Common knowledge for people with common sense. I`ve been running my off-set cookers this way for over well 25yrs. This method makes for very easy clean up, too. Glad to see you put out a video on it. Pay no attention to negative comments. I never believed those tuning plates were ever that great. Saved myself alotta money by not buying into the snake oil for many years.

This is absolutely the best diffuser/tuner mod ever. Got my OK Joe to same temps on both ends. Im gonna build a set of steel plates using this design in my shop next rainy day. Lots of useless mods all over KZfaq but this one is a must. Thanks a bunch

I just bought and assembled a new offset smoker today... This is the best hack I've seen yet to evenly heat the cooking chamber. And it's free... The best. And the cleanup will be far easier with this method as well. Absolutely brilliant...

Dude. I just wrapped my extra grates in foil and started a pork butt... temp hasn’t went over 250 once! You are a genius my good man.

Dude.....That was basically 100% perfect investigative journalism right there. Thank you for saving me over $100! I will be making these mods in my Char-Griller as soon as I get home. Well done!

I NEVER comment on You Tube videos, but well done Meat Cranium. I have a Char Grillers offset smoker and just replaced some basic parts, and was so close to buying the Lava Temp Plate from BBQPromod, i know for a fact i have a 25-30 difference in the smoker. Wrapping my plates in foil from here on out! Keep on Smokin Brother

My wife just bought my first Highland yesterday. Love this smoker. I'm all over your mod already. Thanks!! Subbed

Dude, I don't have that style smoker, but I gotta say, hell yeah! My buddy was about to buy one of those tuning plates, I just showed him this video! He's going to go your method! Smoke on brother!!!

I’m doing the heat management set up with aluminum foil and I’m getting a 7 degree difference. This does work and I’m doing a brisket. Thank you very much saved me 100$ from buying that kit online. 👍👍

I came here after seeing your first video. Nice one! Thanks for this mate. Very interesting to see the difference when you removed the deflectors. I have just got my first offset smoker and I'm going to use this method tomorrow to test temps. But instead of using a grill grate covered in foil, I'm using 2 oven trays that cost only £1 each. They fit perfectly inside my cooking chamber.

Preciate this greatly. Just purchased a Highland and was about to order me the basket and baffles until watching ur video. Thx!

This is great information . I like what you have done with this method . You have saved me a great deal of money !!!!

I KNEW there was an easier and cheaper way to hack this problem and you did it! I'm going outside after coffee and doing it!

Thanks for tips! I can’t beleive how great the foil wrapped heat diffuser has worked for me. Everyone that owns a cheap offset should see this video.

Thx for the tip! I was a little skeptical about it improving the temperature difference so drastically. But you are 100% right! And now my temperature difference is 5 degrees also instead of 30. Thx again much appreciated!!

I saw your vid & it gave me an idea. Instead of foil, I went to a big box chain & bought some thin gauge metal plates that happen to be the perfect size to fit on the slide rails...then I used my hole saws for metal & drilled out holes in sequence to adjust for diffusing heat & smoke at the location where I want it. Thanks all to you for your dedication.

That is so funny. I did almost every one of those aluminum foil hacks about 2 yrs ago. I thought I was so brilliant. Nice work and thanks for sharing.

This is ridiculous.......why didn't I ever think of this?!?! LOL! I had an old Char-Broil offset that I couldn't find plates for, so I ended up using an old metal baking sheet to lean up as a deflection plate. But this is a genius idea! Thank you! I was recently given a nearly new Brinkmann Trailmaster that I am going to try this on. I did however buy the gasket and latch kit for it because that worked great on my old one.

Dude!! I just got a Char Griller Offset yesterday! You just saved me a butt load of money. Thanks my friend!! [Phil]

Been using this same diffuser method for 3yrs. Always work perfect. Smoke on!

Just been dealing with this issue for a couple of weeks and I was about to purchase a tuning/diffuser plate for my grill this idea worked great in my new smoker thanks

Ok, just found your channel...I like it so far... thanks for sharing.

Thanks for the honesty in your videos and for all the inspiration!

WOW! I must say that I was skeptical at first but, after trying this "HACK"in my New Braunfels offset smoker, it "ABSOLUTELY WORK"'!!!!!!!

I’ve tried your method and your right! Temp differential was between 2 and 6 degrees! Pretty good.

Very nice! I have been doing this same trick for 2yrs now and just for all the ney sayers that have been going on about the aluminum foil. I have been known to not replace the foil on the grates for 2 to 3 cooks with no issues at all. The foil didn’t get “thin” or anything. As for the longhorn I do the same hack and it gives me a 5 degree difference from side to side.

man I got my offset set up this week and remembered the video. it works very well thanks mate!

I agree with everyone saying these are great ideas, but I'm seriously amazed that more people don't ot can't come up with these ideas on their own. My wife says I'm just cheap, but why pay major amounts of money for what can be done for sometimes nothing or very little. Keep up the good work.

I may not bbq but I can say that u gave good points and the supporting proof is very truthful which made the video amazing. Thx Meathead... maybe a can learn a lesson or two.

You're a genius bro. Thanks and keep the videos coming.

