Frozen Egg

Unknown

I live in mid-michigan and have recently had a bit of a problem with an egg that's frozen - shut. This is rather disconcerting of course because I can't use it if I can't open it. [p]Seems to me that the wool-like felt got damp and subsequently froze. The felt could be damp from being out in the weather, or from the drunken chicken we often make. The current forecast calls for temps below freezing for the foreseeable future, so that's no help. Just not acceptable. [p]So, I could use:[p]1.) Thawing suggestions[p]2.) Freezing avoidance suggestions (a cover, no drunken chickens in the winter, etc.)[p]Thanks in advance[p]

nikkig

JV,
I have never had this problem myself...luckily. To unthaw it, you can slide a fire starter cube through the lower vent and light it. It should unthaw it after awhile. I have also seen a pic where someone stuck their electric starter through the chimney to unthaw theirs. [p]To avoid this in the future, you can always throw a cover on it. Some others have also put strips of foil between the gaskets when not in use. [p]Good Luck!
~nikki

Car Wash Mike

<p />JV,
I use the electric starter.[p]CWM

GBZee

JV,
Just had it happen a few days ago....and I live in Memphis, TN! I came home at luch and went out to get it ready for an evening cook....frozen. It rained a day earlier and then a cold front come in.[p]I lowered a drop light with a 150 watt bulb throuth the top and sealed it up. I came home 3 hours later and it was free.[p]-gb

ranger ray

JV, i put something in between the halves....a piece of wood, my poker, etc...i haven;t tried saran wrap like some guys...seems like a good idea too... i have dripped some green heat into the top hole to reignite the leftover lump as a defrost technique.

stike

JV,
you probably have lump in it from the last cook...[p]when this happens to me i take newspaper or a starter chunk and light it, toss it in the lower vent, and within a few minutes, the older lump is going, the egg warms, and the lid opens up...[p]maybe ten minutes[p]

Unknown

JV,
Never worry about another frozen Egg! Best thing to do ,I did this past year. MOVE TO FLA!
Even though were North of Tampa here in Hernando county it still gets below freezing here a few times or close to it, but it sure beats that Lake effect snow in Cleveland 4 above and wind chills way below!.Besides I don't want my kids stuck in the house for 6 months, too much fishing to be done and not through a piece of Ice But I did have my share of times sitting in Cleveland stadium at -7 below to cheer on the Browns.
David K

Unknown

Car Wash Mike,[p]I tried this, but probably not for long enough. Put the electric starter in the bottom of the egg for about 20 minutes, and in the top for about 15. Id have to be a lot more patient for this to work under the conditions I was trying to work with - 10 degrees F with a pretty good wind.

Unknown

ranger ray,[p]I'm not familiar with green heat. Is it some kind of lighter fluid or lamp oil?

ranger ray

JV,
it's a charcoal lighter gel....i think it's made from a sugar base(there's no petrol after taste)...it's kinda like sterno...i use it to start my fires...i get it at walmart in the outdoor cooking section... two bottles for three bucks....i'd also try stuffing a bunch of paper in the hole and lighting it...if all else fails use your oxy- acetylene torch in the bottom hole...lol