Originally Posted by
edw
It will adversely affect the taste of whatever you cook in the new egg forever. The ceramic interior is porous to a certain extent and will absorb the odor and distribute the odor into the food. Never even in an emergency situation ever use lighter fluid or cubes of charcoal or ever use self starting charcoal....only real wood chunks or lump charcoal. If you run out of starters and forget to get more...you can use cotton balls soaked in rubbing alcohol which will work without contaminating the egg shell. Clif's idea works well as long as you are ok using a torch and are aware of you surroundings...he is another wonderful source of knowledge here on the forum owning multiple eggs! Do not be scared of the price of lump charcoal....whatever does not burn when you shut the egg down can be used for the next time you fire it up...that is why Clif has suggested the Kick ash basket... its nice and helpful in saving left over coals... and I have one as well...just forgot to mention it to you...This as you will soon find out...is a new way to cook on a grill that will involve some devoted time to perfect, with each method you give a try to...after some saddle time, you'll never go back to a conventional grill! Make sure that you properly register the new egg and you will be able to get warranty assistance on almost anything that wears out ...the shell, the grates, the seals, etc. with excellent customer service provided by your selling egg approved dealer...