Broken Ceramic Disc

Unknown

I have just discovered that I have yet another shattered ceramic disc at the bottom of my medium egg. The BGE guys happily sent out a replacement last time but its happened yet again. Any ideas as to why this keeps happening? I'm getting a l;ittle tired of having to pay the $10.00 shipping for each one (it happens about every 6 months). thanks in advance!

Mop

LDA, you might want to fashion yourself another one and throw the faulty one out..[p]Mr Timmy has photos on his website I think...he`ll be sure to pop by..[p]Mop!

Tanker Tim

LDA,[p]With the notorious cracked fireboxes and cracked grates, I wonder why BGE doesn't manufacture them with some sort of mini-rebar in them?[p]Things that make you go hummmmm![p]
TT

Char-Woody

Tanker Tim,
Good question, and I suppose the answer is that metsl incased in ceramic expands. There is quite a difference in the heat tolerance of each and the mix isn't compatible. One of the competitors to BGE used or still does, chicken wire in the molds to reinforce the castings. Soon the chicken wire was quite visible in the cement. Hexagon markings all over the inside dome. Along with mini fractures of the dome materials.
Not a intended comparison..they know who they are.
Cheers...C~W[p]

RRP

LDA, join many many of us who switched to cast iron floor drains or Lodge brand metal trivets or circles of expanded metal. There are many possibilities.

Unknown

Mop,[p]So...clearly I'm not the only one that has to live with this? Any helpful hints on metal or other materials would be appreciated!

Mop

LDA,snoop around in here..[p]Mop

[ul][li]website[/ul]

Unknown

LDA,[p]having gone through 4 (I'm on my fifth one) in 3 years, my latest theory has to do with how the fire is started. While I loved my electric starters (I've had two of those as well) I can say that during the year I was using them I went through two grates. I've also used fat wood and again wasting a grate. I believe that starting the fire too close to the grate or if the fire starts too hot initially that it can cause it to become britle. [p]So now I place a piece of scrap oak or maple under the starter to act a buffer between the fire starting material and the grate. Even when placing on top of new or existing coals I need to make sure there is ample quantities of coal (I like at least an inch or two). But the problem here is that you have to make sure you have ample ventilation. So for me the scape method wood method the best and at last inspection my 6 month old grate is still in good shape.... lets hope I didn't jinx myself.[p]best,[p]dan

The Naked Whiz

LDA,
Do you do a lot of steaks, i.e., real hot cooks and then shut down the vents for a dwell? And then to avoid the exciting flashback, do you open both vents wide open. I've read one person's theory that this sudden inrush of cold air at the bottom may cause cracked fireboxes and grates. This person recommended opening the top vent and slowly opening the top after some air gets in, and leaving the bottom vent closed. Just a thought, if you do cook a lot of steaks.[p]TNW

Char-Woody

The Naked Whiz, I hope more folks read and do this..Thanks..
C~W[p]