timberjet
Master of the Pit
I think you just need to cook a bunch of meat in there. I bet that metalic smell came off the new grill grates. they may have had a light oil coating on them from the factory or maybe the expanded metal. That basket is not galvanized is it? I bet it will be gone the first time you cook. I usually christen all my BBQ stuff with liberal sprinkling of my favorite rub right down into the charcoal. Don't know where I got that from but it is part of my ritual. I think I might have to come up with A lid like that for the next one I do. Happy smokin' and Happy Holidays!