Ash basket question

PoppasGrill

I picked up an ash basket the other weekend at the central fla fall fest, used it 3 times so far, and have noticed a couple things.
1) the Egg heats up to temp quicker, guessing from the better air flow
2) am using more lump for shorter cooks. Did some chicken today, thighs, and sliced tater wedges, which I put on after the chicken. Noticed the temp was dropping so checked and there was only a handful of coals left, had to add lump.

johnnyp

I don’t see a question, so I’ll assume that you’re looking for validation of your observations. 

1) you’re right.

2) the basket itself does reduce the amount of lump per load you’re putting into your egg.  I wouldn’t imagine you’re burning through lump at a considerably different rate. But reduced load size combined with more waste (small pieces falling through) probably gives that illusion. 

stlcharcoal

Yes it heats up quicker because of the increased airflow, but you're not burning more lump once it's up at temp.  BTU/# and the rate it burns is constant.  So, if you have 5# of lump in the egg and you cook at 350F, the basket has nothing to do the rate it burns--neither does the size of the chunks of charcoal.  The air is metered coming in and restricted coming out.  All that basket does is allow more paths for the airflow if the ash starts building up.

WeberWho

Are you using the KAB with the bottom grate? That might help. I noticed the air improvement with the grate in place and never felt the need to remove it. It might be worth trying out anyway 

bluebird66

I use mine with the bottom grate in place.

surveyor

I use the bottom grate too, easier to clean and no additional lump used, and still better air flow. 

stompbox

Kick ash basket?

sctdg

I always use mine with stock bottom coal grate in place . Don't like hot coals falling to bare bottom of egg,with just the basket that can happen . KAB won't make you burn more coal .

Dave in Florida

PoppasGrill said:

I picked up an ash basket the other weekend at the central fla fall fest, used it 3 times so far, and have noticed a couple things.
1) the Egg heats up to temp quicker, guessing from the better air flow
2) am using more lump for shorter cooks. Did some chicken today, thighs, and sliced tater wedges, which I put on after the chicken. Noticed the temp was dropping so checked and there was only a handful of coals left, had to add lump.

Can you tell me where and when this Central Fla. Fall Fest is?  I have never heard of it.

RRP

I've been a KAB user/FAN for well over 2 years on my two most often used BGEs. Right from the get go I removed my bottom grates. Maybe there is better air flow or maybe not, with or without the bottom grate. BUT the learning curve is pretty S H O R T ! - IF not even AT ALL to figure out the difference! 

YukonRon

I use the grate on my XL, due to previous experience. Works very well. Recommend it as well.

PoppasGrill

Dave in Florida said:

PoppasGrill said:

I picked up an ash basket the other weekend at the central fla fall fest, used it 3 times so far, and have noticed a couple things.
1) the Egg heats up to temp quicker, guessing from the better air flow
2) am using more lump for shorter cooks. Did some chicken today, thighs, and sliced tater wedges, which I put on after the chicken. Noticed the temp was dropping so checked and there was only a handful of coals left, had to add lump.

Can you tell me where and when this Central Fla. Fall Fest is?  I have never heard of it.

It was Nov 11 , in Wekiva springs.

JMCXL

When using my KAB, I use the stock grate in the XL but not in the MM. For those who have trouble getting the MM to temp the KAB helps. I also learned the hard way; when doing high temp cooks remove it. I did Pizza with it in and warped the KAB due to the temp(600-750).