Getting up to high heat

David · January 2007

After one or two burns, and adding charcoal each time, I am finding it difficult to get up to high heat... say 600. I mix the charcoal around before adding new and have all vents open. Ideas?

RRP · January 2007

David,
high heat means higher consumption of lump so are you adding enough? Hopefully you're not believing the "couple handfuls" crap printed in the book. Also are you allowing enough time to come up to temp?

Sigmore · January 2007

David, Have you been cleaning out the fire grate with the ole wiggle rod?

David · January 2007

sigmore, don't know about the ole wiggle rod. Can you describe? Also silly question... should the fire grate be placed flat side up or the side with the beveled holes?

David · January 2007

RRP, Yep, giving her a good fill for each fire.

Bucky Buckshot · January 2007

David,
The beveled holes should be on the underside of the grate. That way they don't plug up hardly at all. Bucky

Sigmore · January 2007

David, I have mine flat side up. The wiggle rod is a coat hanger or a piece of small diameter metal rod with about a 2" L bent on one end. Use it to reach in the lower vent and clean the holes in the fire grate.

David · January 2007

Bucky Buckshot, Thanks! Will turn it over today and see if that helps.

David · January 2007

sigmore, seems like flat side up is the way to go. Will make the change today and then fashion my own wiggle rod. Thanks for your help.

Sigmore · January 2007

David, Go to lawnrangerbbq.com and you can see a picture of a really nice wiggle rod and some other beautiful must have Eggin tools.

Sandbagger · January 2007

<p />David, When I want high heat, I clean out the egg and use new lump. I save the old lump in a small metal trash can and use it for less demanding cooks - brats, burgers and such. I tried a plastic pail but it melted, knucklehead mistake![p]Searing steaks, blacken style on a cast iron grate, in the picture. I think I just pegged dinner tonight...

Darnoc · January 2007

Sandbagger,
I see you joined my club.I put my extended grill on top of my Igloo cooler.three nice holes through the top of the cooler.

Sandbagger · January 2007

darnoc, yep I went to the lumber yard, came back to find a nice little fire going. Good thing it was not near anything. T

FlaMike · January 2007

<p />David,[p]I made my own wiggle rod out of an old weber gasser rotisserie rod. Just bent up the last 3-4", and taped a rope handle on for hanging.

Just go in from the bottom vent, gently find the holes ( a blind shot, but you l earn to get the feel of it), and clear out the blockages. Careful not to flip the grate out of it's seat. I use it before lighting up on every cook. You gotta have airflow.
Mike

FlaMike · January 2007

<p />David,[p]I made my own wiggle rod out of an old weber gasser rotisserie rod. Just bent up the last 3-4", and taped a rope handle on for hanging.

Just go in from the bottom vent, gently find the holes ( a blind shot, but you l earn to get the feel of it), and clear out the blockages. Careful not to flip the grate out of it's seat. I use it before lighting up on every cook. You gotta have airflow.
Mike

FlaMike · January 2007

FlaMike,
oops!
Sorry for double post.

Unknown · January 2007

RRP, Is the opening in the fire box lined up with the lower vent????

Unknown · January 2007

David,
make sure the holes around the periphery of the firebox aren't plugged with ash

Getting up to high heat

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