My small having trouble getting temp up

kilo · July 2005

I know it sounds like a personal problem but let me explain. I was going to T-Rex some small beef tenderloins on my small BGE. I wanted to see how hot I could get the small. I cleaned everything out and built a little pyramid of BGE Lump and kept adding as it lit. I also used a small fireplace bellows to inject air into the lower vent from time to time. After 35 min. and a full firebox of glowing coals I could only get the temp to 600 deg. Is that normal? my vents are lined up and my temp gauge is calibrated. The only thing different is the firebox fits to tight and won't sit all the way down onto the shell of the egg. Probably only 1/4"-3/8" gap. I can't beleive that would be a problem. Is 600 deg about all I can expect out of the small. My large will get to 700 deg plus very quickly.

fishlessman · July 2005

Kilo,
my small takes an hour, maybe a little more, to reach 750 with wicked good. someday i would like to cut the bottom ss vent to make the intake larger. would probably need to make a larger draft plate as well. the smalll needs to be kept clean to fire up to temps. 2 beers and a 45 minute swim and i can throw the steaks on.

Charbon · July 2005

<p />Kilo, I stop at 675. Too much chance of felt burn towards 1000. Use metal fire grate, line up vents (I use paint stir stick) The bottom vent seems like it's where it's not?? Use Cowboy or quick burn lump, be patient for 30 minutes, top down, bottom vent wide open. Good luck

Mark Backer · July 2005

fishlessman,[p]That is about exactly what I found. Glad it wasn't just me.

katman · July 2005

Mark Backer,
yea, one beer just doesn't do it and a six pack won't help if you don't clean out the ash!

My small having trouble getting temp up

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