I can't get the temp higher higher than 300 degrees. I open all the vents and stack the charcoal. What am I doing wrong?
1884738
I have used this grill up to 450 degrees with no problem. If I needed to, I probably could go to at least 500 degrees. Maybe you are not using enough charcoal.
1884739
Here's how I do it. If you want a hot fire, use a chimney to get the coals going. If using the Weber one, fill it to about 2 inches from the top, and start with newspaper. When they are starting to grey, pour then into two seperate charcoal baskets, one on each side. For the easiest temperture regulation, always leave the top vent full open, and adjust with the bottom vent. All of the way open equals about 475 with regular charcoal. If you want an even hotter fire, use lump charcoal or lump wood. Be warned, though, that this can damage the lid's finish, and will definitely destroy the thermometer. Here's how I do it. If you want a hot fire, use a chimney to get the coals going. If using the Weber one, fill it to about 2 inches from the top, and start with newspaper. When they are starting to grey, pour then into two seperate charcoal baskets, one on each side. For the easiest temperture regulation, always leave the top vent full open, and adjust with the bottom vent. All of the way open equals about 475 with regular charcoal. If you want an even hotter fire, use lump charcoal or lump wood. Be warned, though, that this can damage the lid's finish, and will definitely destroy the... » Read More Here's how I do it. If you want a hot fire, use a chimney to get the coals going. If using the Weber one, fill it to about 2 inches from the top, and start with newspaper. When they are starting to grey, pour then into two seperate charcoal baskets, one on each side. For the easiest temperture regulation, always leave the top vent full open, and adjust with the bottom vent. All of the way open equals about 475 with regular charcoal. If you want an even hotter fire, use lump charcoal or lump wood. Be warned, though, that this can damage the lid's finish, and will definitely destroy the thermometer. « Show Less
1884740
Get your coals going, brown steaks / pork Chops / chicken with top off. Then put top on & CLOSE vents. You can regulate the temps by opening / closing vents. You may have to add charcoal to raise temps. Happy Grilling.
1884741
let the charcoal get good and white before you put the lid back on the grill and control the heat with the damper on the bottom.
307242
The instructions do not mention use in a charcoal grill. They do say to not use where the temperature is over 486 degrees F.
2159372
Did you soak the wood chips in water? I've used this on our 3-burner gas grill and it took a little trial and error to get the right temp and smoke. I soaked the chips (for at least an hour), packed the box, and placed it between the left 2 burners on med-low setting (low wasn't hot enough to create smoke). I smoked salmon on the right side of the grill over the unheated burner. I propped the grill lid open about 1-2 inches with a block of wood to keep the temp between 190-220 degrees.
1232681
I use my Smokenator in the winter, when the temperature is not far from freezing, and have no problem hitting the required temps (though it takes longer, and the temps go down more every time I open the lid).I would say that it's an issue of air-flow. Make sure the bottom is completely open, and open the top even more. Make sure the ash-trap (no idea what style of bbq you have) is empty as well.Increase the size of the opening on your top vent, every 30 minutes, till you find the setting that lets your bbq go to the desired temperature (and then make a mental note).
1598240
Use the top vent to control temperature. I wouldn't full the charcoal more than 3/4 for smoking.
2215477
I have had the temp on max while using the disk& had no problems. Either you got a bad disk or your burner is going higher than it is set for.
1881796
On each side of the charcoal tray is a bracket with three (3) levels. Simply raise or lower the tray to the desired height. Even at it's highest level the coals are about 5-6 inches from the food, but it cooks as fast as any other grill I've ever used and doesn't blaze up very much.
1914068
I never have that problem but what I can recommend is that you buy an oven thermometer because I didn't know it but my new oven was running 50 degrees hot. Sounds like you have that kind of problem. Just because your oven says it's 350, doesn't mean it's true! Good luck!
404996
I have used charcoal brickets and fluid with good results. Don't skimp on the size of the pile, as when you spread them out they won't provide sufficient heat. Don't know about other fuel types.
1008551
Turn up the heat... It sounds like its not hot enough... I run mine as hot as I can get it.
35462
I had the same problem. I solved it by replacing the charcoal "bowl" with something that was much better ventilated. This allowed the charcoal to burn much better and not get smothered due to lack of oxygen. Since then, I've found other people solved this same problem by drilling holes in the charcoal "bowl".
612339
It depends on how high the burner is set to and how long you get it going. You get to 400 degrees quickly. I don't know if you want the temp to be higher than that to cook anything unless you want to burn the food to turn to charcoal.
743212
I don't usually go that high on the grill as far as the temp. The 300 seems to work for what I am cooking like French Toast and Hash browns and sausages. Maybe that is why I haven't raised the temp it may have gotten to hot. I didn't notice. Its super easy to clean also. I love this. I would get a second if I had the space or money. The lid is great to keep the dust off it as I store mine on top of the fridge. Its not very heavy either.
596302
Make sure it is not over filled with coal. Adequate ventilation in combination with air flow adjustments both top and bottom should increase temperature.
931448
I have been using Kingsford charcoal that is very successful. Using the temperature gauge at the top of the kettle is the key, however!!!! In accordance with the instructions, I also did a trial run to make sure I understood how it works.
2163577
I don't know what the highest temperature it can stand, we have only used it in the kitchen oven for pizza and usually have the oven set for 400 degrees. My guess is that even thought your grill showed 550 if the stone was sitting over the direct heat of the burners that temperature would have been higher. I would also suggest that the stone be pre-heated.
924853
I believe the instructions said 350 degrees F. Not good to heat Teflon higher than that in general as it releases fumes that are not healthy according to several articles I have read.