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Relighting/Lighting the XL BGE - even zone / grill

nutshellml
nutshellml Posts: 167
in EggHead Forum
Hey all, I've been an XL BGE owner for about a month now.  I have a question when lighting and relighting, looking for some tips/advice: I've noticed that it's somewhat difficult to get an even hot space in the charcoal when I'm looking to do some direct cooking.  My lighting method is MAPP TORCH and lighting it in a few spots, but it still seems to be uneven and some hot/cold spots.  Do you all get it going, then stir to charcoal to evenly distribute it?  I have the L-Angle brackets from CGS that help when I'm doing a smaller cook, but still wondering if you all leave it to get going or after a little while (time?) do move everything around.  THANKS for any info!
Northern Jersey
XL BGE  |  MiniMax
XL Adjustable Rig Combo  |  CyberQ  |  Thermoworks Singal/Billows |  Maverick 733
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Comments

  • Jstroke
    Jstroke Posts: 2,605
    If you are using a mapp torch, get a weed-burner. You can get the whole top going very quickly and makes life easy for things getting the full blast of direct. Also I like to keep my lump full. I like it up to the top of the fire ring. But I keep my grate at the felt line permanently. 
    Columbus, Ohio--A Gasser filled with Matchlight and an Ugly Drum.
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  • GoldenQ
    GoldenQ Posts: 592
    I have an XL and I use a propane torch and 4 wax starters to get even heat with the starters spread out for starting in different areas.
    I XL  and 1 Weber Kettle  And 1 Weber Q220       Outside Alvin, TX-- South of Houston
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  • nutshellml
    nutshellml Posts: 167
    GoldenQ said:
    I have an XL and I use a propane torch and 4 wax starters to get even heat with the starters spread out for starting in different areas.
    How long w/ the propane and wax starters to get even heat?  do you "stoke" the coals and move them around?
    Northern Jersey
    XL BGE  |  MiniMax
    XL Adjustable Rig Combo  |  CyberQ  |  Thermoworks Singal/Billows |  Maverick 733
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  • jimithing
    jimithing Posts: 255
    What kind of charcoal are you using?  I just picked up some Rockwood and I like how it burns once it's started but that stuff is hard to get started.  I have to use my mapp in 5 or 6 places, holding the torch for maybe 20 seconds per place.  Even then it sparks all over the place.  I want Ozark Oak back :(

    I've heard some people say the paper towel with bacon grease or oil on it works well.  I plan on trying that this week and seeing how that goes.
    XL BGE
    Plano, TX
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  • nutshellml
    nutshellml Posts: 167
    I have used the papertowel w/ veg oil and worked.  Was just looking mainly for tips on after it starts going to get a even burn grid.
    Northern Jersey
    XL BGE  |  MiniMax
    XL Adjustable Rig Combo  |  CyberQ  |  Thermoworks Singal/Billows |  Maverick 733
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  • VooDuuChild
    VooDuuChild Posts: 54
    I also have an XL.  I usually have a layer of coal already in there unlit, then I'll light a partial chimney of coal and distribute evenly over the surface of the unlit pieces then close the lid and let everything come together, top vent open all of the way (or even crack the entire top piece) and the bottom open a few inches.  Doesn't take long and it's roaring, so ya gotta be mindful...

    1) XLBGE                  1) PK's Pro 100 pound capacity commercial grade electric smoker
    2) Chief smokers        1) Brinkmann...first smoker...gave to a buddy after years of great service.
    1) Char Broil Gas grill  1) Square Char Broil coal grill   1) Round XL Weber round coal grill
    1) Rotisserie for the Weber grill (AWESOME).....I don't have a problem, I can stop anytime I want...I can.
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  • Jonespnh
    Jonespnh Posts: 5
    What VooDuu said...in an XL you need a lot of heat to get things cooking. Use a chimney, dump it on top of your lump, stir it around and open up your airways. It will be blazing in no time.
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