Noob question - new lump on top of or under old?

HofstraJet · July 2015

Probably a dumb question, but here goes: when topping off lump, do you put the new lump over or under the old? If under, how do you do that logistically without removing the old?

CPARKTX · July 2015

I don't think it matters...I stir old lump to shake ash out and pour fresh lump on top. Seems to work fine.

bgebrent · July 2015

Just stir around your old lump to get rid of the ash. Then put your new stuff right on. Don't dump it from the bag as you'll get dust which can affect your air flow.

Lmidkiff · July 2015

+1 what Cparktx said.

ChillyWillis · July 2015

I stir the old lump to shake out the old ash as well, however when I add the new lump I'll stir it all again to mix the old lump in with the new. I find that this helps to reduce hot spots in the lump.

Mattman3969 · July 2015

Stir,dump and light. A lot of people will sort their lump according to size or dump into a screen to get rid of the dust, not me. That is too much work,plus the fines also put off heat when they are burning.

HofstraJet · July 2015

Thanks everyone. I have a KAB and shook that over the trash can first and then placed new lump on top. First burger attempt coming up.

bgebrent · July 2015

@Mattman3969, have you ever had 70 degree quick dome temp shifts accompanied by intake flame blow outs? I've experienced this twice and can only correlate dumping lump silt into my egg. Look forward to your thoughts. Don't want to steal the thread.

Mattman3969 · July 2015

I've seen what you are describing as "Intake flame blowout" when I have let the fire get to big before closing the dampers down or when shutting the dome while doing sears but I never contributed it to the fines.
I can see where you could have these problems from what you call silt if the bottom of the bag is full dust, my bags generally don't have more than 2 cups or so of dust. If for some reason it is excessive I will just give it a quick stir after its in the egg and then light it.

dldawes1 · July 2015

I just pour from the bag right on top of old....after stirring a little to help old ash fall through the grate. Never have a problem.

TexanOfTheNorth · July 2015

^^^^ + 1

stlcharcoal · July 2015

I'll light the half burned stuff with a torch first since it's easier to light, then dump the new charcoal on top of that. Heat travels up, so it will be a faster start up in both respects.

THEBuckeye · July 2015

Don't over think it for short cooks.

For low and slows, some say to place the larger chunks in the middle.

DieselkW · July 2015

There's my answer^^^from @stlcharcoal - old lump is much easier to light, so I always light the old stuff, build a little "fort" around the fire so the new lump doesn't put out that small flame.

Used lump will then fire up the old lump more efficiently from the bottom.

WeberWho · July 2015

The main reason I got my KAB for my large was to make clean up easier and for new lump. I'll be buying one for the small once available

Noob question - new lump on top of or under old?

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