BGE won't get past 475

soonerfunk

I've cleaned it thoroughly. I've checked the thermometer. I am using BGE lump, and it burns very very fast with the daisy wheel off and the bottom vent wide open, but it just won't get past 475. I don't know what else to do. Very frustrating. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Does old lump matter? Because mine is a little old, but just from the early fall.

BigA

your lump might be damp from humidity! wont burn as hot, how long are you waiting to get it to temp?

BigA

did you check the thermometer to make sure the dial pin isnt suck at 475, or to see if something is holding it there :ermm:

RRP

please describe what you mean about it burning very very fast in terms of minutes from start to 475. BGE lump does not burn very very fast. if you don't have the dome open during the start up - I always leave open for at least 12 minutes - then all you are getting is false heat from the starter you used. A sustained fire in a BGE becomes a blast furnace when the vent is open and the dome unobstructed after the fire has gotten well established. There is also the issue of lining up the firebox opening with the bottom vent, but let's hear your answers to these other questions first. OK?

soonerfunk

The thermometer works.

I'm in Oklahoma and humidity isn't a problem yet.

It burns very very fast in that I put in the lump to the firebox and 30 minutes later its more than half gone. The dome was open for about 15 minutes after lighting. I used two BGE starters , one on either side. Firebox opening is lined up. I really don't know what to do. I will buy some new charcoal tomorrow and shop vac it out. If that doesn't work, I'll be back on here! Thanks for the answers, guys.

bubba tim

How much lump are you using?

BBQMaven

Let's assume these facts - the firebox is lined up with the lower vent, you've filled the firebox completely full of BGE lump charcoal (maybe even part of the way up the fire ring), you've started the fire, bottom vent is wide open, and 15 minutes later you've closed the lid, and nothing on top vent.... you should be at gasket melting nuclear 800+ temp in the next 30 minutes (even with plate setter inside.) Looking thru the lower vent door you should see bright red glow and you can't touch the dome of the EGG but just a half second.

Good lump + air flow = very hot fire

Keys to ensure - lots of lump, air flow (if no red glow, you got no flow), calibrated dome thermometer...

If you have the red glow - test and calibrate your thermometer

Ripnem

If your going through lump fast and can't reach high temps.....Not enough lump. Fill that thing up to the joint at the fire ring and fire box.

Then be careful...the egg is very powerful. A big hot fire needs a lot of oxygen and if you take that away, your egg gets angry and wants more. Mine has sure taught me to respect them.