Storing Lump

Delaware Dude · October 2004

I'm a relatively new egger. I had some difficulty getting the egg (a large) up to high heat (600 - 700)for searing. First time this has happened to me. As I had recently changed the location where I kept my lump, I was wondering if the storage location could have an impact on the heating ability.[p]I do realize there are other variables, such as not enough lump in the egg, vents not wide open, etc.[p]Thanks for any thoughts on the subject.

nikkig · October 2004

Delaware Dude,
Where are you storing your lump now versus where it was before? That could very well be why it was not as hot. Moist lump does not burn as well as dry lump. We keep our lump in a large rubbermaid container with a tight lid. You can also use something like a trash can that has a tight lid.[p]~nikki

WessB · October 2004

Delaware Dude,
Excessively damp lump can cause this until it dries out, but then should get full temp. I keep mine stored outside in one of those rubbermaid tubs with a lid, and havent noticed a problem yet...HTH[p]
Wess

Mark Backer · October 2004

WessB,[p]I keep the bag in a rubbermaid tub too. No troubles at all.

Yazoo · October 2004

Delaware Dude,[p]I keep mine in the garage, on the floor in an open bag or 5 gal bucket, but haven't suffered from damp lump. What I have experienced before is a 20lb bag of lump that was apparently used as trampoline. It was mostly small pieces. I had a hard time keeping it going at low temps. It's also the stuff that caused a lot of flashbacks. I suspect the small pieces could also clog air holes and make it hard to get a hot fire as well. What kind of lump is it and what shape is it in? Of course, any restriction of air flow can prevent the egg from getting hot. There's not too much ash in the bottom of the fire box is there?

Delaware Dude · October 2004

nikkig,Yazoo,WessB and Mark Backer[p]Thanks to all of you for your replys.[p]I did start the cook in question with possible more used lump than normal. I did stir it before adding new lump.[p]The bottom of the fire box had just been cleaned.[p]I had my new lump,opened bag, stored outside (under a roof)for a couple of days - before I had always kept it in the garage. It does tend to be a bit damp in Delaware. That is why I began to wonder about the storage.[p]I like the way a number of you guys use a rubbermaid tub to store the lump- I think this is what I will do.[p]I suspect the main culprit in my case, may have been too much old lump vs new.[p]Thanks again to you all.

katman · October 2004

Delaware Dude,
I've used the rubbermaid container, but for the past few years I just keep it in the bag in my barn. When cleaning the ash out do you check the area behind the firebox as well as under the grate? Sometimes that little tunnel around the base gets a mound or two of ash that falls through the vent holes when you stir the old lump. Makes a difference in my egg when I make sure the air flow is not constricted.

jwitheld · October 2004

WessB,
ditto, think mine is a 33 gal rubbermaid. no problems. live in nw fla (redneck riviera)humidity is often high enough to make a rock sweat.

Delaware Dude · October 2004

katman,[p]Thanks for the cleaning tip. In my case, I think I had the egg about as clean as can be since I had taken it apart and cleaned it and only did one cook (from which I may have had too much used lump)prior to my low temp issue.

tmEGGer · October 2004

Delaware Dude,[p]I dump my lump into one of those plastic storage bins made for going under a bed. It is quite flat and long with small wheels underneath. It has flip up cover flaps on each end for easy access and the lid is tight fitting to keep the lump dry. In addition to sliding nicely under my egg table, the flatness allows me to sort out my lump or select certain size pieces without digging. I use a large plastic ice scoop to scoop the lump into the egg. I bought the bin at one of the well known chain discount stores and the scoop at a restaurant supply house.[p]NutmEGGer

Delaware Dude · October 2004

NutmEGGer,[p]Thanks for your note on your plastic storage bin with wheels for storing your lump. I was thinking about something with wheels. Also,your use of a scoop sounds good. Currently, I put on gloves and grab handfulls out of the bag.[p]

Storing Lump

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