What to do if your Big Green Egg Goes Out during a long smoke?

What to do if your Big Green Egg Goes Out during a long smoke?

If you’re a fan of cooking on a Big Green Egg (BGE), you know that maintaining the right temperature for a long smoke can sometimes be a challenge. One moment, you’re enjoying the delicious aroma of your slowly cooked meal, and the next, the temperature drops, leaving you worried that your fire might be out. If you've ever found yourself in this situation, don't panic! Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do if your BGE goes out during a long smoke and how to prevent it from happening again. 

Understanding the Problem 

First, let’s figure out why your BGE might have gone out. In a recent forum discussion, a user named Marc shared a story about cooking chili at a steady 270°F when a sudden rainstorm caused the temperature to drop. Other users suggested various reasons for the temperature drop, including: 

• Charcoal Issues: Large lumps of charcoal can make it hard for the fire to spread, causing it to go out if not properly lit.  
• Ash Buildup: Even if you cleaned the ash box, old ash can still block airflow if it accumulates. Make sure that the round vent holes in your firebox are not stopped up.
• Ventilation: If the vents are not open enough, it can suffocate the fire, especially in humid or rainy weather. Now that we have an idea of what might have caused your fire to go out, let’s talk about how to get it back up and running! 

What to Do When Your Fire Goes Out 

1. Check the Vents

Start by checking the top and bottom vents of your BGE. If they are not open enough, it could be preventing oxygen from reaching the coals. Open both vents fully to allow air to flow and see if that helps reignite the fire. 

2. Stir the Coals

If the fire isn’t coming back, you might need to stir the coals. Use a long tool with a heat-resistant handle to gently move the coals around. This can help knock off any ash that might be blocking airflow. Be careful if you have food on the grill—try to avoid disturbing it too much! 

3. Add New Charcoal

If the fire still won’t reignite, you might need to add more charcoal. Use smaller pieces to ensure they catch fire more easily. You can light the new charcoal with your handy dandy JJGeorge Grill Torch to get things going. 

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4. Monitor the Temperature

Once you’ve added new charcoal and stirred the coals, keep a close eye on the temperature. Use a reliable thermometer to make sure it gets back to the desired cooking temperature. Adjust the vents as needed to help stabilize the heat. 

5. Consider the Weather

If it’s raining or humid, try to protect your BGE from the elements. A Smokeware Chimney Cap eliminates this problem, but for a quick fix, you can use a small foil tent to cover the upper vent, allowing air in while keeping the rain out. This can help maintain a stable temperature and prevent the fire from going out again.

Preventing Future Problems 

Now that you know what to do if your fire goes out, here are some tips to help prevent it from happening again: 

1. Choose the Right Charcoal

Using a mix of charcoal sizes can help. Smaller pieces can ignite faster and help the larger chunks catch fire. Brands like Fogo, Jealous Devil, and Royal Oak are popular for good reason... experiment with different types to see which works best for you. 

2. Light It Properly

On long smokes, be mindful of how you light your BGE. If you use a JJGeorge Torch, avoid lighting too intense a flame at the beginning. Light a small section of charcoal in the top center of the pile and let it gradually spread.  It is much easier to heat a Big Green Egg up than it is to cool one down.  If cooking something hot and fast, this is not an issue...  Just light the charcoal in 2 to 3 locations with the JJGeorge Torch and you will be up to temp in no time.

3. Regular Maintenance

Make it a habit to clean out the ash before each cook. A Kick Ash Basket makes this step a breeze.  Even if your Egg looks clear, old ash can block airflow if not checked regularly. Keeping the vents and charcoal chamber clear will help maintain a good flow of air. 

Get Your Kick Ash Basket Here

4. Stay Attentive

During long smokes, keep an eye on the temperature and airflow. It’s easier to adjust the vents before a problem arises than to fix it once the fire goes out. 

Conclusion 

Don’t let a temporary setback ruin your cooking experience on the Big Green Egg. By following these steps and tips, you can quickly revive your fire and get back to enjoying your delicious smoked meals. With a little practice and attention, you’ll become a master at maintaining temperature, ensuring your future cooks are a success. 

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