Hey guys, I want to dig this back up because I scored a 22" weber for free, have a propane burner, and LOVE pizza!
So I want to do this right, and have been reading threads all night. There is a bunch of info and I want to do it right... can you steer me in the right direction?
I think I want to go right away for the FB method (where you finding it?), looks like I want to close the gaps all around except for the back (proper cut out size?). I also need to trim the lid (again proper cut out size?). I think I also need some form of a deflector on top?
Thanks!
Bryan
Bryan,
In the beginning of my post, you'll find another link which you may find helpful. One downside to firebricks is you will burn WAY MORE propane. If you get the grilled pizza stone from Red Sky, it is the perfect size, and has the perfect "d" shape you need in the back of the kettle which allows air to flow up. Just line the exposed edges with HD aluminum foil to create a seal around the edges of the side of the kettle and you're good to go. This stone is rated to 2300 degrees and will take far more heat than you would ever need to cook a pizza.
You need to lower the "ceiling" of the lid. To do this, mount an 18 inch aluminum pizza pan to the underside of the lid using a screw, washer, and either bolt or wing nut. Doing this will help bring much more heat over the top of the pie as it cooks.
As to the size of the front vent opening, don't make it too big! You don't want too much heat escaping. Mine is about 10 inches across and 2 inches high, which is plenty big.
The whole point of this build is to create a convection effect: the hot air goes up and over the pie through the "d" shape opening in the stone, and the lower ceiling keeps the heat over the top of the pie, forcing the hot air out as it passes directly over your pizza.
You'll also want a heat deflector which goes directly over the burner grate so the bottom of your crust doesn't get crispified (unless you use firebrick, but again, you will be using a lot more propane).
One thing you will have to do, and that is to rotate the pizza a 1/4 turn every 30 seconds. I use a long pair of tongs to do this so I don't have to lower the lid and suffer a quick temp drop.
I researched many different configurations of the pizza kettle for 3 months on other forums, and I have to say, other than two small mods I made after the first cook, I've been blissfully happy with this contraption.
PM me if you like...
