.

I don't have a ton of stuff, so this shouldn't be hard. Hopefully you all will chime in with suggestions. Part of my issue seems to be my grilling area is "remote" --- down the back deck stairs, basement level, not near the kitchen. So I have stuff everywhere, outside near grills, inside near or in kitchen. I wind up walking back and forth a lot, it doesn't bother me (it would annoy most people however.)

Maybe I'll explore the basement some more. Its french doors are right there with grills and it's only one staircase away, sorta.

Anyone have a grill-friendly house to sell?
Title: Re: accessories storage
Post by: Hell Fire Grill on March 27, 2015, 05:04:30 AM
Sounds like you need a free standing storage locker with a couple shelves in it in your cooking area. Maybe one of those small, plastic, storage sheds. A table with cabinet doors on the bottom might work too.
Title: Re: accessories storage
Post by: CharliefromLI on March 27, 2015, 06:41:21 AM
I struggle with the same issue.

The in and out of the house is a pain and i try to keep my grill utensils separate from the Kitchen utensils.

I have a new performer coming this week and i am thinking i may add shelving like this:
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/_hSTvCfA3Ro/hqdefault.jpg)

Higher res: http://i.ytimg.com/vi/_hSTvCfA3Ro/maxresdefault.jpg (http://i.ytimg.com/vi/_hSTvCfA3Ro/maxresdefault.jpg)

This poster mounted the drawers to the table/cart.
I might see if i can get larger drawers as the hanging tools are a bit cluttered for my liking, but the idea is really brilliant.

Here is a video of all the mods:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hSTvCfA3Ro (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hSTvCfA3Ro)
Title: Re: accessories storage
Post by: jcnaz on March 27, 2015, 11:53:39 AM
ATS, I have a similar issue in that my  kitchen and my grilling area are not very close to each other. Storage space in my little kitchen is at a premium also.
A recent trip to Home Depot provided these solutions, and so far I am pretty happy with them.
This small box has all my grilling utensils, gloves, foil and lighter and cubes.
(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/03/27/5d2d7d8f5ba585a19110965579f59b55.jpg)

(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/03/27/f73f53ec704fd3b7021f7b2d1e004df5.jpg)

(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/03/27/8a74c450d6499fb6f3f099de2eb53280.jpg)

(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/03/27/aebcfbde06b780a375e41375906e5683.jpg)

This big box has all of my extra charcoal grates, chimneys,baskets/rails, water/drip pans, veggie baskets. You name it, it is probably in there.

(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/03/27/ecd1f304d549a3cbcf51b70c0c518fd9.jpg)
Title: Re: accessories storage
Post by: Troy on March 27, 2015, 12:20:21 PM
I use a deck box and my non-cookers to store things

my glen blue imperial holds the most valuable and delicate
Title: Re: accessories storage
Post by: addicted-to-smoke on March 27, 2015, 01:44:12 PM
Did a low investment purchase this morning to see how some random smaller things might store. Still thinking about the larger pieces.

I picked up 3 plastic "shoe boxes", http://www.target.com/p/sterilite-clear-storage-tote-transparent-with-blue-lid-6qt/-/A-13794902 for smaller stuff and a low/wide (but not long) one for misc. http://www.bellastoragesolution.com/en/products/clears-storage-totes/bella-nx-clear-locking-lid-storage/36-Quart---34-06L-Underbed-Box-Locking-Hinged-Lid---360-Swivel-Wheel-Bella-NX-Clear-Storage-with-Bella-Locks/ (mine's white, below) I specifically don't want the usual deep containers without a way to prevent smaller things getting lost.

(http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t378/dgdeckert/storage_zps1i8qfvxv.jpg)

This isn't enough nor necessarily ideal but would keep indoors and on existing shelves I can repurpose. Inside a Q3xx griddle, the regular roasting/rib rack, a decent-sized bradley rack, warming rack and 3 long tongs. If it were a couple inches wider it could store an 18.5" grate, flat.
Title: Re: accessories storage
Post by: MacEggs on March 27, 2015, 02:06:53 PM
I hang my "stuff" on peg board along with some nails and screws in my single-car garage. 
No car has been parked in it since I have owned the house.  Too much on the floor.

(http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n615/MacEggs/IMG_2222.jpg) (http://s1142.photobucket.com/user/MacEggs/media/IMG_2222.jpg.html)
Title: Re: accessories storage
Post by: 1buckie on March 27, 2015, 03:03:35 PM
There's kinda like accessories....and then there's tools & stuff.....they overlap, for sure...........

