This comprehensive review delves into the world of indirect grilling on Weber kettle grills, specifically focusing on the need for a high-quality heat diffuser. The author's journey, detailed in this article, begins with the limitations of the Weber Master Touch's built-in system and explores various DIY and commercially available options, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. From frustrating attempts with repurposed materials to the highly sought-after (but unavailable) Sky Flame diffuser, the search for the perfect solution leads to an unexpected discovery.This review culminates in a thorough examination of Heat Beacon Designs' offering – a robust, well-engineered heat diffuser and charcoal basket crafted for superior performance and durability. We'll explore the design, materials, and overall grilling experience, comparing it to previous attempts and highlighting its significant advantages. Ultimately, this review will provide Weber kettle owners with invaluable insight into elevating their indirect grilling capabilities, guiding them toward a solution that delivers consistent results and a superior culinary experience.
Pros And Cons
- American-made
- Mild steel deflector plate (does not warp)
- Taller charcoal basket (holds more briquettes)
- 304 stainless steel charcoal basket
- Mild steel deflector plate requires seasoning
- Deflector plate does not fit the Jumbo Joe
Read more: Top 10 Cast Iron Grill Baskets: Our Best Picks
The Genesis: A Weber Master Touch Premium Upgrade
My journey began with a Weber Master Touch Premium grill, a model known for its convenient hinge. I enhanced it with a side table from SNS and a Venom blower for improved performance. These additions enhanced my grilling experience significantly, however, I was searching for a better way to cook indirectly.
The included Weber heat diffuser and charcoal basket sparked my interest in finding a standalone solution. Many others shared my desire for a separate purchase option, but Weber hasn't yet released these components individually. This limitation fueled my search for alternatives and ultimately inspired my DIY attempts and led to my discovery of the Heat Beacon Designs product.
DIY Attempts and the Sky Flame Alternative
My initial attempts involved repurposing pizza pans and expanded metal, creating a functional but imperfect solution. While effective, managing the temperature was crucial to prevent damage to the aluminum pans. This experiment highlighted the need for a more robust, commercially available product.
Then I stumbled upon the Sky Flame heat diffuser on Amazon. This high-quality, well-made diffuser boasted a large charcoal basket and garnered positive reviews in my video. Unfortunately, it quickly sold out and has remained unavailable. This emphasized the demand for a reliable, well-designed solution.
Introducing Heat Beacon Designs
Enter Ned, a brewmaster by day and artisan heat diffuser creator by night. His Heat Beacon Designs offers a compelling alternative, crafted from durable materials. His product uses a mild steel plate and a taller stainless steel charcoal basket, promising improved performance and capacity.
Ned’s design is a welcome addition to the market, addressing the limitations of previous solutions. The use of mild steel provides a robust construction, while the increased height of the charcoal basket allows for more fuel, potentially extending cooking time.
Other Heat Beacon Designs Products
Beyond the heat diffuser, Heat Beacon Designs offers a range of other high-quality Weber accessories. This includes stainless steel side tables, shelves, and drip trays, all crafted with meticulous attention to detail. The consistency in quality across their product line speaks volumes about Ned's commitment to craftsmanship.
These additional accessories enhance the overall grilling experience, expanding the functionality of the Weber kettle. The variety of options allows for customization to suit individual needs and preferences, creating a cohesive and well-equipped grilling setup.
Cook Test: Cajun Turkey Roast
To test the Heat Beacon Designs diffuser, I prepared a Cajun-style turkey breast roast. The diffuser performed exceptionally well, maintaining a consistent temperature and delivering evenly cooked results. The mild steel plate withstood the heat without warping, exceeding my expectations.
The heat distribution was excellent, resulting in a moist and flavorful turkey. The design of the charcoal basket allowed for ample fuel, and the overall grilling experience was superior to past attempts with makeshift diffusers.
Conclusion: A Top-Tier Heat Diffuser
The Heat Beacon Designs heat diffuser and charcoal basket is a game-changer for indirect grilling on Weber kettles. It addresses the shortcomings of previous solutions, combining a durable design, excellent heat distribution, and ample charcoal capacity.
The mild steel construction, while requiring seasoning, performs exceptionally well, even under prolonged high heat. While the Sky Flame option was impressive, its persistent unavailability makes Heat Beacon Designs the clear winner in terms of accessibility and overall quality. I highly recommend this product to any Weber kettle owner looking to elevate their indirect grilling game.
