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Cold weather egging - gasket always frozen

blakeas
blakeas Posts: 244
in EggHead Forum
So we have had a very cold winter here in ohio.  However, it has been really hard egging this winter since my gasket is always frozen shut.  I have to make a small fire (starters/charcoal) through the vent and it usually takes a few hours to get it to loosen up so I can open the lid.  So what is the fix for this?  The rutland gasket?  it has been a huge PITA to do some cooking on the egg this winter.
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Comments

  • Ozzie_Isaac
    Ozzie_Isaac Posts: 20,999
    You can put aluminum foil between the upper and lower gasket when you shut it down.  That has worked for me.

    Don't tell your problems to people.  80% of people don't care and 20% are glad you have them.


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  • gamason
    gamason Posts: 406
    Put a couple of nickels on the edge before you close it. Or some strips of wax paper. Both work for me. No frozen lids.

    Snellville,Ga.

    LBGE

    Minimax

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  • Carolina Q
    Carolina Q Posts: 14,831
    I live in Connecticut. My egg is not sheltered and I don't use a cover. My rutland has been on for over 5 years and has never frozen. 

    You'll want to wait for warmer weather to install the rutland. The foil or coin thing should be fine until then. 

    I hate it when I go to the kitchen for food and all I find are ingredients!                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

    Michael 
    Central Connecticut 

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  • Eggcelsior
    Eggcelsior Posts: 14,414
    Another option is getting a cover. Even a cheap one works, not just the BGE branded one.
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  • Black_Badger
    Black_Badger Posts: 1,182
    In my experience this year a Rutland gasket will not PREVENT dome freezing. It might inhibit it a bit, and maybe make it release a little easier, but it can still freeze.

    Two things I've found that help fix the freeze once it happens: 1) build a fire through the vent or 2) cordless hair dryer to thaw the seem.

    Sounds like you've done the first suggestion (but I've never had to have a fire going longer than 20m to get my dome open. The second works well as well, provided it's not so damn cold you can't stand to be out 'styling' your egg!

    I like the idea of using something to create a small gap to prevent freezing, but I rarely want to go back to my egg once it's cooled down and I'm (likely) a little drunk and (certainly) a little too full.

    Give the hairdryer a shot some time and let me know what you think!

    Cheers -
    B_B
    Finally back in the Badger State!

    Middleton, WI
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  • blakeas
    blakeas Posts: 244
    thx, I did the hairdryer thing and it took forever!  I gave up and did the fire through the vent.  it is hard placing the charcoal around the starter and getting them to light without the starter going out.  Maybe I am not putting the charcoal in right to build my small ring?
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  • Jeepster47
    Jeepster47 Posts: 3,827
    Okay, I've got to ask for some input on one suggestion that keeps coming up.  The addition of shims or coins or other items to keep the seals apart enough to prevent freezing.  If the shim is at the front of the egg, then I think there is no problem.  But, if the shim is placed anywhere else, then you run the risk of screwing up the alignment ... yes/no?

    Washington, IL  >  Queen Creek, AZ ... Two large eggs and an adopted Mini Max

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  • DoubleEgger
    DoubleEgger Posts: 18,649
    A couple of golf tees will do the trick. Basically anything to prop the lid open.  I asked the forum a week ago....
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  • Bwill
    Bwill Posts: 102
    I too am in Ohio and have had the frozen lid problem even though I keep my BGE covered.  Once I was able to open it I placed two of the spacers that came with it in the lid and have been fine since. 
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  • blakeas
    blakeas Posts: 244
    thanks for the suggestions - I used about 8 nickels all the way around on the gasket and it seems to work!
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