Here's my "Away Box"

(http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd520/1buckie/Cookers%202012/new%20cookers%202013/Winzs%20Meetup/West%20Coast%20Meetup/West%20Coast%20Meet%2014/WKCNorcalMeetMay2014-32.jpg)

A heating pot, paper bowls, plastic spoons, condiments & sauces, pieces of fence board for levelling klettles, cleaver (handle in back there), cutting board (this one was new for the Napa meetup), food gloves, various other odds'n'ends....not pictured is the canvas bag that rides on top against the cutting board.....that carries tongs, therms, grate lifters, certain knives & clean bar towels.....
You can spot it by the flame duct tape & the fact is says: "Video Tapes" on the end of the banker's box.......

The accessories like spare grates, the wok, the skewer ring, charc baskets & all the other goofy stuff I've collected is strewn from hell to breakfast all thru cabinets, storage vaults, in kettles, under tarps, on shelves in the carport, & throughout some minor cubbyholes the wife seems to NOT covet in the house.....

If I had a video camera, we could take a tour.....you would be scared....yes, very afraid...... :o

One thing I've noticed from boxing stuff to camp or store & then need to get to often, is that if it's in a box with different types of implements, it's always the thing on the bottom you'll need....I've tried to sort stuff into 'like' items to reduce the bad words that happen......... 8)
Title: Re: accessories storage
Post by: Sramsey on March 27, 2015, 08:38:47 PM
If I could I would use a deck box. I been looking. Saw a cube like table that had a lid to store stuff. Ended up getting a performer silver. A 10 gallon tote fits right under it. I was looking for something that would be long for the tongs, etc. I came home with one from Lowe's that I looked better, sealed better.
Title: Re: accessories storage
Post by: WNC on March 28, 2015, 06:12:29 AM
I have a similar lay out in my house, and I've dedicated part of the shelving under my work bench and some pegs on the peg board. I also try to be very mindful of what I need, and try to bring it all down in one trip (rarely happens).

My biggest problem is that I don't have sink in the basement yet, so I still have to go back upstairs when I need to wash my hands. I've been trying to get into the habit of bring down a second set of tongs to put the meat on the grill with, and then have another set for flipping and removing, but even with all that, I still always feel the need to wash my hands.

Wow, starting to sound a little OCD, but I've given myself food poisoning once. Not something you ever want to go through again!
Title: Re: accessories storage
Post by: CharliefromLI on March 28, 2015, 06:48:51 AM
@WNC here is a solution for hand washing

I've seen on a bump of camping sites:
(https://doitandhow.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/96179c686a7f0c17d16a3db5363707c4.jpg)

A recycled family size detergent bottle and a bucket can function as an outdoor sink.
Title: Re: accessories storage
Post by: WNC on March 28, 2015, 07:04:53 AM
Thanks Charlie, great idea!
Title: Re: accessories storage
Post by: Hell Fire Grill on March 28, 2015, 07:10:37 AM

 & all the other goofy stuff I've collected is strewn from hell to breakfast all thru cabinets, storage vaults, in kettles, under tarps, on shelves in the carport, & throughout some minor cubbyholes the wife seems to NOT covet in the house.....

If I had a video camera, we could take a tour.....you would be scared....yes, very afraid...... :o



Sounds like we have the same decorator.
Title: Re: accessories storage
Post by: addicted-to-smoke on March 28, 2015, 08:19:31 AM
There's a common theme to all of this storage. Here's the dichotomy:

1) Permanent
This is exemplified by your kitchen, where stuff gets cleaned but remains indefinitely ready to be used.

2) Semi permanent or portable
This is anything else. Garage, most basements, certainly anything outdoors (covered or not) and portable setups where "once it's assembled or put together" it's clean and read to use.

It's easy to see why what works for someone won't work for someone else. I need to decide what should really stay indoors but organized vs what can stay outside and "the heat" will do most of the work making it ready.

