Shelf Question

[mp4]

To have a shelf or not...that is the question.

I'm close to being ready for paint and the only thing that I need to design and fab up is a shelf and I'm on the fence as to if it is worth the effort.

My original intent was to have a shelf on the same plane as the lower rack support. The wood basket top rail is already there and the shelf would act as a support to help transfer the lower rack to the top of the wood basket for those times when I'm cooking whole hogs.

So here's my question. How many of you have shelves installed? If you do, are they actually useful, or are they just in the way?

Thanks much!

[Rodcrafter]

In my experience, the shelf on the front is very important. When putting items in the cooker and when taking them out. The main thing I have learned about them is put it 6" below your door handle if you can and it is better to be something flat like stainless is ideal. The reason I say that is because of the fender, it makes the shelf be close to the fender then hard to clean it. So if it is solid nothing can drip on it.

jm2cw


Making memories.

[Dirtytires]

My vote is a shelf. I prep and transfer my meats on a cookie sheet so want my shelf wide enough to support it. Ever dump a half tray of ribs while off-loading from the smoker and you will understand why I hate skinny shelves.

[The Czar]

Shelf is a must...just like have a bottle opener....the more the better

[Frank_Cox]

Mack has a shelf and it is very useful! Make it removable though for cleaning under it!

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[BurnBern]

My vote is a shelf. I prep and transfer my meats on a cookie sheet so want my shelf wide enough to support it. Ever dump a half tray of ribs while off-loading from the smoker and you will understand why I hate skinny shelves.

What width shelf would you recommend. I'm thinking of using ss for shelf and to make it so that it can be dropped down to get through my shed doorway. My build is 24"x44" offset with a 19x19x19" FB

[Squiggle]

Have a look at this thread, he makes a nifty drop down shelf & looks pretty simple to make.

http://www.smokerbuilder.com/forums/vie ... =17&t=4907

[BurnBern]

Thanks what I meant the is the shelf would be 40" long but would you make it 10"/8"/6" wide/deep?

[Big T]

I made my shelf 12'' but I wouldn't go any smaller than 10''. jm2cw

[Rodcrafter]

Yep what Big T said I like 12"


Making memories.

[BurnBern]

Have a look at this thread, he makes a nifty drop down shelf & looks pretty simple to make.

http://www.smokerbuilder.com/forums/vie ... =17&t=4907

I like the way the drop down shelf works and will definitely make it 12" wide. I'm looking on flea bay for a SS shelf.

[Dirtytires]

My cookie sheets are the standard 13x18 ones that have a small 3/4 inch lip all around. Love them cause they are sturdy, fit a fill slab of ribs, and you can put a "cooling rack" underneath to keep meat out of its own juices.

That said, I won't go less than 12 inches deep. I want to know that even unbalanced, it isn't going to tip off. I never carry 2 at a time so I would be ok with about 20 inch wide if need be but would typically run the entire front on the smoker.

I also have a gate to roll mine thru to get out of the back yard....nothing wrong with fold down or removable.

[Pete Mazz]

My reply got lost in the mail....

How about a sliding shelf that sits on your wood box, maybe half the width.