Another Basket Case - Introducing the GGB "Gourmet Grate Basket"

[56MPG]

Messing with a leftover WSM charcoal ring after a CB upgrade, and a couple charcoal grates from a Smokey Joe, I came up with a better basket to use with the Gourmet Grate. My first version was just the ring cut down to the size of the hole in the GG, but this one is better. Now when I lift the ring out after a cook the spent coals come with it, and I can sift it out to capture the usable coals for next time.

I simply squeezed the ring around a pair of SJ charcoal grates, used one bolt to hold the ring together and used a hose clamp to hold the grates in. (because that's what I had on hand. I really need two, but I had another idea I wanted to try first. See my edit below for the latest.)


Fits just right in the hole, and can be lifted in and out easily.


FYI, two standard baskets hold a decent amount of charcoal:


But I can fit all that, plus another full basket in the GGB:


It's not necessary, but doubling up the grates helps when you use lump, or want to extend the cook without all the small stuff falling through the grate too early:


And yes, the CI insert fits like it should. Imagine the searing heat you could generate with this combo!

[mhiszem]

That's awesome! I still need to make the other version. It's grate to see the comparison of how much charcoal it holds as well. Thanks!


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[MikeRocksTheRed]

That is very cool!

[brewtownbeatdown]

Grate idea


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[56MPG]

Dug a little deeper and came up with a few SS L-brackets that work much better, and allow the grates to drop in easily. Now I can use one or two grates depending on the mood. Screw-heads on the inside actually lock in the grate nicely, but flex enough to let it pop out.

[Troy]

awesome

i think i have an extra cajun bandit charcoal ring, and those have little charcoal grate hanging notches too
Maybe I can just cut it down to the smokey joe size and TADA

[56MPG]

The CB ring is 1/2" taller than the original Weber ring, (which just barely fits under the grate inserts) so unless you cut it down it would not work for that type of cook, but would still be fine for offset cooks like wings etc. I suppose you could just rest the CI grate on top of the ring. Nothing wrong with that unless you're fussy about things fitting like they came from the factory.

[MacEggs]

Nice work, Marty!

I made one nearly identical in size a couple years back.  Works amazing!

http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/grilling-bbqing/a-couple-trials-using-homemade-charcoal-baskets/

[56MPG]

I remember that one @MacEggs . Very nice, and looks like it will last a lifetime. More than one way to skin a cat!

[Big Dawg]

Great job, @56MPG ! ! !

(Now, if only Weber would make a Gourmet Grate for the 26er ! ! ! )





BD

[pyrade]

Great idea!  I was looking for something like that to hold charcoal when using my wok.






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[iCARRY]

I still need to make one of these with my old 22 WSM ring.


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[kemmons]

Absolutely awesome.  I've been using the stock size in my 22 for the skillet and other high heat cooks.  I'm gonna have to make one like yours though that's bad ass. 


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[MrHoss]

Great grate Marty. I have used the charcoal ring from the 22 to protect the walls of a MBH whilst burning a snake.