Good question!, I went with raised mesh, as that is what they had, but thinking about it, I think the raised is better , one for the better strenght and 2 it has less contact with the meat. I maybe wrong but we are smoking the meat not searing it!...................................stones at the ready!
I went with flat, but if I were to do it again I would go raised for the reasons already given. I actually think the raised would be easier to clean as there is less surface area.
Nothing I like more than to kick back with a Zima and a Virgina Slim reading 50 Shades of Grey with DCman (The Czar).
mdesmond6275, while I prefer flat for ease of working with raised is just fine with me. Cleaning is just as easy with either one it just boils down to what I have to work with at the time. The flat can be just as strong with no sag if you support the center of your grates.
I hope this helps. ;)
This back yard offset has raised grates and they work fine.
flat is best - unless you got some bent - then bent is best - just sayin'
And on the eighth day God created barbecue …. because he DOES love us and he wants us to be happy.
Current smokers: Egor (trailered RF) and Easybake (tabletop pellet drive)