Quality of the Ceramics

Smokin_Good

I bought my XL in 2012. I got my first base replaced back when they said it was ok to have the egg on a stone/paver and directly on the table. I completely understand why it cracked with that setup and no air gap. That was in 2013. I had no problems for a long time after that. In the last 3 years I just ordered my 5th base. It seems like the quality has gone down. The dome is the only original part from my XL. I just replaced the fire box for the 3rd time in two years. Has anyone else had similar issues? I’m glad they stand behind the lifetime warranty.

alaskanassasin

Do you do a lot of high temp cooks? not that it should matter, just curious.

fishlessman

theres alot of cracked bases out there, just not alot of people really looking for cracks. they can be hard to spot if you are not looking for it

Smokin_Good

alaskanassasin said:

Do you do a lot of high temp cooks? not that it should matter, just curious.

Nope! I don't do any high temp cooks. I don't take it up over 500.

fishlessman

Smokin_Good said:

alaskanassasin said:

Do you do a lot of high temp cooks? not that it should matter, just curious.

Nope! I don't do any high temp cooks. I don't take it up over 500.

i have one that ive cooked in up to 1200f without issue and another the base popped during a 325 degree turkey cook. it just happens for reasons unknown...... well maybe its because we are cooking in a clay pot

Smokin_Good

fishlessman said:

theres alot of cracked bases out there, just not alot of people really looking for cracks. they can be hard to spot if you are not looking for it

When I can see the crack on the outside and the inside when I'm cleaning it out then I get concerned and get it replaced. It's always under the draft door.

fishlessman

Smokin_Good said:

fishlessman said:

theres alot of cracked bases out there, just not alot of people really looking for cracks. they can be hard to spot if you are not looking for it

When I can see the crack on the outside and the inside when I'm cleaning it out then I get concerned and get it replaced. It's always under the draft door.

i dont fully clean mine out any more. i leave a half inch or so ash in the bottom. my feeling is that it helps insulate the bottom better

WeberWho

fishlessman said:

Smokin_Good said:

fishlessman said:

theres alot of cracked bases out there, just not alot of people really looking for cracks. they can be hard to spot if you are not looking for it

When I can see the crack on the outside and the inside when I'm cleaning it out then I get concerned and get it replaced. It's always under the draft door.

i dont fully clean mine out any more. i leave a half inch or so ash in the bottom. my feeling is that it helps insulate the bottom better

I'm 12+ years with my original base on my Large. I bought a large Kick Ash Can for it 3-4 months ago. I figured that might help a little. I was gifted a Small Kick Ash Can I've been meaning to toss in my Small. They might be worth looking into @Smokin_Good
Chances are slim the ash is the culprit but might be worth giving a try. At very minimum you'll have a clean firebox!

Smokin_Good

fishlessman said:

Smokin_Good said:

fishlessman said:

theres alot of cracked bases out there, just not alot of people really looking for cracks. they can be hard to spot if you are not looking for it

When I can see the crack on the outside and the inside when I'm cleaning it out then I get concerned and get it replaced. It's always under the draft door.

i dont fully clean mine out any more. i leave a half inch or so ash in the bottom. my feeling is that it helps insulate the bottom better

The only time I really clean it out is when I am replacing one of the internal pieces of ceramic.

Smokin_Good

WeberWho said:

fishlessman said:

Smokin_Good said:

fishlessman said:

theres alot of cracked bases out there, just not alot of people really looking for cracks. they can be hard to spot if you are not looking for it

When I can see the crack on the outside and the inside when I'm cleaning it out then I get concerned and get it replaced. It's always under the draft door.

i dont fully clean mine out any more. i leave a half inch or so ash in the bottom. my feeling is that it helps insulate the bottom better

I'm 12+ years with my original base on my Large. I bought a large Kick Ash Can for it 3-4 months ago. I figured that might help a little. I was gifted a Small Kick Ash Can I've been meaning to toss in my Small. They might be worth looking into @Smokin_Good
Chances are slim the ash is the culprit but might be worth giving a try. At very minimum you'll have a clean firebox!

I've been thinking of adding one of these.

https://www.amazon.com/DOLAMOTY-Upgrade-Accessories-Replacement-Stainless/dp/B08K99D5JZ/ref=sr_1_21?crid=2G8MA0CW690ZB&keywords=big+green+egg+accessories&qid=1649446282&sprefix=big+green,aps,104&sr=8-21

Maybe it would give a bit of a heat barrier like the ash can.

JohnInCarolina

The cracks on the bottom are just as likely driven by the outward expansion of the rest of the Egg above it.  I’m not convinced a heat barrier in the bottom would help you all that much.  It could actually make things worse.  Anyway, metal is a rather poor choice of material to serve as a thermal barrier.

Battleborn

JohnInCarolina said:

The cracks on the bottom are just as likely driven by the outward expansion of the rest of the Egg above it.  I’m not convinced a heat barrier in the bottom would help you all that much.  It could actually make things worse.  Anyway, metal is a rather poor choice of material to serve as a thermal barrier.

Pssshhh…like you would know anything about expansion and fracturing. 

fishlessman

The expansion gets screwed up at corner of the vent.  Not the best design for stress and expansion,  screwed up is my technical term