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Images of exploding firebox grate

YukonRon
YukonRon Posts: 17,319
I have owned the BGE XL for about a month. I have done three low and slows thus far. Saturday I was going to do steaks, so I had my BGE set up wide open. Around 325F while sitting next to the BGE, I heard an explosion, to which I thought was a price of lump. It rattled the grill grid, and I also heard a sharp plunk, from something hitting the dome.
i didn't think much of it until when I decided to clean out the ash, and saw my fire box grate in two pieces sitting in the bottom.Then after placing the pieces together. I found a significant chunk missing from the grate:So I decided to look into the dome to check it for damage, and found that the explosion blasted a chunk of the grate into the dome and taking out a big chip of the ceramic.Check your grates for cracks. I called my retailer and he said they would replace the grate. Does anyone know about long term effects of a chipped dome?
thank you for any feed back.
"Knowledge is Good" - Emil Faber

XL and MM
Louisville, Kentucky

Comments

  • Eggcelsior
    Eggcelsior Posts: 14,414
    You should be able to get the dome replaced too, if you want. I don't see there being an issue but you would be entitled due to the nature of the damage. If your dealer gives you guff, call the mothership.
  • swordsmn
    swordsmn Posts: 683
    I bet you're ok  but keep all pic's  & doco your concerns to dealer AND ask BGE HQ (via email or even registered letter) for opinion and specifically say something like  "if this grows  (like a crack on a windshield)  will you guys work with me.

    I just removed my grate & went with a kick ash basket  FWIW
    LBGE, AR.  Lives in N.E. ATL
  • YukonRon
    YukonRon Posts: 17,319
    This is why I own a Big Green Egg. This is why I will never own anything else when it comes to outdoor cooking. I called my dealer, and had immediate contact with the folks at the BGE HQ.
    I got a grate sent to me from BGE immediately, then within days got a new dome, and my dealer came out to install it for me. Great warranty, concerned about making things right, and I am smoking, grilling and living large and loving life with my Big Green Egg XL.
    "Knowledge is Good" - Emil Faber

    XL and MM
    Louisville, Kentucky
  • SkinnyV
    SkinnyV Posts: 3,404
    Hi que.
    Seattle, WA
  • luckyboy
    luckyboy Posts: 284
    I also bought first of march, I read about that grate doing what happened to you so I boughta High-Que grate from Amazon. I did so tring to head that issue off.you can't beat this forum.It's packed with all sorts of good data.Good luck with the dome issue.
  • EggHead_Bubba
    EggHead_Bubba Posts: 566
    luckyboy said:
    I also bought first of march, I read about that grate doing what happened to you so I boughta High-Que grate from Amazon. I did so tring to head that issue off.you can't beat this forum.It's packed with all sorts of good data.Good luck with the dome issue.
    I also have the High-Que grate and have noticed that it allows the ash area to get full of small pieces of lump over a few cooks. Have you noticed that?

    Rocky Top, TN — Large BGE • Cast Iron Grate & Platesetter • Rockwood Lump

  • SkinnyV
    SkinnyV Posts: 3,404
    The pieces fall through but burn out just the same no loss.
    Seattle, WA
  • theyolksonyou
    theyolksonyou Posts: 18,459
    luckyboy said:
    I also bought first of march, I read about that grate doing what happened to you so I boughta High-Que grate from Amazon. I did so tring to head that issue off.you can't beat this forum.It's packed with all sorts of good data.Good luck with the dome issue.
    I also have the High-Que grate and have noticed that it allows the ash area to get full of small pieces of lump over a few cooks. Have you noticed that?
    I was actually talking with the high que guys this weekend at the fest. Sorry I didn't get his name, but he said he only cleans after about twenty pound of lump. I agree with him. I've started cleaning much less. Just check to make sure I have airflow in the bottom damper. Move some ash around, then you take advantage of those small pieces as they will burn down there on the bottom. Even when I clean, I just rake out the top and leave a layer of ash on the bottom. I guess eventually I'll need to pull the guts to clean around the bowl. 
  • EggHead_Bubba
    EggHead_Bubba Posts: 566
    SkinnyV said:
    The pieces fall through but burn out just the same no loss.
    Interesting, what I remove is not burning up. It remains in the ash collection area. I need to do some more checking on this and see for sure. Thanks

    Rocky Top, TN — Large BGE • Cast Iron Grate & Platesetter • Rockwood Lump

  • theyolksonyou
    theyolksonyou Posts: 18,459
    @EggHead_Bubba look in thru the bottom when you have a well established fire going.   I think you'll see some red glowing lump on the bottom. 
  • luckyboy
    luckyboy Posts: 284
    I think that the prices that fall threw may have blocked air flow with factory grate, anyway not to worry, if they don't burn after they fall threw and there is any size to them,you can place them on top of the big lumps when you refuel.My last bag egg lumps were about the size of a lemon or smaller..I'm going to try royal oak next bag I buy.