I'm buying a Oklahoma joe on Sunday. I was second guessing getting it as I have to many now but this video convinced me. Thanks

This is awesome. I just got me a Highlander and couldnt justify spending that much on tuner plates. Keep making the vids!

This solved my problem where i had a 50+ degree difference between both gauges its pretty much spot on on both sides of the cook chamber nice work

Thanks. Great video!

Was thinking about buying plates...this is much better! thanks!

The aluminum covered heat diffusion system by Meathead definitely works!! I extended it with an additional aluminum foil covered grate with better heat diffusion. GREAT JOB MEAT HEAD!

I LOVE IT! You do the same as me. When I first started smoking in my Char-Griller, I was very tempted to go out and buy all those cool things I saw in forums. But I resisted. I decided to try homemade cheap on the fly stuff, to try it out first. I'm so glad I did! Saved me money and arguments with my wife. Other than sealing my lids, all my other mods can be removed, or replaced at anytime. Little cost. Usually foil or foil pans. Flex drier vent for chimney. I just crimp it on, no clamps or screws. I replaced it once after 4 years. YOU DA MAN!

Great video What you're saying is absolutely true I just bought an Oklahoma joe for the wife ,Being a retired welder fabricator my very last job before retiring was Fabricating and welding the steel barrier fence that surrounded ground zero Manhattan .if I was ambitious I would build dampers fire box Diffusers ,People just dont understand how simple a alternative fix ,paying tons of money making them rich Getting ripped off (Live and learn people Stop getting ripped off Use that lump thats two foot above you're ass Its not rocket science

Meathead the grate mod is spot on ! My Ok Joe has a 1-2 degree difference. Thank you !

I was about to order some plates for my highlander i glad I watched your video thank you you saved me over 100 dollars

Deng bro...thx...I literally was on the fence on buying those plates...had the website open and all, and then came back to your videos, because I remembered you covered it in the first video on this topic. My Pops has been cooking all his life and when he heard i was even contemplating this idea, he gave me so much ish about it, calling me a city boy! lmao. Anyways, thanks again!

Hey man thanks for this info. I see a complete an total difference in the heat of my smoker and didn't have to spend that much money whatsoever!

Thanks Meat, I just pick up a used OKJ highlander and just did your mods. I did pick up basket off Amazon for $30. Thanks for the tips.

Definitely worth doing this method. Had great temperatures from side to side.

Great video. I am being gifted a brand new OJ. The guy cant use charcoal in his complex anymore, and never got to use it, only going to cost me a rack of ribs or two. Glad I saw the mods now, as many I can do as I am assembling it. thanks for all the tips. Cheers from the Jersey Shore

Thanks for the vid mate! Just got a highland last week and was going to spend 140 us shipped to Canada. Cheers!

Very good idea, thank you.

Hey Man great video, will definitely be trying out your hacks next weekend. Its my sons 21st and will be using my bighorn offset smoker going to be cooking beef ribs.

This is an awesome video! Thanks for posting. Got my grill last night and mod materials today! Cant wait to smoke!

FRICKEN GENIUS, thanks so much for this easy peasy hack!!!!!!!!!!!

Love this used the idea many times but I had to bite the bullet and try a proper plate. If your on a budget this just works. Another brilliant video my friend 😎👍

Excellent video and your explanation is most helpful. Thank you.

I know what I’m doing when I get home! Thanks for the tip, saved me some money for sure.

Good job....thanks for the info!

Thanks for the info you honestly saved me $350 in mods the dumb way truly informative and great save

Great video! Thanks! Wife just bought me the Highland, and I have to mod it. Was about to buy a baffle then saw your video just in time. I have SS thick pieces would be perfect. Your video got me thinking outside the box, lol. Subscribed!

I have done two of these mods. I used a Lavarock gasket around the cooking chamber, don't get much in the way of smoke leaks, yet, but then the gaskets are still new! The baffle plate trick was done out of necessity due to not being able to buy them anywhere in the UK. The only difference is that I used big heavy duty aluminium foil cooking trays instead of foil! I am here to say that I also get, at max. no more than a 5f difference across the chamber and those trays have never caught fire! For heavens sake, they are made for cooking in a home kitchen oven ! You would never take the smoker above 300/350f on almost any cook? What would you be cooking if you did? I'm with you man, why give money away. Well done.

Awesome video. You do your own stunts..... That was funny! I need to send you some of the very best burn ointment. It's like a miracle in a tube stuff. Seriously. Love your very helpful videos. You are teaching me things that my wife loves cuz I am holding off on the gadgets that I usually buy without giving them any thought. I am also learning how to think and evaluate gadgets now. Who said you can't teach an old man something new. Great video and great work! Greatly appreciated!

Badass video bro. Thanks for sharing, most wouldn't. Very cool, and I'm going to do it as soon as I finish watching this video.

Very interesting. I'm sold. Proved it to me. Thanks for the research.

