Also called heat plates, flavorizers, or baffle plates; they sit over burners to disperse heat evenly, protect burners from drips, and create smoke for flavoring.
Flame tamers:
Keep flame tamers clean and functional:
Do flame tamers affect flavor?
Yes—fat vaporizes on them and contributes significantly to grilled flavor. Excessive buildup, however, causes off-flavors and bitterness.
Why are my flame tamers warped?
Heat stress and repeated thermal cycling can warp them over time. Replacement is recommended for safety and even cooking.
Can I grill without flame tamers?
Some grills allow it, but burners are more prone to clogging from drips, and heat distribution becomes uneven.