I don't travel much, so a portable setup isn't my goal, but I'm seeing some good ideas I can nevertheless apply there.
Title: Re: accessories storage
Post by: Jammato on March 28, 2015, 11:41:57 AM
I have a propensity to build carts or tables for things I need
If you saw my garage you would understand, I have 4 rolling carts set up for different task, that way I can roll them away when finished
my grilling used to be set up around a mobile stickburner till I quit trying to spend all my money traveling to events every other week. Now I am building tables to organize it.
the dutch oven table was just the beginning, I have plans to putting the metal shelves I use for storage on wheels and am designing a cart for storage/workstation next, that way I can roll it all into the smoke cave when finished and have the yard for what it was designed for, hitting golf balls and putting
Title: Re: accessories storage
Post by: order66 on March 28, 2015, 02:18:44 PM
Some good ideas for sure. I use a few sterilite containers for various items that reside in the garage until they are needed. A few items spend the "high-season" in the under-grill storage in the Summit 4-burner, but that presents seasonal challenges as most stuff winters in that garage. I like the idea of a deck box, but that doesn't solve all of my problems...Such "First-World" problems we Patrons of the pit face!!!
Title: Re: accessories storage
Post by: addicted-to-smoke on March 28, 2015, 03:10:44 PM
"Patrons of the Pit" -- I like that!
Title: Re: accessories storage
Post by: Kettle Karl on March 29, 2015, 07:31:55 AM
I have all my charcoal accessories including Weber Pizza Overn, Corn n Tater Ring, Mangal Grill, Stainless Wok, rib racks, gourmet gratge, Vortex and a ton of other things in one large deck box. No water or dust gets in this thing and nothing has showed any signs of rust. It doesn't snow here in SoCal, so I can get away with leaving it on my patio.
(http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg620/rjhansens/IMG_2450_zpshblyoqsd.jpg)
Title: Re: accessories storage
Post by: addicted-to-smoke on March 29, 2015, 08:03:08 AM
Thanks @Kettle Karl , that seems substantial. I see a lift strut and decent hinge so I'm guessing that's no $10 cheapie. I'd consider outdoor storage if I knew it would keep out rain and (hopefully) insects.
Title: Re: accessories storage
Post by: CharliefromLI on March 29, 2015, 09:09:25 AM
Such "First-World" problems we Patrons of the pit face!!!

I do have to remind myself every time a face a bbq related issue.
Title: Re: accessories storage
Post by: Troy on March 29, 2015, 09:22:14 AM



My biggest problem is that I don't have sink in the basement yet, so I still have to go back upstairs when I need to wash my hands. I've been trying to get into the habit of bring down a second set of tongs to put the meat on the grill with, and then have another set for flipping and removing, but even with all that, I still always feel the need to wash my hands.

Wow, starting to sound a little OCD, but I've given myself food poisoning once. Not something you ever want to go through again!

Disposable latex gloves help!
Put a pair (or even two) on to rub/season the meat.  Use your gloved hands to put the meat on the grill. Peel off the gloves when you need clean hands.

I too used to grill very far away from the kitchen :)
Title: Re: accessories storage
Post by: Hofy on March 29, 2015, 09:36:39 AM
I am in the process of designing a cart to hold all my grilling gear.  The plan is to have it hook onto any Weber bowl handle like some of the tables I have seen here.  Basically it turns any Weber Kettle into a Performer, but with more storage.
Title: Re: accessories storage
Post by: addicted-to-smoke on April 10, 2015, 03:53:26 AM
So I made a purchase ... HD currently has an in-store "special buy" 63-gal. deck box for $40 (it's not on their site, but is like this: https://www.suncast.com/patio-yard/deck-boxes/db6300.html?.)

It's by Suncast, but a "sub brand" of theirs. Very lightweight and so no, you can't sit on it. Has a hinged lid and wheels on one end. You can lock it, but the lock would only work if a thief forgot a screwdriver or box cutter ... the plastic seems that thin.

But for $40 I ain't complaining! It snaps together and there appear to be no major gaps. Raining today, so I'll know more about that later.

Here's a test-fit inside, for example it can hold the rotisserie ring on its end.

(http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t378/dgdeckert/storage2_zpsdjfpzgzj.jpg)

(http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t378/dgdeckert/storage1_zpsgdcgdajo.jpg)

I also re-arranged stuff on the deck (maybe kinda like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic ...) and this Spring will clear out some nearby, indoor storage too.
Title: Re: accessories storage
Post by: jcnaz on April 10, 2015, 04:41:38 AM
Good plan.  Sometimes thinking "in the box" is the best way! [emoji6]
Title: Re: accessories storage
Post by: Randy S on April 10, 2015, 07:44:00 AM
I've got a deck box very similar to the one addicted_to_smoke posted on the patio near the smoker. It works great and has been out there year round (it *does* snow here). No problems yet - bags of charcoal are dry, Smokey Joe is clean/rust free, etc.

Title: Re: accessories storage
Post by: Grizz on May 24, 2015, 05:30:13 AM
That's just what I've been looking for!  And the pic with the roti ring inside seals the deal!  Thanks for posting this!
Title: Re: accessories storage
Post by: DTrainMike on May 24, 2015, 06:43:48 AM

I have a propensity to build carts or tables for things I need
If you saw my garage you would understand, I have 4 rolling carts set up for different task, that way I can roll them away when finished
my grilling used to be set up around a mobile stickburner till I quit trying to spend all my money traveling to events every other week. Now I am building tables to organize it.
the dutch oven table was just the beginning, I have plans to putting the metal shelves I use for storage on wheels and am designing a cart for storage/workstation next, that way I can roll it all into the smoke cave when finished and have the yard for what it was designed for, hitting golf balls and putting

Ditto..... Purpose built solutions


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