Moving the Sear Plate

marmadmax · Jul 1, 2020

I am looking at getting a Pit Boss grill. I notice that a few of the models come with an external handle that can be used to open/close the sear plate. On the models that do not have the arm, how does one move the sear plate when the grill is hot without removing one of the grates? Thanks in advance for a reply(s).

Trelle · Jul 1, 2020

On the Austin XL I just use my meat fork or spatula and slide it back and fourth

marmadmax · Jul 2, 2020

Trelle said:
On the Austin XL I just use my meat fork or spatula and slide it back and fourth

Thank you. I was sure if there was room between the grates to be able to move the plate.

4JLCC · Jul 4, 2020

I use a long handled flat tip screwdriver which works great. I just place it through the grate openings as I slide it. I have to use several different grate slots as it moves but it takes less than probably 10 seconds.

biffhero · Jul 8, 2020

I have seen some mods where people drilled holes in the side of their grill and added the wire handle. One fellow was all sorts of upscale and used a rifle cleaning rod and a screw to go through a newly-threaded top plate.

primeone · Jul 12, 2020

marmadmax said:
I am looking at getting a Pit Boss grill. I notice that a few of the models come with an external handle that can be used to open/close the sear plate. On the models that do not have the arm, how does one move the sear plate when the grill is hot without removing one of the grates? Thanks in advance for a reply(s).

Welcome to the forum! Have you decided on a model yet?

MikeInFla · Jul 12, 2020

Mine is an older model that doesn't have the sear plate but I have seen videos where people slide it open with a long fork or tongs, seems to work fairly well.

Watch here and fast forward to about 4:12

DaveXDm9 · Jul 27, 2020

marmadmax said:
I am looking at getting a Pit Boss grill. I notice that a few of the models come with an external handle that can be used to open/close the sear plate. On the models that do not have the arm, how does one move the sear plate when the grill is hot without removing one of the grates? Thanks in advance for a reply(s).

here you go on modifying it.