Reverse plate thickness

[cobrafnd]

I am having a smoker built that has a 36” By 72” pit made of 1/4” steel. They use 1/8” (11g) steel for the reverse flow plates. They are making them removable, so I could swap them out thicker later, but wondering if that’s too thin? I have a 24” by 60” now and it has a 1/4” fixed reverse flow plate.

I read somewhere, that someone had one, and said it had a hot spot just inside pit because plate was too thin.

Wondering if I need to have them make it thicker?

 

[lemans]

I would definitely rethink about the 1/8 inch. 1/4 or better yet 3/16 is the way to go.Do it once and do it right.

 

[okiedave]

I'm using 3/8" for mine. Given that half the purpose is to spread the heat and even it out (both in space and in time), it seems like thicker would be better.

 

[daveomak]

If you have upper air inlets put in the FireBox, and regulate the air flow, you should not have a hot spot...

 

[dcecil]

I agree with lemans, this is your opportunity to have it done right.

 

[cobrafnd]

The deal is Plates are removable, thicker means heavier, so if thinner works as good, good. If not could change them later easily. Just cut some plate and lay it in there. Not like anything has to be welded in or anything. Hoping that someone would chime in that has 1/8” plate, and their experience. Mine with 1/4” plate runs about 10 degrees difference one end to the other.