Modifications for Weber Kettles ( Smoochys Grill)

[LostArrow]

One of the few disadvantages of the weber kettle is the wire grates, hard to cook small items or seafood or veggies without things falling through.
I love thick cast iron grates, I cook lots of veggies, shrimp ,fish & just makes it easier.
Two options a Charbroil cast iron grate fits either a 18 or 22 in kettle. If on 22 the inner ring can be removed while the FIRESTARTER is working. I've used the center 18 in on another project, fairly heavy , works well inexpensive $30
If Smoochy is planning on keeping the kettle for a while this option is great but pricy , the craycraft grill system is very heavy duty but over $100 with shipping.
http://www.amazon.com/Seasoned-Cooking-Surface-Modular-Grills/dp/B004BRNUIC

[LostArrow]

Charcoal fence, or baskets .
Porceloin coated steel is very heat & corrosion resistant, but hot coals in contact with the walls can cause micocracks leading to rust through.
When indirect cooking a basket or fence just to keep the coals from direct contact will extend the life of the cooker.
Two options weber makes charcoal baskets for kettles ,well made & inexpensive,but for smokes don't hold a lot of fuel.
I made a charcoal fence for a friend from light expanded metal ( like at HD or Lowes)
Cut a 4 in high segment from 24 in sheet, attach the ends with bailing wire , & shape into half circle to fit on kettle charcoal grate.
The light stuff cuts with tin snips & is fairly easy to shape, for a fence the heavier guage isn't needed & besides its much harder to work with.

[smokeasaurus]

My neighbor has a brand new Cast Iron 22.5 cooking grate with -4- removable sections...pretty cool. She can't remember the name of the company though. I have a round fire ring that the coals sit in so they don't touch the bottom of the kettle sides.
I could always get a SS fire ring from Cajun Bandit.

I got the hairy eyeball when the SS door came but it I was able to explain that was how we got the Smoochy Mountain so cheap. The patio gets inspected now on a regular basis...old smoke is on a short leash!!

Gonna try to stay away from the mods if I can..........   of course, I might not try to hard 

[LostArrow]

My neighbor has a brand new Cast Iron 22.5 cooking grate with -4- removable sections...pretty cool. She can't remember the name of the company though. I have a round fire ring that the coals sit in so they don't touch the bottom of the kettle sides.
I could always get a SS fire ring from Cajun Bandit.

I got the hairy eyeball when the SS door came but it I was able to explain that was how we got the Smoochy Mountain so cheap. The patio gets inspected now on a regular basis...old smoke is on a short leash!!

Gonna try to stay away from the mods if I can..........   of course, I might not try to hard 

Smoke the amazon link is to the craycraft grates

[smokeasaurus]

Those are what she has!! She even has a little chicken holder that fits where one of the grates goes for beer butt chickens.......

[muebe]

Did someone say mods?

http://www.americansundancer.com/

[smokeasaurus]

How much Kingsford will the hopper hold?? 

[LostArrow]

Don't do it Smoke, you & Smoochy will be sleeping outside in the frog pond!

[smokeasaurus]

Don't worry LA...i can't....I mean...i won't 

[TwoPockets]

One of the few disadvantages of the weber kettle is the wire grates, hard to cook small items or seafood or veggies without things falling through.
I love thick cast iron grates, I cook lots of veggies, shrimp ,fish & just makes it easier.
Two options a Charbroil cast iron grate fits either a 18 or 22 in kettle. If on 22 the inner ring can be removed while the FIRESTARTER is working. I've used the center 18 in on another project, fairly heavy , works well inexpensive $30
If Smoochy is planning on keeping the kettle for a while this option is great but pricy , the craycraft grill system is very heavy duty but over $100 with shipping.
http://www.amazon.com/Seasoned-Cooking-Surface-Modular-Grills/dp/B004BRNUIC

LA, here are the ones that will fit the 18 or 22 at Academy.

http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_10051_507255_-1?N=578846090

[Merrick Bill]

I have the craycort cast iron grate for my 22" Weber.  I really like it.

Bill