Weber Hinged Grate – 22″ Charcoal Grill Review
Introduction
Tired of awkwardly reaching into your charcoal grill to add more fuel mid-cook? Do flare-ups and inconsistent heat leave your grilling experience frustrating? The Weber 22” Hinged Cooking Grate addresses these common charcoal grilling woes directly. It’s a simple, yet incredibly effective accessory that transforms the way you manage your fire and elevate your outdoor cooking game.
This isn’t just another grill grate; it’s a thoughtfully designed solution for backyard grillers who value convenience, control, and consistent results. Say goodbye to juggling tools and maneuvering around hot coals – this grate makes adding fuel a breeze while keeping your cooking surface secure.
Overview
The Weber 22” Hinged Cooking Grate is a smart upgrade for any 22-inch Weber charcoal grill. It’s a heavy-duty, plated steel grate featuring a unique hinged design that allows for easy access to the charcoal bed. This clever design sits securely on the upper prongs of your grill when not adding fuel, providing a stable cooking surface and a convenient hanging point via its integrated curved handgrips.
Designed for both seasoned grillmasters and those just starting out, this grate streamlines the grilling process and makes adding fuel a significantly less disruptive task, allowing for more consistent heat and more relaxed barbecue sessions. It’s a must-have for anyone who frequently uses a 22-inch Weber charcoal grill and appreciates intelligent design.
Features
Convenient Handling: Integrated curved handgrips provide a comfortable and secure grip, making it easy to maneuver the grate while adding fuel or cleaning. They also allow the grate to hang neatly from the grill’s kettle handles when not in use.
Easy Fuel Access: This grate’s hinged sides effortlessly flip up, providing direct access to your charcoal pile. No more awkward maneuvers or risking a dropped tool!
Secure & Stable Design: When closed, the grate sits firmly on the upper prongs of your grill, providing a stable and reliable cooking surface. You can be confident that your food will cook evenly.
Durable Construction: Crafted from heavy-duty, plated steel, this grate is built to withstand the rigors of regular outdoor use and maintain its performance over time.
Easy Cleaning & Maintenance: Preheating the grate on high for 15 minutes loosens any stuck-on debris, and a simple scrub with a grill brush keeps it clean and ready for your next grilling adventure. A 1-year limited warranty offers peace of mind.
Benefits
Improved Cooking Consistency
Consistent heat distribution due to uninterrupted airflow.
Less frequent interruptions result in more predictable cooking times.
Perfect for achieving low and slow cooking, and quick searing alike.
Simplified Cleanup
Preheating simplifies stubborn residue removal
Minimal effort needed to maintain a clean and well-performing cooking surface.
Enhanced Convenience
Curved handgrips make maneuvering the grate simple and comfortable.
Hangs securely from kettle handles when not in use, maximizing storage space.
Streamlines the entire grilling process, allowing you to focus on enjoying your time outdoors.
Increased Durability
Plated steel construction withstands high temperatures and frequent use.
1-year limited warranty provides added assurance of quality and performance.
Simplified Fuel Management
No more interrupting your cooking process to add fuel—the hinged design grants easy access.
Allows for a more controlled and consistent grilling experience, avoiding temperature fluctuations.
Reduces the risk of dropped tools and potential burns when adding charcoal.
Usages
Weeknight Grilling: Add fuel quickly and easily when grilling burgers or hot dogs on a busy weeknight.
Searing Steaks: Quickly add fuel to boost heat for a perfect sear on your steaks.
Tailgating or Camping: Compact and easy to use, this grate makes charcoal grilling a breeze wherever you are.
Family BBQ’s: Effortlessly manage the heat for larger gatherings and ensure everyone gets a perfectly cooked meal.
Low and Slow Smoking: Maintaining a consistent temperature for ribs or pulled pork becomes much easier with simple fuel additions.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Easy fuel access and management
- Durable plated steel construction
- Simple and effective design
- Convenient hanging handles
- Improved cooking consistency
- 1-year limited warranty
Cons
- Designed only for 22-inch Weber charcoal grills
- Plated steel may show wear over extended use
- May require occasional cleaning to prevent buildup
FAQs
How do I clean it?: Preheat the grate on high for 15 minutes, then use a grill brush to remove grease and debris.
What grills is this compatible with?: This grate is specifically designed for 22-inch Weber charcoal grills. It is *not* compatible with Smokey Mountain Cooker smoker models.
Does the grate come with a warranty?: Yes, it comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
Is the grate coated with anything?: The grate is constructed from plated steel to offer corrosion resistance.
What is the weight of the grate?: The grate weighs approximately 11 pounds.
Product Specifications
| Warranty | 1 Year Limited Warranty |
| Dimensions | 21.5″D x 21.5″W x 1.8″H |
| Material | Plated Steel |
| Cooking Area | 462.25 square inches |
| Compatibility | 22-inch Weber Charcoal Grills |
| Weight | 11 pounds |
| Fuel Type | Charcoal |
Ratings
| Overall | 4.8 |
| Value | 4.5 |
| Durability | 4.7 |
| Ease of Use | 4.9 |
| Performance | 4.6 |
Recommendation
The Weber 22” Hinged Cooking Grate is a must-have accessory for any Weber 22-inch charcoal grill owner who appreciates convenience and control. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned grilling enthusiast, this grate will simplify your grilling routine and enhance your outdoor cooking experience.
If you’ve ever found yourself struggling to manage fuel in your charcoal grill, this grate offers a simple, elegant, and effective solution. It’s a small investment that yields significant improvements in both convenience and cooking performance, making it a worthy upgrade for any grill master.
Conclusion
The Weber 22” Hinged Cooking Grate is more than just a grill grate; it’s a thoughtful addition that improves the overall grilling experience. Its ease of use, durable construction, and consistent performance make it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to elevate their charcoal grilling game.
From weeknight meals to weekend barbecues, this grate simplifies fuel management, improves cooking consistency, and ultimately, allows you to spend less time fussing and more time enjoying the delicious results.
