Best way to get a BGE? And what else to get?

fishlessman

if youre going to build a table you can just use a couple cement blocks to raise it in the mean time

Canugghead

JohnfromKentucky said:

Whether you buy new or used, get rid of the rubber/plastic caps on the nest prongs, I've seen them fused to the ceramics.

WeberWho

JohnfromKentucky said:

I've always have taken mine off. I've bought a used nest where the rubber boots has melted onto the egg and ripped out chunks of glaze when the person went to remove it. I think they do more harm than good. 

WeberWho

It looks like the powder coating might be peeling on the nest. Not a big deal but might be worth mentioning if you negotiate the price... 

WeberWho

I just saw @Canugghead after I posted. I also agree with him. 

Canugghead

https://eggheadforum.com/discussion/1142494/vinyl-caps-melting-to-egg

danhoo

If you get a used nest, I suggest cleaning up the rust, cover any bare metal with high heat primer and paint it with high heat rustoleum satin black. 

I did that on my nest last fall and it looks brand new. 

JohnfromKentucky

Thanks all, I will remove the plastic tabs

this is temporary until I can buy or build a table

RyanStl

JohnfromKentucky said:

alaskanassasin said:

alaskanassasin said:

I looked on ace and just the nekked egg is $999 also out of stock.

 swmbo bought mine in 2017 for $849 so I guess its not that far of a stretch.

 In hindsight the $849 included a nest.

 

 Speaking of the nest, on acehardware.com the nest is $209!!! Does anyone else think that is ridiculous?

BGE sells them for $209 too

Dang, those use to be $100 new or at least that's what I thought.

JohnfromKentucky

HeavyG

Sweet! @JohnfromKentucky I hope you have many years of enjoyment with your new "toy".

alaskanassasin

@JohnfromKentucky is that a Element? Swmbo loved that car!

Foghorn

Welcome aboard!  

lousubcap

Way to get it done.  Welcome aboard and enjoy the journey.  Above all, have fun!

bbracey21

Congrats on your purchase. Get you a good instant digital thermometer and let the real fun begin! 

JohnfromKentucky

alaskanassasin said:

@JohnfromKentucky is that a Element? Swmbo loved that car!

Yes. We bought it used to haul our dogs around and it has come in very handy. We love it

JohnfromKentucky

bbracey21 said:

Congrats on your purchase. Get you a good instant digital thermometer and let the real fun begin! 

I have one, hoping that it works as well as I hope

RyanStl

Congratulations.

What's going to be your first cook?   Also what's your barbeque comfort level?

JohnfromKentucky

RyanStl said:

What's going to be your first cook?   Also what's your barbeque comfort level?

Probably some chicken tomorrow. Something simple because I have a lot to learn...how to get to and keep temps is the big one.

Right now I feel like a complete newbie to bbq, but I'm excited!

keener75

Welcome to the cult! You won't regret it. This forum is amazing for answering any and all questions you might have! 
Oh and don't forget...pictures or it didn't happen

RyanStl

JohnfromKentucky said:

RyanStl said:

What's going to be your first cook?   Also what's your barbeque comfort level?

Probably some chicken tomorrow. Something simple because I have a lot to learn...how to get to and keep temps is the big one.

Right now I feel like a complete newbie to bbq, but I'm excited!

If you are direct grilling with skin on chicken be really careful with air flow or else you'll have flames shooting out of the top.  I know it sounds cheasy, but watch the BGE how to videos on YouTube.  They do help.  Remember to burp it.

JohnfromKentucky

Assembly instructions and video are ok. I have the partially assembled egg. It doesn’t show the backside where these go exactly. 

JohnfromKentucky

Is this right?  The slotted holes go on top?

WeberWho

I can't help you much as that is a newer style band but I see you have it in a nest. Be extra careful since you have it in the nest now. I've seen people tighten or adjust their band where they've put too much weight or pressure on one side of the egg where the nest slides out from under the egg and you can probably guess what happens next. 

It might be worth assembling on the ground if you have an extra set of hands to lift it back in the nest when done assembling. 

lousubcap

I have that band assembly for a LBGE and have the slotted holes on the top.  There are a few youtube videos out there regarding assembly.  

JohnfromKentucky

I have it assembled and it is outside now. Couple of questions:
How tight do you tighten down the nuts on the band? I did them all ratchet tight, but didn't really bear down on them because I was afraid of cracking the egg.

Is this how far the top opens up?

JohnfromKentucky

lousubcap said:

I have that band assembly for a LBGE and have the slotted holes on the top.  There are a few youtube videos out there regarding assembly.  

I believe I got it fully assembled. Now I just need to know about the nuts and how tight to tight them. I think I got them tight enough

alaskanassasin

Tighten the band nuts until the bolts bend. Also check them often until it’s broke in. 

lousubcap

@JohnfromKentucky - for the old spring assisted band assembly the spec was torquing to 10 Ft lbs.  That setup was easy for us non torque wrench guys- torque til the bolts bent.  With this band assembly I tightened the bolts til the tabs holding the bolts started to bend.  I do not recall a torque spec but there may be one.  Also once you fire it up check the tightness after it cools down to ensure still snug.
And that is as far as the dome opens with this new band arrangement.  
Edit- I don't see the band springs in your final pic.  

JohnfromKentucky

alaskanassasin said:

Tighten the band nuts until the bolts bend. Also check them often until it’s broke in. 

Those bolts were already assembled