18" mini charcoal baskets

[Cellar2ful]

I don't like to bank charcoal as it has resulted in crazing on Robigus (my old WW MBH 18").  I've tried using a single charcoal basket but it seems I don't get the same even high heat as when I use two baskets placed on each side.  For me, I have much better high, even heat with charcoal baskets placed on both sides when cooking indirect.  Problem with using two standard charcoal baskets is it leaves a very narrow cooking area in the middle.




Very easy mod, requiring only tin snips, a screw driver, a drill & bit and a handful of sheet metal screws.  I separated the basket into two pieces and cut both the back L shaped piece and the curved front piece in half. 



I didn't have to remove anything from the back piece, just pushed them together, overlapping them.  Drilled some holes and screwed them together using sheet metal screws.  Self tapping ones work best but I used what I had available. The front piece I did cut off approx 1" from the inside of both pieces to have the overlap fit.



Although 1 1/2" gain doesn't sound like a lot, it really is on an 18" kettle



I have so many of these charcoal baskets sitting around, I'll probably make another set for my Outrider. 

[1spacemanspiff]

Excellent ideal!

[JEBIV]

Love it, I believe I will put that idea in my basket of tricks

[JPotter]

Grate info Thanks!

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[KPDesjardins]

Looks great to me

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[Firemunkee]

Excellent!

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[jdorn]

Holy crap that's cool. Wish I had those skills.

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[inkaddictedchef1]

... thanks for sharing Jim

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[Mike in Roseville]

So let me get this straight: You modified charcoal baskets for your heavy patina kettle because it was showing signs of producing more patina on the bowl?

As I always say: "Invention is the son of necessity."

Seriously though...nice job, Jim. That's a really cool mod. Thanks for sharing.

If a large charcoal basket is called a "Marty basket," do we call these "Jim baskets?"


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[PotsieWeber]

Sometimes "more" patina is just plain damage.

[RobinS]

Nice mod Jim. Might need to do this myself for when I cook on my lime