Funny you mention it, I bought a Weber 26†a few months ago and bought the exact same combo from ABC. Like you, I was disappointed, in the size of the DnG. Though I’m sure it’s not intentional, I found it misleading since the other two pieces in the package are customized for the 26†grill. I didn’t complain because I didn’t want to bother sending it back. Oh - I don’t have a solution, other than my grill neatness standards are a little lower than yours.
I recently posted my first cook on my new 26. I also got the ABCBBQ's XL Trifecta (SnS, DnG, EasySpin grate). Same set up as my Performer. What I failed to realize at the time of purchase is the DnG that comes with the XL combo, is the same one for the 22" kettle. After I made my purchase and realized that this was the case I emailed ABCBBQ wondering/assuming if there would be a gap between the SnS and obviously it and the bottom bowl. Didn't receive a response. Could have been innocently missed as any other communications have been great. Would still like to know why they combo the XL products this way David Parrish ? It's pretty easy to assume with their excellent products and service (like the 22" combo) that you would get the same fitments. Especially advertised specifically for the 26". Anywho:
I normally do my cooks and then the following day after work clean up the grill. With my 22" set up it's a breeze. The DnG (lined with foil) catches 99% of the grease. The ash pan does just what it's called. Easy peasy. Maybe a tiny tiny bit of grease.
However, since the DnG does not even come close to covering all of the indirect part of the charcoal grate on the 26, I decided to line the charcoal grate with foil. Right up to under the lip of the XL 2.0 SnS. So when I went to clean up the grill and empty the ash pan I discovered beef rib mud. Something I have never experienced with my 22" set up. So (I know finally!), my question is what do you guys do to prevent this mess for long greasy cooks?
Sorry we missed your email! We've had several staff transitions in the past month and I guess we just missed it. How did you email us? What address did you send to and was it a direct mail or did you fill out our "contact us" form?
David Parrish No need. You answered my emailed question with the below post. Just wish that the description for the XL Combo would state the DnG is the same for the 22 and 26.
If you look at the DnG Product Page you'll see we state, "Compatible with 22″/26″ kettles and the Weber Summit® Charcoal Grill." That's been that way for a while now. Couple years at least.
There are two main reasons we don't make a DnG for the 26.
1) It'd be way too big and unwieldy. For example it wouldn't fit in a dishwasher.
2) We'd lose money trying to sell them.
We made 500 EasySpin grates for the 26 inch grill based on lots of folks asking for it. Two years later I think we've still sold less than the amount of folks that made the request to begin with.
26 owners are a vocal crowd, but not a big crowd, unfortunately.
And the SNS RKE for that matter.
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