Getting the Egg Temp up in 30 degree weather

JTlovesthePig

Does anyone have an issue getting their egg up to 650 degrees when it's about 30-35 degrees outside? I cleaned out the bottom of the egg, pulled all the coal out to make sure there is plenty of air flow but still couldn't fire it up past about 430.
Thanks

PhilOsh

The outside temps shouldn't be an issue. Too much humidity in the charcoal maybe? Did you clean out around the outside of the firebox too? Also, are the airholes on the side of the firebox clear?
Phil

crghc98

Did you fill the lump all the way up to the fire ring?

stike

air temp has virtually no effect.

in order of likelihood the issue is usually:
-ash/airflow
-damp egg (extended rain and little or no use of the egg for a long while)
-damp lump

The Naked Whiz

I don't believe humidity has a significant effect on charcoal. I've been conducting a test now for about a year in which I have left some charcoal exposed in my garage to NC humidity and the most weight it has gained has only been 10g or so. I about at the 1 year point, at which point, I'll grab the data and write it up. But I don't think charcoal can absorb enough moisture under normal circumstances to make much of a difference.

fishlessman

did you take the daisy cap completely off the egg, that sometimes helps

Doug in Eggmonton

I don't think I've lit my egg when it has been that warm for the last 8 months, I've been over 1000 several times. As the others have said make sure that the airflow is clean, get the top and bottom completely open and let her fire.

Doug

srq2625

A couple of short items:

1. In both my small and my large, I've noticed that if I put in too much lump I end up with restricted air flow.

2. If I want higher temps, I have found that loading the lump to the top of the firebox (not the fire ring) get's me the best air flow.

3. What sizes are you charcoal lumps? If they are too small, this can restrict airflow.

4. One time when I loaded up my small with too much lump (and some of it was a bit on the small side) I found that my DW's hair dryer got things going nicely. A couple minutes of that and enough of the charcoal got going to sustain a much too high temp.

Mr. & Mrs Potatohead

NO problem with air temp. here!
It was 38 F. here today and I seared steaks at 700 F.
And, for what it may be worth, I have also cooked at -20 F. or better.
Me thinks, another situation is causing your problem.
All of the above suggestions are places to look.

Mr. & Mrs Potatohead

OOpss...
Wrong spot. Hope you can follow.

JTlovesthePig

Thanks for all the suggestions EggHeads!! I appreciate it! I took all the hardwood out, vacuumed the bottom of the egg then avoided putting in small pieces of hardwood. I think that was blocking up airflow.