DIY second grate

[MikeRocksTheRed]

Mike, I've never used a stacker grate in my kettle. How evenly did your ribs cook?


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I didn't notice any difference and I didn't rotate the racks at all.  2 hours smoked, 2 hours cooked wrapped in foil, then sauced over high heat.  Have never had bad ribs that way.

[MikeRocksTheRed]

@kettlecook -  As you can see in the pics of my thermometer in this post, I was getting the same temps at the cooking grate and on a probe I stuck through the top vent.  I think I monitored that for a good portion of the cook since I never put a probe in my ribs.  I think even a difference of 5-10 degrees wouldn't have made a big difference.

[kettlecook]

@kettlecook -  As you can see in the pics of my thermometer in this post, I was getting the same temps at the cooking grate and on a probe I stuck through the top vent.  I think I monitored that for a good portion of the cook since I never put a probe in my ribs.  I think even a difference of 5-10 degrees wouldn't have made a big difference.

I figured they came out good from your temps, and am not surprised at all.  I've used a stacker grate in the top of my big WSM before, and an extra middle grate. Works great as long as the pan is in place. I'm gonna have to start using a stacker in my big kettle, though, for sure. Thanks!


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[firedude5015]

Mike,
A welder could tack a washer to the bottom of those wingnuts no problem.
Most shops can weld stainless. That would make your idea perfect IMO

[captjoe06]

Love the explanations and pics.  Thanks for taking the time to post.

[MikeRocksTheRed]

Mike,
A welder could tack a washer to the bottom of those wingnuts no problem.
Most shops can weld stainless. That would make your idea perfect IMO

I really haven't had issues with making sure the wingnuts are perpendicular to the grate bars, but that is a great idea.  If I start having issues with my legs slipping through the grates I'll definintely do this.

[MacEggs]

I like my second grate, both for the 22" and 18" kettle.  Makes a great bun warmer.
No need for SS as the steel gets coated in smoke and such.

[Big Dawg]

I have a similar setup for my 26er, using a rack from 22.5 WSM.  I've got double washers and a bolt at the top and one washer and two bolts at the bottom.  I considered welding the bottom in place but decided that there might be a time when I wanted to change the height.

Here it is on a recent recent rib cook:









BD