There’s always a place at a campfire where nobody can sit because of smoke. And that place moves, so you end up playing musical chairs. The reflector ensures that the smoke always goes up in one direction. Additionally, it sends heat forward where you want it (kind of like a Rumsford fireplace, only I used the shape of the ring as my guide instead of following the exacting dimensions of a Rumsford). It also makes it super easy to light because you just prop sticks against the reflector, light some tinder underneath them, and it draws perfectly every time.
The pot hanger was welded by our friend Homer out of scraps he had in his workshop.
Randy Eggert 