Abstract: A method and system of enhancing the efficiency of barbecue grill systems which comprises the placement of an apparatus in a barbecue grill system above the bed which hold charcoal, but below the grill upon which food is placed for cooking. The apparatus is constructed from materials which are not subject to easy degradation by heat produced by burning charcoal and comprises a system of a frame into which are pivotally mounted a multiplicity of louvers, which louvers are divided into multiple separate groups. The louvers in each group are interconnected by a linkage mechanism which allows an operator to control the angle at which the louvers are set, said angle being continuously variable between verticle and essentially horizontal. The direct access of the heat produced by burning charcoal to the grill is, hence, subject to control by an operator. Such control allows optimizing the heat presented to food cooking on a grill, as well as allow the extinguishing of flare-ups.