lighting the XL, got it figured out

stevesails

some hints for new xl users.

I have been using a propane torch about 30 seconds at 10 and 2. put in the plate setter if I am going to use it, put in the gril. close the bottom vent to about half way, close the lid with the top off. and walk away. come back in 15 minutes and adjust vents and put on dfmt.

reduce the time and make the vent small if you want 250-300 dome temp.

I still cant beleive how this thing will hold temp with just a little air coming in and for how long it will hold the temp without fiddleing with it. And, how little lump it will use at 350.

for the next cook, stir up the lump and top it up to the holes in fire box, and off you go.

Eggzellent

stevesails wrote:

"..I still cant beleive how this thing will hold temp with just a little air coming in and for how long it will hold the temp without fiddleing with it. And, how little lump it will use at 350.."

I'm impressed with my new XL also; as I kept reading here about how one had to babysit the temp. when it approached this number or that and how not to overshoot too much or you'd be in trouble, (etc.). I've come to the conclusion that the larger size very simply provides more air to the fire; not to mention greater temperature stability in the egg itself. I was also unnecessarily concerned about lump usage; yet thanks to the lump reducing ring and wide adjusting latitude that comes with extra large vent openings...I really don't see where the smaller sizes have any advantage.(flame retardant suit on)

As you mentioned, preheating and cooking on the XL is really a set it/forget it (reliable) process most every time. I've thought really seriously about getting the electronic fan gadget for it after reading all these posts about 'sleeping good at night'...yet I really have no reason to believe that the XL won't keep it's temperature eggzactly where I set it at and for however long I'd like it to pretty much every time. (keeping in mind that I'm a newb who really doesn't give a rip one way or another if I have a slight cooking 'mishap' if I simply learn a thing or two afterwards).

I'd recommend the XL to anybody who isn't interested in a steeper learning curve or who would like to have as many cooking options as possible; as this size really provides it all for a wide range of grilling enthusiasts (or not).

Eggzellent

...by the way, I use the weedburner and a set of safety glasses/old shirt. This seems to preheat the entire dome faster and allow me to simply close the lid and walk away until the goodies are ready to put on. I also like the fact that the XL has very large grate holes that don't seem to plug and drop ash easily (maybe the smaller sizes do as well...).

Mud Pig

I am pretty impressed with it myself, although I am still mastering how to get the temps to stay where I want them. I usually fire the lump up in a charcoal chimney, pour it in and then put unfired lump on time and adjust my vents for the temp I want. Works good, but I still need to get a handle on where my vents should be.

stevesails

i made a computer fan up with 8 aa batteries to see if it would speed up lighting process, didn't really make a difference.

you only need the lower vent ope 1/4 inch to hold temp at 250.. will burn all day like that.