Flipping food on lower grate?

[Dex from NJ]

Greetings, today is my first time using my 22.5 weber smoker.

Maybe I am dumb, but how does one flip food on the lower grate? I could barely get the chicken wings and thighs via the door much less vision how I will flip or sauce them up.

I have a whole chicken on top, a pan full of veggies and Yukon potatoes (I assume veggies will cook ok - not sure how long that takes) and a few drum sticks.

The bottom grate has party wings and drummettes a few legs and thighs.

I wasn't sure if the food on the top would fit on the bottom grate so that's why I placed the food the way I did.

Also, I assume after placing the charcoal with the chimney it will spark if you try to push to the side for indirect cooking?

I am use to propane so pardon the noob questions.

Any input would be great - thank you

 

[Dwain Pannell]

I would mod the bottom grate with U or I bolts to lift it out to maneuver the food. Remove the top grate, set aside, remove the bottom grate, close the lid, flip your food and reinstall in reverse order. The key is getting the grate on/off and lid back on quickly to reduce temp spikes. I hope this helps.

 

[Dex from NJ]

Thanks, Sounds like a pain since their food on the top grate.

 

[James Lake]

Do you really need to flip the food? This of the WSM as an oven, not a grill.

 

[Noe]

The best thing is to modify the lower grate to fit over the top grate.

 

[Dex from NJ]

I wasn't sure if I need to or not. Wasn't sure what was suppose to be done. I assume not, if that isn't the way things are done

 

[Tony R]

Don't forget to take pics and share your first cook in the WSM.

 

[Bill - Bigbill]

Do you really need to flip the food? This of the WSM as an oven, not a grill.

I agree with James, there is probably no need to flip for cooking, but maybe you need access to sauce.
I'm sure you'll get answers, as there are some really great people on this forum.