Diffuser or Solid pan for Indirect on Gateway?

[ILMsmoke]

Hope this is in the right place. I bought a Gateway 55g drum a few months ago and I'm beginning to see the huge benefits and draw backs to this drum. One major hang up I'm having is cooking low and slow on it. I went and purchased a diffuser to help normalize the heat in the drum, but realize the first time I used it that I bought a diffuser for an 35g drum and not 55g drum. It will cost too much to return so I'm considering modifying my diffuser to fit in the 55g drum by expanding it or just making a 21.5" plate to make it completely indirect. I have free access to any material needed and tools needed to do either, but wonder if expanding my diffuser would give me just enough indirect with those fat drippings on the fire still coming up or making it solid to be completely indirect would be best. Whats the collective think?

[leol2]

The Gateway drum sings at 275 degrees. I do not use a diffuser in mine but do use a fan on most cooks.

[ILMsmoke]

I have a Billows for that, but I'm having real trouble getting it to cook below 300 even with at the grate. The fan never runs... My goal is to get more time on the cooker to get more bark. This thing will cook unbelievable chicken though!

[leol2]

Leave the top vent open and the intakes about 1/8 to 1/4 inch open and it should cook consistently between 250 to 275. I do it this way all the time

[ILMsmoke]

If I follow that suggestion mine will cooking at 350-400 on the dial which is 30-50 hotter on the grate. If I leave the top vent open and shut one intake completely off and barely crack the other I can manage 300 on the dial until the first time I open the lid and then base line moves up from there and every time its opened afterwards

[wrgilb]

I only use the diffuser when I'm cooking with 2 grates to normalize the temps. Are you using lump or briquettes?

[ILMsmoke]

Been using Blues Hog and Royal Oak lump, but considering switching to Kingsford Briquettes for consistency

[wrgilb]

IMO B&B briquettes are much better than Kingsford.

[Northern lights smoke]

Are you starting the whole pan of charcoal at once? I start mine on one side and let it work itself to the other side, I get really steady heat with no blower and little fluctuation.

[ILMsmoke]

I’m putting one Weber wax cube in and lighting. Once I get coals burning steady I put the lid on with all vents open and let it slowly come up to temp. I typically start choking it back on the intakes about 250 if I’m going for 300 to keep from over shooting it.

[tbob4]

Don’t have one but great advice based on the folks I see responding. I’m glad you joined - I remember a lot of really good questions when you were a trial member. Keep asking.