UDS Heat Shield Experiment

I had the day to play around, so I thought I would see if a heat shield would help even out the temps in my barrel. First I calibrated the temp gauge that is mounted in the side of the drum and checked the probes too.
Probe #1 -- 211*
Probe #2 -- 211*
Probe #3 -- 213*
Temp gauge dialed in at 212*
Next I filled the small basket about 1/2 way and got a fire going and then put a grate on the bolts that I had mounted 10" above the charcoal basket. I set 2 probes in their holders on the cooking rack and brought the drum up to temp. I was surprised at the amount of temp difference from the side to the center. I brought it up to 200* on the outside gauge and the center probe read 263*. I held that temp for one hour then took another reading and it was 200* gauge and 254* center. So after awhile it settled in a little.
Now here's where no expense was spared for this experiment. I went to Wal-Mart and bought a 16" metal pizza pan. Cost $1.88 plus tax.:biggrin: It's thin metal but..........
I drilled 9 - 3/16" holes in it for drip holes.

I placed this on the bottom rack and put the probes back in place on the top rack. The temp spiked a little from having the top off, so I had to let it settle down for a while and level back off.
After running steady for about 30 min. it read 205* gauge - 217* center
So I raised the temp to 215* gauge - 232* center held that for 30 min.
Raised the temp again, 235* gauge - 251* center held that for 30 min.
Then I dropped it back to 215* gauge and just let it coast for about 2 hours. Surprisingly it only varied up or down about 3*-4* the whole time.




So, I'm guessing this may work. That pan was really thin. I'm wondering if a thicker piece of metal would also work better for evening out the heat?

Everyone has good points.:-D I agree the holes will have to be bigger, the metal thicker and the exhaust is part of it pulling the heat and always will be a little. I believe it would be easier to control with a kettle top instead of a flat top. More space above the cooking grate for the heat to go. I'm not saying it will or that I expect it to even out of all the difference in temps from side to center. but I have heard alot of people say they have 40*-50*-60* difference in temps, as do I. But what I did hope to accomplish out of this was to get the temp difference to a more manageable range of difference in temp. to maybe 10*-15* to make it a little easier for meat placement and timing of the cook. :-D

Kenny, I think JD McGee has used a clay pan in his. I didn't want a pan in mine, I wanted to still have the drippings go to the fire for the added flavor it produces.:-D

I put in a 3rd set of bolts in to hold a grate. It is 6" below the bottom of 2nd grate. That would be 18" up from the charcoal grate. It stayed at that level the whole time.:-D

I put eyelets in the holes to keep from rubbing the probe wires on any sharp edges. the plugs just keep the wires from sliding in or out of the hole. I've been known to get caught in the wires and pull things out. I don't guess it would do much to leave them open, the holes aren't that big.