Welcome to the EGGhead Forum - a great place to visit and packed with tips and EGGspert advice! You can also join the conversation and get more information and amazing kamado recipes by following Big Green Egg to Experience our World of Flavor™ at:
Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Pinterest  |  Youtube  |  Vimeo
Share your photos by tagging us and using the hashtag #BigGreenEgg.

Want to see how the EGG is made? Click to Watch

MiniMax owners: PSA pertaining to the carrier handle.

Sea2Ski
Sea2Ski Posts: 4,088
I was picking up the minimax and carrying it to the table where I was going to cook.  It is about a 15 foot carry over one brick step. As I was getting ready to step on the brick step, I felt a pop, and the right handle separated from the carrier frame. What do I mean by that? Take a look at the picture:


That is how it was for the remainder of the carry. 

Here is what I saw when I pulled it out a little further after getting it to the table:



Writting this so others would know what the handle construction is like. I thought it was a single screw and when tightened pulled the carrier together so there was no chance of separation. Nope.

Looks like I will be taking these apart and getting a threaded rod. I will rig it so it does not have any chance of happening again.

Close call!  Almost a devastating afternoon...!!
--------------------------------------------------
Burning lump in Downingtown, PA or diesel in Cape May, NJ.
....just look for the smoke!
Large and MiniMax
--------------------------------------------------

Caliking said:   Meat in bung is my favorite. 
«1345

Comments

  • DoubleEgger
    DoubleEgger Posts: 17,125
    I've seen several issues about this on Facebook. Good PSA. 
  • theyolksonyou
    theyolksonyou Posts: 18,458
    Looks like a weekend project coming up!  Thanks
  • Sea2Ski
    Sea2Ski Posts: 4,088
    I've seen several issues about this on Facebook. Good PSA. 
    Not on Facebook, but I am glad people know about it. 

    Looks like a weekend project coming up!  Thanks
    For you too??  I really do not need another project...  Ugh....
    --------------------------------------------------
    Burning lump in Downingtown, PA or diesel in Cape May, NJ.
    ....just look for the smoke!
    Large and MiniMax
    --------------------------------------------------

    Caliking said:   Meat in bung is my favorite. 
  • YukonRon
    YukonRon Posts: 16,984
    Wow. I have been toting mine around for a year and had zero knowledge of this being a potential issue. Thank you so much for the heads up!
    "Knowledge is Good" - Emil Faber

    XL and MM
    Louisville, Kentucky
  • HoustonEgger
    HoustonEgger Posts: 616
    Thanks for the info - just got my carrier last weekend!
    Formerly of Houston, TX - Now Located in Bastrop, TX
    I work in the 'que business now (since 2017)

    6 Eggs: (1) XL, (2) Large, (1) Small, (1) Minimax & (1) Mini - Egging since 2007
    Also recently gained: (1) Gas Thing (came with the house), (1) 36" Blackstone Griddle & (1) Pitts & Spitts Pellet Smoker
  • EggObsessed
    EggObsessed Posts: 786
    Our MM handle came off in my husband's hand the third time we used it. Luckily, he was over a table or a tailgate when it happened, or it could have been really bad.
    Kelley 
    Egging with No Joke Smoke (Bruce), enjoying small town life in Brenham, TX., the home of Blue Bell Ice Cream.  BGEs: XL, Medium,  1 MiniMax. 36" CookRite Commercial Griddle, and a Shirley Smoker.
  • northGAcock
    northGAcock Posts: 15,164
    I am gonna just leave mine where it is.  =)
    Ellijay GA with a Medium & MiniMax

    Well, I married me a wife, she's been trouble all my life,
    Run me out in the cold rain and snow
  • Sea2Ski
    Sea2Ski Posts: 4,088
    I have an idea of how to fix it, but I tend to make things harder than they need to be and also over build everything. Anyone see any sleek/easy/permanent solutions? 
    --------------------------------------------------
    Burning lump in Downingtown, PA or diesel in Cape May, NJ.
    ....just look for the smoke!
    Large and MiniMax
    --------------------------------------------------

