temperature control

Unknown

I am struggling to keep my BGE temp where I want it. I understood from the instructions that you should use the same amount of charcoal each time, and then just regulate the temp through the top and bottom adjustments, but it seems to go out on me when I try to get it in the 200 to 250 range. One of the commenters said to use less charcoal for those low cook sessions, but I am unsure if those will actually keep it going for long enough. Any suggestions?

Unknown

Brad,
Every time I load my Egg, I fill it to the top. If I don't use it all that time, it will go with the next burn. You might want to check out the opening on the bottom and make sure your fire box is aligned with the slide opening. If it is out of line, the air will not draw as well. I always use my ash tool to kick out all of the ash between cooks.
Keep working with it, you will get it in time.[p]Jerry

MasterMason

Brad,
Make sure you don't have too much small pieces at the bottom, that will clog the vents as well. Look at Elder Wards Pulled pork on how to build a fire... Works great for me

Unknown

Jwirlwind and MasterMason,[p]thanks for the tips. I will keep at it, that is for sure. This BGE seems so simple, yet so complex! [p]Brad

Skipper

Brad,
I know what you're going through. the first brisket I tried ended up being fed to the foxes because I thought I had my fire just right and it went out in the middle of the night.[p]I've learned how to control my fire and now I can do a overnight cook of a brisket or boston butt and my temperature will hold between 220 and 250 all night without worry.[p]Send me a message to my email address and I'll try and put some guidelines together for you.[p]Cheers,
Skipper[p]

locolongball

Brad,[p]For low cooks, I load it up with lump and leave all the vents open until I reach 225. then shut it down. The bottom vent will be open 1/4 to 1/2 inches at the most, then don't touch it again, use the daisy wheel to make minor adjustments if needed. Should be fine after that.