How to load and light your Big Green Egg

Step 1

1/2 - 2 Inches Below the Bottom of the Fire Ring

When adding charcoal to your Big Green Egg, the best rule of thumb is to stop when you're 1/2 - 2 inches below the bottom rim of the Fire Ring — for the right amount of clearance beneath your cooking surfaces, depending on cooking method.

Step 2

Light Your Lump Charcoal

To get the fire going, choose a lighting method that suits your style. An electric charcoal starter works by slightly burying the heating element into the charcoal until it starts to glow. If you prefer a flame, use an Eggniter or butane lighter to ignite a concentrated spot, holding it in place until the charcoal catches. Alternatively, one lit Speedilight stick or tumbleweed will spread naturally when placed among the charcoal. Keep the dome open and let airflow do the work as the fire builds.

Step 3

Once your Big Green Egg is going...

After about 5-10 minutes, there will be some serious smouldering in your charcoals. At this stage, close the lid of your Egg being mindful to keep both the Draft Door and the rEGGulator Cap fully open.

Step 4

Put In Your Components

When your Egg's ceramics start to feel hot to the touch and the thermometer is 10° away from your recipe's target temperature, it's time to put in your chosen cooking surfaces.

Whether you're adding your ConvEGGtor and Stainless Steel Grid for indirect cooking or a Cast Iron Searing Grid for grilling, your temperature will drop slightly. Don't worry! Your Egg will self-regulate and the temperature will come back up. 

Once you've reached your target temperature, you can begin to adjust the Draft Door and rEGGulator in tandem as required.

Step 5

Close the Vents to Save Fuel

After a cook, you might notice some of your charcoal has a white hue while others are still black. Good news! That black coal is still full of potential and can be reused. To prevent any waste, simply close the rEGGulator Cap and Draft Door completely. This will extinguish the fire by cutting off oxygen, allowing any remaining charcoal to cool down and remain unburned.