Thanks man.. tried my own version of your mod... 2 1/2 hrs in with 3 racks of ribs.. and I'm running a 3 degree difference on the opposite ends of my barrel.. 👌

Thanks for sharing your video. I just picked up the Highland. Going to try these mods. I been smoking on a pellet smoker.

great video, outstanding. I will be trying this out this weekend. I have about 40 degree difference between the two thermostats. I'm in Denver and it is a real pain to maintain temps, especially in winter. Thanks again.

I've actually turned the two top bolts on the opening and turned them around so the thread parts are in the cook chamber. I hook the one rack one the bolts so they don't fall off often.

By far best informative channel, ty for all your info , you saved money

Dude. You are the man. I watch a ton of BBQ videos, yours are the best by far. Someday I will buy you a drink(s).

You knock it out of the park. Great Video

I’d be big moe on my kettle griddle, but I’m so new on an offset smoker I feel like a rookie again. Thanks for the hacks

WOW! Tried this and it actually worked!! Saved me $$$$$, Thanx

I have a longhorn combo.I was fixing to buy a pellit grill because of temp problems. Thank you so much. will try it ouy today.

GREAT IDEA! for a tuner plate

I stepped into your wayback machine, nice tip TFS!

Amazing!!!!!!

Great tips and tricks. Love seeing a creative mind at work :)

Awesome, fire bricks in winter for me, to keep temps up. Thank you!

Thank you!

Thanks man! I couldn't keep temps down in my longhorn combo without smothering my logs.👍

Very good to know! I love information and tips like this! 💛💛💛

Well dang. Now that was a bite of awesomeness.

Thanks buddy 👍 great tip I'm sure it will work out. Working man has to save wherever they can. I've only had mine a few months and I love it now this will only make it easier to manage when I fill that sucker up for a big quantity cook 🇺🇸☮️

Wow. I mean....science. Thanks for this vid, I almost made a costly mistake.

Very interesting items to watch & listen from you :) Thanks for sharing... LIKE

Great tips!! Captain Crunch😂😂Since we have the kettle my Traeger and Oklahoma Joe have been lonely😂May sell the OJ, it takes up so much space in our carport. If I was really getting into offset grilling these tips would come in handy. Thanks for sharing😃

Great tips bro. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you!!! Just found these videos and I'm definitely gonna be doing this with my extra grates!!

Hey Meat! Give 'em Hell! It's good to show folks cheap fix options with these pits. These pits are popular because of the affordable price....but can be a real handful if you don't know what you are doing. This advice should help them. But most people are running these pits with charcoal as the main heat source which changes everything in the way it's set up. They're not really using it as a stick burner....which it was originally designed for. Great Vid!

I have had this smoker for a few years now and used this method at first but then switched to a combination of baking pans I found at a dollar store ... I was looking at a defuser plate last night on line which I ordered so I guess this is why this video popped up on my feed ... google is watching 😳👁👁

Bro you are freaking awesome was looking at baffles and now not a chance in hell they will get my dollars.

Great points and great hacks. Pretty much how I have my older Brinkman offset set up--- although I was going to make defuse and tuning plates to sale and take other ppl money so --shhhh. 😅.

Using foil like duct tape...a fix it all tool! Thanks man!

Looking at building my own. Was nervous about the heat distribution but his makes sense. Think I'm gonna put a propane assist tho. It can bet down to 40 below and I'll need some extra oomph

I understand wanting a more consistent temp across the smoker for certain cooks but having a hot spot is what makes this type of smoker the best for brisket. I want the point to be exposed to a higher temp than the flat. It allows for the two different muscles to be finished at the same time vs one undercooked and the other over cooked.

Meat Head! You da man! Keep up all the great work, brother!

I'm a BELIEVER! 10 YEARS AGO - $$$$$$ & 5 SMOKERS: VERTICAL ,HORIZONAL & VERTICAL RIB COOKER WITH HORIZONAL AND FIR BOX GRILL( I THE GARAGE YEARS ATE CHARCOAL LIKE POPCORN!) AND YES A WEBER & AN "EL- CHEAPO WATER? 😝

Thanks for giving me some bbq edication today. Really nice to know. Cheers!

Sub'd. I have been without a 'budget' off set smoker for the very reason you address here. The temp difference made it a PIA to use consistently. I'm wanting one again now.

Point proven. A video like this is often worth more than a single recipe; and I enjoy seeing your cook videos as well. By the way, I want one of those dragons; what do they eat, turbinado and dark corn syrup? Captain Crunch might complain, but I think I can still take him in a "fair" fight - throw in the Keebler elves, and who knows? After I finish my coffee, I'll go downstairs and find/construct you a small fishing care package to try. Should have it send out by mid-week. Take care and keep on smokin'. Ken Watson

Great info! I been looking for a great way to mod my smoker . Thank you

You ‘know I don’t feel so bad after seeing your video. I was just thinking about purchasing tuning plates. I’ve been doing this since I started smoking and several friends I cooked for were telling me that I needed to get tuning plates instead of wrapping my grills in aluminum foil, that I should just spend the money and do things right. But of course one of them has nothing but Traeger pellet smokers........ what do you say then? So thanks for the info and it’s good to know I’m not the only one trying to save some pennies. Keep up your good work!

Interesting. Good video on plates