Hand made grates for smoker

G

GBPB

Guest
I am in the process of building a smoker that will have about a 2' x 4' grill area. I was wandering what some of you guys have used for grates on your home made grills/smokers. I was really wanting to do something different than expanded metal. Any suggestions?

Thanks
 
If you can weld you could come up with just about anything. I layed out a grid using angle iron and 1/4" thin wall tubbing that was about that size for an off set. Ended up costing me alot more time and money than expanded metal would have.
 
NCsmoker said:
If you can weld you could come up with just about anything. I layed out a grid using angle iron and 1/4" thin wall tubbing that was about that size for an off set. Ended up costing me alot more time and money than expanded metal would have.
Click to expand...

never mind then. i guess EX metal aint the way to go, but then again, i got mine dirt cheap.
 
100_6999-1.jpg
 
I would look at the idea of welding up some heavy steel bar stock into grates. I like the idea of carbon steel grates. I have seen a lot of rebar and smooth bar grates and they work great. Not pretty perhaps, but, it holds heat, easily welds up, does not corrode once seasoned and is strong.
 
I have made stainless grates that look like grates on a Weber and others. What I did is use some MDF the size of the grate then used some MDF 1/2 spacers to put between the ss rods the grate was being made of. Once it was all laid out. I welded the bar together. Just takes a spot at the junction of the two.
 
What do they call that "cat-walk" lookin metal?

I've never used it, but I have seen it used. Me...I'd probably salvage some freebie grates from old gas grills :p.

heavy-duty-grating.jpg
 
you could draw out a fancy logo and have it waterjeted at a local shop? but that could be pricy
 
The reason a lot of us like expanded metal is because it is light weight but durable. And as mentioned above FAST. If you like fabricating and welding, you could go with a small diameter round rod. I would still recomend a frame or some type of reinforcement.
 
GBPB said:
I am in the process of building a smoker that will have about a 2' x 4' grill area. I was wandering what some of you guys have used for grates on your home made grills/smokers. I was really wanting to do something different than expanded metal. Any suggestions?

Thanks
Click to expand...


At Home Depot and Lowes, they carry a number of different replacement grates for grills. Unless you're absolutely stuck on making your own, I'd get one of those and adapt it. They're made for grilling, and the heat transfer from other metals might not give you the same results with cooking or the cleanup afterward. AND... building the grill might be enough on your plate already, eh?
 
TN_BBQ said:
What do they call that "cat-walk" lookin metal?

I've never used it, but I have seen it used. Me...I'd probably salvage some freebie grates from old gas grills :p.

heavy-duty-grating.jpg
Click to expand...

bar grate
 
Used stainless expanded metal on mine. Works real well. If i did it over, i would go without stainless. a good seasoning will most likely keep it from rusting.
 
My dad made a grate out of small round rod. He spent a lot of time on it and even though it was only about 18"x36" he had about $45 in steel on it. Definitely not worth the time or money going that route, as we can get 4x8 sheets of expanded metal for $35.
 
I got lucky, in my opinion anyway, and got some sections of woven metal conveyer belt. It has a nice tight weave smooth surface and remains tight/rigid when welded to a metal frame. Got it from a scrap yard.
 
Thanks for the input guys. I will send pictures when I get it done.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

T
Buying a new smoker/grill. Which one?
Replies
1
Views
666
bschoen
B
J
LSG Santa Maria - Stainless or Carbon Steel Grates
Replies
17
Views
1K
jbounds286
J
J
Electric smoker dying
Replies
16
Views
618
JIMSMOKES
J
P
Expanded metal rack flipped?
Replies
5
Views
388
charcoalwilly
charcoalwilly
cayenne
Can someone coach me on Carolina style vinegar/mustard bbq sauces?
2
Replies
24
Views
2K
cayenne
cayenne
Back
Top