Welcome to the EGGhead Forum - a great place to visit and packed with tips and EGGspert advice! You can also join the conversation and get more information and amazing kamado recipes by following Big Green Egg to Experience our World of Flavor™ at:
Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Pinterest  |  Youtube  |  Vimeo
Share your photos by tagging us and using the hashtag #BigGreenEgg.

Want to see how the EGG is made? Click to Watch

Kickash might be the real deal!

Options
I'll admit, I've purchased a lot of useless accessories for the egg over the years (too many to list here). In fact, the only ones I'd classify as worthwhile and "non-gimmicky" would be the Smokeware cap and the CGW two-tier swing rack (though the verdict is still out on the latter). Well, I can confidently add the Kickash basket to the list of awesome aftermarket accessories. The obvious benefit of being able to shake out the ash and quickly start your cook may or may not appeal to all folks (it certainly did for me). BUT - for me the real benefit is the increased airflow on my XL. The guys at the store recommended that I retain the stock cast iron charcoal grate and place the Kickash basket on top of it - apparently the surface area is so big on the XL that the basket needs the support so it doesn't bow under the high temps. Anyways - when I heard this, I was skeptical that it would reduce airflow and I'd have a hard time getting temps up - couldn't have been more wrong. The basket is designed such that there's about a 3/4 inch gap between its outer edge and the ceramic firebox. See second pic attached. I'm convinced this has made a huge difference in start up time and temp stability. We'll see how this thing holds up, but for now, I couldn't be happier. Anyone else have longer term experience with this?

Ajax, ON Canada
(XL BGE, MED BGE, La Caja China #2, and the wife's Napoleon gasser)

Comments

  • Jeremiah
    Jeremiah Posts: 6,412
    Options
    I love it. Really hating not having one in the minimax.
    Slumming it in Aiken, SC. 
  • jbreed
    jbreed Posts: 98
    Options
    thx for posting this.  been looking for something for the XL as the grate lets a lot of smaller chunks through.  just ordered one.
    Castle Rock, CO - always a Husker
  • bweekes
    bweekes Posts: 725
    Options
    jbreed said:
    thx for posting this.  been looking for something for the XL as the grate lets a lot of smaller chunks through.  just ordered one.
    Another thing I noticed was the fire spreads more evenly across all of the lump. Really pleased so far!
    Ajax, ON Canada
    (XL BGE, MED BGE, La Caja China #2, and the wife's Napoleon gasser)
  • pgprescott
    pgprescott Posts: 14,544
    Options
    Can't agree more about the basket. XL are available, but back ordered. If you have a large and a plate setter I suggest the claw. It is possibly the best gadget out there. So simple, so awesome. Only available for lathes I think.
  • revolver1
    revolver1 Posts: 372
    Options
    Got my basket about two weeks ago.  So far, I like it.  
    Dan, Columbia,Mo.
  • AUCE
    AUCE Posts: 890
    Options
    The claw?

    I would much rather be able to say I was glad I did than wished I had........

    XL owner and purveyor of pallette perfection...

    Homosassa....Mecca of Florida

  • johnmitchell
    johnmitchell Posts: 6,570
    Options
    Oh Lord something else I gotta get...Makes good sense to me..I suppose I need to say thanks for sharing.. #-o
    Greensboro North Carolina
    When in doubt Accelerate....
  • SLOandSteady
    Options
    Where do you get this from?
  • pgprescott
    pgprescott Posts: 14,544
    Options
    AUCE said:

    The claw?

    Yeah, it's a tool for handling the plate setter. Hot or cold. Only for the large. I barely touch mywelding gloves now. I love it, really. Also love the Ott grid lifter. I use a nest with egg mates,so it works great for me. I hang the grid from the mate. You need a place to hang the grid lifter to really get to most out of it. Side table would work also.
  • danv23
    danv23 Posts: 953
    Options
    Can't agree more about the basket. XL are available, but back ordered. If you have a large and a plate setter I suggest the claw. It is possibly the best gadget out there. So simple, so awesome. Only available for lathes I think.If it's not available, do what I did. 2 Weber 22 inch charcoal grates, 4 bolts, 4 nuts, 8 washers.  Easy as pie and airflow like you won't believe.

