The charcoal tray is a removable metal component designed to hold charcoal or briquettes during cooking. It serves a crucial role in both heat distribution and protecting the main body of your BBQ or rotisserie from direct fire damage. Over time, charcoal trays are subject to intense heat and natural wear – they’re considered a consumable part of your BBQ setup.
🔧 Purpose of the Charcoal Tray
- Protects the spit base and BBQ body from direct exposure to burning coals, which can cause long-term structural damage.
- Simplifies clean-up by allowing you to lift out spent fuel and ash in one go, instead of scraping the BBQ floor.
- Supports even fuel placement, which contributes to more consistent heat distribution.
🛠️ Normal Wear and Expected Characteristics
Charcoal trays are exposed to extreme temperatures. These effects are normal and expected:
- Warping, buckling, discolouration and eventual surface cracking.
- Heat-related metal fatigue over repeated use.
- Surface corrosion over time, especially if exposed to moisture or left uncleaned.
This is a standard part of the tray's lifecycle. Replacement trays are affordable and easy to swap out as needed. Due to their consumable nature, charcoal trays are not covered under warranty.
🔁 Tray Maintenance and Tips
- If the tray has warped significantly, it can often be carefully reshaped by hand once completely cooled.
- Always empty ash and grease residue after each use to prevent corrosion.
- Store the tray in a dry place when not in use, especially if your BBQ is outdoors.
⚠️ Safety Warning
NEVER attempt to extinguish hot coals by pouring water directly into the charcoal tray. This can cause:
- Sudden metal cracking or deformation.
- Steam bursts or warping that may damage your BBQ body or spit assembly.
Instead, use a metal bucket to transfer hot coals, then extinguish with water away from your unit.