My cheap grates were falling apart, so I used mine as replacement grates. One advantage of replacement is they wiggle less and have less chance of coming apart when scrubbing, moving meats, etc. so I liked that aspect of the replacement side. Mine came with 17"x26" I believe, so would be four 6" pieces and one 2" piece or so. I used to leave the small section out which left the last of 5 burners uncovered, and I would install my pellet smoke tube or my wood chip box on top of the last burner for easy access to add smoke.
I now have other cookers and do not use my gasser anymore, and also take them to friends and families houses to cook, so now I just set on top when cooking, then wash and store in container bin with other grilling items when not in use.