Cracked granite with 2XL on table nest

Arminho

I can’t catch a break. So we fired up the 2XL for the first time in the new kitchen after much waiting. The 2XL sits on a table nest in the outdoor kitchen. The table nest is on a piece of granite counter. See pic attached. 

Mid cook tonight I heard a large crack. Thought it was something inside the egg, maybe grate moving or something. Turns out the granite underneath the egg had cracked. 

The whole reason I placed the Egg on the table nest was to avoid this. The interior of the kitchen is supported by concrete mason units so it’s not hollow underneath the granite slab. 

Im assuming it’s from thermal expansion/contraction and not weight. 

Any thoughts on how thick granite should be to prevent issues like this? 

Bonus pic of kitchen. 

Langner91

Oh, I am just sick for you.  That truly sucks!

What if you put the feet on something to raise it up a little more?  I am not sure thickness will prevent it, but more air gap would.

caliking

That's a really sweet spot. 

Not an expert,  but thicker granite may not be the solution. May actually be more prone to cracking. The issue could be that the granite slab beneath the egg is sealed/fixed to the frame. If you replace it, consider letting it "float" - don't caulk the sides, and cut it a smidge smaller than the space.

The resident expert on how things break @JohnInCarolina may have something more helpful to add. 

Mark_B_Good

Is it COMPLETY supported underneath, as in ZERO void?
If so, what I'm thinking is, it got hot, and expanded sideways. It has nowhere to go, because the side ends are up against those tiled walls ... so, it buckles up in the middle, and the weight of the egg forces it to crack in the middle, probably right underneath the back leg?

The side legs (in front of picture) may not have given (they could have easily cracked as well, due to the pressure at that point, but they are further away from the center ... and the pressure is then more distributed to the sides of the granite (center will always be weakest point ... so the legs on the side actually distribute that load away from center). Check if crack is right below or right next to that back leg.

Mark_B_Good

IF that is the failure mechanism ... given the design of the table, will not allow relief for expansion sideways, due to the granite being inset, I would probably suggest an expansion joint in the middle. Heck, you may be able to even salvage that granite, if the crack is straight enough. You may want to consider cutting a say a 1/4" joint in the middle and filling with a heat resistant silicone (high temperature).

Ozzie_Isaac

I agree with the above, looks like an issue with how it is restrained.

I recommend continuing to use it as is and try not to let it bother you.  It is beautiful.

jtcBoynton

Well you did find the stress point in the granite and it’s been released. 

jdMyers

I'm curious.  Mine sits on granite with a perfect fit cut.  And is siliconed in. Difference is mine is set on angle iron which allows cool air sorta under the granite but isn't glued down everywhere allowing expansion, heat escape and drainage.   The pizza over 2x heavier sitting on granite the same way,  Iron supportive, averages 1000 plus degrees, for each cook amd no issues with heat/stress.  Also no seams.  I wonder if being air tight.  Is your iron grate inside the egg or removed for the basket?  I kept my iron grate installed for that very reason.  Heat dissipation 

James

tcampbell

I know you hate it but I'd use it a while, if it doesn't get any worse no one but you will ever notice it.  Just adds character. Your kitchen looks great. 

Arminho

Thanks for the advice and comments ya'll. The granite slab has about 5mm clearance on the sides and has silicone around the lateral edges, figured this silicone would provide some give.

As for underneath the granite... The granite was placed on concrete cinder blocks (like thishttps://www.yorkbuilding.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Standard_Concrete_Gray_Block_Unit-1.jpg ) and I noticed they only placed adhesive or silicone in a few areas when setting the granite on top of the kitchen, which makes sense, it would allow for heat dissipation and allow for cooling. 

jdMyers

Do you use the cast iron grate at the bottom?

Arminho

jdMyers said:

Do you use the cast iron grate at the bottom?

The cast iron grate that comes with the Egg and sits at the bottom? Yes I have always used that. Should I not?