Issues with XL

Red Stick Egger

I've had my XL for a month now. Overall, I really like it, but I have run into a few issues. It had to go back to the store after having it for a week or so b/c the ring wasn't fitted to the top tightly enough (or so I thought, more to come). Unfortunately, a gap formed between the top and body between the hinges. This opening caused the gasket to burn. I was pretty upset at first, but the store I bought it from came and fixed it for me free of charge. Fast forward a couple of weeks, and I think I know what caused the problem in the first place. The XL was assembled properly the first time... I checked for the "bent bolts" to ensure that the rings were tightened properly. I think what happened is the following: I think I have some wierd hybrid of the old and new XL model. The hinges, handle, and casters on the nest all appear to be the new model. However, the firebox and ring are the old model. This wouldn't be that big of a deal other than they sold me the new style plate setter. Not knowing any better, I honestly thought the grate was supposed to sit 1.5" or so above the top of the body. I had a bit of trouble closing it properly and probably "wedged the top loose causing the issues with the gap in the rear.

For the second time now, I'm pretty upset with my XL. I went back to the store again this morning to try to find out what we could do to resolve the problem. The owner wasn't there and he is going to call me back tomorrow. They offered to change out my plate setter to an old style today, but I'm not sure thats what I want them to do. Any time you spend a lot of money on something, you tend to want the latest and greatest, unless you are getting a pretty big discount on last years model. I'm not sure whether they are going to replace my firebox and fire ring for me. I hope they do.

Anyone else with the XL feel like the hinge mechanism is a little shaky at times? I feel that I need to be careful to raise and lower the lid precisesly from the middle of the handle or it feels like it shifts a little. I'm scared this might cause some sort of damage to the hinges. Overall, I am pleased with how the XL is cooking. However, in retrospect, I honestly wish I had bought the large. Sucks that I have only had it a month and am having a little buyers remorse. Hopefully the hardware store I purchased it from will make it good. They give me no reason to believe they won't.

Crimsongator

Get them to change the firebox and fire ring for the new style. That would suit your needs best.

Red Stick Egger

That's what I'm working on. I will find out tomorrow what they are going to do for me. If I don't like what I hear, I will probably just give headquarters a call and see what they say.

Magnolia

The people over at Goodwood Hardware have been extremely nice to me. I exchanged a broken thermometer I bought there three months later without even a receipt.

I trust they'll do you right.

GrillDaddy

I have a XL, what is the different between the new vs old model? what about the different of plate setters?

Thanks

My gasket was fried after about 5 cooks, I replaced w/ nomex

Panhandle Smoker

Easiest way to I.D. the new XL is the fire ring has three knotches for the plate setter. the old model has several divits.

Semolina Pilchard

If I understand correctly, the dome and base are the same on the old and new models, the handle is different on the new model, maybe the hinge as well. The old model had a firebox and firering that only allowed for a plate setter with very short legs, which doesn't allow for a normal sized drip pan. The new style has a shorter firebox, the fire ring has deep notches in it. The new ring and box allow for the new longlegged plate setter. Red Stick, I dont know what is right or wrong involving your deal, but if you can get the new style ring, box, and plate setter, I think you would be happier with that.

Panhandle Smoker

The new hinges and handle have actually been out for a year or so. The new fire box and fire ring are within the past couple of months.

SmokinJ

Here is a video clip with info.

http://www.fredsmusicandbbq.com/category_s/533.htm

Red Stick Egger

Watched that video earlier. That is what helped me figure out that I have the "hybrid" model. I will be speaking with the owner's son tomorrow at the store and hopefully he will do me right. The people there have been great so far and I don't see them doing me wrong in any which way. I'll keep you guys posted on what happens.

Panhandle Smoker

The video is not 100% accurate. The new hinges and handle have actually been out for a year or so and the old plate setter had 1" legs. I have an older model XL that I got last June. It has the new hinges and handle but the older fire box and ring.

GrillDaddy

SmokinJ - thanks for the info, I think my dealer sold me a new xl, as far as plate setter the legs are more like stubs instead of legs. I have to place grid on drip pan.

What is the different in leg size old vs new?

Panhandle Smoker

Does your fire ring have three knotches or 6 divits?

GrillDaddy

three knotches

Panhandle Smoker

It sounds like you got the old model plate setter for your new model Egg. It will still work fine but it dosent allow much room for a drip pan. If you do any smoking the longer legs would be nice.

GrillDaddy

I agree and was thinking the same thing. Since I place grid right on the drip pan I have more room from top. Also thinking the closer the meat is to the wine or juice in the drip pan that might be a plus as well.

Red Stick Egger

Well, the whole day passed and no call from the store. I could have called them myself but I decided to try and give them the benefit of the doubt and give them the chance to call me. Maybe I shouldn't be, but I am getting more and more upset. If they don't satisfy me, I may just end up selling the XL and buying two larges. That sounds like a pretty happy ending too.

Panhandle Smoker

There is nothing wrong with the old model, it still cooks great. I could upgrade but don't really see the urgency. I figure that sooner or later the fire ring will crack (as they must surely do over time) and get the new fire box then, No big deal.

There is not any thing it can't do that the new one can. I still use a drip pan but the grid sits on the drip pan and is very stable, again no big deal. If you can get a new fire box fine if not thats fine too just use it and you will see.

GrillDaddy

I would give them a call and get an update, I just called the mothership today to get info on my XL. Talked to Bruce; he was very helpful. Good Luck

I have the latest model w/ older model plate setter.

Red Stick Egger

The folks from the store were awesome as usual... they apologized for not getting back with me on Monday. I get the impression that they are sort of busy this week... some event this weekend that people may be outside bbq'ing for? Can't remember what holiday that might be :laugh: Anyway, he offered to pretty much do whatever I wanted to make the situation right. In the end.. he talked me into stepping down to a large. He didn't really have to talk me into it... I was actually pretty happy that he offered to do that. I might miss a little bit of the space, but I had planned on adding a second egg anyway, so I don't think it will be much of a concern.

Thanks for the support guys... I'm glad to be a small part of this great community of folks.

Panhandle Smoker

So what is to become of the XL?

Red Stick Egger

The folks at the store took the XL back when they delivered the large. To quote the guy at the store... "It's our problem now". I couldn't be happier with the excellent service I received. They simply gave me a store credit for the difference between the two grills... I will burn through that in a matter of weeks.

Panhandle Smoker

I am glad it worked out for you. I hope you don't miss the XL to much. :laugh: It may speed up the second Egg.