Trying to decide on grating material

[raklor]

Helo all, first time posting, gathering parts for a new build and looking for a consensus. Im able to source for the low low price of free some stainless perforated plate that id like to use for grating but my concern is should i skip it due to it being more material less open air than traditional grating or expanded steel thus limiting smoke contact on the bottom of the meat. Ive included a picture with a work glove held up next to it for size refrence. Thanks for any input.

Also tossed in a picture of 2'x2'x7'x1/8" cabinets i plan on using for the shell of my smoker.

[towtruck]

That shelf material should be fine. The cabinets may prove hard to deal with if you start cutting into them and try to weld them back together.

Welcome!

[Dirtytires]

Personally, I’m not a big fan of punched plate. I’ve always felt it is a bit restrictive.

It’s hard to pass up free tho....shelves are pretty easy to re-skin, maybe try it and see how it runs.

[raklor]

Still kicking things around on the cabinets. I have 2 of them, also free, and im considering using one as a main cook chamber for a horizontal reverse flow and carving the 2nd one up for parts. I need to get them gutted and moved into my garage this spring. Im considering pros n cons of door on top so it opens like a freezer chest vs door on side. I plan on using propane for heat source and insulating as well as putting frame on wheels so it could be taken to events if desired. I think i will try the punched plate and can always change it out later.

[Dirtytires]

Propane=bad

Be very careful with propane in a smoker. Most of us will not advise on it since it can be very dangerous in a tightly sealed smoker. And, for what it’s worth, a “smoker” on propane is just a gas grill in my opinion.