Suggestion for Modification

I have an Excel 20, and love it. While I mostly smoke meats, I occasionally will do some grilling. I do like that the E20 can be used for grilling, but I wish it were a bit higher, so I wouldn't have to bend over. So, here is my suggestion:

Could a rack, or some type of holder be devised so the base section could sit on top of the two stackers? That way the grill would be at a very convenient height.

Actually, I suppose a round metal plate a bit wider than the legs could be used. But unless there were some way to secure the base to the plate, I would worry about it slipping off.

I looked at a few options for raising the 20 and the safest bet was to put the first stacker on then place the cooking grate in and set the charcoal basket on top of it, now add the second stacker and grill away. If extra heat is needed with all the vents open I simply crack the door on the bottom stacker.

Doc

Thanks, Doc,

I had thouguht of that and set it up to see how it would do. But doing it that way left the coals further away from the meat than I like when grilling, unless I really loaded up the charcoal basket. So I guess the next step is to see how to raise the charcoaul basket when doing it that way.

For now, when I grill, I use the low method (not to be confused with the low and slow method)

Did you have any success with raising the height of the charcoal grill?

Is the charcoal close enough to the food when placed on the first stacker grill or maybe it can be raised higher by placing something under the grate?

I'm looking to get a ProQ Frontier or Excel and am trying to work out if it can be used as a charcoal grill without having to cook my food on the floor!

Thanks,
Mark

I'm still getting along fine with putting the unit together as usual but using the water pan as an ash catcher. On the top stacker I place the water pan in the bottom half of the clip then the coal basket inside it. Now put the food grate on the top of the same clip and BAM!! you are grilling while not having to bend over.
Doc

Fantastic! Thanks for the quick reply!

Looks like I had better decide on the Frontier or the Excel now... :-)

LOL I have everything sent directly to my mobile so I can do what I love 24-7 so please excuse the spelling and other obvious mistakes.

I would go with the XL because as soon as you start hitting your stride you will wish you had more room. I have to say I favor the XL because it not only allows more capacity but I believe that the larger air space allows for a better smoking environment. This is only my opinin but I'm sticking to it.lol
That's not to say my Frontier sees any less action in fact she's chugging along in the back yard right now looking after some black pudding, cheese and salt while I'm here at the grocery store.

Great stuff! Thanks for the advice... not that I need much convincing to get the larger unit.

May as well round out the numbers and get the cold smoke generator too. This is a pic from two weeks ago or so but it's what's going down in the garden today.

Thanks for the help and the enticing photo, I've ordered the Excel 20.

Great choice you will not be dissapointed. Let us know if you need any pointers an we will get you smokin