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Used BGE XL first time yesterday ... Got a charcoal question

I did some pork tenderloins and then some stuffed hamburgers......went great but I do have one question...I was able to get really good temps but the amount of hot coals and fire was a little less than I wanted...I followed the videos available and after using the fire starters I let it go for about 10 minutes before closing...should I have left it open a little longer perhaps?? Thanks in advance

Comments

  • gdenby
    gdenby Posts: 6,239
    However the lump is kindled in just a few places, either w. starter cubes, or a torch, etc., there will be hot spots for quite some time. It will take some time, dome open or not, to get all of the surface lump burning. Try using a simple chimney starter and spread the lit coals over the surface for a quicker wide fire.


  • Mickey
    Mickey Posts: 19,669
    I close mine right away. Starts quicker closed because of the draw.
    Salado TX & 30A  FL: Egg Family: 3 Large and a very well used Mini, added a Mini Max when they came out (I'm good for now). Plus a couple Pit Boss Pellet Smokers.   

  • When I cook burgers, I get the coals going for a few minutes then stir them up to get a larger surface burning.
  • dlk7
    dlk7 Posts: 1,053

    The number of places I light for my XL is related to the cooking grate surface area I intend to use for that cook.  The more grate area l plan to use the more spots I light (usually 4 inches apart).

    Two XL BGEs - So Happy!!!!

    Waunakee, WI

  • I usually stir my coals to help light other areas.
    Mark Annville, PA
  • ChokeOnSmoke
    ChokeOnSmoke Posts: 1,942
    edited January 2013
    When you run out of starter cubes, try an electric starter.  They're cheap ($8.00), able to start a good amount of lump (8 minutes) and they last for years.  After 8 minutes, I gently stir the lump no matter what kind of cook I'm doing.  Never any issues with your fire burning out overnight and can also give you a good bed of coals for direct cooking.  Close the lid right away, you should be up to 500 in under 10 minutes.
    Packerland, Wisconsin

  • IrishDevl
    IrishDevl Posts: 1,390

    I usually stir my coals to help light other areas.

    Same here.
  • shtgunal3
    shtgunal3 Posts: 5,629
    When using using an electric starter, what is the process for a low and slow? When do you close lid etc?

    ___________________________________

     

     LBGE,SBGE, and a Mini makes three......Sweet home Alabama........ Stay thirsty my friends .

  • double
    double Posts: 1,214
    Don't leave your electric starter out in the rain it rusts... A weed burner is much more fun and scares the cr.. Out of my Neigbor, I see him peeking out his kitchen window with egg envy :-)
    Lynnwood WA
  • @shtgunal3-Put the starter in the middle about 1-2" down. I close the lid after the 8 minutes of startup. Open the top and bottom to what you think is the right spot and let it burn until it's clean smoke.
  • henapple
    henapple Posts: 16,025
    I like my Wagner heat gun. I can also place it in the bottom vent to speed up higher temps.
    Green egg, dead animal and alcohol. The "Boro".. TN 
  • nolaegghead
    nolaegghead Posts: 42,102
    edited January 2013
    Heat guns work great.  I've settled on using a torch because it's cordless, but there's less sparks with a heat gun.

    https://us.v-cdn.net/5017260/uploads/FileUpload/62/b00571f1d50a9ef4a1992af200e6a5.jpg


    ______________________________________________
    I love lamp..
  • Skiddymarker
    Skiddymarker Posts: 8,522
    If you have power near your egg, an electric starter is great. If a low and slow, the starter is put to the front and a few chunks of lump piled on the element. If for grilling, I bury the element in the center. After 8 minutes, remove starter by giving it a twist to stir around the "lit" lump, close the dome both vents wide open. The egg is a chimney starter, albeit an expensive one, but it is a chimney. Let it do its thing...
    Delta B.C. - Whiskey and steak, because no good story ever started with someone having a salad!
  • I like my weed burner because it satisfies my inner pyro.  In the summer, I burn weeds in the driveway & fence line while waiting for the Egg to stabilize.
    Flint, Michigan