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Lighting the green egg

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IowaJim
IowaJim Posts: 17
in Forum Feedback

I have problems getting my medium egg started so can I use a chimney to start my coals? I saw Bobbie Flay do this on a program and it worked well.
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  • lkapigian
    lkapigian Posts: 10,767
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    I always use a chimney starter, never a problem...
    Visalia, Ca @lkapigian
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  • xiphoid007
    xiphoid007 Posts: 536
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    Lots of methods work great. Chimney starter, starter blocks/cubes, oil soaked paper towels, weed burners, looftlighter. Pick your poison!

    I have a looftlighter and love it. When I do a reverse sear, I use the looftlighter to get the coals rocket hot super fast, so I like it better that other methods. I've also used starter cubes which work well.
    Pittsburgh, PA - 1 LBGE
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  • SoCalTim
    SoCalTim Posts: 2,158
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    @IowaJim  .. what kind of problem are you having starting your egg?
    I've slow smoked and eaten so much pork, I'm legally recognized as being part swine - Chatsworth Ca.
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  • LRW
    LRW Posts: 198
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    I use a common MAPP plumbing torch never have a problem
    Volant, PA 1 LBGE ,Smokeware Cap, igrill2
    My Foodtography


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  • IowaJim
    IowaJim Posts: 17
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    Sometimes it doesn't heat up for over an hour.
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  • FarmerTom
    FarmerTom Posts: 685
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    I use a MAPP plumbers torch.  If you go this route, DO NOT get a propane torch, they will not burn well when held upside down.  It's easy and quick to get a bunch of coals burning quickly.  Make sure your vents are all wide open and air holes open in the fire box.  Any of the above mentioned methods will work fine.  Much depends on how quick you want to have the coals burning.  But any of them should have your EGG heated up quicker than what you are experiencing.  Check your vents and air openings.

    Tommy 

    Middle of Nowhere, Northern Kentucky
       1 M, 1 XL, a BlackStone,1 old Webber, a Border Collie, a German Shepherd and 3 of her pups, and 2 Yorkies

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  • lousubcap
    lousubcap Posts: 32,385
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    If you are seeing an hour to get up to temp then you must have an air-flow issue.  BGE runs on fuel (lump) air and a heat source to get the fire going.  Make sure all your fire-box vent holes are clear (can build up a good bit of ash behind the box).  FWIW-
    And welcome aboard and enjoy the journey.  You will get this solved.
    Louisville; Rolling smoke in the neighbourhood. # 38 for the win.  Life is too short for light/lite beer!  Seems I'm livin in a transitional period.
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  • rmr62
    rmr62 Posts: 233
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    these guys have already nailed it---sounds like airflow issue to me.  Check to be sure the fire box opening is lined up properly with bottom vent, and that all the holes / openings are clear
    Lagrange, GA   LBGE
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