Half grate vs "Warming Grate" for Big Bad 32

[Justin Mulwee]

I see people on this forum using a half grate for the Big Bad to setup two-zone cooking. This makes sense to me, but when I look at the standard equipment and the add-on accessories for the Big Bad, I don't see a half grate listed for sale. Standard equipment is 3x full grates, and I also see a smaller looking add-on accessory labelled "Warming Grate."

Anyone using the warming grate? And is there some practical cooking reason the half grate is not for sale anymore? Because it seems like a half split basket + a half grate above the shielded side would be the ideal two-zone setup. Or I could do indirect roasts like a chicken by using a half main grate only and no lower grate, that way I wouldn't even have to move the main grate to light the charcoal next time. Would also just love to hear what you veterans use as your usual grate setup. Just trying to get my configuration dialed in before pulling the trigger. I'm most likely going to order a Big Bad this month. I've been getting my feet wet with the tiny Kamado Joe Jr. and am about ready to go all in 

[C6Bill]

The first thing to do is to call and ask about the half grate, i use mine in my 32 more than any other accessory. I'm thinking they may have just changed the name to warming grate ???? But call Dennis as that question has been asked a few times recently, he loves to talk grills and he is the one who can give you a definitive answer on that 👍

[DennisLinkletter]

During COVID, when we added the upper lid strap and smoke generator faceplate to the grills, we removed the half-grate from being standard on the 32 and offered an optional warming grate like all the other grills.. My experience grilling under the half-grate on the lower grate was that it was too large and I couldn't reach under it easily. Removing a couple of rods made that possible. We also flipped the rod direction to make picking things up with a spatula easier..

[tony b]

That's our Dennis - always looking to make improvements to a product that's already outstanding, tops in its class!

[C6Bill]

Now I want one of those to see if it is easier lol I used my half grate yesterday  

[DennisLinkletter]

We now have both available.
You ask and you shall receive..

[Justin Mulwee]

Amazing, thanks Dennis. Well, now that there's both, I'm torn on which one to get. But your logic for revising the design and making it smaller makes sense, so I'll probably go with that. 

But I welcome other opinions as well, especially from people who use the half grate a lot. The one use case of the half grate that still makes sense to me is just leaving it installed with no lower grate, so I can do a decent sized indirect roast while having full access to the charcoal without moving the racks between cooks. Anyone do this?

[C6Bill]

@Justin Mulwee I will put the Upper grate inverted down low over the coals when reverse searing a steak or roast. You can see it in my picture above. I've never needed to access the coals like I used to with the BGE or Primo XL.