Spotty fire

Unknown

I have been having a bit of a problem doing a good job of searing steaks.[p]I think it is because I use the Mapp Torch and light from the top in about 3 different places. The fire seems to just stay in those areas.[p]I am considering building a sort of pyramid of coals in the center, lighting it and then scattering the burning coals around over the top somewhat evenly.[p]I see pics of other's BGE fires and they seem more spread over the whole surface than mine.[p]Any comments will be appreciated.

Unknown

KL,
I use to have problems getting my grill up to nuke temps. I found that you have to light/build the fire from the grate up. I use a torch and expect that you are putting a layer of coal down and lighting the top. What I do is start at the grate, have a small pile that I build little "walls" around. I then light the middle of the pile with my torch. From there I start placing more and more coal as the fire builds. In less than 20min I can get it at nuke. It takes a while to "learn" how to do a fire like this, but once you do your golden from there.

Chef Wil

KL,
Look down the forum page a bit, I use a cheap little battery operated fan made by Coleman,start fire with Mapp
3 or 4 spots, alternate fan top of lump and from the bottom, for about 4 or 5 minutes and in no time you have an even fire and ready to cook in about 10 minutes

Nature Boy

<p />KL,
your idea is much like what I do, and it works great. Build your little pile of charcoal in the cooker and light (I just use one small piece of firestarter stick). Let it go until the every piece of lump is bright orange. Spread out and dump some more lump on top and let it all get ripping hot. I usually start my searing fires 30 minutes or more ahead of time.[p]Happy searing!
Chris[p]

WessB

Nature Boy,
Those pics aughtabee against the law....my stomach is growlin...LOL[p]Wess

Unknown

Nature Boy,
How did you get those GREAT grill lines? Also what method or steps do you use for making your seared steaks? Thoses are awsome!!!!!

Nature Boy

Ribmonster,
Thanks. I have certainly gotten some mileage out of that picture![p]A real hot fire (and grate) works every time. 90 seconds, rotate, 90 more seconds, flip and sear side 2, then roast to 130-135 internal. I usually peak during the sear to see how it is going. If it is searing fast I shorten the searing time, and if it is going slower I increase it.[p]Qfan put together a little story that walks through the steps. Link below. You might also check out the famous TRex method.[p]Cheers!
Chris
[ul][li]Qfan does steaks[/ul]

Jethro

Nature Boy,[p]Oh, man I hate that picture. I am so starving now![p]Drooling,
Jethro

Smokey Bob

KL, The other thing you can try is a small fan. If you are near 110V any fan will work. I use an old power supply fan from a computer. If you are not near 110V get a small cpu fan. They run off of dc like a small 6 or 12 v battery. People are also using small pocket fans like you find in the dollar stores. Use it at the bottom vent and you will be up to 600-700 f in minutes.[p]SB

Bordello

Nature Boy,
Damn you Chris, that picture is wonderful and I have not had breakfast yet. LOL[p]Have a great weekend,
New Bob

tach18k

KL, Just did one last night. Lit in 3 sopts and 20min 750 and the whole cooker was glowing orange,

MickeyT

Chris,[p]Too bad you don't know anything about cooking or photography........................[p]I'm with Jethro.[p]Yikes.............................

Nature Boy

MickeyT,
LOL. Hey, I am learning! [p]There was a mixup in the mailroom, and Kenny just got your card (and many others). He much appreciated the humor, and for some reason he does NOT think you are a nutcase....as many would believe!![p]BTW, Kenny is stuck at the hospital through the weekend at least. Lungs keep collapsing when they remove the tube. Apparently he not only did damage to his liver, stomach and intestines, but there is a leak in his lung as well. He is famous around the hospital for sustaining the most serious injuries EVER from playing frisbee. Keep them positive thoughts a comin'![p]Chris

Nature Boy

MickeyT,
Not sure why I mixed you up with TNW this time. Below post is ALL mixed up.
I think I need a beer.
Chris

Nature Boy

What a Gomer I am.
Second sentence was meant for TNW. My bad!
Chris