Now that THAT'S settled...

briwald · February 2023

Since I finally got my replacement firebox from Ace, on to my next two questions for you old grizzled vets out there: Why does my firebox keep breaking in the first place? I've had my egg since 2019, and this is the second time I've had to replace it. Both times, it cracked in two places. For as much $$ I spent on this grill, I wouldn't expect to have to replace a major part like that every 2 years.

I live in Florida, so not like I'm going between hot and cold weather. The grill is under my patio overhang and covered to boot. I do use it a lot (3-4 times per week). Any ideas?

Second question: I went ahead and replaced the gasket while I was doing maintenance...no problems there, but is there a special gasket for the chimney, or just use any left over gasket I have from the gasket kit?

Thanks!

fishlessman · February 2023

You can get ten years out of a two piece fire box

Photo Egg · February 2023

Just chalk it up to bad luck. I live in a similar, warm, humid climate. Iv’e replaced fireboxes maybe 10 times over the last 20+ years. But on 4 different Eggs of different sizes. As well as a few bases and fire rings. This is why the warranty is important.

bbracey21 · February 2023

briwald said:
… Second question: I went ahead and replaced the gasket while I was doing maintenance...no problems there, but is there a special gasket for the chimney, or just use any left over gasket I have from the gasket kit?

Thanks!

No special gasket for the chimney - just use the left over for it.

Mark_B_Good · February 2023

What can cause it to crack? Here's some thoughts:

1) Defective, already had a micro-crack or air bubble in it, and expansion just finishes it.
2) It has no room to expand .... how? Maybe coal bits get in between the shell and firebox?? Although I'd expect the coal to be crushed ... but just look for ways it is restricted in terms of being able to expand.
3) Heating it up too fast ... are you lighting a fire right against the firebox band?

nolaegghead · February 2023

Mark_B_Good said:

What can cause it to crack? Here's some thoughts:

1) Defective, already had a micro-crack or air bubble in it, and expansion just finishes it.
2) It has no room to expand .... how? Maybe coal bits get in between the shell and firebox?? Although I'd expect the coal to be crushed ... but just look for ways it is restricted in terms of being able to expand.
3) Heating it up too fast ... are you lighting a fire right against the firebox band?

Don’t forget uneven heating of ceramic, thermal shock and puppies tied to the Nest(tm), which can be devastating.

Canugghead · February 2023

Not suggesting this is the case with OP... I've seen some strong fellas lifting XL platesetter by the leg single handedly, wonder if they also lift the firebox as carelessly. Given the XL firebox mass, its expansion slit, and my weak hands, I always worry about breaking it when taking it out once in a blue moon.

briwald · February 2023

Mark_B_Good said:

What can cause it to crack? Here's some thoughts:

3) Heating it up too fast ... are you lighting a fire right against the firebox band?

Hmmmmm. I went from an Oklahoma Joe offset smoker to the BGE, and I never changed my lighting method. Make sure there's a nice bed of charcoal, and then fill a chimney starter with charcoal. After 15 minutes, the coals in the chimney are hot and the coals beneath the chimney are also hot. I suppose that could be too much too fast. Funnily enough, when I picked up the new firebox, I also got the electric coil starter, so maybe I'll have better luck with that.

Thanks all for the advice/suggestions.

paqman · February 2023

Mine has been cracked from day 2 over 10 years ago… I was pissed at first but it works despite the crack so I try not to lose too much sleep over that.

Now that THAT'S settled...

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