Diamond Grate - where to buy

[Scarbelly]

In my BBQ there is a shelf that has what I beleive is called diamond metal which holds the ceramic briquetes - that is about to expire and BBQ Galore wants $60 to replace - seems to me I should be able to buy the grate somewhere but the local Lowes and Home Depot do not have it - anyone have any ideas

[Meat Hunter]

Your talking about expanded metal. First, if you have a salvage yard, check with them. I get mine from ours. Last year, I got around 500 pounds of it, comes in handy for all sorts of things. If no junk yard, check with any metal fabrication business or steel supply center. They should have some or be able to order you some in cheaper than the home improvement stores and shear it to size.

[Scarbelly]

Thanks man - I have had this BBQ for 15 years and it is still one of the best I have ever had - They actually told me that they had to lower the BTu output from 18Kto 13K on the newer models cause folks were complaining about it being too hot and burning food -
Will check with a fabricator - we don't have any junk yards close except for one car recyler
Just one question - the stuff I am talking about is a grid with holes in it - is that the same stuff you are talkig about?

[Mikey]

Just one question - the stuff I am talking about is a grid with holes in it - is that the same stuff you are talkig about?

Expanded metal has the diamond pattern to it and is perfect for cooking grates. What you're looking for is perforated metal. It comes in various thicknesses and various size diameter holes in it. Check with a metal supply co. in your area as they may have some remnants laying around. Full sheets are quite pricey.

[chefrob]

sometimes ace hardware carries stuff like that.........

[aczeller]

expanded ain't cheap, is hard to handle (VERY sharp edges) and Stainless is even more. last time I got a quote, a 4'x8' sheet 3/4" x 9 SS expanded is about $400 after tax. 3/4" is the width of the hole (the narrower width) and the "9" is the gauge (~1/8", but a little thicker). it stands up the best to heat. it's what I put on my parents' grill to cook on, for their coals, and now the coals for my smoker. works great, but it's expensive. the best places to look for new, like has been mentioned, would be a fab shop. preferably, one that specializes in stainless welding. they will have the best rates due to their volume. other than that, if you know you will go through an entire sheet, or can justify the coast and storage of the scrap, get a whole sheet from a metal supplier like State Steel, Ryerson-tull, etc. those are just a couple places around here that I use.

as far as perforated metal goes (perf), check out on-line stores... McNichols is the first one that pops into my head... never ordered anything from them personally, but they have a BIG selection of different stuff. reasonably priced... I just haven't had to use them for anything in the past.

hope that helps.

Later,
Andy

[Mikey]

My last 4'X8' sheet of #9 expanded (mild steel) was $40.00. I've made numerous charcoal baskets & grates and still have plenty left. Stainless is not very practical as the slightest bit of heat turns it into a pretzel and it's pricey as you said.
I need to get a sheet of 16 ga. perf (mild steel) w/3/32" holes for a few other projects.

[Scarbelly]

Sorry to miss the replys and to not be specific enough

This is a grate with holes in it in the shape of diamonds - maybe I should say grid each grid is about 3/4" long in the shape of a diamond - When I get back home from this damn show I will take a pic of it and post it

[Uncle-Honky]

Gary, I have a sheet and a half of the expanded metal you are looking for. No charge my friend, if ya don't mind waiting a bit longer.

[Walking Dude]

Sorry to miss the replys and to not be specific enough

This is a grate with holes in it in the shape of diamonds - maybe I should say grid each grid is about 3/4" long in the shape of a diamond - When I get back home from this damn show I will take a pic of it and post it

thats expanded metal. they punch slits in a sheet of metal, and expand it to create the holes.......

http://www.mcnichols.com/products/expanded/

[Whisky Fish]

There are two types of expanded metal apart from stainless and mild steel. There is raised or rolled. The raised is thicker with a bumpy surface which makes it hard to use a spatula on, the rolled, as the name implies is the same stuff only it's rolled out flat. The smoother surface is easier to grill on in some ways but it is much thinner and will not last as long as the raised. I'm curious to see a pic to see if we are talking about the same thing. I've also got a set of mini bolt cutters that work great for cutting the stuff. But a fab shop should be able to cut some remnants for you.

[Scarbelly]

thats expanded metal. they punch slits in a sheet of metal, and expand it to create the holes.......

http://www.mcnichols.com/products/expanded/

Yup that is the stuff - it just holds the ceramic briquets below the cooking grill

Thanks