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

Getting MM up to temperature

2»

Comments

  • ncnative
    ncnative Posts: 24
    I actually use 3 half fire starters in a triangle when I light my MM -- so I'm lighting three different areas of the charcoal and it's still taking almost 30 minutes.  Short of getting a weed burner, I guess I'll just deal with the start up time, as I still like the thing.  


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • yljkt
    yljkt Posts: 799
    ncnative said:
    I actually use 3 half fire starters in a triangle when I light my MM -- so I'm lighting three different areas of the charcoal and it's still taking almost 30 minutes.  Short of getting a weed burner, I guess I'll just deal with the start up time, as I still like the thing.  


    Just going to a propane torch will cut the time in half. I have and it helps.  
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Lit
    Lit Posts: 9,053
    yljkt said:
    ncnative said:
    I actually use 3 half fire starters in a triangle when I light my MM -- so I'm lighting three different areas of the charcoal and it's still taking almost 30 minutes.  Short of getting a weed burner, I guess I'll just deal with the start up time, as I still like the thing.  


    Just going to a propane torch will cut the time in half. I have and it helps.  
    I use a heat gun and just keep it on until the whole firebox is going. Takes about 10 minutes but it's the only way to get this POS going fast. 
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • chuckytheegghead
    chuckytheegghead Posts: 1,201
    Lit said:
    yljkt said:
    ncnative said:
    I actually use 3 half fire starters in a triangle when I light my MM -- so I'm lighting three different areas of the charcoal and it's still taking almost 30 minutes.  Short of getting a weed burner, I guess I'll just deal with the start up time, as I still like the thing.  


    Just going to a propane torch will cut the time in half. I have and it helps.  
    I use a heat gun and just keep it on until the whole firebox is going. Takes about 10 minutes but it's the only way to get this POS going fast. 
    Wow, I really feel bad for you guys that can't get it to temp like they'd hope. I've had zero issues with mine. 
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • GrateEggspectations
    GrateEggspectations Posts: 11,580
    In my experience, there is no trouble getting up to temp if cooking direct (i.e., no plate setter). However, if the plate setter is in, it's a whole nother ball game. Makes a world of difference (presumably, because B of the decreased air flow).
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • E_Anderson
    E_Anderson Posts: 1
    I really struggle with this issue too. I am a newbie - I've had my large Egg for about 1 week and have used it 4 times. It works great- I just cant get the temp over 400 no matter what I do. I've used the ash tool to pull out the ash before every use, load the fire box up to the line with BGE lump charcoal, light one BGE starter square (cardboard like starter), let it go for 15 minutes or so, put on the place setter and grate then close the lid and fully open the top and bottom vents. It takes about 5 minutes to get to 300 - 325 then wont go up from there. Any suggestions?
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • JohnnyTarheel
    JohnnyTarheel Posts: 6,629
    E_Anderson said:
    I really struggle with this issue too. I am a newbie - I've had my large Egg for about 1 week and have used it 4 times. It works great- I just cant get the temp over 400 no matter what I do. I've used the ash tool to pull out the ash before every use, load the fire box up to the line with BGE lump charcoal, light one BGE starter square (cardboard like starter), let it go for 15 minutes or so, put on the place setter and grate then close the lid and fully open the top and bottom vents. It takes about 5 minutes to get to 300 - 325 then wont go up from there. Any suggestions?
    Leave your lid up more than the 15 min. You need a bigger fire to get to your higher temp.  
    Charlotte, NC - Large BGE 2014, Maverick ET 733, Thermopen, Nest, Platesetter, Woo2 and Extender w/Grid, Kick Ash Basket, Pizza Stone, SS Smokeware Cap, Blackstone 36"
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Hotch
    Hotch Posts: 3,564
    Light more lump to start with if you need a higher temp. Simple, more lit more heat.
    Large BGE, MiniMAX BGE, 2 Mini BGE's, R&V Fryer, 36" Blackstone Griddle, Camp Chef Dual Burner 40K BTU Stove
    BGE Chiminea
    Prosper, TX
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • YukonRon
    YukonRon Posts: 17,261
    I light with the DW off the MM. Never had a problem with it taking too long, maybe I am just slow....
    "Knowledge is Good" - Emil Faber

    XL and MM
    Louisville, Kentucky
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories