Front shelf on cart

[Pork Belly]

I have a #3 and currently use it without a cart. I find that I have to put a pan or meat lug in front of the smoker to catch drips when the shelves are pulled out for loading or unloading.

I am considering the cart for my #3 but think that without a front shelf to hold a pan under the pulled out racks, it will likely have drips all down the front of the cart and on my deck.

If you are using a cart, has this a problem for you? Do you think a third shelf in the front would be a good idea or optional add on?

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[Smokster]

Hey Brain,

I also have a #3 and I was having the same issue. As a temporary solution, I face the front of the smoker towards the lawn over my patio, any drippings fall on my lawn.  When I don't have that option, I sometimes place a flat tray or cookie sheet on the ground in front of the smoker before I pull the shelves out.

Longer term, I plan on incorporating something more permanent when I redo my patio.

[DivotMaker]

How about one of those BBQ grill mats you get at Lowe's?  You know - it's just a black vinyl mat that goes under your grill.  They're vinyl, and clean easy.  I use one under the Weber gasser, and it's great.

[Pork Belly]

I had thought about the mat. Right now the smoker is on the deck (wood) and the meat lug works fine. I am wondering if people with the carts are getting drips and gunk on the front of the cart. Seems like a shelf on the front would make sense even it it was an optional add-on.

[Three Sons BBQ]

A sliding tray that comes out the front would be sweet... But I kind of think at some point too much is too much...I cannot believe I would ever write such a thing.

My point is a shelf in the front would be more harm than good... As you know at some point we gotta grab the racks, the meet, etc.

Personally.... What I do...is I never use the bottom shelf... So if I have a real messy job... I slide out the bottom rack and place a cooking sheet on it temporarily.... Seems to work.

[Big Fish]

First world problems.    I usually have my 3 dogs following me to the smoker and the drippings usually don't make it to the deck.

[Pork Belly]

I don't trust my lab that close to the smoker. If I dropped a six pound butt she would snag it.

[swthorpe]

Like Divot, I put a grill mat in front of my #2 and under the front wheels...this catches pretty much everything when I pull out the shelves.

[Jackie]

I built my cabinet over sized with the smoker recessed just a little so any drips would  stay on top.  I also have an over sized drip pan that goes under the regular drip pan.  I have gotten drips on the floor from pulling out the racks, so I may get a mat as well.