Wind Guard for Baby Q BBQ

[OffGrid]

G’day All,

Had some free time at Lake St Clare on the long weekend so pre-purchased material and knocked up this little wind guard for our Baby Q BBQ. We camp up on the ridge so windbreaks are important for slow roasting.

2x Oil drip trays from auto accessories outlet 900mm x 380.
These trays give added strength due to raised edges rather that flat stock tin.
Sufficient length of piano hinge for 2x 215mm lengths.
Drilli and pop riveting bitsies and aircraft tin snips.

Cut one tray in half to give you 2 x 450L x 380H side wings.
Drill and rivet hinges so wings flat fold onto bottom tray for storage.
Make sure that you rivet from inside of hinge so hinge can close easily making a flat storage of WindGuard.

Pics do not show a ply shelf ( multi purpose ) that the BBQ sits on and which also stops updrafts.

[OffGrid]

another pic showing guard in action

[jock]

Great Job OffGrid…..However, I am rather surprised that you have had a problem with your Baby Q in windy conditions. Would like to hear from other Q users but I, for one, am constantly amazed at how well they stay alight and cook even in Gale Force winds.
At Venus Bay this year, we had our worst run of bad weather and high winds and I thought I’d have to find a sheltered spot to even cook a BBQ, let alone a roast….Needn’t have worried.
Sorry to be a bit OT.

Jock

[OffGrid]

Cheers Jock for feedback.
The Baby Q has been our primary BBQ at home for steak, sausages etc where breeze and wind don’t seem to have to much negative impact.
However, as our primary roasting oven, I have noticed extended cooking times with breezes and wind and so it aught to as there are two big vents either side of the lid.
When I had experimented at home with various wind shields of wood, cardboard etc, I got back to my usual cook times experienced on calm days.
I found that it gives me the consistant time control that my better half would get from the kitchen gas oven or microwave convection oven.
I will now try pizza again as that is hopeless unshielded.

[jock]

Fair enough Steve.
Actually, your guard would have many applications other than for the Baby-Q…Would be good for a normal gas 2 burner stove, a shield for an outside gas freezer etc. etc.

Jock

[OffGrid]

Cheers Jock,
I have to knock another one next time we go camping with friends.
Over the long weekend we roasted lamb and pork in the Baby Q and used 2x Cobbs to do the veggies for 6 adults, but had to place the Cobbs in the annex for wind break.
I will then be able to do the veggies outside without smokin the van.
Hoping others may come up with a few ideas outside the square.

[bigal42]

another pic showing guard in action

Thanks for this project,just made one,works great.