Loose Fit for Fire Ring?

[EvanD]

Should the fire ring (charcoal holder) sit more flush with the edges of the grate below or should there be a decent gap between it and the edges of the grate? It has more play inside than I would have imagined.

Going to do my empty burn in tonight and the burn in with something fatty tomorrow ahead of a St Louis rack & wings.

Want to mention this is an 18.5.

 

[Myk McCormick]

Not sure I understand the question, but the coal ring should indeed be a smaller diameter than the coal grate. As you'll need that space for air-flow around the ring.

Heck, some even purchase the ring for the 14.5 and use it on the 18.5 for various reasons (efficiency, smaller fuel, ect...)

 

[Charlie L]

There should be a decent gap to allow proper air flow.

Some people, myself included, bolt or wire the ring to the grate to keep it centered. I added a few carriage bolts that act as handles to lift and shake ash off the coals.

 

[Myk McCormick]

I'm looking to make that carriage bolt mod myself (thinking eyebolts instead though)...

 

[EvanD]

There should be a decent gap to allow proper air flow.

Some people, myself included, bolt or wire the ring to the grate to keep it centered. I added a few carriage bolts that act as handles to lift and shake ash off the coals.

You all did a good job answering my question. This mod sounds really useful for long cooks where ash might build up.