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

    If it's not available, do what I did. 2 Weber 22 inch charcoal grates, 4 bolts, 4 nuts, 8 washers.  Easy as pie and airflow like you won't believe.



    image

    The DudeThis is a very complicated case, Maude. You know, a lotta ins, lotta outs, lotta what-have-you's. And, uh, lotta strands to keep in my head, man. Lotta strands in old Duder's head. Luckily I'm adhering to a pretty strict, uh, drug regimen to keep my mind, you know, limber.

    Walter SobchakNihilists! *uck me. I mean, say what you want about the tenets of National Socialism, Dude, at least it's an ethos. 

    Cumming, GA

    Eggs - XL, L, Small

    Gasser - Weber Summit 6 Burner

  • Tinyfish
    Tinyfish Posts: 1,755
    Options
    Kickash basket kicks a$$. For somone on a budget you can also try the charcoal grate from the weber 22.5 bbq perfect fit.

    On a side note a have an XL BGE got it at Christmas. The stock grate has very large air holes, maybe an 1" or more in diameter, larger then older models.
  • bweekes
    bweekes Posts: 725
    Options
    danv23 said:
    Can't agree more about the basket. XL are available, but back ordered. If you have a large and a plate setter I suggest the claw. It is possibly the best gadget out there. So simple, so awesome. Only available for lathes I think.If it's not available, do what I did. 2 Weber 22 inch charcoal grates, 4 bolts, 4 nuts, 8 washers.  Easy as pie and airflow like you won't believe.

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

    If it's not available, do what I did. 2 Weber 22 inch charcoal grates, 4 bolts, 4 nuts, 8 washers.  Easy as pie and airflow like you won't believe.



    image
    That's an awesome setup! Simple but innovative. 
    Ajax, ON Canada
    (XL BGE, MED BGE, La Caja China #2, and the wife's Napoleon gasser)
  • danv23
    danv23 Posts: 953
    Options
    Tinyfish said:
    Kickash basket kicks a$$. For somone on a budget you can also try the charcoal grate from the weber 22.5 bbq perfect fit. On a side note a have an XL BGE got it at Christmas. The stock grate has very large air holes, maybe an 1" or more in diameter, larger then older models.
    I have the old model with the short top. No way was I going to pay for the OEM grate when I've been using the hi-q on the large for years, happily.  I must admit, the kickash looks brilliant.  Might go for that if the hi-q in the large or the weber solution in the XL breaks/wears out.


    The DudeThis is a very complicated case, Maude. You know, a lotta ins, lotta outs, lotta what-have-you's. And, uh, lotta strands to keep in my head, man. Lotta strands in old Duder's head. Luckily I'm adhering to a pretty strict, uh, drug regimen to keep my mind, you know, limber.

    Walter SobchakNihilists! *uck me. I mean, say what you want about the tenets of National Socialism, Dude, at least it's an ethos. 

    Cumming, GA

    Eggs - XL, L, Small

    Gasser - Weber Summit 6 Burner

  • Botch
    Botch Posts: 15,471
    Options
    danv23 said:




    image

     
    That's a cool idea.  However, I will mention this: the Kickash basket also protects the six airholes, so I no longer get them clogged.  That's a huge advantage for it that isn't even "advertised".  
    _____________

    Remember when teachers used to say 'You won't have a calculator everywhere you go'?  Well, we showed them.


  • danv23
    danv23 Posts: 953
    Options
    @Botch  I read that and I 100% agree!  Great design!

    The DudeThis is a very complicated case, Maude. You know, a lotta ins, lotta outs, lotta what-have-you's. And, uh, lotta strands to keep in my head, man. Lotta strands in old Duder's head. Luckily I'm adhering to a pretty strict, uh, drug regimen to keep my mind, you know, limber.

