Stainless Steel Grate Choice

[Brad Cook]

I think I'm reaching analysis paralysis here, so I'm reaching out to those with more knowledge and experience...I've read the very informative Stainless Steel Grate Throwdown Challenge Results thread, as well as several other threads about stainless steel rod grates. Since the "rcplanebuyer" grates aren't an option, it comes down to the 9mm Qulimetal or the 8mm BBQparts.com grates for me. From what I gather, I can't go wrong with either. Does the extra 1mm make a difference between the two, especially since the BBQparts.com grates have 16 rods per grate vs. the 15 on the Qulimetal? Does the center support offer any advantage/stability on 8/9mm grates? Is the presence of the center support a significant hindrance to using the Chargon tool?

I'm wondering if at this point I'm splitting hairs, and it may just end up being a personal preference thing as opposed to any actual performance differences. This would be for a 2017 Spirit E-310, but also for a Genesis Silver B if I happen across a good one. Thanks!

 

[John-NY]

I would say regarding the 8mm to 9mm, all else being equal, the real deciding factor should be the spacing between the bars.
Tighter spacing = better.

I know Bruce recently stated that he prefers no center rod specifically pertaining to it being easier to clean.

Overall though I think it does come down to splitting hairs.

 

[Jim Weber]

Its not going to be some big life changing difference of one over the other..... pick the ones that are cheaper in price and be happy.

 

[Bruce]

If price is a factor, they these grates should get a look:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BN8D4X66?tag=tvwb-20

 

[Steve Hoch]

Get a set of these while you still can. No center support and Weber quality.https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004U9VK?tag=tvwb-20

 

[Bruce]

Steve, much better off finding one of the older Summit grills on the curb that have those #9930 grates. $470 for a set of those new is a bit steep.

 

[Steve Hoch]

Steve, much better off finding one of the older Summit grills on the curb that have those #9930 grates. $470 for a set of those new is a bit steep.

Of course, I wouldn't pay that myself. I'm just showing what the best available grates are.

 

[Bruce]

I suppose it is debatable, but would you not consider RCPlanebuyer grates as good as #9930 grates for the Genesis grills.

Edit: Oh yah, I keep forgetting that he isn't making them any longer due to price constraints on the materials.

 

[Ed_T]

If price is a factor, they these grates should get a look:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BN8D4X66?tag=tvwb-20

I regret only picking up one set when they were on sale.

I hope to one day drive by an early Summit at the curb, with those beautiful grates, just waiting for me. Might as well dream big!

 

[Steve Hoch]

I suppose it is debatable, but would you not consider RCPlanebuyer grates as good as #9930 grates for the Genesis grills.

Edit: Oh yah, I keep forgetting that he isn't making them any longer due to price constraints on the materials.

Exactly, I'm just going on availability.

 

[JKalchik]

Get a set of these while you still can. No center support and Weber quality.View attachment 114301https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004U9VK?tag=tvwb-20

<HORK> $237????!!!!!!! That oughta come with <BEEP><BEEP><BEEP>.

 

[Josh Dekubber]

$129 is the cheapest price currently for a half set of 9930s. At least that I know of.

 

[JKalchik]

$129 is the cheapest price currently for a half set of 9930s. At least that I know of.

That's getting closer to reasonable.

I've managed to find a new steel supplier here. I'm in the middle of building up a triple set of grates that are each almost the dimensions of a 9930. 3 of them will use up around $50 in steel, plus my time & consumables. Now that I have the jigs (1/4" stock with 1/2" spacing, or 3/8" stock with 1/2" spacing,) 2x raw materials certainly isn't unreasonable, although from a pro fabricator, 3x would probably be more typical.

Edit: oops.... shipping will be pricey, though. These things aren't light.

 

[Josh Dekubber]

Im glad I'm stocked up. I try to pick up deals when they come up.

 

[Josh Dekubber]

9930s are 3/8 bars with 3/8 spacing just thought I'd put that out here. I'm pretty sure everyone knows they are 3/8 bars but not sure if the spacing is well known to everyone.

 

[Josh Dekubber]

Qulimetal 9mm are quality grates and similar to 9930s except they have the center support bar and ever so slightly smaller diameter bars but only noticeable when side by side.

 

[Brad Cook]

Thanks everyone! Those 9930 grates are just sliiiiiiiiiiiiightly out of my price range, haha. The Qulimetal 9mm have a good reputation on this board, from what I have read, so unless there is a compelling reason to go with the BBQparts.com ones, I think I will jump on the $81.59 lightning deal for the Qulimetal 9mm.

 

[Josh Dekubber]

Thanks everyone! Those 9930 grates are just sliiiiiiiiiiiiightly out of my price range, haha. The Qulimetal 9mm have a good reputation on this board, from what I have read, so unless there is a compelling reason to go with the BBQparts.com ones, I think I will jump on the $81.59 lightning deal for the Qulimetal 9mm.

Excellent choice

 

[Josh Dekubber]

I can't say anything good or bad about the bbqparts.com 8mm grates without testing them but the Qulimetal 9mm is an excellent option regardless.

 

[Brad Cook]

I appreciate the feedback, Josh. I think as John-NY said, I had gotten to the point of splitting hairs. $81.59 is significantly less than the $128 that BBQparts.com wants. To Jim Weber's point, I think for that price difference, I can live with the center support bar when using the Chargon.