Why does my small heat up so slowly?

I finally figured out that for me it depended on which egg got used more, the large or the small. When I used the small more often it would light quick.
I tend to add some new lump to the left over lump that is already in it, and when you do that the older lump in the egg you use the least is going to be pretty damp sometimes, and the ceramic will be damp too from sitting and not being used.
Like Mike said, useing lighter lump like cowboy helps.

It takes a while to dry out the lump and get to temp. If you started with all new light lump, and even a drier egg, it would get up to temperature quick. Mine did when it was new, and nothing has changed. It just sits unused for a long time.

The problem with the small is the draft door is too small! BGE won't own up to this, but, it's the same size as the draft door on the mini! I'll stick my neck out here and say that most "small" owners experience this same problem. There have been too many posts here regarding this and, no matter how you load your firebox, or with what lump you use, the small is very sluggish because of inadequate air flow.......

Interesting! How did you make the lower vent larger?

Yeah, right!! :laugh: I remember your indirect cook on your small in Omaha where you had your air flow almost completely blocked off!! :silly: If it hadn't been for the egret man taking quick and decisive action you wouldn't have a small BGE!!? :woohoo: :woohoo: And, all you have to talk about is your by-damn rib notes!!

No no no, u stole my ribs notes. Lite them on fire, then a whole bottle of rub, a knife or two. Table space, we know about that.
Your crazy dude about the small. You're a table, rub, knife prostitute. :woohoo: :woohoo:
I defy anyone to suggest not. :ohmy:

Mike

Not sure I'm agreein' with you on the draft door! Yes, now I'm sure I'm not agreeing with you on the draft door. What about the firebox/grate configuration would cause this to happen as compared to other sizes? I tried a new fire grate in the small that a buddy from Houston sent me that was a wire mesh design with a very minimum of metal (much like a tight-knit chicken wire) and the results were the same! There just ain't enough air coming in the draft door......You can blame it on the firebox if you want....I'm not buying that logic.
I'm curious to know what you did with the medium fire grate to help with this......

Get a grip, Michael!! Boy, how you have things turned around! I've always shared my table space, even though it meant depriving myself and all fest customers of some great eats while you were promoting your ribbies.......they are pretty good, though, even if I say so myself! :laugh: But, do you need so much acreage to make it happen??

I have never had the low temp or sluggish heating problem!

I do clean my Small completely out...(yes removing the firebox to get the accumulated lump from behind) every couple of cooks.
I believe the Small need to be clean to operate efficently!

You know Ron:

Seein's how you and I seem to be just fine,
I'd have to come down on the side of "Operator Error" here!!
Especially considering it's those Northern Georgia "Well to do Types" who are mainly to blame!!

Yep..."Operator Error"!!

Evans

I have two say neither of my smalls have taken any amount of time to come up to temp, but like you I do clean them out a lot more then I do my large eggs and the XL.

In grape boys case I think it's a loose nut between the egg and the ground..

I have to stand up for John....albeit I am standing much taller...... :woohoo:

John does not sell himself therefore he is not a prostitute.