2024 Update:
Original Post:
Eric found a killer deal on an XL Green Egg locally, and made the purchase after drooling over one for years. She was lightly used, and in very good shape. Pictured here after reassembly and clean up.
The purpose of the post was likely caused by the moving process. The Egg had to be completely disassembled in order to move it from the backyard it was located in, which had not one but two flights of stairs. This model weighs in around 250 pounds, which is too heavy for two people to lift and carry.
Our first cook went off without a hitch, but when we were putting the grill away, we noticed this crack in the firebox. Not wanting to spend $200 on a new one, we looked into options for repair.
General consensus said refractory cement was the way to go, and we decided it was cheap enough to give a whirl. We only needed about an ounce, and should have ordered a smaller amount.
Construction paper is down, and the firebox leveled for drying.
Lots of cement packed into the crack edges prior to assembly, and a little more for good measure. This product recommended 24 hours air dry prior to fire kiln.
The reason for the crack is there was a level difference in the bottom of the Egg. The crack separated prior to kilning, and was recovered with cement to cure in the configuration it settled into. The fire ring was added on top during the air cure, to aid in finding the new level the firebox was looking for.
Fire kiln at 250F, then at 500F. Good as new, and saved a ton of money. Time will tell how it holds up if it needs to be removed again.