Use the side baskets in my new Weber 26" kettle or the Slow 'N Sear?

[Lost in China]

I recently received a brand new Weber 26" kettle, shipped over directly from the States at ruinous expense. I have a Weber 22" but it's just not big enough. I can only cook for 8-10 people and I want more. But the new grill is finally here, and I've put it together. A few bent pieces from shipping but nothing I couldn't handle. I notice it has two charcoal baskets, one on each side. The user manual did not mention this feature at all.

What do Weber 26" owners usually do? Use one? Use both at the same time? Seems more challenging controlling temperature with two different fires lit. I have a Slow 'N Sear that I used to great effect on my 22". I suppose I can remove the two baskets and use it instead. However, I have dreams of using both grills to cook two different meats at the same time, and adding the capacity of the 22" to feed more people at a sitting.

A third option would be to have a local sheet metal shop create a new one for the 26". In that case, what kind of steel should be used?

[58limited]

I've never used a 26" before so I can't help much. SnSgrills.com does have XL SnS inserts for the 26" in stock right now though if you are interested.

[mcook2201]

Having both the 22" and 26" with the SnS, highly recommend purchasing or having your local metal shop reproduce the Sns for you. The baskets are OK but the SnS overpreforms them in all manners.
if they can keep the cost affordable, stick with a high quality stainless. If not 1/4 steel may last you a long while. In the long run may be cost effective to order the SnS direct.

[Lost in China]

It's ruinously expensive to have a heavy piece of steel like that shipped overseas.

[DTro]

I use the weber baskets on my 22, but not always. If you are using them as Weber intended, one basket will be on each side of the kettle, the vent and thermometer on the lid will sit right in the middle of the two. Great for cooking for chickens. But you can get creative too. You can place the flat sides of the baskets together in the center of the grill. Fill with lit charcoal to get a semi-vortex-like fire. Vortex will be hotter, however. You can also place the baskets side-by-side, using the flat sides to create a wall to hold the charcoal on one side of your grill. Drop a few lit pieces of charcoal on one end of the pile, creating an effect similar to the S&S. Another way, without using the baskets for a long smoke, is to 'snake' a line of charcoal along the edge of the kettle. Make sure that your line is two to four briquettes deep. Or, you can also dish out the cash and buy the other accessories.

[FireMan]

Use the SnS period. Don’t bother fiddling with those baskets. If you are experienced with the SnS , go for it. You will expect SnS results cuz they sorta look like they would. They don’t!

[Steve R.]

If the SnS XL isn't an option, and you can locate some fire bricks, you can use those to contain the charcoal on one side. I did this with my 37" Weber Ranch kettle and it worked just fine. Cleanup was more work than with the SnS, but it got the job done.

[Smoked Transistors]

I agree with using firebricks, very inexpensive and great for adding large amounts of charcoal for lengthy low and slow cooks. Use foil as a drip pan on the indirect cook side for simple clean up.

[Steve R.]

Yes, I forgot to mention foil on the indirect side Smoked Transistors. Under no circumstances do I ever want anything dripping down below the charcoal grate.

[KarchyBBQ]

I use the standard sized SnS on my 26” kettle. Works great and I love having the additional space, though I’m probably refueling more frequently than I would with the SnS XL.

[bbqLuv]

I cannot help. I'm a pellet head, I Traegerize my meat.

[HawkerXP]

Contrary to our esteemed colleagues. I still find a place for the Weber baskets. Spaced apart with foil between, I find to be a place for dogs, burgers, brats, salmon .................

[Dr J]

SNS is the single best accessory I’ve purchased for my kettle. Great for maintaining heat fr long periods and concentration for high heat cooks!

[Troutman]

Interesting enough several years ago when Dave first starting getting big with the SNS, he began selling on Amazon. In true fashion someone came up with a Chinese sourced knockoff which they began under selling Dave’s on Amazon as well. Dave was able to eventually block the sale of the knockoff probably due to patent issues.

Anyway you might want to look locally where you are. The product may still be sold somewhere over there. Just a suggestion.

[Lost in China]

Good idea, but in actuality if it's made here, it's nearly impossible to buy it here.

A lot of people get mad about knockoffs. But nobody will copy something that's not successful.

[Hulagn1971]

I use the standard size SnS in my 26. Originally bought it for my 22 then switched it to the 26 when I bought it Never looked back.

[Lost in China]

Just had a thought - move Slow N Sear to the 26" and move one of the little baskets to the 22"? Hmm...

I'd test this out in a jiffy but it has been cold, rainy and miserable outside for the past two weeks and counting. Ever since I got my new grill. We got a little sun yesterday and I thought I'd be out there today doing a test run, but nope. Right back to rain. Hey, it could be worse, at least it's not windy and it's just a slow, dripping rain. The forecast for this week? It'll be in the 50s and rain, rain, and more rain.

[mnavarre]

I use a Weber basket in my 18.5" kettle, at low 'n' slow temps I get about 3-4 hours out of it. In the 22" i'd expect more in the 2-3 hour range.

[Dadof3Illinois]

I use the baskets, one on each side with an aluminum pan in the middle to catch drippings. I also have the SnS XL and use it if I’m cooking a single pork butt or a small brisket. I use the standard SnS if I need the room.
All can work very well!!

[Dr J]

SNS is the single best accessory I bought for my Weber!