Heat deflector

Apparatus for distributing the heat from a heat source relatively uniformly over the lower surface of a cooking utensil, said apparatus comprising:

• a plurality of concentric annular elements each including an upwardly concave dish-shaped annulus circumscribing a hollow center, each said element being constructed of heat conductive material and having a fluted outer edge to allow dead air to escape from an open flame;
• and
• a wire having a plurality of convolutions in a generally planar array, the interior edges of the annular elements being fixed to the convolutions of the wire to mount the annular elements in a concentric configuration to the wire so that the wire together with the annular elements can be laid over a heat source with the wire down to distribute the heat therefrom evenly over the lower surface of a cooking utensil which is large relative to the heat source and is placed on top of the annular elements, or the wire together with the annular elements can be laid over a heat source with the wire up to concentrate the heat therefrom evenly over the lower surface of a cooking utensil which is small relative to the heat source and is placed on top of the annular elements.