Kick ash basket for large BGE

Smokey_Matt

Would you recommend getting a kick ash basket for a large BGE to help with airflow and lump management? Is it worth the cost? I've read some posts where guys say they have noticed cracks in the base, would the KAB contribute to that in any way? Thanks

Langner91

First accessory I bought for my second LBGE and my Mini-Max.  Once you have one, you will never be without.

It makes cleanout easier, it makes cold smoking (removing the lump) easier, and it just generally makes good sense.  

I have had three eggs with KAB's.  No cracked bases.  I got my first LBGE in 2013.

TideEggHead

It is a great addition, makes cleaning a lot easier! Look into the can while you are at it. I will be picking one up soon.

RRP

I have one in my Small and my Large and I love them! Always plan to do so!

StillH2OEgger

I have a KAB in my large BGE and no cracks. It's a nice tool to have. I wish it cost a little less, but I'd buy it again.

stlcharcoal

Yep!  Best upgrade available.  Get the kick ash can too!

billyray

I really like mind. Gets the temps up a lot faster and hotter. Get the pan for quick clean up. I am using more lump than I did before.

vb4677

One of the best things you can get- got two for my twin larges.  I like how it can add flexibility & versatility to your cooks - for instance, my last cook may have been a low & slow brisket with a lot of hardwood mixed into the lump.  Well, I can pull the remains of that basket, give the egg a quick cleanup, then reserve that lump and hardwood in a bucket, and put in a little clean lump for my next cook which could be a high-temp one for a steak or pizza...  And if you have a Joetisserie, you can simply put a couple of firebricks 'vertically' in the middle of the basket, and load one side with lump - then you can simply spin the basket to align the basket with the spitrod of the Joetisserie!

WeberWho

billyray said:

I really like mind. Gets the temps up a lot faster and hotter. Get the pan for quick clean up. I am using more lump than I did before.

Are you using it with the fire grate? I use KAB with my my fire grate and I still get increased air flow with my Large egg. I don't really notice any additional lump consumption.

stlcharcoal

WeberWho said:

billyray said:

I really like mind. Gets the temps up a lot faster and hotter. Get the pan for quick clean up. I am using more lump than I did before.

Are you using it with the fire grate? I use KAB with my my fire grate and I still get increased air flow with my Large egg. I don't really notice any additional lump consumption.

You do not use any more lump unless you are running higher temps.  The only way to get rid of carbon is to burn it, and there's no way to burn it any faster in the same vessel without the subsequent higher temp.

Leaving the fire grate in still acts as a restrictor plate.  No reason for it anymore if you're running a basket.

WeberWho

stlcharcoal said:

WeberWho said:

billyray said:

I really like mind. Gets the temps up a lot faster and hotter. Get the pan for quick clean up. I am using more lump than I did before.

Are you using it with the fire grate? I use KAB with my my fire grate and I still get increased air flow with my Large egg. I don't really notice any additional lump consumption.

You do not use any more lump unless you are running higher temps.  The only way to get rid of carbon is to burn it, and there's no way to burn it any faster in the same vessel without the subsequent higher temp.

Leaving the fire grate in still acts as a restrictor plate.  No reason for it anymore if you're running a basket.

I don't ever use the daisy wheel top unless I'm going low and slow. I'd say 95%+ of my cooks temperatures are adjusted with just the lower vent. I found the KAB without the fire grate changed my lower vent settings around. I didn't want to learn new lower vent settings without the fire grate. The vent setting slightly changed with the KAB and fire grate together. Not nearly as much as I was running the KAB solo.

stlcharcoal

WeberWho said:

stlcharcoal said:

WeberWho said:

billyray said:

I really like mind. Gets the temps up a lot faster and hotter. Get the pan for quick clean up. I am using more lump than I did before.

Are you using it with the fire grate? I use KAB with my my fire grate and I still get increased air flow with my Large egg. I don't really notice any additional lump consumption.

You do not use any more lump unless you are running higher temps.  The only way to get rid of carbon is to burn it, and there's no way to burn it any faster in the same vessel without the subsequent higher temp.

Leaving the fire grate in still acts as a restrictor plate.  No reason for it anymore if you're running a basket.

I don't ever use the daisy wheel top unless I'm going low and slow. I'd say 95%+ of my cooks temperatures are adjusted with just the lower vent. I found the KAB without the fire grate changed my lower vent settings around. I didn't want to learn new lower vent settings without the fire grate. The vent setting slightly changed with the KAB and fire grate together. Not nearly as much as I was running the KAB solo.

Definitely have to adjust because the lower vent is now limiting the max air flow vs. the fire grate. 

RRP

stlcharcoal said:

Yep!  Best upgrade available.  Get the kick ash can too!

I've held off replacing both (L and S) of my old style KABs until they have finishing rusting out. But I have a question of the KA Cans and figured that you as a dealer would know the answer. Is there any issue using a KA Can with older style fire boxes? or will the KA Cans fit any first boxes made say in the last 30 years?

stv8r

very happy with mine. Give it a try.  You won't be sorry

billyray

WeberWho said:

billyray said:

I really like mind. Gets the temps up a lot faster and hotter. Get the pan for quick clean up. I am using more lump than I did before.

Are you using it with the fire grate? I use KAB with my my fire grate and I still get increased air flow with my Large egg. I don't really notice any additional lump consumption.

No fire grate. I should have been more clear. I'm using more lump with the same setting openings I did before the KAB, because of more air flow. No problem, I just reduce the vent openings.

