I should be charged w/ NEGGLECT!

ColAngus · February 2021

Sorry for the title. I've had my BGE since Dec 2013 and while I've loved it every time I've used it; I've let it slide when it comes to upkeep and maintenance.

My BGE needs some TLC... I noticed when using a skillet on the BGE that it must be uneven as the liquids pool at the back of the pan. I need to replace the grate, fire grate, maybe the fire box, and maybe replacing the gasket. And it needs a good cleaning inside as there are tons of build up around the sides.

There's a local dealer who offers BGE service/repair/cleaning here in Charlotte... but I recall they were pretty pricey.

How difficult is it to replace the gasket (for someone who has never done this before)? Any advice on cleaning?

ColtsFan · February 2021

Rub a balled up piece of foil over the build up and light that thing up. Let it burn off for several hours in the 550-600* area and it will be nice and clean on the inside.

Replacing the gasket is easy. There are a couple "how to" videos on YouTube

Langner91 · February 2021

I would fill it up with the cheapest lump you can buy and let it rip. Pull your dome thermometer out first. The high heat will burn all of that gunk off the inside and if you toast your gasket, you can replace it. Don't replace the gasket first!

Replacing the gasket is not difficult. Scrape the old one off, clean it up with some elbow grease, and stick the new one on. If you have good dome alignment, don't take it apart, just replace the gasket. If you do the Green Egg style gasket, an hour or two. There are other alternatives if you use the search box.

Why is it out of level? Unless your firebox / fire ring are broken, that sounds more like a table/nest issue. Shim the low point up a little using some firebricks?

If you need a new fire grate, I recommend a Kick Ash Basket. makes cleanout very easy as you can remove the coals easily. You don't need the fire grate, if you have a KAB.

Good luck, it should be easy to get running like new!

lousubcap · February 2021

Contact @RRP for a Rutland gasket. He ships and it comes with great replacement instructions. FYI-

stlcharcoal · February 2021

Run a bag of charcoal through it as hot as it will get, that's the cleaning part. Kick Ash Basket, new Rutland gasket, maybe a new cooking grate(?), and you're good to go. Unless the firebox or ring are broken, there's nothing that would cause them to not be level with the base.