Ideas on raising the charcoal grate on Weber 22?

[Chasdev]

I want to cook closer to the hot coals in my Weber 22 and have been brainstorming (mild breeze really) ideas on how to do it.
Anyone know of a quick fix?
I can elevate the fire grate on some firebricks but that leaves an opening all the way around that reduces the diameter of the fire and would allow charcoal to possibly fall down around the perimeter.
A custom made fire grate would be ideal but I would have to have it made and I figure that's too spendy.
My internet search comes up empty buying ready made wise.

 

[JIMSMOKES]

Would a 18" grate raise it enough?

 

[SmokinEdge]

Unless you want to run a grate full of meat on screaming hot coals, the vortex gives the best of both worlds. Direct grill/sear over the vortex and then indirect on the sides. You can sear a plate full of meat pretty quickly.

 

[BigW.]

x2 Vortex for the win. You could also use your fire brick idea and get another 18" grate and put above the fire grate. Buying a smokey joe or hibachi type grill is an option. But a vortex is the easiest and everyone should own one anyway.

 

[Astralogics]

Yep, the Vortex should pretty much be a no-brainer purchase. The food it puts out is just too good, you'll never want to go back.

 

[JckDanls 07]

If you can... Take a measurement across the kettle where you would like the fire grate to sit... then start searching for grate of that diameter... Thinking the food grate for the 18" weber might be pretty close... Depends on how far away from the food grate you want it...

 

[Astralogics]

Alternatively, you could try making one with expanded metal to your desired dimensions.

 

[texomakid]

Charcoal baskets. I use 2 in mine

 

[Chasdev]

I’ve tried the cook grate from my 18 Weber and it’s a no go.
I want as large a diameter as I can get as close to the cook grate as possible say no more than 4 inches below it.
I really want an Oklahoma Joe “Judge” type set up and if I had the money laying about that’s what I would buy.
I’m looking to rapidly sear fajitas right on top of the coals.
I’m seriously thinking of placing the meat right on the coals like LBJ used to cook steaks.
Alton Brown did a show where he lit a cooker full of lump and as soon as it all turns white he uses a hair dryer to blow off the ash and then just dropped the fajitas on top of the burning lumps.

 

[dsk]

What diameter are you looking for?

 

[Chasdev]

Something under 22 but larger than 18 so perhaps 20?

 

[Fueling Around]

Use baling wire to elevate the grate.

 

[dsk]

https://www.lowes.com/pd/VESSILS-20-in-x-20-in-Round-Stainless-Steel-Cooking-Grate/5013529463

 

[dsk]

I don't know why the link does not load, but Lowe's has one.

Edit: finally loaded, see above

 

[Chasdev]

I was going to Lowe’s tomorrow anyway so I’ll check it out, thanks!

 

[Chasdev]

Turns out the 20 is too small diameter and results in one inch closer to the cook grate compared to original fire grate position.
I think I solved it and for $.00 dollars.
Broken up fire brick chunks on top of my defunct old cook grate (now fire grate) with my new cook grate on the fire brick pieces.
Looks very promising AND the wife is pleased I didn't spend more money!

 

[mdboatbum]

Take your lower grate and put it on top of the charcoal ring, then put your charcoal on that.


Raises it up about 7-8 inches and doesn't cost anything. And with the middle section on, not really enough of a gap for much to fall through. Sorry for the deplorable state of my WSM, but it's not quite spring here and I haven't been motivated to scrub her down.

 

[Fueling Around]

I’ve tried the cook grate from my 18 Weber and it’s a no go.
...

I missed this on first read. I've got an 18" Jumbo Joe and that is a searing machine.
Charcoal grate is 3-1/2" below the cook grate. I don't know how that compares to an 18" kettle.

...
I think I solved it and for $.00 dollars.
Broken up fire brick chunks on top of my defunct old cook grate (now fire grate) with my new cook grate on the fire brick pieces.
Looks very promising AND the wife is pleased I didn't spend more money!

Good
Have you tried putting the bricks on the original charcoal grates and putting your old cooking grate on them?

 

[Chasdev]

I've got an 18 too and the small version as well and they both are fantastic at grilling one or two burgers or steaks but I'm planning on doing large/long slabs of skirt steak and factoring in the war dept freezing my funding, adapting the 22 is my only option.
I'm jittery about the low level of common sense and safety involved in dumping a large chimney of flaming coals into an area that might allow for "spillage" but I AM a trained professional so as they say..flame on.
But the more I think about it, placing the meat directly on the flaming charcoal has me intrigued..

 

[hoity toit]

I want to cook closer to the hot coals in my Weber 22 and have been brainstorming (mild breeze really) ideas on how to do it.
Anyone know of a quick fix?
I can elevate the fire grate on some firebricks but that leaves an opening all the way around that reduces the diameter of the fire and would allow charcoal to possibly fall down around the perimeter.
A custom made fire grate would be ideal but I would have to have it made and I figure that's too spendy.
My internet search comes up empty buying ready made wise.

Vortex.