With the 20" diameter grills or bigger, we have the ability to manage the lump by sectioning the firebox. It's a fantastic way to shrink the grill for small grilling cooks or with some grills, create different temperature zones.
Please note, what follows is only recommended for grilling cooks. If you try this on a low & slow, BBQ cook - good chance you'll need to reload on lump.
XL Lump Reducing Rings
We offer two types of Reducing Rings. The first is an Open Bar Ring with an open outer wall. The second is a Solid Sheet Ring with a solid outer wall. Why offer two?
The Open Bar Rings allows air movement on all sides. This lets the lump come up to temperature quicker. The only drawback is very small chunks can fall out of the ring. The Solid Sheet Ring mimics the firebox by moving air through the lump grate. Having a solid wall, the lump stays corralled in the ring.
We recommend the open bar ring. The lump comes to temperature quicker and we don't mind the stray bits falling through.
The rings are approximately 14" - 14.5" in diameter. They are 3.5" tall. Lump wise, each holds approximately the same amount of lump as the firebox on the Large Big Green Egg, roughly 3 - 4 pounds.
The Open Bar Ring (above left) includes four, 1/4" rings welded to four vertical studs. The open area between rings is 7/8". The Open Bar Ring weighs over 2 pound and is fabricated with 304 Grade Stainless Steel. It's designed to take the punishment that comes from high heat burns.
The Solid Sheet Ring (above right) is rolled from 14 gauge, 304 Stainless Sheet stock. The solid wall design emulates conventional airflow with air moving through the lower lump grate. One ring is welded at the center roll to enhance stiffness. The Solid Sheet Ring weighs over four pounds - it's fabricated to take the punishment.
To insert the Open or Solid XL Lump Reducing Ring, just slide the Ring back and forth until it slips past the lump pieces. We recommend filling the Lump Reducing Ring half full of lump on your first cook. It’s the best way to gauge temperature control. Chances are you’ll find the temperatures generated from a half loaded Ring sufficient to do just about any quick grilling cook. Also, lump outside the Open and Solid Wall Ring can ignite, so use it to fill the Ring when getting started.
You may wonder why we did not add a bottom to the Ring, creating a bucket. Without a bottom, the Ring inserts easily into the partially filled firebox. If it had a bottom, you would need to scoop out the lump, insert the bucket and then scoop the lump back inside the bucket.
You can set cast iron grids right on the Rings. It's a great spot to do the high temp cooks right above the lump. Pictured below is a Large (18") cast iron grid for the Large Big Green Egg on the Solid Sheet Ring.
Note the nice fit of the large CI grid inside the fire ring. It's this great fit that makes the 18CI our preferred cast iron grid to use with the XL Spider or XL Woo Ring.
The Lump Reducing Rings do not interfere with the Kick Ash Basket.
One last note: It should not take long for the Lump Reducing Rings to pay for itself. Just consider how much lump you’ll save on small grilling cooks!
Warning - High Temps
Ever wonder about how hot the temperatures get inside the lump. The two temperature readings were taken in the lump with a data-logger. The readings are Fahrenheit.
So, when using the Ang-L Brackets or Lump Reducing Rings, it is important that you understand and follow the procedures detailed below.
- WHEN TO SET OR HANDLE THE XL ANG-L BRACKETS OR LUMP REDUCING RINGS: Set the XL Ang-L or Lump Reducing Rings on the lump grate prior to lighting the lump. Do not handle or remove either during the cook or when the lump is burning. Let the grill come to ambient (cool) temperatures before handling any of the equipment inside the grill. Wear adequate hand and body protection.
- FLASHBACK: For protection, anyone using the ceramic grill needs to understand the principals and preventive methods surrounding a Flashback, including Flashbacks from the lower slider vent, felt rim opening and/or top daisy wheel vent. Please consult your ceramic grill manufacturer or retailer for Flashback details and preventative measures before attempting any cook in the ceramic grill. Keep children away from the grill, especially the lower slider opening, at all times.
- The dome thermometer or remote temperature probes positioned above the fire ring are not an accurate measure of the temperatures in the fire ring and firebox. The temperatures in the fire ring and firebox are much higher. Lump burns in excess of 1000 degrees Fahrenheit.