    Caliking said:   Meat in bung is my favorite. 
  • Sea2Ski
    Sea2Ski Posts: 4,088
    I am gonna just leave mine where it is.  =)
    One of the reasons I got the MM was so I could move it.  Otherwise I would have went with another large.  I like the portability option. Stinks I have to worry about moving it though right now
    --------------------------------------------------
    Burning lump in Downingtown, PA or diesel in Cape May, NJ.
    ....just look for the smoke!
    Large and MiniMax
    --------------------------------------------------

    Caliking said:   Meat in bung is my favorite. 
  • CincyTiki
    CincyTiki Posts: 346
    Have to check that this weekend, thanks @Sea2Ski
    Enjoying life in Cincinnati, Ohio - Large BGE & MiniMax BGE
  • YEMTrey
    YEMTrey Posts: 6,829
    I just checked the bands on my XL, guess I'll check out everything on the Mini Max now.  Thanks for the heads up.
    I remember seeing some Mini Max's on here that had a chrome handle to carry.  Maybe they threaded/designed it differently.  Hopefully those owners see this and chime in.
    Steve 
    XL, Mini Max, and a 22" Blackstone in Cincinnati, Ohio

  • theyolksonyou
    theyolksonyou Posts: 18,458
    YEMTrey said:
    I just checked the bands on my XL, guess I'll check out everything on the Mini Max now.  Thanks for the heads up.
    I remember seeing some Mini Max's on here that had a chrome handle to carry.  Maybe they threaded/designed it differently.  Hopefully those owners see this and chime in.
    @NPHuskerFL
  • NPHuskerFL
    NPHuskerFL Posts: 17,629
    OEM are hollow pos handles w/ a nut tack welded. Either use red thread lock or change up the handles. Don't have this issue on mine or our Son's @HuddleHouseCook. They are billet aluminum and also used thread lock @McStew
    LBGE 2013 & MM 2014
    Die Hard HUSKER & BRONCO FAN
    Flying Low & Slow in "Da Burg" FL
  • NPHuskerFL
    NPHuskerFL Posts: 17,629
    edited June 2016
    Our MM handle came off in my husband's hand the third time we used it. Luckily, he was over a table or a tailgate when it happened, or it could have been really bad.
    Devastating it would've been!  Pretty ridiculous to have to worry about handles falling apart with normal usage considering it's one of the only things that comes out of the "box-o-parts" pre-assembled by the factory.  
    LBGE 2013 & MM 2014
    Die Hard HUSKER & BRONCO FAN
    Flying Low & Slow in "Da Burg" FL
  • NPHuskerFL
    NPHuskerFL Posts: 17,629
    Now let's chat about the high end carrier nest feet. They went all out on those buggers Huh? 
    LBGE 2013 & MM 2014
    Die Hard HUSKER & BRONCO FAN
    Flying Low & Slow in "Da Burg" FL
  • Sea2Ski
    Sea2Ski Posts: 4,088
    yea... umm... NO!  they stink.  As soon as I get the time, I am going to do your upgrade on those.  The handles just really annoy me, because for 500+ dollars, you would think you could use them without worry.
    --------------------------------------------------
    Burning lump in Downingtown, PA or diesel in Cape May, NJ.
    ....just look for the smoke!
    Large and MiniMax
    --------------------------------------------------

    Caliking said:   Meat in bung is my favorite. 
  • NPHuskerFL
    NPHuskerFL Posts: 17,629
    @Sea2Ski Totally agree. 
    LBGE 2013 & MM 2014
    Die Hard HUSKER & BRONCO FAN
    Flying Low & Slow in "Da Burg" FL
  • YukonRon
    YukonRon Posts: 16,984
    Are those under warranty?
    "Knowledge is Good" - Emil Faber

    XL and MM
    Louisville, Kentucky
  • NPHuskerFL
    NPHuskerFL Posts: 17,629
    edited June 2016
    YukonRon said:
    Are those under warranty?

    1 yr (maybe 2-3 though) on the carrier if I'm not mistaken. 
    Edit.  It doesn't specify carrier but, seems it falls into this category of the written warranty. 

