Spark Guard for large Egg

kiwigriller

Hi Folks, 
Thanks to Nakedwhizz I am trying to be more fire alert when it comes to my large Green Egg.
I have the Egg on my wooden deck so now have some ceramic tiles under it. It sits in a nest. I have 2 large fire extinguishers within 2 metres and have ordered the Smokeware vented chimney cap.

I am seeking your help on another risk. When I light the Egg I leave the lid up to allow maximal air flow to get the fire started. I would like a mesh spark guard/arrester to put over the top of the bottom section of the Egg to prevent sparks escaping. 
I have searched extensively and I can't find a ready made solution. Do you guys know of a solution?
Many thanks!

Canugghead

welcome aboard, how about something like this?
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Saint-Gobain-ADFORS-36-in-x-84-in-Charcoal-Aluminum-Insect-Screen-FCS9370-M/100260694

Jeremiah

If your that worried about it, you can use starter cubes or oil soaked paper towels that dont spark as bad as a torch or looftlighter. I use a map torch, just keep it buried in the coals and turned down low to avoid as many possible sparks as possible.

dstearn

I have my XL in a nest on my deck and when I light it up for an overnight cook with my  Looflighter it's like the 4th of July! 

SmokeyPitt

I have a cheap fire pit that has a top that would probably work. 

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Hampton-Bay-Crossfire-29-50-in-Steel-Fire-Pit-with-Cooking-Grate-25915/205087441?cm_mmc=Shopping|THD|G|0|G-BASE-PLA-D28I-Patio|&gclid=CI-kkaeXws8CFQUuaQodij0ALA&gclsrc=aw.ds

You could also just look for a screen but they are not much cheaper.  If you need/want a fire pit this might be an option.

smokeybreeze

I've never had a problem getting a good light of the charcoal with a closed lid - no daisy wheel until it's starting to get near 200 dome temp then on goes the daisy wheel to adjust the cook temp. I use a mapp torch and hit three spots of the charcoal for 45-60 seconds each then close the lid.

clifkincaid

Mines on a wooden deck...i just move my torch to a spot that don't spark as much. Even got my 9 yo daughter to light it. Just pay attention to the sparks.

kiwigriller

Thank you all for you suggestions.
I am going to see how lighting it then putting the lid down goes and also get some of the aluminum mesh. Thanks again :-)

Sweet100s

What density of aluminum mesh do you think is needed? 

Raymont

How about a pizza screen? $8.00.. They make a 18".
https://www.amazon.com/Winware-16-Inch-Seamless-Aluminum-Screen/dp/B001CICFB6/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1475760211&sr=8-4&keywords=pizza%2Bscreen&th=1

YouEnjoyMyEgg

dstearn said:

I have my XL in a nest on my deck and when I light it up for an overnight cook with my  Looflighter it's like the 4th of July! 

Like this? -->  http://sendvid.com/srgbghm6

Sweet100s

I really love this mesh idea, but don't think any of the ones shown are dense enough.

In every day things, what is the tightest mesh already used for? 
Window screens? 

SmokeyPitt

If you are planning on closing the dome before walking away, then what about simply putting a fine mesh strainer over the dome?

Tspud1

Canugghead said:

welcome aboard, how about something like this?
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Saint-Gobain-ADFORS-36-in-x-84-in-Charcoal-Aluminum-Insect-Screen-FCS9370-M/100260694

Think the aluminum would with stand the temp?

Tspud1

SmokeyPitt said:

If you are planning on closing the dome before walking away, then what about simply putting a fine mesh strainer over the dome?

With lid closed, would you need this?

keepervodeflame

I have cooked on a deck for the last 5 years. I also live in the mountains of Arizona with extreme fire danger all around. I understand and share your concern. I do not use torches, electric starters, looftlighters, or the like due to the fact they throw so many sparks. I use a BGE fire cube which I do start with a mini torch. Just get it started maybe 5 minutes and then close the lid. No real sparks whatsoever. I take my time and let the fire come up to temp slowly over about an hour. 

Canugghead

Tspud1 said:

 
Think the aluminum would with stand the temp?

Since you're using it as insurance at startup to establish the fire, I doubt the fire will be high/hot enough to melt the aluminum. You would have removed it and closed the lid before you reach cooking temp, just like one would remove an electric starter after no more than 8-10 minutes, before the handle is melted?