How to Use a Heat Deflector in a Kamado Grill: Master Indirect Cooking & Smoking
A heat deflector is one of the most essential accessories for your kamado grill. It works by redirecting heat around your food instead of directly underneath it, creating the perfect environment for indirect cooking, low-and-slow smoking, and even baking. By acting as a barrier between the fire and your food, a heat deflector also prevents flare-ups, maintains steady temperatures, and delivers evenly cooked results every time.
At Vessils, we make heat deflector stones in multiple sizes to fit small, mid-size, and large ceramic grills—because once you learn how to use one, it quickly becomes a must-have for every BBQ session.
What Cooking Styles Need a Heat Deflector?
If you’re using your kamado grill for more than just quick sears, a heat deflector opens the door to multiple cooking styles:
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Indirect cooking for large cuts of meat – Perfect for briskets, pork shoulders, and whole poultry.
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Low-and-slow smoking – Maintain a steady 225–275°F for hours without scorching. (Learn how to set up for smoking on a kamado grill).
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Roasting vegetables or baking dishes – Ideal for lasagna, casseroles, and crusty breads (See our roasting setup guide).
Choosing the Right Heat Deflector for Your Grill
Your deflector should match your kamado’s size and shape for the best fit and performance:
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20-Inch Vessils Heat Deflector Stones for Classic L Kamado – For large grills.
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16-Inch Vessils Heat Deflector Stone for Classic M Kamado – For mid-size setups.
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Vessils Heat Deflector for 13-Inch Kamado – For smaller ceramic grills.
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Conquer and Divider System – Create multiple cooking zones in a single session.
Kamado Heat Deflector Setup: Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps for the ideal kamado heat deflector setup:
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Remove the cooking grid.
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Place the deflector on the fire ring or built-in ledge.
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Reinstall the cooking grid above the deflector.
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Close the dome and allow the grill to preheat.
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Monitor temps to dial in your preferred cooking zone.
How a Heat Deflector Changes Your Cooking
Once installed, your ceramic grill deflector stone transforms your kamado into a versatile outdoor oven. Benefits include:
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No flare-ups – Fat drippings never hit open flames.
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Even heat distribution – Cook large items without constant rotation.
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Better results for delicate foods – Great for fish, pastries, and desserts.
Want to master different kamado grilling zones?
BBQ Heat Management Tips with a Deflector
For the best results when smoking with a heat deflector:
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Keep the bottom vent slightly more open than you would for direct grilling.
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Set your top vent to 1/3–1/2 open for steady temps.
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Allow extra preheat time so the dome and stone reach a stable cooking temperature.
Pairing Your Deflector with the Right Accessories
Take your cooking even further:
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20-Inch Expandable Cooking Grid – For multi-level indirect cooking.
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Drip trays – Keep your deflector clean and collect juices for sauces.
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Temperature probes – For precision control (Learn about adding smart thermometers).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Piling too much charcoal directly under the deflector.
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Skipping preheat time.
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Using a deflector that doesn’t fit your grill’s shape or size.
Turn Your Kamado into a Smoker
With a deflector, your kamado becomes an incredible smoker. Simply place wood chunks on one side of the fire, position the deflector above, and cook your meat on the opposite side. For detailed techniques, see:
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How to Smoke Ribs Like a Pro on a Clay Smoker
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The Essential Smoker’s Tool Kit
One Accessory, Endless Possibilities
From BBQ heat management tips to creating distinct kamado grilling zones, a heat deflector unlocks the full potential of your grill. Whether you’re roasting, smoking, or baking, it’s an accessory you’ll use again and again.
Explore Vessils’ full range of grill parts & accessories and all kamado grills to upgrade your setup today.