Iamsan

Smokey_Matt said:

Would you recommend getting a kick ash basket for a large BGE to help with airflow and lump management? Is it worth the cost? I've read some posts where guys say they have noticed cracks in the base, would the KAB contribute to that in any way? Thanks

I got both the KAB and KAC and removed the fire grate - works great with no issues at all 1 year in.  Makes clean up quick and easy every time. 

MJG

Ordered one of these yesterday.  Didn’t get the can, perhaps another time as I wasn’t sure I actually needed it. 

4TheGrillOfIt

MJG said:

Ordered one of these yesterday.  Didn’t get the can, perhaps another time as I wasn’t sure I actually needed it. 

You absolutely need the can.  The can is half the battle.  My large is easier to clean than the small because of the can (Kick Ash doesn’t offer a can for the small).

EGGHEAD83

I’ve emailed them trying to persuade them to make a can for the small. I’ve got one for the large and XL. The can is a great accessory. Clean up takes no time. Just pull the can and dump between cooks. You need this. Cleaning the small is my only complaint with it. 

Smokey_Matt

Thank you everyone for your help and advice. Really appreciate it! Definitely going to get both the can and the basket. 

StillH2OEgger

My KAB is shaped a little differently than the ones currently on their website. Any idea whether the can works with the earlier versions?

RRP

StillH2OEgger said:

My KAB is shaped a little differently than the ones currently on their website. Any idea whether the can works with the earlier versions?

That’s the same question I posed to @stlcharcoal who is a dealer and I guess he never saw it. Guess maybe I should just spend $41 which includes the postage to find out. That wouldn’t be the first thing I ever bought which will leave my executor scratching his head wondering “what is this and why did that old coot buy it and then never use it.”

4TheGrillOfIt

StillH2OEgger said:

My KAB is shaped a little differently than the ones currently on their website. Any idea whether the can works with the earlier versions?

Should work fine.  The can is not dependent on the basket.  It’s designed to catch everything that drops from above or down the sides.

stlcharcoal

RRP said:

StillH2OEgger said:

My KAB is shaped a little differently than the ones currently on their website. Any idea whether the can works with the earlier versions?

That’s the same question I posed to @stlcharcoal who is a dealer and I guess he never saw it. Guess maybe I should just spend $41 which includes the postage to find out. That wouldn’t be the first thing I ever bought which will leave my executor scratching his head wondering “what is this and why did that old coot buy it and then never use it.”

Post or send me a pic.....

Either way, the can will work regardless of the basket. Or even without the basket.

jdMyers

For those with a small egg.  Go get a stainless steel dog bowl.  Mark and cut out the screen opening out the side wall or have it cut out.  There ya go.  $8.99

Money_Hillbilly

A Kickash basket is a must but I have a quick and easy method to manage ashes.  Before the next cook remove basket then cut the bottom out of a one gallon milk jug to use as an ash container with a handle then use a nitrile gloved hand to scoop out ashes.  Drop the ashes into the trash can.  Takes 30 seconds and allows you to use an old glove before tossing.  I work/cook at my son’s outdoor store on Saturdays and I get a kick out of customers that want a gasser because charcoal takes too long.  They are shocked when I show them I can get an egg or Primo up to 350 just as quick as a gasser. Mapp gas torch and Kickash basket beats the gasser every time.

Langner91

RRP said:

StillH2OEgger said:

My KAB is shaped a little differently than the ones currently on their website. Any idea whether the can works with the earlier versions?

That’s the same question I posed to @stlcharcoal who is a dealer and I guess he never saw it. Guess maybe I should just spend $41 which includes the postage to find out. That wouldn’t be the first thing I ever bought which will leave my executor scratching his head wondering “what is this and why did that old coot buy it and then never use it.”

If you buy one for the large and it doesn't work with your firebox, I will buy it from you for what you paid and save your executor the trouble.  I have been debating the can.

CPARKTX2

It is almost necessary for the Small; it is nice on the Large, but not really necessary.  Of more importance in my opinion is replacing the factor bottom "grid" that keeps the coals from falling down with one that has bars (looks like a mini top grate) vs. the drilled holes, which tend to clog...and that is a lot less expensive.

MNarracci

I use a KAB and love it. I do however have a cracked firebox and upper ring. I don’t know if the KAB was the cause but felt it was worth mentioning. 

RRP

MNarracci said:

I use a KAB and love it. I do however have a cracked firebox and upper ring. I don’t know if the KAB was the cause but felt it was worth mentioning. 

“That concern” has been around for a long time, and personally promoted by...oh never mind. BGE fire boxes and fire rings have been failing long before the KAB ever came to market! 

Mayberry

I also have a KAB and love it.  One of the best accessories I've bought for the Egg.  I also have a crack in my firebox, but after 10 years, it's not the first one. Do they cause cracks faster...don't know.  But, sooner or later, you're going to get cracks in all ceramics, other than lids, if you use your Egg list most of us do.  I've been rolling the cracked firebox for about 6 months and the replacement is in the basement ready to go when it fully fails.  But, BGE, in typical BGE fashion, has now stolen the idea and they're promoting their own version of the KAB.  So, they can't deny claims for ceramic failures based off using one.  If I bought another Egg tomorrow, I'd go directly to order a new KAB and Kick Ash Can for it.  They make the cleanup and cook to cook cleanout so much easier and cleaner.