The Big Green Egg is an outstanding piece of outdoor cooking equipment that can last a lifetime with proper maintenance. An essential part of its durability and performance lies in the gasket, which ensures a secure and temperature-resistant seal. Over time the gasket may wear down and require replacement. This article will guide you through the steps to change a gasket on a Big Green Egg without removing the lid.
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How the Gasket Works on a Kamado Grill
A properly functioning gasket is crucial for maintaining the efficiency and performance of your Big Green Egg. It provides an airtight seal that helps retain heat and control the temperature inside the cooker using the air vents, enhancing your cooking experience and the quality of your food.
Over time, due to high temperatures and regular usage, the gasket can wear out, resulting in heat loss, improper temperature swings, and inefficient cooking. That’s when you know it’s time to change it.
In a few simple steps you can change the gasket in under 10 minutes.
Materials Needed
- A new Big Green Egg gasket kit, or similar aftermarket gasket kit
- A scraper or putty knife
- Scissors
- Standard rubbing alcohol or acetone, to help rid the edges of the dome of any adhesive residue.
- Paper towels
The Process: Replacing Your Big Green Egg Gasket
Be sure to do this when your BGE is completely cool and not in use.
Step 1: Assessing the Current Gasket
Before you start replacing the gasket, you need to assess its current condition. If you notice the gasket is frayed, thinning, coming off, or not sealing properly, then it’s time for a replacement.
Overbite/Underbite: Sometimes, if you see smoke coming out of the edge or back of a BGE, check first to see if it’s the gasket, or an overbite or underbite (or combination of both). An over or underbite means the lid has moved forward or back and won’t align with the bottom of the BGE. Be sure the top and bottom are aligned as well using a wrench. If you have fixed an overbite or underbite and it still shows smoke escaping then you know you need to replace the gasket as well.
Step 2: Removing the Old Gasket
Start by scraping off the old gasket. You can use a scraper or a putty knife for this purpose. Be careful not to scratch the ceramic surface while doing so. If the gasket is stubborn, you may consider using a hairdryer or heat gun to heat it up, making it easier to remove.
Step 3: Cleaning the Surface
Once you have removed the old gasket, there will likely be some residual adhesive left on the surface. Use a cloth or paper towel soaked in rubbing alcohol or acetone to clean it off. Allow the surface to dry thoroughly before proceeding to the next step.
Step 4: Applying the New Gasket
Take your new gasket from the kit and carefully apply it around the base of the Big Green Egg. Make sure it aligns properly and sticks firmly. As you apply the gasket, make sure not to stretch or pull it. Doing so can lead to issues with the seal in the future.
One trick we have found is to leave a little bit of extra gasket so that when you finish the ring you can really be sure there is no gap from where you started and finished. Even a small hole can open up airflow and change the thermal dynamics in the grill.
Repeat this with the lid top.
Step 5: Seating the Gasket
Once the new gasket is applied, close the lid of the Big Green Egg and latch it shut. Let the new gasket set and bond, with the lid closed, for about 24 hours. This process will ensure a better seal.
Maintaining Your Big Green Egg
With a brand-new gasket installed, your Big Green Egg is ready to offer you many more years of top-notch grilling and smoking. This may be a good time to do clean your Egg as well.
Remember that the key to longevity is regular maintenance, so don’t neglect your gasket. Keep an eye on its condition, and don’t hesitate to replace it when needed. Now, you’re ready to fire up the grill and enjoy some fantastic cooking on your Big Green Egg!
Video Tutorial
Ways to Avoid Blowing Your Gasket
One way to avoid having to replace the gasket any more than you need to is to consider the following advice.
Regular Maintenance
One of the key methods of ensuring your gasket doesn’t blow out is through regular maintenance. Make sure to clean your grill after each use, removing any residue that could cause the gasket to deteriorate. Also, check the gasket for wear and tear regularly, and replace it if necessary.
Proper Cooking Temperatures
Avoid using extremely high temperatures over 650 degrees unless absolutely necessary, as the heat can deteriorate the gasket over time. Instead, try to keep the temperature within the recommended range for the type of cooking you’re doing.
Gradual Preheating and Cooling
Try to preheat and cool your Big Green Egg gradually. Sudden changes in temperature can lead to thermal shock, which can damage the gasket.
Avoid Overloading the Egg
Overloading the grill can cause food and grease to spill over onto the gasket, which can lead to its deterioration. Try to maintain a balance of what you’re cooking to avoid this issue.
Correct Lid Closure
When closing the lid of your Big Green Egg, be gentle and ensure it’s properly aligned. Slamming the lid or misalignment can cause unnecessary pressure on the gasket, leading to its premature wear and tear.
With these measures in place, you can significantly increase the lifespan of your gasket and maintain the excellent performance of your Big Green Egg.
Other Big Green Egg and Grill Resources
You can browse our BGE resources or scroll through some of our favorites.
- How To Remove Mold from a Kamado Grill – It happens, and we walk through exactly how to remove mold so your BGE is back to new and ready to use.
- How to Grill Pizza on the Big Green Egg – Learn how to make the perfect pizza using the BGE with a pizza stone and the ConvEGGtor plate.
- How to Grill on a Big Green Egg – Learn the basic method for grilling with direct and indirect grilling on a BGE.
- How to Smoke on a Gas Grill – We walk through how to use a wood chip box and smoke on a gas grill.
Also check out our guide on how to winterize your grill if you are winding down for your cooking season.
Mary (a certified sommelier and recipe developer) and Sean (backyard pitmaster) are co-authors of the critically acclaimed cookbook, Fire + Wine, and have been creating content for the IACP nominated website Vindulge since 2009. They live in Oregon on a farm just outside Portland.
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