Can't get temp over 625 degrees.......

emmagee

I tried T-Rex'ing some steaks last night for the first time and while they came out GREAT, I could not get the dome temp over 625 when I seared them. I obviously had a hot fire and occasionally I could see flames coming out of the top, but couldn't get it over 625. Any thoughts on why I couldn't get this up to 750 as recommended for the sear?

Thanks!

TomM24

Did you use a wiggle stick too clear the grate holes?

NJ-GrEGG

Is your thermometer out of calibration?

Did you light the lump in more than one spot?

Did the lump look like lava when you put the steaks on?
If so should have read 750F!

JPF

A few things come to mind about getting a good hot fire. First a fresh full load of lump. Second you need to make sure that your firebox is lined up with the front vent. Third is your thermometer.

emmagee

Thanks for the suggestions, guys.

I was using some new lump and some old, so that may have been the problem, but I did light it in several areas. Not sure if the firebox is lined up with the vent, guess I should check that out.

Thanks again!

BBQMaven

Often when you are dumping charcoal in on partial burned, the holes up on the side of the firebox will be plugged with ashes... take a second to clear them and then add the lump... after the fire has gotten hot, look through the lower vent and make sure you can see red fire showing through the holes in the lower grate - if needed "wiggle rod" the holes -- partially burned lump may not get as hot as a full load of fresh lump...hope this helps...