Start with a cool Egg. Open the Draft Door and use a Big Green Egg Ash Tool to clear excess ash from beneath the charcoal grate. Removing ash improves airflow to your fire, helping the Egg come up to temperature.
Step Two: Add Lump Charcoal
Fill the Egg with Big Green Egg Natural Lump Charcoal, stopping 1/2 to 2 inches below the bottom rim of the Fire Ring. This leaves enough clearance beneath your cooking surfaces for the setup you plan to use.
Step Three: Select your Lighting Method
There are several ways to light a Big Green Egg, from the Quick Light Kit to an electric charcoal starter, or natural fire starter. Choose the method that fits your setup and how hands-on you want to be, then follow the instructions below.
Choose your Method
Quick Light™ Kit
Quick Light™ Kit
The Quick Light™ uses a honeycomb-style charcoal grate and stainless starter tool for fast, reliable ignition, less ash buildup, cleaner hands, and more even-burning coals.
1. Get your Egg ready
Once the charcoal is loaded, install cooking grid(s).
Close the dome.
Open the rEGGulator® (top) and Draft Door (bottom) completely.
Place the heating element in the charcoal and let the starter do the work. The electric starter lights charcoal quickly without matches, paper, or a gas flame.
1. Bury the Element
Bury the electric starter’s metal heating element completely in charcoal.
Leave the Egg’s dome lid completely open.
2. Turn the Starter On
Plug the starter into a standard outlet and turn it on.
Let the starter heat the charcoal until you see coals begin to glow red.
3. Remove the Starter
Once coals are established, unplug the electric starter and remove it from the Egg.
Place it on a heat-proof surface while it cools.
Never leave a hot electric starter unattended.
Step Four: Bring Your Egg to Temperature
Once the fire is established, close the dome and adjust the rEGGulator® and Draft Door to reach your target temperature. Keep an eye on the thermometer as the Egg heats up. It’s much easier to add heat than take it away — and an overheated Egg takes a while to cool down.
Step Five: Put In Your Components
If you haven't already added cooking components (like grids or deflectors), add them when the thermometer is within 10 degrees of your target cooking temperature.
Adding a heat deflector or Cast Iron Grid will cause temperature to drop slightly, but the Egg will return to temperature as components heat up.
Step Six: Get Cooking
As you approach your target temperature, make small adjustments to the draft door and rEGGulator® to fine-tune the heat. Use the temperature guide for reference, and begin cooking once the temperature holds steady.
FAQ
How much charcoal should I put in my Egg?
Add Big Green Egg Natural Lump Charcoal until it reaches 1/2 to 2 inches below the bottom rim of the Fire Ring. This space leaves enough clearance for different cooking surfaces and accessories while giving you a long, even cook.
How long does it take to light a Big Green Egg?
Exact lighting times will vary based on which method you choose to light your Egg, weather conditions, and other environmental factors.
Can I use lighter fluid in my Big Green Egg?
Never use lighter fluid to light your Big Green Egg. Lighter fluid can damage your Egg's ceramics and lead to inconsistent burns
Do I need to empty the ash after every cook?
For best results, remove excess ash before every cook. Removing ash improves airflow to your fire and will help your Egg come up to temperature.
Can I reuse charcoal from my last cook?
Yes. Close the rEGGulator Cap and Draft Door completely after every cook to extinguish the fire. This allows any unburned charcoal to cool down so it can be used the next time you want to cook on your Egg.
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