Broil King Keg top vent freezing shut

ubp_sanity · 01-17-2013, 06:20 PM

So, I've been trying to cook with my keg recently, but the top vent has been frozen shut. Right now I'm in the cycle of opening up the lid to feed the charcoal some oxygen, then closing the lid to try and heat it up, then hoping the fire hasn't been too starved, opening up the lid and doing it all over again until the vent can open.

Just wondering if anyone has ran into this before and what did they do? If there was a way of preventing it from sticking shut in the first place? Last time it was warm, I thought of leaving it open, so it could freeze open,,,, but forgot last time.

rustypouch · 01-17-2013, 07:00 PM

I keep mine covered, but when I didn't and it froze shut, I found that a chimney of lump, with the lower vent wide open, is enough that I can open the top vent with a a bit of force after a few minutes.

Just try not to go too hot, as keg takes forever for the temp to come down.

HankB · 01-17-2013, 08:01 PM

I feel your pain, at least a little.

I started a smoke two days following an ice storm and with no above freezing weather in between.

Luckily the ice melted away in a couple minutes with the lid cracked open.

ubp_sanity · 01-17-2013, 08:09 PM

It took about 30 mins for the temp to come up enough to open the vent.

I just realized that I've got a Looftlighter that I could point at the vent, but that heat kinda scares me pointed there.

ubp_sanity · 01-17-2013, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HankB

Luckily the ice melted away in a couple minutes with the lid cracked open.

actually, that's an idea, somehow prop the lid open a little, that'll help feed the fire

JS-TX · 01-17-2013, 08:30 PM

Well mine doesnt ever freeze but it does get stuck from time to time. I just hit it with my mapp torch and it loosens up pretty fast.

Bama Ron · 01-17-2013, 08:58 PM

Move to Alabama.....

tish · 01-17-2013, 10:06 PM

Try balling up a couple pieces of tin foil, and wedge them between the bottom and the lid to prop it open a bit so your fire has oxygen. Should thaw you out quickly.

1MoreFord · 01-17-2013, 10:18 PM

If you have electricity available, try a hair dryer or heat lamp. If you don't then use a propane torch.

ubp_sanity · 01-17-2013, 11:51 PM

I like the idea of keeping the lid open a touch, seems the best bet.

I also like the idea of moving south, but not to Alabama, it'd be more like Cozumel where I'd go, I'm going to assume the diving is better there :-)

And a hair dryer is not an option, don't have one, got nothing to use it on, the razor takes care of that..

Thanks everyone, I think the foil balls will be the best. As for now, the fire is out, the vent is slightly open and it's snowing....

01-17-2013, 06:20 PM	#1
ubp_sanity Knows what a fatty is. Join Date: 07-30-12 Location: Kitchener, Ont	Broil King Keg top vent freezing shut So, I've been trying to cook with my keg recently, but the top vent has been frozen shut. Right now I'm in the cycle of opening up the lid to feed the charcoal some oxygen, then closing the lid to try and heat it up, then hoping the fire hasn't been too starved, opening up the lid and doing it all over again until the vent can open. Just wondering if anyone has ran into this before and what did they do? If there was a way of preventing it from sticking shut in the first place? Last time it was warm, I thought of leaving it open, so it could freeze open,,,, but forgot last time.

01-17-2013, 08:01 PM	#3
HankB is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 01-16-12 Location: Winfield, IL	I feel your pain, at least a little. I started a smoke two days following an ice storm and with no above freezing weather in between. Luckily the ice melted away in a couple minutes with the lid cracked open. __________________ Weber Crazy

01-17-2013, 08:58 PM	#7
Bama Ron Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 12-26-11 Location: Fairhope, Alabama	Move to Alabama..... __________________ - Weber Kettle -Chargiller Akorn -Masterbuilt Vertical *NOT a member of the Secret Squirrel Society because it does not exist! :crazy: KCBS CBJ

01-17-2013, 10:06 PM	#8
tish Quintessential Chatty Farker Join Date: 11-13-11 Location: york, pa	Try balling up a couple pieces of tin foil, and wedge them between the bottom and the lid to prop it open a bit so your fire has oxygen. Should thaw you out quickly. __________________ When all else fails, just ask yourself ?Quid faceret Gore et Landarc??* ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Just a little pyro at heart! Who's got the hot dogs? Bubba Keg, Weber Genesis E-310 NG Mini WSM, Shhh!!! Michael's surprise Cornflower Blue Thermapen Might not be the fastest, but it sure is the prettiest! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Proud recipient of a certifiably uncertified limited edition MOINK ball certificate!!

01-17-2013, 10:18 PM	#9
1MoreFord Babbling Farker Join Date: 03-14-05 Location: Central Arkansas Name/Nickname : Joe	If you have electricity available, try a hair dryer or heat lamp. If you don't then use a propane torch. __________________ Joe Falcon MK V gaseous grill w/Grill Grates, OK Joe Longhorn w/ vertical - now gone, Char Griller Akorn, Camp Chef PG24SG, Weber 22" OTG w/SNS components

01-17-2013, 07:00 PM	#2
rustypouch Is lookin for wood to cook with. Join Date: 06-14-12 Location: Calgary, AB	I keep mine covered, but when I didn't and it froze shut, I found that a chimney of lump, with the lower vent wide open, is enough that I can open the top vent with a a bit of force after a few minutes. Just try not to go too hot, as keg takes forever for the temp to come down.

01-17-2013, 08:09 PM	#4
ubp_sanity Knows what a fatty is. Join Date: 07-30-12 Location: Kitchener, Ont	It took about 30 mins for the temp to come up enough to open the vent. I just realized that I've got a Looftlighter that I could point at the vent, but that heat kinda scares me pointed there.

01-17-2013, 08:30 PM	#6
JS-TX is Blowin Smoke! Join Date: 02-17-10 Location: San Antonio, TX	Well mine doesnt ever freeze but it does get stuck from time to time. I just hit it with my mapp torch and it loosens up pretty fast.

01-17-2013, 11:51 PM	#10
ubp_sanity Knows what a fatty is. Join Date: 07-30-12 Location: Kitchener, Ont	I like the idea of keeping the lid open a touch, seems the best bet. I also like the idea of moving south, but not to Alabama, it'd be more like Cozumel where I'd go, I'm going to assume the diving is better there :-) And a hair dryer is not an option, don't have one, got nothing to use it on, the razor takes care of that.. Thanks everyone, I think the foil balls will be the best. As for now, the fire is out, the vent is slightly open and it's snowing....