Learning how to light the Big Green Egg might seem like a daunting task, but with a few tips and tricks, you’ll have it up and running in no time. So, how long does it take to light a Big Green Egg? Lighting the Big Green Egg takes around 10 minutes, but it ultimately depends on the temperature you’re looking to set on your grill. The time it takes can also be influenced by the size of your BGE, the exterior temperature, and any other weather conditions like wind. But don’t worry, with this guide, you’ll learn how to quickly light the Big Green Egg and get it to the perfect temperature for your next cook.
Lighting the Big Green Egg Guide:
Firing up your Big Green Egg is not a difficult task. If you plan accordingly, you’ll have your grill up to temperature in no time. When prepping for an early morning smoke, we recommend prefilling your BGE with lump charcoal, so all you have to do is light the fire. This way, you can spend less time worrying about the logistics and more time savoring the mouth-watering aroma of your favorite meats.
Step 1: Adding Lump Charcoal
First, you need to place the charcoal in the firebox and then light it with either a heat gun or a natural charcoal starter. Check out our guide to the fastest way to light a grill. Absolutely under no circumstances should you use lighter fluid when firing up the BGE! Not only is lighter fluid a no-go, but also traditional charcoal briquettes are not to be used under any circumstance. Stick with all natural lump charcoal from the leading brands.
Step 2: Opening your vents
Once you see that the lump charcoal is lit, close the lid. When firing up my BGE or Kamado smoker, I always leave the vents wide open to ensure that the charcoal box has plenty of airflow. Before making any adjustments to the top or bottom vent, I wait until I’m within 25 degrees of my desired temperature. This way, I can fine-tune the grill for optimal cooking, and make sure I do not overshoot my desired cooking temperature.
Step 3: Adjust vents for desired temperature
As you approach your desired temperature, it’s time to make some final adjustments to the vents. With a little patience, you’ll soon be rewarded with a perfectly stabilized grill temperature and the sight of bluish clear smoke. This is your cue to place your meats and vegetables on the Egg and let your smoke begin.
The Big Green Egg is a Kamado style grill / smoker that is made out of ceramic materials. This unique mix of egg shape and ceramic materials allow the grill to maintain stable temperatures for long periods of time. Once the grill is lit and you’re at your desired temperature. Happy grilling!
Fire Starters & Heat Guns
If you’re looking to speed up the process, the fastest way to light the Big Green Egg is to use a heat gun. There are some products built specifically for this task – like the BGE EggNiter. This is certainly a great option, but it is pricey. We’ve found using a Wagner heat gun can accomplish the same task. Another great, natural option is to use nature fire starters. There are many options on Amazon, but note, if they’re too cheap, it’s probably for good reason. If you chose natural fire starters, you’ll want to buy from a reputable brand. We’ve tested the cheap versions, they fizzle out fast, and often don’t get your grill lit on the first attempt.
Conclusion
Lighting your Big Green Egg usually takes about ten minutes. From there, the timing may vary based on the desired temperature. If you fully open the vents, be sure to keep a close eye on the temperature gauge – it can creep up on you fast! Adjust the vents when you’re 25-50 degrees of your cooking temperature. As we mentioned above, lighting your BGE and getting to the exact temperature are two different topics. In this guide we look at how to quickly light the Egg to put you in the position to get to your smoking temperature as fast as you can.