POLL - How many of you use the wire spark screen behind your lower draft door?

MattBTI

I cook on a stone patio and don't see the need. I'm curious if those of you who may use it from time to time experience a difference of air flow in your normal set position. Say where you set your lower door for 250F with the screen is a different position without the screen. 

GrillSgt

I cook on a deck and see the need.

milesvdustin

I never use it. 

lousubcap

Always use it and I cook on a concrete porch.  Figure it's there so why not.  Never have any air-flow problems.  FWIW-

GeorgeS

I have always used it from day one. I know why its there and who it affected. No reason to chance it.

kindaquick14

I use it, and always have - even on our patio at the old house.  I'm Egging on a deck at the new house with lots of trees around it, so not taking any chances.

dmourati

I use mine on a concrete patio but I find the inner screen door and the outer solid door interfere with one another. This makes it difficult to move them independently, especially with one hand.

Hungry Joe

I started using it last summer after I stepped on a hot ember barefoot that shot out on my concrete patio. 
Somehow it doesn't seem like a bother to make sure it is closed anymore.

OhioEgger

I have always used it. Started out on a wood deck, but moved to a concrete patio a couple of years ago, so habits die hard.

I actually find it useful. I start out with everything wide open, then when the temp starts getting up there I close the spark screen and that cuts about 50% of the airflow. As time goes by I gradually close the outer door as needed.

CPFC1905

OhioEgger said:

I have always used it. Started out on a wood deck, but moved to a concrete patio a couple of years ago, so habits die hard.

I actually find it useful. I start out with everything wide open, then when the temp starts getting up there I close the spark screen and that cuts about 50% of the airflow. As time goes by I gradually close the outer door as needed.

Yep - me too.  Never thought of it as spark catcher, more a filter.

ColtsFan

always

MeTed

Always!

pinballLooking

Always I cook on a wood deck

JohnnyTarheel

Always... I am on concrete with wood table

td66snrf

I use it exactly never. 

johnkitchens

I use mine. 

fishlessman

on the deck i use it, already had an egg related fire there. the one in the yard is worn out and needs replacement

xfire_ATX

Hungry Joe said:

I started using it last summer after I stepped on a hot ember barefoot that shot out on my concrete patio. 

I did the same thing but when I was transferring from a Chimney.

I use mine every time but the bottom half of the screen is shot and I never remember to replace it.

GATraveller

I use mine but the DigiQ fan mount has shredded it.  I'm on a wood deck so have to be quite careful.

JRWhitee

I have a wood table and a wood deck, I always use it.

northGAcock

I use it....it is in the approx area of my man parts. I don't need to fire down there.

EggMcMic

Always.

DoubleEgger

Always. 

thetrim

I used it, but my screen broke.  I recently removed the screen insert when I bought a much stronger insert that had many small holes drilled in it rather than have a screen.  I can't insert the new piece, because it's being blocked by the nest.  I'll need to raise it out of the nest, so that I can place the insert.  I'll get to it when I get to it.

StillH2OEgger

I use it and don't see any reason not to, although I also haven't had air flow issues (the KAB probably helps with that).

nolaegghead

I used it until it disintegrated.

DonWW

I hardly use it.  However, I definitely use it when I have a fresh load of new lump and need a little better control of the airflow.

Carolina Q

I ALWAYS use mine, even though the egg is on a concrete patio. It is still within sparking distance of my garage. As I understand the story, @Nature Boy (Dizzy Pig) lost his home because he was egging in his driveway, 10-15' away from his open garage door. This was either before they had screens or he simply wasn't using it.

Also, there's the sparks on bare legs, pets and children argument.

Why would you not use it. Yeah, there's a considerable airflow difference and therefore max temp is reduced, but I can get to 900° with mine closed. How hot do you NEED?!

DoubleEgger

I wonder why KJ didn't put one on the Jr. Seems like the insurance companies would have made them put a screen on it. 

HeavyG

DoubleEgger said:

I wonder why KJ didn't put one on the Jr. Seems like the insurance companies would have made them put a screen on it. 

Why? Do all the other kamado makers have screens on their models?

I know Primo doesn't, not sure about all the others.

I guess it happens but I've never seen any sparks shoot out of the bottom of my KJ Jr. And that is with a KAB which I have no idea if that would make it more or less likely to happen.

Killit_and_Grillit

That screen is like a condom. You don't think you ever need it until that one night that you did. 

Then it's too late.