Grate additions

[xraydoc]

I have noticed that in many of the fantastic cook pictures, a lot of people use various surfaces and tools on top of their grates when cooking.  Ultimately, the KK is a charcoal powered convection oven, so I get that dutch ovens, CI skillets, and other pots/pans work well.  However, I have also noticed many wire racks, mats, ridged grates, etc.

My question is: of these types of "grate toppers" what do people prefer? I grill a lot of vegetables (asparagus, peppers and onions, etc.) and need something to help keep veggies from falling through the grates.

[CeramicChef]

@xraydoc - I have found that just about any good stainless steel wire basket works well.  I also have several that have been punched and those work as well as the wire baskets.  I have bought both types at Sam's, Ace hardware, Lowe's, and Home Depot.  I've also seen them at just about every BBQ specialty store.  Size depends on on how many your looking to feed.  I'm a bachelor and generally use the smaller sized baskets.  However, I also have some big ones for the parties I've thrown.  Seeing as how we are now in August, you might want to get in the stores as they tend to stop ordering their summer inventory around this time so they don't have to carry inventory or put it on sale as season closeout.  

[bosco]

Weber has a new stainless pan for veggies.  I have an old version that was black.  I will likely pick up the new weber one soon.  

I has a Lagostina pizza stone that is cast iron with an enamel bottom.  I use it as a griddle on the KK and absolutely love it.  

I just won a set of grill grates that I will try out and see how they are but not 100% they are necessity.  

My best advice is get cooking and see what your needs require before you commit to buy anything.  I have bought and sold a lot of things that I thought that I needed and never did.

My style of BBQ is simple

[xraydoc]

Thanks guys! I have a punched veggie basket that I currently use on my Weber Kettle. @CeramicChef I did not know there were bigger options out there. That would be really helpful, so I will definitely check it out.  @bosco - I will look for that pizza stone as a griddle would likely be useful.  Do you use it for asparagus? We do a lot of grilled asparagus and while I love it, keeping it from falling through the grates is a constant battle.  I have eaten quite a bit of asparagus cooked by the inadvertent "directly on the coals caveman method" 

[Steve M]

I use a wire mesh mat for the small stuff and it survives the dishwasher just fine. They are cheap~$5 or so

[bosco]

im sure you can find it locally or if it is Canada only, at least an equivalent.  This thing is one of my best accessories.

http://reviews.canadiantire.ca/9045/1425455P/lagostina-lagostina-tuscan-collection-14-in-pizza-pan-reviews/reviews.htm

 

[xraydoc]

@bosco - they call that s pizza pan, but I would think pizza does far better directly on the stone. Do you just use it like a skillet/fry pan?

[Aussie Ora]

I go a round cast iron plate from my local camping store and do petty much what bosco does with his pizza pan you can find some cool stuff at a camping store

Outback Kamado Bar and Grill

[bosco]

it is a flat iron skillet never used for pizza.  I like this one as there is a small lip all around that prevents juices and sauces from falling into the fire.  Everything stays on the skillet!

[Aussie Ora]

Same with my cast iron plate it has a lip around it that's why I like it

Outback Kamado Bar and Grill

[CeramicChef]

Anyone here use Frog Mats?  I hear good things about them, but I've never used one for veggies, fish, etc.  Seems like it is multi-purpose tool.  However, no edges or lips.  

[MacKenzie]

No, I heard good things about also but I am reluctant to use them as I wonder how food safe they really are. Are we going to hear down the road that they cause this that it the other thing. I think I'll stick to stainless steel.

[CeramicChef]

@MacKenzie - I agree with you, but the next thing you'll hear is that Stainless Steel is a major contributor to Global Warming, errrr, Climate Change!  Just kidding, but still ...

[Aussie Ora]

Frog mats is that this https://www.bunnings.com.au/bbq-buddy-nonstick-hot-plate-liner_p3180247 I've used these not often but great with prawns or veggies

Outback Kamado Bar and Grill

[tony b]

No, Frog mats are an open mesh silicone. I have it. Works fine for some things. Good up to 550F. One caution from their description -  Do not expose the Frogmats to direct flame. So, I only use mine on the upper grate if I'm cooking direct on the main. 

https://smile.amazon.com/Frogmats-Non-Stick-Grill-Mat/dp/B00LBH7TZK

I've also tried the Cookina mats, which are solid. I like them when I have a marinade on the veggies (like lemon juice and EVOO on asparagus). They simmer in the sauce and still get nice char marks. But, they are only good up to 500F, but don't mind direct heat.

https://smile.amazon.com/Cookina-BBQ-Reusable-Cooking-Sheet/dp/B0081TIE5K

Here's an old picture of when I first got them and posted somewhere here in the Forum. I got a big one and cut it to fit the top grate and had a nice sized piece left over for things like the asparagus.

[xraydoc]

Thanks@tony b I will look into those mats