One Pork Butt - Two grill grates?

[Michael M.]

It just occurred to me while cleaning up after last night's great pulled pork. I was cleaning the lower grate from the smoker and wondered if that even really needed to be in the smoker since I was only doing one butt on the upper rack.

Anyone? On one hand it seems obvious that you don't need to spend time cleaning a grate that wasn't used in the cook session and if you are only using the top grate then leave out the lower grate.
But, is it also a question of mass in the cooker and that the lower grate needs to be in place for temp stability etc.. whether it is being used or not?

I will defer to the group.

 

[Chris E]

The lower grate is negligible mass especially if you are using water or clay saucer. And being steel, they don't hold the heat very long anyway. I leave my lower grate out when not in use. I've seen some guys using a drip pan down there if you have a single chicken or butt.

 

[TravisH]

Agree with Chris.

Take out the lower grate if you don't won't to clean it. Otherwise, just leave it in.

IMO, it's just as much trouble to take it out and put it back as it is to just leave it and brush it off.

 

[Michael M.]

Sounds right to me. Figured the mass question was unlikely too but always best to consult with the group. Thanks much.