How hot does the dome get?

[Mosca]

More specifically, how hot is the dome 2" away, 3" away, 5" away, when it is set up for hot & fast, like steaks?

I have a fitment problem with my new Performer Deluxe on my deck, and I don't want to get it too close to the plastic railing and newell posts; not the thing I want to experiment with. I do have some of those asbestos mats from Lowes, but nothing to put behind the grill.

[Metal Mike]

Depends...

But if you worry about heat on one particular side then just bank the coals to the other...

or get a Slow'n Sear (tho it sits pretty flush it will further insulate the side)

[Metal Mike]

reminds me of a story I shared a while back...

I came home last Friday to the smell of Beef & Lumbar burning!

I thought: Some redneck is going to get sick when he eats that sh!t

I went inside & stepped to my back porch minutes later
only to see my neighbor on his Huge gas grill (w/ every burner on, no doubt)

I yelled to him that his porch was smoking heavily (nearly in flames) from having his Gasser pushed close against the rail

Mumbling he Shut it off & went inside, surely to get cussed by his wife...

Logic Fail: Should've snapped a pic

[Mosca]

To answer my own question, not for those who are Kettleheads but for those looking for the answer like I was: It is fine, you can put your hand within an inch of the lower bowl when it is tracking 550*.