Charcoal grate for 26.75 kettle

[itzyoboipaul]

So I recently grabbed a 26.75 from FB marketplace for $60. In very good shape except the charcoal grate is pretty rusted. The original charcoal grate is 21.75” and sells for $45 brand new

I went to Walmart and saw a porcelain coated 21” cooking grate for $7. I bought it , took and home and it fits without any problems.

Question: do you all see any issues with using this porcelain coated grate as my new charcoal grate?


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[addicted-to-smoke]

Yes, the porcelain will burn off and then it'll rust faster than the real thing would, because it's likely not as thick steel. Also, what you got lacks the lower support bars the real thing has. Heat bends metal, and that cook grate will die faster than the real thing will.

Even with the lower support bars, the Weber charcoal grate will eventually sag if coals are regularly dumped in the center of the grill. But it takes years.

And where's that porcelain paint going to go? Onto the food?

[itzyoboipaul]

I did see the lower support bar on the original weber charcoal grate.  Good point.  Maybe I’ll just try to clean it up with some white vinegar etc


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[addicted-to-smoke]

A mixture of baking soda + vinegar will give you some sizzle action to do part of the work for you, if you've got a large tub or trash can lid you can let it soak in.

The charcoal grate is a "wear item," don't obsess to much here. That being said, you might shake off the ash after each cook, and store it inside when not used.

[itzyoboipaul]

Appreciate the help.  Will definitely try cleaning it


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[demosthenes9]

You said the charcoal grate was rusted, but, has it burned through ?    If it's just rusty, it's fine, the charcoal isn't going to care.  You could knock the rust off it if you want.   If it's warmed, lay it on the ground and hammer it back into shape with a mallet.      it's a charcoal grate, not a food grate.   It's good until it won't hold charcoal anymore.

[itzyoboipaul]

my concern also was that the rust from the charcoal grate will move along, and start rusting the inside of the bowl ?  Sorry rookie question


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[demosthenes9]

my concern also was that the rust from the charcoal grate will move along, and start rusting the inside of the bowl ?  Sorry rookie question


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No problem and no need to apologize.   Sorry if  I came across as abrupt.  The inside of the bowl will be fine. 

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[itzyoboipaul]

Not abrupt at all.  Members here have always been super helpful. Thank you !


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[YardBurner]

Charcoal grate is going to start rusting
from the minute you finish your first cook
and burn off the factory coating.  (grease).

As said it's a wear item.
Rust cannot move from the grate to the bowl.

Get cooking and in ten years when you're still
using this same grate you'll know the answer.

Remember the cooking grate is SS.
Just scrub it and go.

Have a great Summer!

[itzyoboipaul]

Thanks everyone !!


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[Filibuster]

   Maybe because I'm such a cheap bastard I clean the cook grate as well as the charcoal grate, they both look brand new.

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[ZebraZoo]

   Maybe because I'm such a cheap bastard I clean the cook grate as well as the charcoal grate, they both look brand new.

What is there to clean on the charcoal grate?

In 10 years when my charcoal grate is too worn out to use I’ll get a SS one custom made.