Primo Heat Deflector Plates for Oval Junior (2-Piece)

Will these heat deflector plates fit my Primo Oval Junior?

Yes. This set is cut for the Oval Junior and fits that size only. Primo deflector plates follow the shape of the firebox they sit in, so a Large or X-Large plate will not seat correctly in a Junior. Confirm which Oval you own before you order, because size is the mistake people make most often with these.

How many plates come with this listing?

Two. This is the two-piece set, which is the full barrier for the Oval Junior, so you do not need to buy a second listing. If you want a hot zone and a cool zone on the same cook, you can set one plate in place and leave the other out rather than covering the whole fire.

What is the difference between deflector plates and a deflector rack?

The plates are the barrier that blocks heat from the fire. The rack is the frame that holds a plate or a drip pan above the coals. They are separate purchases and neither does the other's job. The matching frame for this size is the Primo Heat Deflector Rack/Drip Pan Rack for Oval Junior.

Do I need a heat deflector to smoke on a Primo?

For anything low and slow, yes. Smoking depends on keeping food out of the fire's direct line so it can sit at a low temperature for hours. With no barrier in place, the side facing the coals cooks far faster than the rest and you get burnt undersides long before the meat is tender.

Can I use a drip pan together with the plates?

Yes, and most people do. The pan sits above the barrier and catches fat before it reaches the plates, which keeps cleanup simple and stops grease burning off a hot surface. The Primo Half Drip Pan Oval Junior is the matching size.