Diffuser plate and shelf question

[Canadagrown]

Hi all,

my build is coming along nicely. I have a question regarding the diffuser plate and shelf spacing. Is there a science to the positioning of the diffuser plate about the element? And then how high above that to start my shelving? Also does the thickness of the diffuser plate matter? I’ve attached a pic to show my setup. Thx.

 

[kilo charlie]

I am no expert nor am I going to call myself knowledgeable about this subject, but two things.. I dislike and unanswered post and two.. purely in my own unscientific opinion.. yes the thickness of the diffuser plate can take longer to heat up being thicker.. too thin and it can burn through.

As for your racks height.. it depends on if you're going to run a water pan or not.. but I'd start the racks like 4 inches above the diffuser plate.

 

[slapaho_injun]

1/4” or 3/16” plate steel. Either drill holes or use plasma cutter (much easier). Depends on what your going to cook for spacing. Mine are 6” or 8” apart so I can fit 2 pork butts on each rack without them touching racks.

 

[SmokinEdge]

What is the inside height of the smoker?

 

[Canadagrown]

What is the inside height of the smoker?

47” I believe

 

[Canadagrown]

Pretty much done the inside and ready to strip down and paint. Further to my question above. I’m planning on putting a diffuser plate between the element and the bottom shelf.
How large should the plate be? As in, should there only be an inch or so for smoke to get around the plate or should I leave more space? Thanks.