Weber Gourmet BBQ System Hinged Cooking Grate – Add Charco

The Verdict

Let’s be direct: if you own a 22-inch Weber kettle, the Gourmet BBQ System Hinged Cooking Grate is the single most practical upgrade you can make. It solves a problem you probably didn’t realize was annoying you — until you’ve used it, and then you’ll never go back.

What You Actually Get

The box contains one hinged cooking grate for 22-inch Weber kettles. It’s not a single piece — you get a plated steel outer frame with two independent hinged sections on either side, and a removable cast-iron center grate. The whole thing measures 22.5 inches across and weighs roughly 8 pounds, with the cast iron center being the heavyweight.

The hinges flip up from the middle, creating two V-shaped openings above the charcoal bed. That’s the party trick: you lift a flap, add briquettes or wood chunks, drop the flap back down, and keep cooking. No more lifting a hot grate with tongs while trying not to drop your steak in the ashes.

Performance and Build Quality

Here’s where the 4.8-star rating makes sense. The cast-iron center section is the standout — it’s thick enough to hold serious heat. After 15 minutes of preheating, you can get a proper Maillard crust on a ribeye that the thin stainless grates on the stock kettle simply can’t deliver. One reviewer put it plainly: “The cast iron center sears better than my cast iron skillet. I’ve stopped using my grill pan entirely.”

The hinged flaps work exactly as designed. During a 4-hour brisket cook, you can add two or three lit briquettes per side without disturbing the meat. The hinges themselves are solid — they’re riveted, not spot-welded, and they hold up to the repeated thermal cycling that kills cheaper grates.

The outer stainless sections are the same gauge as the stock Weber grate, so they’ll warp just as easily if you drop them in a cold sink after a hot cook. Let them cool naturally and they’ll stay flat.

What Buyers Consistently Praise

Across the 240 ratings, three themes dominate. First is the sear quality — the cast iron center is a genuine upgrade, not a gimmick. Second is the convenience of the hinge mechanism. As one verified buyer put it: “I used to dread adding charcoal mid-cook. Now it takes 10 seconds and I don’t lose any heat.”

Third is build quality. Multiple reviewers note that after a year or two of regular use, the grate still looks and functions like new — provided you maintain the cast iron. That’s the catch.

Where It Falls Short

The cast iron center demands attention. It arrives bare, with no preseasoning, and it will rust if you look at it wrong. You need to coat it in oil and run it through a burn-off cycle before first use, and then re-oil it after every wash. Skip that maintenance and you’ll be scrubbing orange flakes off your steak within a month.

The hinges also don’t move freely when new. They’re designed to hold position, so you’ll need to work them open and closed a dozen times before they loosen up. It’s not a dealbreaker, but don’t expect silky operation out of the box.

One more thing: the center grate is round, about 7 inches in diameter. That’s enough for a single large steak or a few burgers, but if you’re cooking for a crowd, you’ll still be rotating food onto the sear zone.

Who Should Buy This

Get it if: You own a 22-inch Weber kettle and cook low-and-slow with charcoal — brisket, pork shoulder, ribs. The hinge access alone is worth the price. Also get it if you’re chasing better sears on steaks and chops.

Skip it if: You’re a gas grill person who rarely touches charcoal, or you don’t want to deal with cast-iron maintenance. The stock grate is fine for basic grilling.

FAQ

Q: Does this fit all Weber kettles? A: Only the 22-inch models — the Original Kettle, Master-Touch, and Performer. It won’t fit the 18-inch or 26-inch versions.

Q: Can I use the Gourmet BBQ System accessories with this grate? A: Yes. The center opening accepts the wok, poultry roaster, and griddle inserts. That’s a major selling point if you want to expand beyond basic grilling.

Q: How do I season the cast iron center? A: Wash it with soap and water, dry it completely, then coat it in a thin layer of vegetable oil. Heat the grill to medium for 30 minutes. Do this before first use and after every cleaning.

The Verdict

Buy it if you want better sears and easier charcoal management on your Weber kettle. Skip it if you don’t want the cast-iron maintenance or you’re happy with your current grate.

Rating: 4.6/5 — The hinges and sear quality are genuinely excellent, but the cast-iron upkeep keeps it from being flawless.

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.