cooking grate vs jerky tray

[steves8860]

I have room in my electric smoker for another grate. As I looked I found I could get the same size as a jerky tray. I have to buy 3 cooking grates but can by 2 jerky trays for less.

Is a jerky tray as durable as a cooking grate?

 

[Steve H]

Jerky trays are usually not as beefy as regular grates. They have a finer, closer weave for thin strips of meat. They don't need to have a larger wire because they are serving a different function. So, no. They are not as durable as regular grates.

 

[Lonzinomaker]

I have switched to hanging my jerky strips from a skewer instead of using trays. I get more even and quicker drying. In my Smokin-It #3, it used to take 4 racks for 5# of meat, using skewers, I can get almost 7# on 1 rack by hanging

 

[forktender]

I have switched to hanging my jerky strips from a skewer instead of using trays. I get more even and quicker drying. In my Smokin-It #3, it used to take 4 racks for 5# of meat, using skewers, I can get almost 7# on 1 rack by hanging

That is sweet, you have way more patients than I do.