Whether you need a collector (often called a "smoke collector") on your BBQ smoker depends entirely on the design of the smoker and your goals for airflow and temperature management. Collectors are primarily used on offset smokers to bridge the gap between the cooking chamber and the exhaust stack.

Building a BBQ smoker can be a challenging yet rewarding project that tests and improves your welding skills. I can help with your project. https://www.skool.com/bbq-smoker-builders-community-1300/about

Sometimes building a new smoker is not in the cards. You may have a heavy-duty unit that just needs touching up. You may have questions that I can answer or help with.

If you are a perfectionist who wants the cook chamber to be within 5 degrees from end-to-end, tuning plates are superior. They consist of several individual steel slats that you can slide closer together or further apart.

Do you want to build your own offset smoker? I can point you in the right direction. Most people don't know where to start. I can show you where to get your supplies and help with your build.