My new SJG

[Shaun R]

I was given an SJG a while back and finally decided to clean it up. It was the filthiest BBQ I have ever cleaned. I think it was used as a fire pit or a toilet. Only really high heat could bake crust on that hard. I got it really clean though. I used every method including soaking it. Anyway the only thing I will need to buy is a new grate. I think I will need a special size like on the platinum that fits snug. Or is there a better one made for them like cast iron os something. Does anyone have an extra they would like to sell? Let me know. Any advice would be helpful.

 

[George Curtis]

the grate is the same as the sjs. there is someone who can make a special grate but a bit $$$. for cleaning, oven cleaner is ter friend. it works best if the area is covered in a plastic bag. also steel wool and s.o.s. pads are also yer friend. a hard piece of plastic or wood helps on the really hard stuff. but even then i have had to use the blade of a screwdriver to knock off some crud.

 

[Chris E]

If the grill is that bad I'd just buy a new one at home depot. I put mine on the grill on my 5 burner gasser and turned it on high for an hour. Cleaned it up good.

 

[Shaun R]

Thanks for the replies. So George does a regular grill fit snug or is it loose? Any ideas for offset cooking? The reason I won't buy a new one is that they are too small for me other than the fact I got it for free. HD also only sells the silver Smokey Joe. If I didn't clean it up I would cut it up for parts. I think I may use it a little though it's pretty cute.

 

[George Curtis]

the cooking grate in my sjg is loose. are you sure its not out of round ? for offset cooking i would put the coals on the side of one vent and the food on the opposite side with that vent closed. don't you have a mini smoker setup?
if the gold is serviceable then i would not cut it up. the sjg is rather expensive.

 

[Shaun R]

I agree with you George. My platinum sj had a tight snug fitting grill in it and I thought it might be the same with a sjg.