Lump in South Florida - Question

TheEasyLife

I need some help with tips on storing lump here in humid S. Florida. Do you need to put it in some type of sealable container or is just "clipping" the top of the charcoal bag sufficient? I just bought my XL yesterday ( 1st one) and it isn't being delivered until my table is finished which is hopefully this weekend. They are delivering my lump too and wanted to know if I need a container ready for it. Anyone from S. Florida have any suggestions on what they do? Otherwise my orders from ceramic grill store, thermoworks, dizzy pig, Amazon and EBay should be here before the grill arrives so I will be ready to go. - Michael

Eggcelsior

I would grab a charcoal storage container(aka 5 gallon bucket) and use it to prevent moisture build-up.

TheEasyLife

That was kinda my thought, but was trying to keep my area looking clean and just didn't know if I could get away putting the bag inside the table (where a five gal bucket won't fit) where it would be hidden. I am sure I can come up with something. Just seeing what others do in my climate.

nolaegghead

For around $16 you can get a rubbermaid charcoal storage bin.  it fits a 22 pound bag of lump.  I bought mine at academy.   I have a smaller one too, but don't buy many small bags. 

volfan1

I live in the Tampa area, and I just store mine in the garage and have had no issues.  Of course, I don't keep more than a few bags at a time.

JerkChicken

<----Orlando, garage, no issues. Happy egging!

TheEasyLife

Thanks. I appreciate the help!

yzzi

Tampa area. I store the backstock in the garage, and the stuff I use in an old armoire. Haven't had trouble with it except last Thursday when it was really foggy and rainy. Couldn't get it lit well, but I did try lighting it differently which could have caused it. Summer time I've never had issues, but I may pick up a charcoal bin here soon.

EastTNBGE

Just relocated to Florida from TN and have been having trouble getting charcoal lit.  Have a kick ash basket, shake it, clean out ash in bottom of egg, then put some new lump on top of the old lump coming out of an opened bag in the garage.  Some nights it takes me starting the lump multiple times to get it going.  Using paper towel soaked with canola oil.  In TN would use one, maybe two paper towels.  Now using three and still struggling.  Wife is not happy about the delays in cooking. Any thoughts?

lousubcap

Since your current approach is not winning any fans, I would change the approach.  Use the search function here for "lighting a fire in a BGE" and you will get many options:  Weed burner; Looflighter, electric starters, wax cubes etc.  FWIW-

Florida Grillin Girl

@EastTNBGE - just keep doing what your'e doing, maybe it requires a little more babysitting than what you are used to. Stay with it and wait til you know it's lit before walking away...
I use firestarters and stay with them til I see the charcoal lit.

EastTNBGE

Florida Grillin Girl said:

@EastTNBGE - just keep doing what your'e doing, maybe it requires a little more babysitting than what you are used to. Stay with it and wait til you know it's lit before walking away...
I use firestarters and stay with them til I see the charcoal lit.

I do think I will go back to firestarters.  I used those in the past when I first purchased the egg and got some from the dealer.  Switched to paper towels with bacon grease, but have resorted to paper towels with oil since I have been using so many.  Thank you for the feedback.

Botch

EastTNBGE said:

Florida Grillin Girl said:

@EastTNBGE - just keep doing what your'e doing, maybe it requires a little more babysitting than what you are used to. Stay with it and wait til you know it's lit before walking away...
I use firestarters and stay with them til I see the charcoal lit.

I do think I will go back to firestarters.  I used those in the past when I first purchased the egg and got some from the dealer.  Switched to paper towels with bacon grease, but have resorted to paper towels with oil since I have been using so many.  Thank you for the feedback.

I don't have humidity issues here in the high desert, but I do have similar lighting problems, based on ambient temps.  
- During the summer, a half-paper towel that I drained my 2 slices of breakfast bacon on is enough to light the lump every time
- During Spring and Fall a single firestarter square gets the lump lit
- When it gets below freezing I use a single firestarter, and pour one shotglass of hi-octane rubbing alcohol from wallie-world onto the lump around the firestarter; 100% success then.  
Hope this helps!  

stlcharcoal

Lighting fire with fire is the quickest way.  There's a mini weed burner on Amazon that uses camping bottles for $25.  Give it a try.  You can also use a bbq dragon to accelerate the process..

EastTNBGE

stlcharcoal said:

Lighting fire with fire is the quickest way.  There's a mini weed burner on Amazon that uses camping bottles for $25.  Give it a try.  You can also use a bbq dragon to accelerate the process..

I ordered both of these today.  Thank you for the feedback.