Yes, quit worrying, it's a beautiful piece of stainless that won't warp.

2 (16.7%)

No, return immediately regardless of shipping costs and get a wider replacement to match the original.

9 (75%)

There will undoubtedly be changes in operation, but it will work, know your pit.  

1 (8.3%)

Total Members Voted: 12

Is this going to work?   The beautiful 12 gauge SS replacement is three inches narrower than the original.   In my mind that defeats the purpose of the heat shield.   We spent $135 on this.  It's a big commitment on a 9 year old pit.    Your feedback is appreciated, updated with Poll. 

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DK

Is this going to work?   The beautiful 12 gauge ss replacement is three inches narrower then the original.   In my mind that defeats the purpose of the heat shield.   We spent $135 on this.  It's a big commitment to an 8 year old pit.    Your feedback is appreciated, updated with Poll. 

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DK

I've seen an aftermarket SS Diffuser for my old Traeger, but it was the same dimensions.  Why is this one smaller??  To produce more heat?  (Traeger are often only able to obtain 350* -400* with their standard control.) Who made it?

 To me the narrow heat shield should allow for more direct flame heat to get at the drip tray and that would be more centrally located..The results may be: Less heat @ the ends of the pit.  Perhaps cause warpage or more warpage to the drip pan with the

concentrated heat... My stock Lil Tex warped the drip tray after 4 years. I plated the top side with a 10 gauge mild steel plate bolted in the corners with 1/4" hardware..If you go that route make sure the hardware doesn't interfere with the heat shield below.

I also plated the heat shield with a1/4" plate the first year. It was warped.  When I gave The pit to my daughter after 5years, both the heat shield and drip trays were truly flat(no warpage).

Keep us posted on the outcome.

That 12 Ga shield is also going to warp very quickly.  If it were me I would return and look for someone to make you one at least.250” thick.

Pretty sure it will not warp, I know it will diffuse the heat also.  I guess my only concern would be will heat distribution & stability change due to the different dimensions! And the only way you are going to know that is by use?  Any reason the replacement was not the same dimensions as OEM?

I thought you said that it was 3 inches difference?  The one on the right is not the original?

Edit: I am talking about the OP's post!

Exchanged for same dimension heat shield.   If I were to guess this is 4 times heavier than the original and no rust.   I’ll report back if I have any warping.

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DK

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 That should work well and could outlive the pit.

I had some 1/4 steel cut to match the size of the top of the heat shield for the two that I have in my Traeger XL quite a few years ago.  I have yet to put them in it.  I was going to use them to attempt to minimize any warping and to attempt to help reduce temp swings based on some things I read on PH many years ago.  I paid about $30-$40 for them in total.  I wonder if that may have been a less expensive alternative even though what you bought looks like it will last a very long time.

I had a SS heat shield made to replace my original Lil Tex heat shield due to warping.  I don't know gauges but the material used was 3/16" inch thick. I find that this works to retain heat in the chamber and I believe it maintains a better temp stability. It does not warp...


WARPED:
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NO WARP:
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Would be just under 5 guage...

I don't know gauges but the material used was 3/16" inch thick.

I bet that SS one is a little heavier to lift out of the pit.

DK117...  Where did you get the replacement heat shield?   Did you fabricate it yourself, have it custom made, or buy online?

thanks,
jjjscharf

bought online from a place in Oregon.  Will PM you the details.  Been in use for 1 month.   Working fantastic, very, very, very minor warping.    Yes heavier than the original. 

DK