small egg will not get over 400

Tomjohn

I have a small and large egg, I can light them at the same time and the large will get to 600 in twenty minutes. The small will be at 200, I. Am using dry lump with the egg completely cleaned out fire box is aligned with the draft door. Blowing air in the egg I can get to 600 but it falls back to 400. I have done a forum search but didn't find a solution,
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

elzbth

Haven't had that problem at all (excpet the time a couple of the holes were blocked). I can get my small to 500+ with no problem. I always remove the metal top and leave the bottom vent completely opened. I'm sure some of the more experienced folks will jump in here and give you some thoughts. Good Luck!

Hub

I had the same problem and thought for sure my egg was totally cleaned out. Then I watched this video (link below) and realized my egg wasn't as clean as I thought. I did as the video prescribed and now my egg gets over 600 with no problem. The guy in the video even says "all of you that email me complaining your egg won't get hot, well this is why."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFN2xeGE3Kw

Ripnem

The large has an air intake opening about 4 times the size. You really need a healthy amount of lump and ALL the air holes cleaned out. Then the little one will rip like all his big brothers and sisters. :P

Morro Bay Rich

Heat = fuel + air
If fuel is down the heat will be down
If air is down the heat will be down
You just need to find out which it is. :ermm:

Tomjohn

I completely removed the fire box and cleaned with a shop vac last night filled lump to the bottom of the fire ring, 400 was max temp. On the bright side the twice baked potatoes were eggcelent.

Mickey

I do what Elizabeth said.
Are you real sure on the holes?

Ripnem

rig yourself a raised grid, if you don't have one and start with more lump and you'll get higher temps.

Hoss

Have you checked to make sure your thermometer is correct?

Tomjohn

Calibrated both thermometers tried both in the small.

Tomjohn

Calibrated both thermometers tried both in the small.

WingRider

If the pieces of charcoal are too small they will not let the air flow the way it needs to.

Photo Egg

sounds like you are doing all right.
Try pull off the entire cast iron daisy wheel with dome closed as Egg comes up to temp. You need the up draft to stoke your fire.
It will not get as hot with the dome open.
Even if you set the daisy vent holes wide open it will not get max.
Either slide the daisy wheel open to one large opening or pull the entire unit off.
Also if you stir your lump a little after it is burning good before you add the cooking grid it will spread the hot lump around. 5 minutes later you should be rocking.