Temperature on the egg

bhedges1987

Hi all.... I got my egg about 2 months ago, and recently fired it up for the first time a few weeks ago.  I have probably done 5 or so cooks and had a few questions.  First off, it seems my temperature gauge is a good 75 degrees off, is there a way to re-calibrate it?  Lastly, I seem to be having a lot of trouble getting the temp up to the 600 range.  The highest I have been able to go is 400, and it that took a good hour or hour and a half.  I basically load it up with charchol, and put two big green egg liter squares in there.  I keep the lid open for 10 min, then close it, open the bottom vent full and take off the top cap.  It will clime to 600, but when I put the wheel back on the top it goes down to 300 fast.  I'll let it sit there for 30 min, go open it up and I have a blazing fire, but still not gaining temp.  Any suggestions?

Thanks

nolaegghead

First things first. 

Boil some water and put your thermometer in it, then twist the nut until it reads 212 (or whatever the temp is based on your altitude)

Dulax43

Follow nolaegghead directions first and then check your air holes (5-6 small hoes near the bottom) in the fire box.  Make sure those are clear.  Mine always get chunks of lump stuck in them and will restrict air flow to get your temps higher.  I check those and clean them out before I cook.

corey24

Also to attain the higher temps you will have to flip open the little door on the daisy wheel. Or take the daisy cap off all together.

pgprescott

+1 on what dulax says. Also make sure you are stirring the charcoal prior to adding new and avoid getting any dust/shake in the fire box. The charcoal dust clogs up the air flow.

henapple

Make the firebox and vent are aligned properly

Carolina Q

buy or make a wiggle rod to make sure the holes in the fire grate aren't blocked.

http://thirdeyeq.com/Custom_Tools.html

For most cooks, you don't need the DFMT. I use mine only for low and slow cooks.

BuckeyeBob

For any cooks above 350 or so, you don't necessarily have to use the Daisy Wheel but rather can manage the temp with the lower vent only. Does sound like the thermometer is an issue to me though.

stemc33

I've had the same problem. Check air flow issues. My biggest air flow impedance comes from crappy lump. Not necessary the brand, but some pieces that compact and restrict air flow. Some things I've found is by reducing the amount of lump for fast high temp cooks helps tremendously. Never have a problem with the long cooks when the lump is all piled up tightly, just when trying to get hot temps.

mimauler

Are you using lump charcoal?

TexanOfTheNorth

henapple said:

Make the firebox and vent are aligned properly

What @henapple said.