    Walter SobchakNihilists! *uck me. I mean, say what you want about the tenets of National Socialism, Dude, at least it's an ethos. 

    Cumming, GA

    Eggs - XL, L, Small

    Gasser - Weber Summit 6 Burner

  • nolan8v
    nolan8v Posts: 400
    Options
    I wish they made this with 304 Stainless Steel. 
    "You can live in any city in America, but New Orleans is the only city that lives in you."
    Chris Rose 

  • meatheads
    meatheads Posts: 4
    Options
    Where can I purchase the KAB???
  • SkinnyV
    SkinnyV Posts: 3,404
    Options
    Have it in the MM...i am pleased.
    Seattle, WA
  • Jeepster47
    Jeepster47 Posts: 3,827
    Options

    Washington, IL  >  Queen Creek, AZ ... Two large eggs and an adopted Mini Max

  • bweekes
    bweekes Posts: 725
    Options
    I tried to post that link 3 times and it was blocked every time! LOL. 
    Ajax, ON Canada
    (XL BGE, MED BGE, La Caja China #2, and the wife's Napoleon gasser)
  • Jeepster47
    Jeepster47 Posts: 3,827
    Options
    @bweekes ... I'd share the secret handshake with you, but, well, there isn't one.  Just dumb luck.  I find that if it kicks you out once, then you're dead meat until Vanilla starts picking on someone else and forgets about you.

    When you get kicked out try this: a) post an innocuous comment like "back in a minute." b) edit the comment to your heart's content.  For some reason, once you've gotten through Vanilla's indiscriminate firewall on the first post, they don't pay attention to edits.

    Thanks for the smile.

    Washington, IL  >  Queen Creek, AZ ... Two large eggs and an adopted Mini Max

  • bweekes
    bweekes Posts: 725
    Options
    @bweekes ... I'd share the secret handshake with you, but, well, there isn't one.  Just dumb luck.  I find that if it kicks you out once, then you're dead meat until Vanilla starts picking on someone else and forgets about you.

    When you get kicked out try this: a) post an innocuous comment like "back in a minute." b) edit the comment to your heart's content.  For some reason, once you've gotten through Vanilla's indiscriminate firewall on the first post, they don't pay attention to edits.

    Thanks for the smile.
    @Jeepster47 - thanks and duly noted. Nice to know that it's not personal! LOL. Will definitely try your workaround next time I get blocked!
    Ajax, ON Canada
    (XL BGE, MED BGE, La Caja China #2, and the wife's Napoleon gasser)
  • NPHuskerFL
    NPHuskerFL Posts: 17,629
    Options
    Jeremiah said:
    I love it. Really hating not having one in the minimax.
    I thought you got one at the Fest?  I'm liking the KAB in the MM. Thinking of one for the LBGE now. 
    LBGE 2013 & MM 2014
    Die Hard HUSKER & BRONCO FAN
    Flying Low & Slow in "Da Burg" FL
  • revolver1
    revolver1 Posts: 372
    Options
    Got mine several months ago.   :)  Fire box holes stay clear, less cleaning the base and i feel the air flow is improved.  Pricy but glad I bought it.  
    Dan, Columbia,Mo.
  • Lit
    Lit Posts: 9,053
    Options
    Will probably get one for the MM after all the positive reviews. Can't see how the XL needs better airflow though.
  • bweekes
    bweekes Posts: 725
    Options
    Lit said:
    Will probably get one for the MM after all the positive reviews. Can't see how the XL needs better airflow though.
    Not just about airflow, but also ease of cleanup. I agree that the XL does not need any help in the airflow department. 
    Ajax, ON Canada
    (XL BGE, MED BGE, La Caja China #2, and the wife's Napoleon gasser)
  • hapster
    hapster Posts: 7,503
    Options
    Has anyone ditched their HiQue and gone with the basket, or use the KAB with the HiQue?