I like grilling with lump instead of briquettes. But the stock charcoal grate in the Weber Kettle has some big openings that allows smaller pieces of lump to escape, which is a waste. So, I found some 13g 1/2" expanded metal at the local hardware store and I got to work!
First I cut some pieces to fit 'inside' the stock grate. Pretty straight forward. The center piece is actually two pieces, I was trying to use every little bit I could to minimize scrap. Tie the pieces to the stock grate with some bicycle spoke scraps (I build bicycle wheels for a living).
Next I made myself a charcoal basket - it'll make building a two-zone fire super easy, great way for intense heat for searing, and clean up and re-using lump is easy-peasy. Will use it the first time tonight. I wished I had made it a little smaller across the straight side but longer the other direction. Ideally you'd flare the top out to match the curve of the kettle, but, this'll work. I'll flip the grate for better air flow through the bottom.
Up next: a taller charcoal ring for my WSM.
First I cut some pieces to fit 'inside' the stock grate. Pretty straight forward. The center piece is actually two pieces, I was trying to use every little bit I could to minimize scrap. Tie the pieces to the stock grate with some bicycle spoke scraps (I build bicycle wheels for a living).
Next I made myself a charcoal basket - it'll make building a two-zone fire super easy, great way for intense heat for searing, and clean up and re-using lump is easy-peasy. Will use it the first time tonight. I wished I had made it a little smaller across the straight side but longer the other direction. Ideally you'd flare the top out to match the curve of the kettle, but, this'll work. I'll flip the grate for better air flow through the bottom.
Up next: a taller charcoal ring for my WSM.