Beware: Ash buildup

jlsm · February 6

I cook on my large about once a week (my mini sees action on weeknights). I took the large apart today for the first time since buying a High-Que in October. I was amazed (and a little appalled) about how much ash had collected behind the firebox. I didn't notice any problems in getting to temperature, but still. ...

Hic · February 6

I take it apart about once a year and clean it out.

Mickey · February 6

Hic said:

I take it apart about once a year and clean it out.

+1 but about every 6 months

Mayberry · February 6

I take mine apart before every low and slow and clean it out...usually every few months. But, I cook on my Egg 4-5 nights a week.

JRWhitee · February 6

I cook about 4 or 5 nights a week also and take mine apart when ever I am going to do an over night smoke which is usually about every couple months.

michigan_jason · February 6

If you use a shop vac to suck out ash normally, you really don't get that much ash behind the firebox. Once every few months for me and it is not that much ash.

Skiddymarker · February 6

As long as the air holes in the fire box are clear the ash will not, IMHO cause a problem. Like the suggestions noted above, clean it out when it makes sense to.

I use my venturi spider brush from my gasser to clean out the holes. Also, use your ash rake to clean the ash from between the fire box and the base when you rake out the ash pit. I find I can get almost half way around the fire box on either side.

dlk7 · February 6

This is much less of an issue with the XL. I pulled my firebox last night and there was hardly any build up from the last 6 months of cooks and I grill every night.

MrCookingNurse · February 6

Mayberry said:
I take mine apart before every low and slow and clean it out...usually every few months. But, I cook on my Egg 4-5 nights a week.

What he said. But I also snake a shop vac around in there when in feeling lazy. It'll definitely sneak up on you.

@mickey. I just couldn't stay away. Saw Ayayron was banned >:)

td66snrf · February 6

Skiddymarker said:

As long as the air holes in the fire box are clear the ash will not, IMHO cause a problem. Like the suggestions noted above, clean it out when it makes sense to.

I use my venturi spider brush from my gasser to clean out the holes. Also, use your ash rake to clean the ash from between the fire box and the base when you rake out the ash pit. I find I can get almost half way around the fire box on either side.

I agree 100%

Mickey · February 6

@MrCookingNurse Good

rolltideegghead · February 6

I quit using my high que because I seemed to be using a lot more charcoal.

gerhardk · February 6

rolltideegghead said:

I quit using my high que because I seemed to be using a lot more charcoal.

I bought a fan controller because I had gadget lust but in reality it did not make the process any better or worse. I am happy with the natural draft and it is so easy to control that there really is no need for an electronic gadget.

Gerhard

nolaegghead · February 6

I think I took the firebox out once to clean behind it. I have a dedicated ash vacuum with a narrow tip that gets partially behind the firebox through the vent hole. I always hit that and the vent holes in the firebox, but I don't take it out - more I leave it alone, the less likely it'll break.

GrannyX4 · February 6

I got a Lint Lizzard for the dryer that I am going to try out on the egg. Last time I took the egg apart I nearly drop it. ;;)

bccomstock · February 7

I've been using my ash tool and a shop vac.. Pull the ash toward the vent and suck it up. Works pretty well..

bboulier · February 7

I use my ash tool every now and then for a "thorough" cleaning and take out the fire box about every six months or so. Like others, if I plan a really long cook, I will make sure everything is functioning well.

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