Diffuser alternatives for mini WSM?

C

C J

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 9, 2012
Messages
29
Reaction score
12
Points
0
Location
Cypress CA
I know the conventional wisdom is to use a 12" terra cota saucers as a diffuser, but I'm a bit concerned about the possible chemical release when these are heated. These are intended for gardening purposes, not cooking. Are there any good alternatives? If I simply drilled holes at the bottom of the stock pot, would that work as a diffuser, or would I still need something else?
 
That's what I did. i.e. no extra diffuser in my mini. I also left the tamale strainer in and made sure the holes were not lined up with those drilled in the pot. Cooked 3-4 pork butts with no issues.
 
I cut the bottom out of mine so I can run it hot if I need to. I use the terra cotta pot for low and slow, but for higher heat I use a disposable aluminum pan. Does the trick for me. If you're really worried about chemicals, you could use a 12" cast iron skillet with the handle cut off. I don't think there are any issues though. The unglazed terra cotta pots really are just fired clay.
 
For those that drilled holes only, how hot are you able to get it to go? I am also in the process of building one. Although I plan to use it mainly for low and slow, I would like to occasionally run it at 300-350 temps. Can I do that without cutting out the bottom (drilling holes only) and using the bottom of the pot itself as the diffuser?
 
I use a 12" stainless dog bowl that I found at target. I fill it with water or sand or leave it empty.
 
Pizza plate from the restaurant supply store has seemed to work for me.
 
DSC02303a.jpg



I'm using a stainless steel pie pan.
 
Also seen people use a disposable foil pie pan as a simple diffuser. Easy clean up, when it gets nasty, toss and replace.
 
Mdboatbum said:
I cut the bottom out of mine so I can run it hot if I need to. I use the terra cotta pot for low and slow, but for higher heat I use a disposable aluminum pan. Does the trick for me. If you're really worried about chemicals, you could use a 12" cast iron skillet with the handle cut off. I don't think there are any issues though. The unglazed terra cotta pots really are just fired clay.
Click to expand...

Is this unglazed?

http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay...gId=10051&cmRelshp=req&rel=nofollow&cId=PDIO1
 
benniesdad said:
For those that drilled holes only, how hot are you able to get it to go? I am also in the process of building one. Although I plan to use it mainly for low and slow, I would like to occasionally run it at 300-350 temps. Can I do that without cutting out the bottom (drilling holes only) and using the bottom of the pot itself as the diffuser?
Click to expand...

Drilled holes in mine with no separate difusser. I have never seen 350. Maybe it has been up to 300.
 
I cut out the bottom of my Mini. I use the tamale insert as a diffuser. When i want to go low and slow I use a terra cotta saucer wrapped in foil under my bottom rack. If I want to go hot and fast I just put a cheap pie tin under the bottom rack for easy clean up.

I have gotten my mini past 325 and held as low as 200, great cookers for either low and slow or hot and fast and very efficient with the use of fuel.
 
Mdboatbum said:
Looks like the same one I use, so yes, it's unglazed. It mentions that it's absorbent, so it has to be unglazed.
Click to expand...

Thanks. I went ahead and placed an order for one. I have a Smokey Joe Silver, so I may try and drill holes first before cutting the bottom out. I heard the Silvers run a little hotter than the Golds due to the increased airflow. I'd like it to sit in the 225-250 range naturally.
 
Figure I'll chime in too. I am using a 9" deep dish cake pan hevily foiled, dry under my botom rack, catches the drippings pretty good and can run it up over 350, or hold it down to 200 with just the bottom vent. I drilled the bottom using the steamer tray as a templet-same size and amount of holes. (12" pan would not get hot enough for me) I'm now using a variant of the Minion method, about 50/50 lit to unlit, heats up much faster, cleaner burn, and will still run a good 6+ hours.
 
ditto. but i also use a trivet or cookie rack to lift the pan or terra cotta plate off of the diffusser.


aawa said:
I cut out the bottom of my Mini. I use the tamale insert as a diffuser. When i want to go low and slow I use a terra cotta saucer wrapped in foil under my bottom rack. If I want to go hot and fast I just put a cheap pie tin under the bottom rack for easy clean up.

I have gotten my mini past 325 and held as low as 200, great cookers for either low and slow or hot and fast and very efficient with the use of fuel.
Click to expand...
 
C J said:
If I simply drilled holes at the bottom of the stock pot, would that work as a diffuser, or would I still need something else?
Click to expand...

Yes, that is what I did, and it works great.

picture.php


That bottom rack is for a drip pan (tinfoil pie pan).

CD
 
Stainless steel dog food bowl.

IMG_3512.jpg


IMG_3509.jpg


Is how I roll.

An aluminum pie pan catches the drippings, and I just put a couple wadded balls of foil in the bowl.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

B
DIY Mini WSM w/ Smokey Joe Gold
Replies
2
Views
413
Nuco59
N
J
Advice please: itty-bitty brisket on WSM?
Replies
8
Views
1K
jjdbike
J
L
Roasted Pepper (and asst'd veggies) Soup
Replies
11
Views
663
sudsandswine
sudsandswine
A
Tips for Weber Summit Charcoal Grill
Replies
4
Views
545
El Ropo
El Ropo
N
Mini WSM + temp controller?
Replies
12
Views
723
kls44
K
Back
Top