"James Emanuel" > wrote in message
ink.net...
>
> "Kevin S. Wilson" > wrote in message
> ...
> > On Sat, 11 Sep 2004 18:16:23 GMT, "James Emanuel"
> > > wrote:
> >
> > >I would also highly recommend a pizza stone/heat deflector (15" dia),
> either
> > >Kamado's or otherwise. I also use a 12" square concrete paving stone
as
> a
> > >heat deflector when I am using the pizza stone.
> >
> > Hmmm. You might want to reconsider that concrete paving stone. I seem
> > to recall that concrete--under the right circumstances--can turn into
> > shrapnel when heated.
>
> Good warning on the concrete paving stone, though I've been using mine for
> about a year with no problems. My opinion, based on 27 years as a
> structural engineer, is that it all depends on the aggregate used to make
> the concrete. The aggregate used would certainly vary in different
> geographic areas and different manufacturers.
>
> Also, when i first used mine, I put it in at low temps for a long time to
> thouroughly dry it out. If you find one that doesn't disintegrate, you've
> got a really good heat deflector. I consider it essential when using a
> pizza stone, and use it at temps up to 550 - 600F. Concrete paver on the
> lower bracket, pizza stone on the upper grill.
>
> James Emanuel
>
firebrick splits wont explode and are inexpensive.
Jack