Medium BGE Fire Ring

I have a medium and love it. There is about a 3/4 inch gap all the way around my fire ring. I can cook low and slow or achieve temps in excess of 750 degrees. I never understood the fire ring gap discussion but wouldn't put to much consideration towards any problem it may or may not create.

I've got 2 mediums. Both work fine, as far as I can tell. Both come up to heat pretty quickly, and hold temps nicely.

The newer of the two has a fire box with holes a little farther down. It comes up to heat a little faster than the older with the holes about half way up the fire box.

On my MBGE, there is a significant gap between the top of the fire ring and the inside of the body, but the gap at the top of the fire box is an insignificant 1/16". Makes the other gap moot.

I am not sure if the term 'new & improved' is an appropriate term.

I have been told nothing other than the fire ring was re-done a while ago. I would think there are a lot of 'older' rings in the distribution chain.

For me the smaller fire ring is two fold.

The annoyance of having a 1.5 inch gap between the outer fire wall and egg wall is just too big.

For those folk cooking at lower altitudes the issue isn't all that much to bother with.

However, for others cooking in higher altitudes it is something that is of concern.

By lightly plugging that gap I can get an 80° increase in temp within 2 minutes of plugging.

If I plug the gap tightly, which at this point I am not convinced that is a good idea, I can get a 200° increase in dome temp.

From initial testing at this altitude plugging the gap is the only way I can get the dome temp over 500°.

Air entering the lower vent travels the path of least resistance. When lump is in the fire box the path of least resistance is the outside of the fire box and up past the fire ring. A large gap facilitates that flow. A smaller fire ring/egg wall gap forces more air into the fire box.

Another observation with the first tests were start up time.

At my altitude...

Same conditions on both tests.

First firing no plugging of the gap it took 67 minutes for the egg to be completely stable at 460°. Bottom vent fully open (no screen) an no DFMT.

Second test, gap plugged (but not tightly plugged).
27 minutes to be completely stable at 660°.

I ran two additional tests with the gap plugged. The best results was 700° in 20 minutes and that

The average results were a 40 minute shorter time and 200° increase of high temp.

For me, a properly fitted fire ring makes a difference in the performance of my egg.

The fire ring size was changed before my testing.

Nevertheless, there was some reason a different size fire ring mold was made.

I found out if I want a larger fire ring I am going to have to buy it outright. I am not sure how I am going to be able to confirm I will not receive a 'older' style ring when/if do make the change.

GG

Stanly,

When you get some time would you measure the OD diameter of your fire ring.

Thanks, Kent

Kent,

14 5/8" at the top, where there is about a 3/4" gap to the inside of the body. But that gap means nothing to the air flow characteristics as there is only a 1/16" gap at the top of the fire box, so that controls.

What air travels to the outside of the fire box is has a cooling effect on the egg walls and will be heated as the air travels up the outside surfaces. There will be faster air movement from air moving through the lump than from the air traveling up the outside of the fire box/ring.

I am extremely happy that you and many others are able to get quick starts and high heat levels.

However, for myself, over an hour to get to get to 500° is poor performance in my opinion.

It sure would be nice if my medium egg were to perform up to stated specs. 'up to 750° for searing' (top of page 15 owners manual) stated specs which is.

Also, fast lighting, 'cooking temp within 10 minutes' (HQ site). This statement is somewhat open. What is considered cooking temp? Lets say 350° dome which should be about 325 at grid.

On my medium without plugging the 'gap' using 2 starter cubes all new lump, best of conditions.
It takes from 22 to 35 minutes. (Timed tests).

If I fully plug the gap and the same conditions as above. On my medium I can get to 350° as quick as 5 and as long as 11 minutes. Again, time and temps timed. Thermometer was calibrated and double checked by using a second BGE calibrated thermometer.

Hence, it seems to me a large air gap on the outside of the firebox/ring has poorer performance.

Again, I would also have to believe this is or is part of the reason there was a new fire ring cast made.

I would have to think you are using your egg at a lower altitude and will therefore get better results.

The snow has already started falling in our higher elevations so I am not sure if I will be able to complete the high altitude test I wanted to do as I just got the parts I was needing for my medium.

I want to take the medium up to some areas we frequent during the warmer months with the altitude up there is about 11,500 feet. Doing this will accomplish two things, some good smoked/grilled fish and to confirm the higher altitude cooking starting and high temp that I am getting at home.

No one needs to defend the eggs to me, heck, I have 4 of them.

Many people may not need a 'better' fitting fire box/ring. It appears I and some others do.

GG