Name:   John C - Subject:   Kamado Joe Date:   4/23/2014 7:53:08 AM

yes, it has a ceramic plate that is split in two hemispheres so you can use either / neither / both. They call it the heat deflector. I couldn't tell if you're supposed to use this at all times or just for smoking. Here's a link to their instructional video page, they ahve recipes but they also break down the construction of the grill:

http://www.kamadojoe.com/videos/