Using the 22.5 as a grill. ......

[Wilson Boudreaux]

I was playing with my WSM 22.5 unit moments ago, and began wondering.

Has anyone removed the mid unit, and used the lower charcoal bowl and cover as a grill. I tried the cover over the lower charcoal bowl and it sits as a match, but one does not fit over, or in the other. With the weight of the cover as such, it seems to sit there somewhat stable.

I'm thinking of replacing the upper leg bolts with bolts about a inch longer. That would allow the upper food grates to seat properly in the charcoal bowl thus seating about seven inches above one layer of briquettes.

I thinking with the knowledge of lower vent magic, that should produce decent grilling with a combination of some smoke.....


Has anyone ever tried this.......

 

[Bry H]

Yes, I have done multiple cooks this way. You need to be somewhat careful on what you cook because the distance between charcoal and cooking grate is much closer than with a kettle. That said, it works just fine.

 

[Scotty W.]

Before I got my 26 OTG I frequently used my 22 WSM to grill. I first tried it as you suggested and it works good but sat way to low to the ground for me. So I left the WSM fully assembled after removing the charcoal grate, ring and pan. I sat the charcoal grate on the lower cooking grate. Gives about 8" from the coals to the top cooking grate which will give a decent sear to steak, chops or chicken. If you want a really hot grill temp set the ring on the lower cooking grate then set the charcoal ring on the ring. You'll have a blistering hot grill temp and will sear meat quickly. You can scoot the ring and charcoal grate closer to the middle section side which will give you a quick searing area and an indirect area for finish cooking.

 

[J Reyes]

Has anyone removed the mid unit, and used the lower charcoal bowl and cover as a grill.

Has anyone ever tried this.......

The bottom and top of the 22 WSM is the same as the bottom of a 22 Kettle. Just need to add longer leg bolts to hold the grill as you stated. If you want a good fitting lid, borrow one from a 22 kettle.

 

[Dwain Pannell]

I've finished chicken this way to crisp the skin. Rock's Stoker makes adapters to ensure the lid stays on:
https://www.rocksbarbque.com/Accessories.html

Here are some Cornish Hens crisping on the Charcoal Ring: