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Teefus
Teefus Posts: 1,263
in EggHead Forum
I've owned my LBGE since last October and used about 200# of lump so far. I figured it was time for a good cleanout. While I keep the ash raked out on a regular basis, I took the whole thing apart last weekend and cleaned the ash out from between the firebox and the Egg housing. There was a fair bit that had accumulated. The ability to control temp was enhanced by the cleanout. Temp stability was rock solid for 9 hours while doing a small pork shoulder roast. "Set it and forget it" kind of stable.
Michiana, South of the border.
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Comments

  • WDE86
    WDE86 Posts: 69
    edited July 2017
    It does indeed make a huge difference. I didn't get super picky about cleaning mine out until 3-4 months ago. I kept the ash raked but didn't take everything out and shopvac it that often. Since the Spring and Summer however, I'm breaking mine down and doing a good cleaning and vacuuming about once every two weeks (or after every 3rd cook on it). Takes a little time (but not that long) and makes a huge difference when you get ready to fire it back up the next time. 
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  • YukonRon
    YukonRon Posts: 17,459
    I leave some ash on the bottom to help prevent cracking the base, especially in very cold weather. I have an XL, and I use a KAB over top of the fire grid. Larges may not be as prone to this. I dunno. I do know mine cracked in very cold weather using a KAB after a cleaning, and not using the fire grid. leaving some ash on the bottom seems to help insulate the base.
    I learned that lesson from several on here.
    Hoping this helps.
    "Knowledge is Good" - Emil Faber

    XL and MM
    Louisville, Kentucky
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  • RRP
    RRP Posts: 26,517
    I know what you mean about the build up behind the holes. Years ago there was some disbelief that it restricted the air flow so I carefully removed my firebox. This is what I found. The depth perception isn't too clear, but the vent cleanout path is at 6:30 and the hole in the center was clear up the outer wall of the fire box.

    Re-gasketing the USA one yard at a time 
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  • lousubcap
    lousubcap Posts: 37,898
    Anal man here- I will pull the guts before a L&S cook if I haven't done so in around 2 months or so.  As noted, easy and then you know the air-flow pattern.  
    Louisville; Rolling smoke in the neighbourhood.  Life is too short for light/lite beer!  Seems I'm livin in a transitional period. CHEETO (aka Agent Orange) makes Nixon look like a saint.  
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  • Carolina Q
    Carolina Q Posts: 14,831
    I did that once, maybe even 2-3 times. In 8 years. Been a long time. Not much ash back there. Maybe because I stopped cleaning out the little holes in the firebox. =) Anyway, temp is always stable. If it was any better, I might start thinking I had a gasser.

    Basically, I stir old lump, dump more out of the bag if needed, scoop out the ashes with the ash tool every 2 or 3 cooks and light 'er up. Set the vents for the temp I want and come back later with food. Whether I'm cooking a burger or a butt.

    You guys are workin' too hard at this. But whatever floats your boat (or sub). =)

    I hate it when I go to the kitchen for food and all I find are ingredients!                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

    Michael 
    Central Connecticut 

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  • cookingdude555
    cookingdude555 Posts: 3,196
    I use the smaller eggs most, and air flow suffers without attention to ash maintenance. So I tend to do it frequently. I have too many eggs, so when I'm cooking on one, while I'm outside waiting, I'm cleaning one that has cooled down and loading it back up with lump for the next cook. Makes it so air flow issues are non existent, and starting up the egg the next time only takes hitting it with the torch. 
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  • lousubcap
    lousubcap Posts: 37,898
    @cookingdude555 - I use my LBGE as the used lump source for the SBGE unless I plan an infrequent L&S on the SBGE.  I find it a great way to use the lump and speed of quickly getting to temp.  
    Louisville; Rolling smoke in the neighbourhood.  Life is too short for light/lite beer!  Seems I'm livin in a transitional period. CHEETO (aka Agent Orange) makes Nixon look like a saint.  
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  • SSQUAL612
    SSQUAL612 Posts: 1,186
    This will work.


    Tyler, TX   XL BGE 2016, KJ Classic 2019,  MES, 18.5 WSM,  Akorn Jr,  36"&17" Black Stone, Adj Rig, Woo, Grill Grates, SS Smokeware Cap, KAB,  FB 300, Thermapen 
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  • cookingdude555
    cookingdude555 Posts: 3,196
    lousubcap said:
    @cookingdude555 - I use my LBGE as the used lump source for the SBGE unless I plan an infrequent L&S on the SBGE.  I find it a great way to use the lump and speed of quickly getting to temp.  
    @lousubcap, agreed I use the same method. I even go as far as having a used lump 5 gallon bucket. I don't toss any lump, even the small chips. It has to become ash for me to toss it. I tend to use new lump for long cooks, and high heat cooks. The cooks in between L&S and high heat, the used lump is great for. 
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  • SGH
    SGH Posts: 28,989
    lousubcap said:
    Anal man here
    I had my suspicions brother Cap, but you just confirmed them ;)

    Location- Just "this side" of Biloxi, Ms.

    Status- Standing by.

    The greatest barrier against all wisdom, the stronghold against knowledge itself, is the single thought, in ones mind, that they already have it all figured out. 

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  • lousubcap
    lousubcap Posts: 37,898
    @SGH - I figured it was coming but I am staying away from your anus fan-club.  
    Don't know if you picked up on the Peyton Manning opening monologue for the ESPYS Weds night but you would enjoy the script.
    Have a great weekend.
    Louisville; Rolling smoke in the neighbourhood.  Life is too short for light/lite beer!  Seems I'm livin in a transitional period. CHEETO (aka Agent Orange) makes Nixon look like a saint.  
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  • SGH
    SGH Posts: 28,989
    lousubcap said:
    @SGH - I figured it was coming but I am staying away from your anus fan-club.  
    Don't know if you picked up on the Peyton Manning opening monologue for the ESPYS Weds night but you would enjoy the script.
    Have a great weekend.
    I had not seen it until today. @Focker posted it on another thread earlier for me. Pretty sure it was the big Yeti thread. 
    http://www.espn.com/
    Have a great weekend yourself brother Cap. Sadly I will spend mine working.  

    Location- Just "this side" of Biloxi, Ms.

    Status- Standing by.

    The greatest barrier against all wisdom, the stronghold against knowledge itself, is the single thought, in ones mind, that they already have it all figured out. 

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  • buzd504
    buzd504 Posts: 3,883
    Every 6 months or so.  Or a year. 
    NOLA
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  • thetrim
    thetrim Posts: 11,388
    The shopvac cleanout works very well!   When in doubt, clean it out!!!
    =======================================
    XL 6/06, Mini 6/12, L 10/12, Mini #2 12/14 MiniMax 3/16 Large #2 11/20 Legacy from my FIL - RIP PitBoss Navigator 850G 11/25
    Tampa Bay, FL
    EIB 6 Oct 95
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  • henapple
    henapple Posts: 16,025
    I haven't in 4 years.. No need, IMHO. 
    Green egg, dead animal and alcohol. The "Boro".. TN 
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