Starting a new cook

Orsi

How many eggers redo the charcoal at the beginning of a new cook?  By that I mean removing the charcoal from the previous cook, putting new large lump in the bottom and then topping up with used charcoal (usually smaller) and new small lump if necessary.

Orsi

I really have not figured out my way around this particular web page!

HeavyG

Orsi said:

How many eggers redo the charcoal at the beginning of a new cook?  By that I mean removing the charcoal from the previous cook, putting new large lump in the bottom and then topping up with used charcoal (usually smaller) and new small lump if necessary.

All that sounds like too much work to me.

I'll just add more charcoal if I don't think what is left in the bowl will be sufficient for the duration of the cook. I don't make any effort beyond just pouring new into the bowl.

lkapigian

I only fully remove and reload when doing a knowingly double digit hour cook whatever it may be

Langner91

I never do that.  I have been known to pitch old lump that has burned down to mostly tiny pieces or that is coated in chicken grease.  I hate chicken grease smoke!

But, I typically give it a stir, add some new if needed, and light it.

Mark_B_Good

Not me. I just give it a big old stir, remove the ashes, and then dump new charcoal on top to top the firebox up ... hasn't been a problem yet for me.

RyanStl

I just add my wood chunks then dump new on top.

StillH2OEgger

Having a KAB (Kick Ash Basket) makes this easier, but I typically put new lump on the bottom, top it off with the leftover lump and light. The used lump lights quickly, which is nice.

fishlessman

i stir out some ash if im starting an overnight cook or the ash is really building up. once or twice a year when its getting low ill pull the fire box and clean behind it

johnmitchell

I remove the big pieces and wash them so as to get all the grease off then I sit them out on my deck to dry, the small pieces I toss..

Mark_B_Good

fishlessman said:

i stir out some ash if im starting an overnight cook or the ash is really building up. once or twice a year when its getting low ill pull the fire box and clean behind it

It's almost time for me to do that ... plan on pulling the firebox on the next cook, and giving it a good sweeping!

lousubcap

I'm in the @lkapigian camp here.  Clean load if anticipating a long run.  

1voyager

I remove the KAB, put it in a heavy-duty trash bag and give it a good shake. Then I replace the KAB and add fresh lump.

WeberWho

Yep, KAB. Give it a few shakes over the garbage and place back in egg. Load wth new lump on top. 

loco_engr

stir, clean out ash and then dump new lump then make pocket for fire starter(s)

Foghorn

loco_engr said:

stir, clean out ash and then dump new lump then make pocket for fire starter(s)

This.

Scott805

That.

nolaegghead

Unless it's a long cook and I'm low on charcoal, in other words, if there's enough in there for my cook, I just light the old stuff and don't fck with it.