I’m mildly looking for a new pit and was wondering if someone who has an elite with the second shelf could tell me how much usable space that gives you?  Could you do another brisket or two on that shelf? With that shelf in place does the main grill feel crunched?

I’ve come to the realization that the shelf placement on my grandslam just isn’t right. If they had an option for two shelves instead of three that would be so much more useful.

I think the Pitts and Spitts maverick 2000 is a perfect layout but I would prefer my next pitt to be all stainless.

Also, how accurate is the controller?

The extra shelves on the Elite are about 5" deep, and the second level uses two - with a little gap between them they amount to about 11" total depth. The distance from the top of the main rack to the bottom of the second shelf is about 3.5"  which is tight. You can fit a brisket or ribs or other relatively flat item in there - maybe a spatchcocked chicken, but not a butt.

The extra shelves on the Elite are about 5" deep, and the second level uses two - with a little gap between them they amount to about 11" total depth. The distance from the top of the main rack to the bottom of the second shelf is about 3.5"  which is tight. You can fit a brisket or ribs or other relatively flat item in there - maybe a spatchcocked chicken, but not a butt.

I thought similar until Bentley had a pick of the second level racks setting on top of the shoulders.  You may be able to get 10-12 shoulders on the Elite that way.

I know you can get 13-14 baby backs on it with the 3 levels of racks.

I think I can only get 8 shoulders on my MAK with the second shelves.

The Memphis elite doesn’t sound like the right one for me then.

I guess I’ll keep waiting till someone comes out with a new pit that fits what I want.

The extra shelves on the Elite are about 5" deep, and the second level uses two - with a little gap between them they amount to about 11" total depth. The distance from the top of the main rack to the bottom of the second shelf is about 3.5"  which is tight. You can fit a brisket or ribs or other relatively flat item in there - maybe a spatchcocked chicken, but not a butt.

I thought similar until Bentley had a pick of the second level racks setting on top of the shoulders.  You may be able to get 10-12 shoulders on the Elite that way.

I know you can get 13-14 baby backs on it with the 3 levels of racks.

I think I can only get 8 shoulders on my MAK with the second shelves.

OK thanks. I figure I could make some simple blocks to fit on the shelf bracket that would raise the second shelves up 1-2 inches, but so far, I haven't needed that much capacity.

The Memphis elite doesn’t sound like the right one for me then.

I guess I’ll keep waiting till someone comes out with a new pit that fits what I want.

What doesn't work for you?  Maybe I can provide more clarification or pics.

I don’t think it’s tall enough for what I want.

I was hoping there was more vertical space in the grill.

I don’t think it’s tall enough for what I want.

I was hoping there was more vertical space in the grill.

What are you trying to accomplish with the vertical space?

Effectively, double my capacity for the few times a year i need to.

Effectively, double my capacity for the few times a year i need to.

Let us know how much of what you need to fit, and someone will be able to tell you if it will work and maybe has some pictures to show. You can fit a lot on the grill but I don't think you can double the capacity of the main cooking grate.

Effectively, double my capacity for the few times a year i need to.

Let us know how much of what you need to fit, and someone will be able to tell you if it will work and maybe has some pictures to show. You can fit a lot on the grill but I don't think you can double the capacity of the main cooking grate.

Depending on what you plan to cook, you can come very close to doubling capacity using the 2nd and or 3rd shelves in the Elite.

I don't want to come across as trying to "sell" someone to buy a Memphis.  As most know, I have 5 different pellet grills.  I just want to make sure people have the best information they can obtain before they make a final decision on a purchase.  I really don't care if someone buys a Memphis, a Traeger, or some new grills that have popped up on here lately.

Pitts and Spitts can probably make a stainless one for more $$

Pitts and Spitts can probably make a stainless one for more $$

That's a really interesting thought.

There is a video on YouTube of a Pitts and spitts 2000that was custom ordered with stainless parts. I think the shelves and the drip pan and deflector. . I am sure you could get the whole thing stainless. Might be worth a phone call.