Charcoal grate in new 18.5" WSM closes the gaps?

[Chris Allingham]

There's always been some confusion in my mind about whether Weber closed the gaps on each side of the charcoal grate in the 18.5" WSM starting in 2009. Some people said yes, some people said no. I've never been sure.

So I recently ordered a replacement charcoal grate and I notice that the gaps are CLOSED.

Can someone who has recently purchased a new 18.5" WSM confirm that their charcoal grate is the same? The way you can tell is that the first and last metal rods on the grate surface do not touch the two parallel support rods underneath the grate. Those first and last rods close the gap that used to be there for many years.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[fred nevill]

Hi Chris, I ordered my 18.5 WSM in January of this year. I hope this helps.

 

[Chris Allingham]

No, that's the old version and not what I just received in the mail. My box says:

63013 CHAR GRATE SMC 18" 09

Mine has a rod on both left and right sides that fill the gaps shown in the above photo.

Weird. Still a mystery what's going on here.

Regards,
Chris

 

[Dave Russell]

Yeah, my '09 wsm was purchased in Dec. of that year and the charcoal grate has the same gaps that folks have complained about.

 

[Jack Bordeaux]

I've got the new 18.5 WSM and my charcoal grate looks like above. It's quite annoying when you dump lit charcoal on the unlit and 3 or 4 pieces sneak through and go to rest at the bottom of the bowl. I'm thinking about buying some expanded metal and making small cutouts to cover the gaps.

 

[RichPB (richlife)]

Yeah, my DZ stamped 18.5 has the gap also. A pain! Good thought for a mod, Jack.

Chris, maybe they have the fix for replacement but are using up old stock for full assemblies?

Rich

 

[Stefan B]

Here's the grate from my AD 18.5" wsm...

 

[Chris Allingham]

I got what Stefan shows in his photo.

Weirdness that two versions are floating around.

Regards,
Chris

 

[Stefan B]

Maybe using up old stock of grates

 

[Luis L.]

Anyone know if briquettes fall through the gaps shown on fred's pictures? I have an 06 WSM which I've yet to use, so I'm unsure.

 

[RichPB (richlife)]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Luis L.:
Anyone know if briquettes fall through the gaps shown on fred's pictures? I have an 06 WSM which I've yet to use, so I'm unsure. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yes, that's the issue we're talking about. It's irritating, but basically minor. I just wish I had the grate Stefan shows without spending more money!

Rich

 

[Jay(olliecaboose)]

I got mine on March 15 2011. Grate looks just like the one Chris shows, all well.

 

[Geo_G]

Picked up WSM cooker last week , gaps are closed.

 

[Stefan B]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Geo_G:
Picked up WSM cooker last week , gaps are closed.

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

SO shiny and new!

 

[Derek Stapleton]

Special ordered my WSM 18.5 through Home Depot in April. Code AA on vents, and the gaps are still there on the charcoal grate.

 

[Lawrence M.]

Maybe it's a cost saving's move? The bars on the ends would need more time/energy/material to weld on the end. It's possible that a long time ago Weber figured that since there is a charcoal ring there they dont need to fill in the gaps. Perhaps consolidating it with the kettle part its cheaper? Is that grate the same now for the 18.5" kettle?

 

[Lew Newby]

My new 18.5 WSM has the gaps filled in.

 

[Rolf Benninghoven]

My new WSM 18.5 has the gaps .

 

[Tom (Gunner)]

My 18.5 is from last year and does not have the gaps filled in which is REALLY annoying...such a dumb design!

 

[Dom R]

Read this post and ran out to check it out. It's an "AD" and it has those horrible gaps! Thanks for ruining my night Chris !