No hinged grate

[chadf]

Hello, I'm so new at this that I haven't even started yet, but I hope to soon!

i think I'm ready to give it a try next week, but one small problem is bugging me.  The grate on my grill isn't hinged so I won't be able to open it to add coals.  Therefore I'll need to take it off once or twice during the session, but I also don't have a good place to set it down on. No picnic table, and nothing that won't leave a mark.

What do others do?  Am I not thinking of something obvious?  

[ncsmoker]

Chad you can stir the coals through the grill and keep them pushed up against the black coals. Just lift it enough to add a new piece of wood. At 3-4 hours you will need to take it off to add more coals. I would get 2-3 pieces of rebar and set the grill on them. Cheap and easy. Or a 1/2 sheet pan and turn it upside down. These can be set on a tray table you can buy at Walmart for about $13.

But by the time you do all this you can buy a hinged grate from Amazon for $19.99. www.amazon.com/Weber-7436-Replacement-Hinged-Cooking/dp/B000WEPHKW/ref=pd_sbs_lg_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1PJG3WJEC069VPTP7BWZ As you get used to the SN you'll want to do more smoking and the grate will be well worth the $20.00.

NC

[chadf]

The upside down half sheet pan was exactly the type of idea I knew had to be out there! I'll give it a try.

I should have noted in my original post that I realize the hinged grates are only $20, but I love including things like that on my amazon wish list. That way I can truly say that I've tried doing hobbies without the gadget and it really will help if someone gives it to me for Christmas or birthday, and I really am excited to get it. It's better than getting a present I won't really use, and it gives them an affordable option that I am genuinely happy to receive.

Thanks!