A BBQ heat deflector (also known as a heat setter, plate setter, or diffuser) is a critical accessory used to turn a direct-heat grill into an indirect-convection oven. It acts as a physical barrier between the fire and your food, preventing the intense radiant heat from charring the exterior while allowing hot air to circulate and cook the food evenly. Why You Need One Without a deflector, food placed directly over coals or burners receives intense, focused heat. A deflector is essential for: - Low and Slow Smoking: Ideal for brisket, ribs, or pulled pork. - Roasting: Perfect for whole chickens, turkeys, or large roasts. - Baking: Allows you to use your grill like a traditional oven for pizza, bread, or even cookies.

Whether you need a collector (often called a "smoke collector") on your BBQ smoker depends entirely on the design of the smoker and your goals for airflow and temperature management. Collectors are primarily used on offset smokers to bridge the gap between the cooking chamber and the exhaust stack.

Building a BBQ smoker can be a challenging yet rewarding project that tests and improves your welding skills. I can help with your project. https://www.skool.com/bbq-smoker-builders-community-1300/about

Sometimes building a new smoker is not in the cards. You may have a heavy-duty unit that just needs touching up. You may have questions that I can answer or help with.