When to use the top grate?

[RobCordeau]

Hi all - 

So, I have been trying to figure out when would you want to use the top, upper most grate over the main grate?  Is it just to give you more real estate, or is there an actual rationality for using the top grate?

[sfdrew28]

On the 32 I cook my pizzas on the stone up there. Other than that I use it for extra real estate.


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[alimac23]

I’ve been doing a lot of my cooks on the top with a drip pan underneath on the main grate, no idea why it just seemed like a good idea at the time

[tony b]

The main reason for using it, beside the real estate aspect, is if you want to utilize the radiant heat from being near the dome. As noted, pizza is the prime example, breads are another. I like to cook spatchcocked chickens up there, as both sides seem to cook evenly that way. Or, if you just want to cook direct, but want a little extra distance between the food and the fire, like for a casserole.