Thanks for all the advise, I really appreciate itTNTODD, Welcome to SMF... I’m going to give you a quick, but honest review of the SD Heavy D. heat diffuser. First, read this entire thread... The info, effort and time put into trying to figure the SD Heavy D. out by all the posters...
As a heat diffuser only, it’s very durable and effective as a heat diffuser... When You add wood to it as directed by the instructions, temp management and fire management can be very difficult. I and a few other users here of the SDHD have figured out that if You add wood to the Heavy D, it’s best to wrap the wood in aluminum foil with the ends of the wrapped wood exposed to allow for a more controlled ignition of the wood. It’s also best to start your grill/cook at 250* degrees or lower with 225* being the best temp. It’ll take a couple of cooks with it to get a better understanding of the Heavy D... Just to be up front and honest, if you don’t wrap the wood in aluminum foil, You’re going to have a hot Smokey mess on your hands because once the wood ignites, it’s going to just burn out of control and your grills temps will shoot up. The Aluminum Foil wrapping helps to control that from happening. Again, as a heat diffuser alone, it’s great... Adding wood to it, then the aluminum foil wrapping is a must. I see you’re coming from a Stick Burner, so Pellet smoke will be an adjustment for you as well... The Pellet smoke flavor profile is going to be very light compared to what you’ve been accustom to with your stick burner. Always try to buy and use 100% wood type top quality wood pellets like the Lumberjack Brand pellets if possible. After breaking in/initial burn off of your Pellet Pro 1190, do your first cook with pellets alone and see how you like the smoke flavor profile of the cook. If it’s great, then it’s all good... Then try the Wood wrap with the Heavy D. and see if you have enough smoke flavor in your bbq cook. If it’s still to light and that true hardwood smoke flavor is missing and you just have to have it... SmokeDaddy has a Hardwood Smoke Generator called the SD Magnum P.I.G. that will solve all your problems. I have one on my Austin XL and it works great... Just something to consider and another option, if you feel you miss and need that real hardwood smoke flavor in your pellet grill bbq experience. Good luck and post back your results from your first cook.
Pellet Pro Austin XL and a few more mods... in SoCal and Always... Semper Fi
I will let you know how it goes. Thanks again.
Todd