    LBGE 2013 & MM 2014
    Die Hard HUSKER & BRONCO FAN
    Flying Low & Slow in "Da Burg" FL
  • Sea2Ski
    Sea2Ski Posts: 4,088
    YukonRon said:
    Are those under warranty?
     @yukonRon Even if it is, I am not sure I trust the design as it is now.
    I am coming up with a few designs in my head. The winning one so far is a wooden dowel in through the current handle, and fastening a solid screw in each end pressing/pulling the carrier together.  Just have to think if this really is the best way to go.
    --------------------------------------------------
    Burning lump in Downingtown, PA or diesel in Cape May, NJ.
    ....just look for the smoke!
    Large and MiniMax
    --------------------------------------------------

    Caliking said:   Meat in bung is my favorite. 
  • Sea2Ski
    Sea2Ski Posts: 4,088
    edited June 2016
    thanks @NPHuskerFL  Hmmm... what to do....

    Also - you better charge your phone soon.. ha ha..
    --------------------------------------------------
    Burning lump in Downingtown, PA or diesel in Cape May, NJ.
    ....just look for the smoke!
    Large and MiniMax
    --------------------------------------------------

    Caliking said:   Meat in bung is my favorite. 
  • NPHuskerFL
    NPHuskerFL Posts: 17,629
    @Sea2Ski Ya. Going to crash out soon so I'm bleeding it down as low as I can :wink:
    LBGE 2013 & MM 2014
    Die Hard HUSKER & BRONCO FAN
    Flying Low & Slow in "Da Burg" FL
  • DoubleEgger
    DoubleEgger Posts: 17,125
    Looks like a business opportunity...
  • YukonRon
    YukonRon Posts: 16,984
    Sea2Ski said:
    YukonRon said:
    Are those under warranty?
     @yukonRon Even if it is, I am not sure I trust the design as it is now.
    I am coming up with a few designs in my head. The winning one so far is a wooden dowel in through the current handle, and fastening a solid screw in each end pressing/pulling the carrier together.  Just have to think if this really is the best way to go.
    Absolutely concur. I sure as shid don't trust mine. I am liking your idea. I am thinking threaded rod through the center of the wooden dowels. 
    "Knowledge is Good" - Emil Faber

    XL and MM
    Louisville, Kentucky
  • stompbox
    stompbox Posts: 729
    Ijust bought the carrier for the Mini, you guys are not instilling confidence in me using it.
  • Jeremiah
    Jeremiah Posts: 6,412
    This reminds me. I still owe @McStew a bag of Rockwood!
    Slumming it in Aiken, SC. 
  • NPHuskerFL
    NPHuskerFL Posts: 17,629
    Jeremiah said:
    This reminds me. I still owe @McStew a bag of Rockwood!
    AKA Illegal California BBQ Crack :lol:
    LBGE 2013 & MM 2014
    Die Hard HUSKER & BRONCO FAN
    Flying Low & Slow in "Da Burg" FL
  • NPHuskerFL
    NPHuskerFL Posts: 17,629
    stompbox said:
    Ijust bought the carrier for the Mini, you guys are not instilling confidence in me using it.
    I'm sure with all the KNOWN ISSUES they've correct it. Or have they? :fearful:
    LBGE 2013 & MM 2014
    Die Hard HUSKER & BRONCO FAN
    Flying Low & Slow in "Da Burg" FL
  • northGAcock
    northGAcock Posts: 15,164
    Sea2Ski said:
    I am gonna just leave mine where it is.  =)
    One of the reasons I got the MM was so I could move it.  Otherwise I would have went with another large.  I like the portability option. Stinks I have to worry about moving it though right now
    Yeah....I agree, was just making an attempt at a funny. I have good intentions also with tailgating and road trips. Will look into this further this weekend. No way I want that sucker dropped on my feets.
    Ellijay GA with a Medium & MiniMax

    Well, I married me a wife, she's been trouble all my life,
    Run me out in the cold rain and snow
  • Focker
    Focker Posts: 8,364
    edited June 2016
    As a redneck engineer,
    I'd go with galvanized threaded rod, fender washers, lock washers, nuts, and Loctite 262.

    Dowels into the handle might work.  I used a standard broom handle and did this to the legs of my kettles.  Pressed 3 inches into the leg flush, then pushed into the kettle socket.  Works great at improving stability.
    Brandon
    Quad Cities
    "If yer gonna denigrate, familiarity with the subject is helpful."