How long does it take the BGE to heat up?

MacThespian · July 2017

I'm a newby, and it seems that it's taking way too long for my egg to get above 200º. I stir the old lump so that the "dust" goes down, add a bit of new lump, and light it. It still is running around 200º half an hour later, even though I've left the lower vent and the daisy wheel completely open. After maybe an hour and a quarter, or an hour and a half, it gets up to 400º or so. This seems longer to me than most people have talked about. Am I doing something wrong, or is this time normal? I use BGE firestarters, and per an employee of BGE I only use one per cook. Do I have to arrange larger pieces of lump charcoal around the bottom of the egg by hand, to make sure that there's enough air coming in? Any comments and advice will be much appreciated.

slovelad · July 2017

Simple science my friend, more fire equals more heat. If you what to do a low and slow cook, one fire starter MIGHT be enough, but you have to adjust that method if you want to get it hot quick.

that being said, use a couple starters and leave the lid open longer. Even better, ditch the fire starters and get a propane torch from Home Depot and hold a flame to it for a couple minutes.

guys and gals here have many methods that work, but the common theme is more heat and more air flow equals higher temp faster.

kl8ton · July 2017

If a hot fire is what you are after, light in multiple places. Keep the lid open longer. Lighting in 3 places and keeping the lid open 15 minutes should get you to around 400.

OhioEgger · July 2017

MacThespian said:

It still is running around 200º half an hour later, even though I've left the lower vent and the daisy wheel completely open.

This is the key, I think. If you want things to go faster, you need enough air to feed the fire. Instead of closing the lid and opening the daisy wheel after you light it, just leave the lid open completely. How long will depend on what you're cooking. If you want something really hot to cook steaks, for example, you might want to leave it open for 15 minutes or so before you close the lid.
Also, at the very beginning like this (depending on where it is and what's under it) you might just leave the spark screen completely open too. That will double the air coming in from the bottom vent.

Of course, I will quickly add that you need to stick around and keep an eye on things to avoid a visit from the fire department.

Theophan · July 2017

MacThespian said:

... I stir the old lump so that the "dust" goes down, add a bit of new lump, ...

I agree with those above, but want to add that the problem might also be "a bit" of lump: Sometimes people new to the Egg do what they did with regular charcoal grills, and put in just the amount of lump they think they'll need for that cook, and then wonder why it's not getting hot. Because the BGE is so efficient, and the coals go out quickly when you shut the air off, you can use a LOT of lump with no waste. Any time I add lump, I fill 'er up to the top of the fire ring, occasionally a little higher for a really long low-and-slow. So:

Make sure you have enough lump.
Make sure nothing is smothering your air flow.
If you want low-and-slow, 250°-275°, light it in one spot, centrally.
If you want the whole surface of the lump hot for a hot-and-fast grilling cook, light it in at least 3 places.

GrateEggspectations · July 2017

My lighting technique includes a MAPP torch. I can cook at just about any temp within 15-20 minutes.

When lighting, get a spot nice and hot until it is emitting flames on its own. Let that burn a few minutes with the dome open, then close the dome with the daisy wheel removed and let the Egg come up to the desired temp.

Foghorn · July 2017

Daisy wheel open? Or daisy wheel off? With the daisy wheel completely open my egg settles in at 450. With the top off but lid closed it will go to over 1000. So, if you want to accelerate the start up time, use more lighter cubes or fire starters or whatever you use - and leave the top off for 10-20 minutes as needed.

jaydub58 · July 2017

For a fast fire,I like to liberally sprinkle the lump with 91% rubbing alcohol, allow to sink in for a couple of minutes and light.
Works every time.

bucky925 · July 2017

How Long does it take the BGE to heat up?
oh about 3 beers

pab · July 2017

If you are planning to cook north of 300* the daisy wheel isn't needed. Control temp with the bottom vent. If you are using the the original fire grate the holes could very well be plugged with small pieces of lump. Take a metal hanger and run it under the grate through the lower vent and give it a couple of gentle wiggles. Many here have a high-q grate or kick ash basket that really help get to temps faster. And as @Theophan suggested, make sure you are using enough fuel.

Legume · July 2017

https://youtu.be/mPsRJCJTf0M

YukonRon · July 2017

Legume said:

https://youtu.be/mPsRJCJTf0M

Just curious. How often is this used, prior to a crack? Never needed 750F in less than 5 mins.
Have you?

Eoin · July 2017

No daisy wheel for getting up to temperature.
Light in multiple spots unless doing a low and low cook.
Make sure the ash isn't blocking the air flow (depends on the Egg, my MMX needs cleaning out a lot more frequently than my XL).
With old lump, you tend to get more smaller pieces. Sometimes these can lodge in the holes in the grate and restrict air flow. If there's a lot of small stuff in there, shovel it out, place a layer of large pieces of lump on the grate and then put the small stuff on top.

Legume · July 2017

YukonRon said:

Legume said:

https://youtu.be/mPsRJCJTf0M

Just curious. How often is this used, prior to a crack? Never needed 750F in less than 5 mins.
Have you?

Never, I would hate to rush my pre-cook drinking that much.

MacThespian · July 2017

Thanks, everyone. These are the basics of cooking with an egg that I didn't get at the store, or from the BGE rep I spoke with. I will modify my procedures (does that sound stuffy enough?) and give it a go.
I really appreciate all the advice.

nolaegghead · July 2017

If you want a quick hot bed of coals for grilling, light the top of the lump in a few places and close the bottom vent, leave the lid up. The fire will spread across the top.

J-dubya · July 2017

I can get my XL to 900 at the grate in 20minutes. I suggest you do a test burn with a full load of charcoal and bring the egg up to 600-700 degrees just to get a feel of how it heats up. Just leave the lid open (and the bottom open) and let it go.

B747crew · July 2017

XL to 500 in 15 mins

WeberWho · July 2017

Rte1985 · July 2017

I
this guy has your answer! A visit to harbor freight and problem solved

How long does it take the BGE to heat up?

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