Char-Griller Stones Shortlist: Best Heat Deflectors and Pizza Stones

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Outdoor cooks evaluating a char griller stone typically face a specific culinary challenge: converting a direct-flame charcoal grill into an indirect convection cooker or a high-temperature baking oven. Kamado grills naturally produce intense, concentrated heat directly above the fire bowl. Without an intermediate physical barrier, smoking briskets, roasting whole poultry, or baking pizza crusts often results in charred exteriors before the interior reaches the target temperature. Deciding which char griller stone to buy depends entirely on your specific grill chassis diameter, whether you need sub-grate heat deflection for low-and-slow barbecue or an on-grate baking surface for bread and pizza, and the specific thermal tolerances of the stone material.

The product ecosystem for these accessories is organized strictly by grill size and physical positioning. Char-Griller provides official original equipment manufacturer accessories sized for either their compact Kamado units or their standard full-sized cookers, while dedicated replacement offerings recreate the original equipment dimensions for legacy models. At the smaller end of the scale sits the dedicated junior series, built to drop into compact charcoal pits. For standard full-size cookers, the range splits between wide heat deflectors designed to drop beneath the cooking surface to recreate the classic 6201 plate-setter specification, and dedicated top-of-grate baking surfaces designed to absorb dough moisture at high baking temperatures. Understanding this structural separation makes choosing the right deflector straightforward.

Criteria matrix What each model in this report is credited with

Rows are the criteria that come up in the pros and cons listed for this lineup. A check means the criterion is named in this report’s write-up of that model; a dash means it is not. Criteria that apply to every model, or to only one, are left out because they separate nothing.

Criterion	Char-Griller AKORN Jr Charcoal 9.8/10	Hongso 17 5 8" 8.8/10	Smoking' Stone Heat Deflector 8.4/10	Char-Griller 6202 AKORN Kamado 9.4/10
Thickness	✓Named	Not named	✓Named	✓Named
Degrees	✓Named	Not named	✓Named	✓Named
Ceramic	✓Named	✓Named	✓Named	Not named
Compact	✓Named	Not named	✓Named	✓Named
Kamado	✓Named	✓Named	Not named	✓Named
Cordierite material	✓Named	Not named	Not named	✓Named
Compatibility	Not named	✓Named	✓Named	Not named
Convection	✓Named	Not named	Not named	✓Named
Criteria named	7 / 8	3 / 8	5 / 8	6 / 8

Built from the wording of this report, not from a bench test. A dash is not a fault: it only means the write-up does not mention that point for that model. Scores next to each model are out of 10, based on listed specifications and buyer feedback.

Char-Griller Pizza Stones Lineup at a Glance

The Models in Detail

Char-Griller AKORN Jr Charcoal Grill

Best for: AKORN Jr owners baking and smoking

Pros

• Rated over 800 degrees
• Converts junior grill to convection
• Durable cordierite material

Cons

• Fits only junior kamado
• Limited 11.75 inch surface

The Char-Griller AKORN Jr Charcoal Grill Smokin’ Stone accessory, cataloged under Model 6211, is engineered specifically for the compact footprint of the junior kamado. Manufactured from cordierite ceramic, this stone measures 11.75 inches by 11.75 inches with a thickness of 0.75 inches, weighing a manageable 4 pounds. The listing specifies that the material withstands temperatures exceeding 800 degrees Fahrenheit. Its physical geometry is tailored to rest securely within the lower interior of the Char-Griller AKORN Jr. Kamado model 6211 and E06614 chassis, effectively diverting direct radiant energy outward toward the perimeter of the cooking chamber while safeguarding the center from active charcoal flares.

In practice, the char griller 6211 smokin stone jr functions as an environmental converter. By stopping radiant updrafts, it forces airflow around the perimeter walls, transforming the compact kettle into a portable outdoor convection oven. This makes it ideal for cooks who want to execute long, moisture-retaining barbecue sessions with pork butts, ribs, or small briskets on their portable grill. Beyond slow smoking, the listing highlights its utility for baking small artisan bread, flatbreads, and cookies directly on the ceramic surface without scorching the bottoms. Outdoor cooks who already rely on specialized indoor appliances like a char broil oil less fryer for tender poultry will appreciate the similar radiant heat shielding this stone brings to portable charcoal setups.

This model is built strictly for owners of the compact 14-inch junior cooker. It cannot bridge the internal shelf tabs of standard 20-inch or 22-inch full-size barrels, where it would immediately fall into the fire bowl or leave too much open perimeter space to act as a proper deflector. For small-grill owners who prioritize fuel efficiency and portability, this dedicated char griller akorn jr stone is the sole exact-fit original accessory available from the manufacturer.

Hongso 17 5 8″ smoking Stone

Best for: Standard AKORN owners needing ceramic deflection

Pros

• Replaces factory 6201 stone
• Tested ceramic construction
• Broad 17 5/8 inch span

Cons

• Hand wash maintenance only
• Not compatible with Junior

The Hongso 17 5 8″ smoking Stone is a dedicated sub-grate heat deflector engineered to replace the factory-discontinued or out-of-stock Char-Griller 6201 part. This accessory features a wide circular profile with an outer diameter measuring 17 5/8 inches and an inner plate span of 13 1/2 inches. Built from dense ceramic that has undergone SGS testing to meet quality and safety benchmarks, this unit weighs 3.54 kilograms. The listing specifies an included lid component in its specification table, with maintenance restricted to hand washing. It is designed to sit beneath the main cooking grate, resting on the interior bowl supports of full-size kamado grills.

Functionally, this char griller smokin stone replacement provides the expansive thermal footprint necessary to insulate large batches of barbecue from the searing heat of full charcoal baskets. It spreads the heat column across its 17 5/8-inch surface, driving the thermal draft up the insulated walls of the cooker. The listing explicitly confirms compatibility with full-size Char-Griller AKORN Kamado models 16620, 26720, 06620, 6520, and 6020, as well as the Large Big Green Egg. This broad surface makes it capable of shielding full pork roasts, prime ribs, whole turkeys, and large sourdough loaves from scorching over multihour cooks. Those who switch between traditional charcoal cooking and a charbroil gas grill will recognize how this barrier mimics the even ambient temperatures of indirect burner systems.

Shoppers must take careful note of the manufacturer’s prominent sizing warning: this stone is not compatible with the AKORN Jr. Its expansive 17 5/8-inch frame is far too large to clear the rim of smaller grills. It suits owners of standard-sized cookers who need an economical, SGS-tested ceramic barrier to restore the indirect smoking capabilities of their full-size kettle without modifying their interior grates.

Smoking’ Stone Heat Deflector for Large

Best for: High temperature smoking and roasting setups

Pros

• Withstands 1200 degrees Fahrenheit
• Heavy duty cordierite build
• Broad model compatibility

Cons

• Heavy 4.2 kilogram weight
• Incompatible with compact grills

The Smoking’ Stone Heat Deflector for Large, manufactured by soldbbq under part number 4336499137, is an ultra-dense cordierite replacement plate for Char-Griller 6201 setups. Measuring 17.5 inches long by 17.5 inches wide with a 0.75-inch thickness, this accessory weighs 4.2 kilograms, making it the most substantial stone in this lineup. The listing highlights high-grade cordierite engineering that withstands extreme thermal conditions exceeding 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. The heavy-duty structure resists thermal shock caused by sudden temperature spikes or ambient weather shifts during winter cooking sessions.

The operational purpose of this char griller heat deflector stone is maximum perimeter diversion and long-duration heat retention. With a 1200-degree ceiling, it safely handles clean burn-off cycles and direct exposure to burning lump charcoal without cracking. The listing outlines comprehensive grill support across the full-size range, matching Char-Griller models 16620, 26720, 06620, 6520, 6719, E56720, 16820, E56520, 6020, 56020, along with the Large Big Green Egg. The ceramic density stores significant thermal energy, releasing it evenly across the cooking chamber so that large briskets and delicate pastries cook uniformly without hot-spot banding.

This unit is specifically tailored for outdoor pitmasters who run prolonged cooks at varying temperature extremes and demand higher thermal ceilings than standard ceramic provides. At 4.2 kilograms, its mass adds considerable thermal inertia to the cooker. However, its large 17.5-inch footprint makes it strictly unusable in junior cookers. It gives way to lighter or smaller surfaces when quick preheats and simple grate-top pizza baking are the only requirements.

Char-Griller 6202 AKORN Kamado Charcoal Grill

Best for: Grate top pizza and bread baking

Pros

• Absorbs excess dough moisture
• Withstands 1200 degrees
• Substantial one inch thickness

Cons

• Requires full size grates
• Smaller 15 inch diameter

The Char-Griller 6202 AKORN Kamado Charcoal Grill 15-inch Pizza Stone is an original equipment accessory built primarily for high-heat dough baking rather than dedicated sub-grate deflection. Crafted from specialized cordierite material rated to withstand temperatures up to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit, this circular stone measures 15 inches in diameter by 1 inch in thickness and weighs 3.58 kilograms. Unlike thin metal baking pans, this cordierite plate features internal micropores engineered to draw out moisture from raw dough as it bakes, producing crisp, blistered crusts on fresh or frozen pizzas.

