Grill has hot spots and cold spots; uneven cooking across the grate.

Safety first: Work on internal components only when the grill is cool.

Steps to improve evenness:

• Inspect heat baffle: Remove and check the baffle plate above the fire pot for warping or damage. Replace if deformed.
• Verify alignment: Ensure the baffle and drip tray are seated correctly and not shifted to one side.
• Clean airflow paths: Remove grease and debris from around the baffle and sidewalls to allow proper convection.
• Use a biscuit test: Place biscuits across the grate and run the grill to identify hot spots, then adjust food placement accordingly.