New Smoker Build Material Question - Grates

[leroynewsmoker]

I have almost completed my first smoker build using the basic idea from this web site: http://jmillerid.com/wordpress/2009/12/55-gallon-drum-smoker/.  This is a budget project so I am trying to get material for as little as possible.  All I need now is the grate for the food to sit on and I was thinking expanded metal (EM).  What is the best options as far as type and size of EM for this use?  Is galvanized Steel OK?  Is flat expanded better or worse than regular EM? 

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Steve

 

[frosty]

Don't use Galvanized ever! Expanded metal will work fine. Depending on how big you need it, you can go to HD or L*owes, and get a sheet in the hardware department. Not expensive, and you can work it with tin snips to customize to your need.

 

[baja traveler]

I used plain steel flattened 1" expanded metal and they work great. Once you have it cut to size, spray it down with simple green and give it a good scrub with a brush, then a thorough rinse. That will take all the nasty petroleum oils off it that was used to protect it from rust. I then put mine in the smoker and sprayed with Pam, then ran a nice hard smoke at 250* for several hours to season everything.

 

[bruno994]

Depending on how much you are needing, order 3/4 x 9 expanded metal, no galvanized,  from a steel supplier.  It  will be a whole lot cheaper than Lowes or HD.  I got my 4 x 8 sheets for $46 a sheet.