Lighting tips, please...

Unknown

I am new to the Egg. I got a BGE last week and tried it out over the weekend, twice. I had a struggle getting the Charcoal lit. I watched the tape, read the book and did as instructed, coals 1-2 inches above holes in firebox, bury a fire lighter block (half way) in the middle of the coals, light fire lighter block, close BGE lid, open bottom vent and top vent completely, watch for 10 minutes... The temp spiked at 200-225, then started to drop to around 150. The coals never lit, I had to use newspaper to get it started. It took 30-45 minutes to get to 300 degrees. What am I doing wrong??? Any and all help is appreciated!!
Thanks,
T

Luvmyegg

T,
Don't feel bad. I had lots of trouble in the beginning too. One thing I found it that it is important to stack your lump such that the larger pieces are at the bottom and smaller pieces piled on top. If you just pour the lump in, there are tiny scraps that tend to clog the holes on the bottom grate thus impeding the flow of air. I use those firestarter type blocks and stick 2 chunks about 1 1/2 inches in diameter in the pile, slightly exposed. I do not completely cover the holes of the firebox. I think that needs to be exposed for air to be drawn upward. With the vents open, you should have the egg ready to go in about 15 - 20 minutes. Make sure the bottom vent is correctly aligned witht the fire box opening too. Mine was slightly misaligned making it harder to start a fire.

FatDog

T,
The previous comments about making sure your air holes are not occluded are correct. As for lighting, I use a MAPP torch (or propane if you have it) and simply play the flame across a small area in the center of the lump for low/slow temps or in 3 places for higher temps. The egg gets up to temp in 10-15 minutes. I generally keep the torch flame in one place for 15-30 seconds.

Mark Backer

FatDog,[p]But it is important to know that you will superheat some VOC (volatile organic compounds) very quickly with a mapp torch, and there can be significant popping and sparking from the wood.[p]Just an fyi so you don't have one of those "holy cow" moments I had the first time I used my mapp torch.[p]: )

Unknown

T,[p]You're doing it right. Should light.
Are you using Lump Charcoal? (not briquettes)

Unknown

Tony,
Yes, using BGE lump charcoal, new bag baought the whole set up last Thursday. I talked to the BGE store yesterday and they said i should light BGE and leave the dome open for 10 minutes. Does this make sense?[p]Thx
T

Unknown

LuvMyEgg,
Thanks, I'll check on the things you suggested. I believe my fire box opening/vent are aligned and I will try rearrange the coals so the larger ones are on the bottom. I can tell you I had some fairly large pieces in this bag. Some 6-8 inches long. But just too make sure I understand what your doing; you light your starters and 'close the dome lid'. Then you open your bottom and top vents and the BGE gets to temp in 10-15 minutes. What temp do you normally see it get too in 10-15 minutes. [p]Thx,
T

Unknown

T,[p]That's how I do it, starter cube, lid open, bottom vent open. When the starer cube burns out (and the lump starts), then I close the lid (with the top vent open).

PapaQ

T,[p]I used a lot of the starter cubes initially, but changed to Green Heat from Wally World. I'm leary of the Mapp, having grandchildren around all the time. I've also been accused (unfairly, IMHO) of being accident prone. But if you're thinking about Green Heat, you best get to WW as soon as possible. Monday, I bought the last 5 bottles at the store nearest me. I'm not sure if they'll stock it in the winter.[p]Whether you use cubes or Green Heat, I suggest that you should leave your dome (and the lower vent) open until the lump has started and is smoking. Close the dome, but don't put the daisy top on until you are about 50° away from your desired temp. You might notice that the internal temp dips after you put the top on, but leave it open all the way until the temp starts back up. Then begin to adjust the bottom vent and the top as you slowly climb to the desired temp. You should expect 350° in about twenty minutes.[p]Don't give up. [p]Paul

Pibby

T,
I start with just a handful of lump, insert a starter cube in the middle and open the top and bottom draft. The cube goes out in a few minutes and I top up the lump. Usually the Egg is up to temp in 10 minutes. If I am in a real hurry, I place a hair dryer over the lower vent. It will rocket up to 700 degrees.[p]Pibby

Unknown

PapaQ,
Thanks for the info. I won't give up, i do stubborn for that. I think from the posts today I need to start leaving the lid open, that for sure. As for the Green Heat, what is Wally World? I live in Atlanta nad have never heard of that store. Can you give me a some more detail?[p]Thx
T

Unknown

T,[p]"Wally World" = WalMart

Unknown

Tony,
Ahhhhh..... Thx