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Newbie needing guidance
Bridges050603
Posts: 8
New to the BGE, but long time smoker. Tried to really crank the heat this evening, but could only get to about 530. Your thoughts? Any advice much appreciated.
Comments
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Several things to look for, but first let's narrow it down - what size BGE?Re-gasketing America one yard at a time.
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Lump level and firebox hole aligned with the bottom vent is where I would start~ John - https://www.instagram.com/hoosier_egger
XL BGE, LG BGE, KJ Jr, PK Original, Ardore Pizza Oven, King Disc
Bloomington, IN - Hoo Hoo Hoo Hoosiers! -
It is a large.
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Also, it's new and I did clean out the ash prior to lighting.
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What @ColtsFan said.
Now how did you light your fire? Dome open or closed? How about the bottom vent?How long did you wait trying to let it go nuclear? Dome thermator tested?Re-gasketing America one yard at a time. -
What are you cooking that you need to get over 530 degrees?XLBGE, LBGE, MBGE, SMALL, MINI, 2 Kubs, Fire Magic Gasser
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Steak.
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RRP I actually tried both leaving the dome open when it wasn't getting up there, but also closed dome with chimney and bottom vent wide open. I lit it with a hot air gun, and gave it at least an hour to get to temp.
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Bridges050603 said:RRP I actually tried both leaving the dome open when it wasn't getting up there, but also closed dome with chimney and bottom vent wide open. I lit it with a hot air gun, and gave it at least an hour to get to temp.Rockwall, TX • LBGE, Big Hat Ranger offset smoker, Really old 22" Weber Kettle, Pile of Pecan and Post Oak...
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As you are aware, the BGE (and any cooker using fire) is all about fuel, a fire ignitor and air flow. If your thermo is accurate then with adequate fuel that has been lit it is an air-flow issue. Something doesn't fit if you have all the above and only get to 530*F. Could it be the lump?? FWIW-BTW-welcome aboard and enjoy the journey after this challenging start. Above all, have fun.On a side note-if you want to sear a steak then give caveman a search. Dome open and straight on to the coals. Great char-but that's for another day.Louisville; Rolling smoke in the neighbourhood. # 38 for the win. Life is too short for light/lite beer! Seems I'm livin in a transitional period.
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Thank you all for the guidance. I will make sure all vents and air holes are aligned. Wanted a BGE for a long time, and now enjoying playing with it!
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Bridges050603 said:Thank you all for the guidance. I will make sure all vents and air holes are aligned. Wanted a BGE for a long time, and now enjoying playing with it!Re-gasketing America one yard at a time.
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You got some good suggestions above. Tell me how long you are leaving the dome open after lighting
-----------------------------------------analyze adapt overcome2008 -Large BGE. 2013- Small BGE and 2015 - Mini. Henderson, Ky. -
You didn't say how much lump you're adding. Some people just put in a chimney full and wonder why they're not getting a hot fire. I load the lump up to near the top of the fire ring. If I'm grilling hot, not smoking low-and-slow, I'll light it in several places, and I need to watch it to be sure it doesn't go over 700º!
As others have said: If you have enough lump (and it's not wet or something), and you have enough air flow, the fire will be HOT. If it isn't, usually it's an air flow issue. But if that's OK, be sure you have enough charcoal in there. -
First thing to check is airflow. Second thing to check is airflow. After that, repeat. For higher temps, try removing the top vent and see what happens. With the top vent removed and the bottom vent wide open, you should see temps above the range of your thermometer. If not, check to make sure the firebox is aligned correctly.Southeast Florida - LBGE
In cooking, often we implement steps for which we have no explanations other than ‘that’s what everybody else does’ or ‘that’s what I have been told.’ Dare to think for yourself. -
While we are on the subject of airflow, are the kick ash baskets really worth nearly $90? If so, has anyone discovered a less expensive alternative? I really appreciate the welcomes and the advice that's been shared with me. Hopefully, as I gain experience with my BGE I can do the same for others.
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Welcome aboard....you will learn fast. The more you cook, the more you learn. You have great resources here as you can see from the responses.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 -
The kick ash baskets do help with cleaning out ash from the egg and provide more assurance that small lump pieces will not impede airflow to the point of causing problems. Cost is less than your number, so check where you were shopping. You can cook without them fine, they just add some convenience. Worth the cost? For some definitely, for others not so much. I have one of the older (pre stainless) versions and am quite happy I have it. Try cooking for a while without one - it will become clear to you if your fire management practices could benefit from one.Southeast Florida - LBGE
In cooking, often we implement steps for which we have no explanations other than ‘that’s what everybody else does’ or ‘that’s what I have been told.’ Dare to think for yourself. -
take the metal top off the egg and put it on the ground, with it all fully open it will reach 1200 f degrees in time
fukahwee maineyou can lead a fish to water but you can not make him drink it -
First thing Welcome to the zoo. I'm really happy with my Kick Ash on my large. It really makes cleaning out a breeze. Check Amazon, there are several alternatives there at quite a bit less but don't have a clue about quality.LBGE - I like the hot stuff. The big dry San Joaquin Valley, Clovis, CA
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