The char griller 6202 pizza stone sits directly on top of the primary cooking grates of full-size AKORN grills, though the description also notes it diverts heat around the perimeter to protect delicate foods from open flames. The listing explicitly states that this char griller pizza stone fits full-size models including 16620, 06620, 56720, 6520, 56520, and E6480. Because it measures 15 inches across, it allows ample air passage around its outer edge inside full-sized bodies, letting hot convection air roll over the top of the food while the 1-inch-thick stone provides steady conductive heat to the base of breads, pies, and cookies. cooks accustomed to high-heat sear surfaces on a black stone grills setup will appreciate the uniform bottom heat this dense cordierite disc provides on a charcoal grate.

This stone is the ideal option for backyard cooks focused primarily on artisanal baking, pizza nights, and secondary heat modulation on full-size cookers. While it can act as a deflector, its 15-inch diameter leaves a wider perimeter gap than dedicated 17.5-inch sub-grate plates. It does not fit the junior kamado line due to its 15-inch diameter, so compact grill owners must stick with the 11.75-inch junior model.

Matching a Model to Your Setup

• Owners of the compact Char-Griller AKORN Jr. (models 6211 or E06614) who need indirect heat shielding must choose the Char-Griller AKORN Jr Charcoal Grill stone, as it is the only model sized for the 14-inch chassis.
• Cooks using full-size AKORN models (such as 16620, 26720, or 06620) who want an SGS-tested ceramic barrier to replicate the factory 6201 plate setter will find the exact fit in the Hongso 17 5 8″ smoking Stone.
• Backyard pitmasters managing heavy charcoal fires and high-heat cleans up to 1200 degrees on full-size cookers should select the Smoking’ Stone Heat Deflector for Large for its dense cordierite build and 4.2 kg mass.
• Pizza enthusiasts looking to eliminate soggy crusts on full-size AKORN cookers should install the Char-Griller 6202 AKORN Kamado Charcoal Grill stone directly over the main grates to leverage its microporous baking surface.
• Large Big Green Egg owners looking for a direct replacement deflector compatible with the 6201 dimension profile can safely choose either the Hongso or the soldbbq heat deflector stone.

Before You Buy

Before purchasing any stone from this lineup, verify the exact interior shelf tabs and clearance inside your cooker. The product listings do not include separate mounting brackets, wire holding racks, or grate-lifting hardware; each stone is supplied solely as a standalone ceramic or cordierite piece. If your specific grill model lacks built-in interior tabs to suspend a sub-grate deflector, you will need to determine how the stone will rest within the chamber. Additionally, while one listing notes a lid among its included components, the listings do not specify storage racks, carry cases, or high-temperature handling gloves, which are necessary when moving heated ceramic.

Furthermore, the product specifications provide clear hand-wash instructions but do not specify deep-cleaning detergent compatibility or seasoning procedures. Porous materials like ceramic and cordierite naturally absorb moisture and liquid chemicals; cleaning them with dish soaps can permanently taint future cooks with chemical odors. The listings do not detail warranty durations against physical impact drops, and third-party listings explicitly remind buyers that shipping transit can risk ceramic damage. Always inspect the stone immediately upon arrival for hairline fractures before exposing it to high fire.

FAQ

Can I use the Char-Griller 6211 stone in a full-size AKORN grill?

The listing does not specify support for standard full-size cookers. Measuring only 11.75 inches across, the 6211 model is designed specifically for the AKORN Jr. chassis. In a full-size cooker, it will either fall through standard deflector brackets or leave excessive space around the perimeter, allowing direct fire to bypass the shield and scorch your food.

What is the difference between cordierite and standard ceramic stones?

Cordierite is a specialized mineral ceramic known for extreme thermal shock resistance. In this lineup, the cordierite models from Char-Griller and soldbbq feature stated temperature tolerances ranging from 800 degrees to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. Standard ceramic models provide effective heat redirection for low-and-slow smoking but generally carry lower published maximum heat thresholds.

Does the Char-Griller 6202 pizza stone go under or over the grill grates?

The listing states that you simply set the 15-inch stone on top of your AKORN grill grates. This positions the stone directly beneath your pizza dough or bread, allowing its porous cordierite surface to draw away moisture while hot convection air circulates freely around the perimeter of the 15-inch plate.

Can I clean these stones with soap and water?

The listings specify hand wash care for these products. Because cordierite and grill ceramics contain micro-pores that absorb liquids, soap should never be used, as it can soak into the core of the stone and produce soapy fumes during high-temperature cooking sessions. Plain warm water and a stiff nylon brush are standard for maintenance.

Will the Hongso 17 5/8-inch stone fit the Large Big Green Egg?

Yes, the listing explicitly confirms that this stone is compatible with the Large Big Green Egg in addition to full-size Char-Griller AKORN models such as the 16620, 26720, 06620, 6520, and 6020. Always measure your interior diameter before ordering to ensure the 17 5/8-inch outer diameter fits your plate-setter supports.