Multi-use UDS

Mtmouse · Jun 17, 2011

For the past year I have been using my UDS as a substitute "conventional" BBQ, with limited success. The problem is the heat source is too far away from the cooking surface in order to get a good sear on the meat.

So today I decided to modify one of my UDS's so I can use it as a BBQ when needed. All I needed to do was drill four more holes 6" below my cooking grate for another set of bolts....I was going to do this anyways to add a second grate for larger smokes. I put two grates on top of one another (to limit the holes sizes as not to lose the small bits of charcoal) I'm sure one grate would have worked just fine, but I had an extra one sitting around.

Now I should be able to get a good sear on my steaks, etc....without reverting back to my gasser. I will be doing a test run tonight with some shish kabobs.

Callahan-que · Jun 17, 2011

I wonder how long those cooking grates will hold up using them as charcoal grates?

---k--- · Jun 17, 2011

I've thought about similar mods, but haven't done anything. Let us know how it goes.

harripooner · Jun 17, 2011

Brilliant!!!

woodbutcher1 · Jun 17, 2011

Hey,Mtmouse. Do a search for Grilling on a UDS. Post #7 by Southern Home Boy will give you an example of how to. I remember seeing some good ideas to do just that, cant remember where though .

BBQ PD · Jun 17, 2011

Looks like a great idea, but you might want to think of some sort of barrier between the charcoal and the sides of you drum. Those hot coals could burn and discolor the outside of the drum, I think anyway.

thillin · Jun 17, 2011

BBQ PD said:
Looks like a great idea, but you might want to think of some sort of barrier between the charcoal and the sides of you drum. Those hot coals could burn and discolor the outside of the drum, I think anyway.

my thought as well.

El Ropo · Jun 17, 2011

I'm planning on doing something similar, only the charcoal basket will be sitting on it's own grate about 10" below cooking grate. All it takes is 4 more bolts installed in the drum, and set the original basket on the lowest grate. It has a pizza pan ash catcher mounted to bottom, so no worries burning out the cooking grate.

martyleach · Jun 17, 2011

I added 3 bolts to put another cooking grate in to hold my charcoal basket just below the cooking grate. Works great. This is how I make my new UDS's. However, I can't use the 550degree engine paint. I have to use the 1100 degree stuff which costs more....

woodbutcher1 · Jun 17, 2011

martyleach said:
I added 3 bolts to put another cooking grate in to hold my charcoal basket just below the cooking grate. Works great. This is how I make my new UDS's. However, I can't use the 550degree engine paint. I have to use the 1100 degree stuff which costs more....

With all that extra $$$$$ you are making now selling the custom Weber handles now?????? JK Marty

swamprb · Jun 17, 2011

Not a very good location for the thermometer for that grilling setup.

just sayin'

Mtmouse · Jun 18, 2011

BBQ PD said:
you might want to think of some sort of barrier between the charcoal and the sides of you drum. Those hot coals could burn and discolor the outside of the drum, I think anyway.

Too late.:icon_blush:

What I have learned....besides above:

1. Use less charcoal.

2. Remove the firebox from below (with charcoal in it) or get a pizza pan to cover it so the burning coals that fall through won't light the lower coals.

Needless to say there was enough heat to make a great pizza oven or incinerator, but I think with a couple little tweaks it should suit my needs.

biglag · Jun 18, 2011

I used a stand from an outdoor burner to raise my firebasket and it was a perfect height and had perfect heat. My prob was that flame-ups were brutal cooking burgers and then sticking my hand down into the drum to flip them was HOT being that my grate is 8" below the rim surface. I'm sure steaks or anything you can use tongs on would be fine but using a spatula was brutal. But I was looking for a good excuse to buy a performer anyway so I didn't try again. Haha

Lag the lurker

LoveBBQ · Jun 18, 2011

I used a set of chains to suspend my charcoal basket in mid air about 5" below the top grate. Here is the thread: http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=108048

Multi-use UDS

Mtmouse

Well-known member

Callahan-que

Babbling Farker

---k---

is One Chatty Farker

harripooner

Knows what a fatty is.

woodbutcher1

is one Smokin' Farker

BBQ PD

is one Smokin' Farker

thillin

somebody shut me the fark up.

El Ropo

Quintessential Chatty Farker

martyleach

Quintessential Chatty Farker

woodbutcher1

is one Smokin' Farker

swamprb

somebody shut me the fark up.

Mtmouse

Well-known member

biglag

Knows what a fatty is.

LoveBBQ

Guest

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