Used BGE XL first time yesterday ... Got a charcoal question

AHill10 · January 2

I did some pork tenderloins and then some stuffed hamburgers......went great but I do have one question...I was able to get really good temps but the amount of hot coals and fire was a little less than I wanted...I followed the videos available and after using the fire starters I let it go for about 10 minutes before closing...should I have left it open a little longer perhaps?? Thanks in advance

gdenby · January 2

However the lump is kindled in just a few places, either w. starter cubes, or a torch, etc., there will be hot spots for quite some time. It will take some time, dome open or not, to get all of the surface lump burning. Try using a simple chimney starter and spread the lit coals over the surface for a quicker wide fire.

Mickey · January 2

I close mine right away. Starts quicker closed because of the draw.

Smokin_Trout · January 2

When I cook burgers, I get the coals going for a few minutes then stir them up to get a larger surface burning.

dlk7 · January 2

The number of places I light for my XL is related to the cooking grate surface area I intend to use for that cook. The more grate area l plan to use the more spots I light (usually 4 inches apart).

cortguitarman · January 3

I usually stir my coals to help light other areas.

ChokeOnSmoke · January 3

When you run out of starter cubes, try an electric starter. They're cheap ($8.00), able to start a good amount of lump (8 minutes) and they last for years. After 8 minutes, I gently stir the lump no matter what kind of cook I'm doing. Never any issues with your fire burning out overnight and can also give you a good bed of coals for direct cooking. Close the lid right away, you should be up to 500 in under 10 minutes.

IrishDevl · January 3

cortguitarman said:
I usually stir my coals to help light other areas.

Same here.

shtgunal3 · January 3

When using using an electric starter, what is the process for a low and slow? When do you close lid etc?

double · January 3

Don't leave your electric starter out in the rain it rusts... A weed burner is much more fun and scares the cr.. Out of my Neigbor, I see him peeking out his kitchen window with egg envy :-)

Smokin_Trout · January 3

@shtgunal3-Put the starter in the middle about 1-2" down. I close the lid after the 8 minutes of startup. Open the top and bottom to what you think is the right spot and let it burn until it's clean smoke.

henapple · January 3

I like my Wagner heat gun. I can also place it in the bottom vent to speed up higher temps.

nolaegghead · January 3

Heat guns work great. I've settled on using a torch because it's cordless, but there's less sparks with a heat gun.

http://cdn.vanillaforums.com/biggreenegg.vanillaforums.com/FileUpload/62/b00571f1d50a9ef4a1992af200e6a5.jpg

Skiddymarker · January 3

If you have power near your egg, an electric starter is great. If a low and slow, the starter is put to the front and a few chunks of lump piled on the element. If for grilling, I bury the element in the center. After 8 minutes, remove starter by giving it a twist to stir around the "lit" lump, close the dome both vents wide open. The egg is a chimney starter, albeit an expensive one, but it is a chimney. Let it do its thing...

Fred19Flintstone · January 3

I like my weed burner because it satisfies my inner pyro. In the summer, I burn weeds in the driveway & fence line while waiting for the Egg to stabilize.

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Used BGE XL first time yesterday ... Got a charcoal question

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