Weber GBS compatible SS grate for the 26.75 Kettle- Confirmed

[CHNeal]

Hello All,
I know there have been some folks looking to enjoy the Weber GBS grates on the 26 as they do on the Master Touch and the Summit, well now you can.
I received the Hunsaker SS grate for the 26 today and it is everything I had hoped. There was an issue with the first run of these that meant they did not fit the Weber system but that has been corrected in this version. While it’s not cheap it’s pretty much the same cost as a Weber SS for the 26. This grate is very well built without being over built. While it’s not as heavy as the Weber Master Touch grate its very similar to the stock SS grate the 26 comes with. One very nice unexpected feature is the very large hinged opening that is almost the size as the SNS-XL!
I also like that the “ wings” on the center section are longer than the stock Weber so they appear to say in place better. The Weber always seem to move around when brushing the grates after a cook.
I burned it off and tossed some chicken on it because …lit charcoal!
Anyway here some pics I said I would post and a link if anyone is looking. Include several comparisons to the stock 26 grate and the 22 GBS. Sorry if they are out of order but my battery is about to die and I want to finish this.

https://www.hunsakersmokers.com/collections/kettle-upgrades-mods/products/premium-stainless-steel-food-grate-for-26

[Jessterr]

Thanks for the info CHNeal, just sprung for one. Really like this type of Weber (or Weber style) grate because the center section, where most of the schmuck takes place, can be easily cleaned in the kitchen sink, and can also be removed to use a vortex.

[Thunder77]

Nice! That was one of the reasons I got rid of my 26.I couldn’t find that grate, and it sucked removing everything to refuel the vortex.

[jfmorris]

CHNeal I hope you knew that the grate that comes with the 26" is already stainless... its not the cheap nickel plated steel like the 22" kettles come with.

From the Weber web page for the 26" kettle:

• Premium stainless steel cooking grate is hinged for easily adding charcoal while grilling

So it wasn't gonna ever rust up on you... granted it doesn't have the removable center section... but I use my Vortex all the time with a grate without a hole in it on my Performer... I have always looked at the fact the included grate is stainless as helping offset some of the cost difference from a 22" kettle, since I knew I would not need to go spend another $80 or whatever to buy an aftermarket stainless grate like I did with the 22".

[CHNeal]

CHNeal I hope you knew that the grate that comes with the 26" is already stainless... its not the cheap nickel plated steel like the 22" kettles come with.

From the Weber web page for the 26" kettle:

• Premium stainless steel cooking grate is hinged for easily adding charcoal while grilling

So it wasn't gonna ever rust up on you... granted it doesn't have the removable center section... but I use my Vortex all the time with a grate without a hole in it on my Performer... I have always looked at the fact the included grate is stainless as helping offset some of the cost difference from a 22" kettle, since I knew I would not need to go spend another $80 or whatever to buy an aftermarket stainless grate like I did with the 22".

Yes sir. I like the Weber stock grate for the 26. It’s a very nice SS grate. I also want the GBS grate to use with the vortex and a couple of skillets I have that drop right in. I see a need and a use for both and will continue to use whichever suits that specific cook.
This GBS grate may well stop me from buying a SNS grate since it has such a large hinged section. It will depend on how well the removable section stays in place.

[jfmorris]

Glad to know you can use both grates. Personally, I don't see the need for the SNS grate on the 26, since the stock is stainless, and hinged. May not be hinged as much as the SNS grate, but it's enough to add charcoal and fuel to the SNS I would think.

This aftermarket grate you got looks to have heavier/thicker wire/rods than the stock grate?

[CHNeal]

jfmorris Yes they are slightly heavier / thicker then the stock example. It is a very nice grate however I would say it is really only an upgrade if the center cut out is important or the size of the hinged section matters to a person. I would not replace the Weber for this If it were not for those options.

[Attjack]

That looks nice. When I moved forward on my 26" expansion mod and need a second grate this looks like a great option.