Hot spots

[Cyclonefan]

Every time I cook wings, the back half of the grate (and obviously the back half of the coal basket) is where the heat is concentrated more.  What can I do to even out the heat dispersion so the whole rack is getting the same high heat.  Closing the vent does little, just want the coals to burn equally (or at least more consistently).  Anyone else have this issue?

[Salmonsmoker]

Have you tried a heat diffusion shield? I drilled spaced out 1/2" holes in a 20" pizza pan and it sits between the fire and grill. It helps a lot to even out the heat. I have only 10-15F difference from center to outside edge of the drum.

[akruckus]

Never had a hot spot issue.  How are you lighting the coals? Chimney?

[smokeasaurus]

Been running a PBC for 8 years now and have never encountered this.

I do light my PBC the old fashioned way with Kingsford lighter fluid and only use Kingsford Briqs in it.

Call PBC. They will probably have an answer for ya......

[Cyclonefan]

Just lighter fluid and Stubbs

[akruckus]

I'm thrown for a loop. I could see with the chimney causing hot spots, but lighter fluid is pretty even from my experience.