@HoosierKettle , and You just answered MY question, I have 2 18" WSM's, one has the external shield, the other doesn't... after seeing @cumminfourya 's dilemma, I wondered if maybe one or both of mine were missing something to that effect.
Does anybody know where the ash pan looking thing goes on these little guys? I think this might be the right place but don't make much sense to me. On my 22.5 WSM there is something similar that goes outside the smoker in that same spot and serves as like a grease or drip catcher. Also how u guys getting these fired up? Fill the ring up a little less than full and put maybe a small chimney of lit on top? Thanks for any help. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
imo the heat shield is window dressing...Maybe somewhat helpful ..but heat rises...maybe somewhat comfirting if you setup on a wood deck..but if you habe ur wsm on pavers..i dont see much cook value in the heat shields