Deflector rig

[samyfromri]

The Akorn doesn't include a deflector.  I havent want to drop the $40 for the factory stone.  I bought a pizza stone kit from Lowes, $12 (link below).  Is there a reason this is a bad idea? should I go for the deflector made for it?  The stone just barely fits on the bottom, it's only 15".

 

http://www.lowes.com/pd_269578-47981-42283_0__?productId=4667409

[Reburg99]

I had that same set.  The problem is they stones will not hold up to the high heat and will eventually crack.  I keep using it and just put the pieces back together.... In the long run it's probably cheaper to just pick up the factory stone.

[rich_l]

I also feel that $40 for a deflector is too much, so I use http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/outdoor-gourmet-14-preseasoned-round-griddle?repChildCatid=27890 (also get a Weber 21" CHARCOAL grate to put it on.  If you can break the cast iron griddle, you are doing somethiing very wrong 8)

[BEER-N-BBQ by Larry]

Doo what I and others did: use a Weber fire grate and cheap pizza pan as a deflector. Works great. Cost me $15.

[Edsland]

I have the Weber Fire grate and a stip of aluminum foil when I want it indirect works fine for me.

[Big Dawg]

Doo what I and others did: use a Weber fire grate and cheap pizza pan as a deflector. Works great. Cost me $15.

 

This^^^^^^^^

[Addertooth]

For any newbies who run across this thread, the weber grate people are speaking of is the model 7441 I believe.

[Lisa]

The Akorn doesn't include a deflector. I havent want to drop the $40 for the factory stone. I bought a pizza stone kit from Lowes, $12 (link below). Is there a reason this is a bad idea? should I go for the deflector made for it? The stone just barely fits on the bottom, it's only 15".

http://www.lowes.com/pd_269578-47981-42283_0__?productId=4667409

I bought the same one, I plan on putting a couple bars in a triangle to keep it from slipping

[BEER-N-BBQ by Larry]

Doo what I and others did: use a Weber fire grate and cheap pizza pan as a deflector. Works great. Cost me $15.

Here's a video of what I did. Don't buy a Teflon coated pan. Just buy a cheap aluminum one.

[samyfromri]

There are two sizes, 18.5 and 22.5. I'm thinking the 18.5 would be the right size? Also, what are the pros and cons of a ceramic deflector shield vs the grate and pan method people are suggesting?

[ebijack]

A 17" coal grate from a Weber 22.5" is the proper grate. And either a 15" or 16" cheapo pizza pan. Your choice.

[BEER-N-BBQ by Larry]

The fire grate for the 22.5 in Weber. Beware of using a pizza pan that is too large (eg 16 inch). I used one a couple times before I realized that my ash pan and handles were burning up from overheating. Once I switched to a smaller pan, everything worked better.

[samyfromri]

Thanks

[JeffieBoy]

I had that same set. The problem is they stones will not hold up to the high heat and will eventually crack. I keep using it and just put the pieces back together.... In the long run it's probably cheaper to just pick up the factory stone.

Ditto. I've broken two. The last one is pieced back together in two layers of BBQ foil. Try a foil pan with some nice clean sand in it. Works reall well. Just put some BBQ foil over the sand to catch drips.

[Boxmaster]

WW had 15-inch stones for $10 Works like a charm, adds a little thermal mass too. Mines a 2 piece now as well.  I just use it for the low and slow jobs, anything 300°F and under.