This close to getting an excel20

[jeeplaw]

Middle grate. How high should the temp initially raise internally before it settles down?

[AzJohnnyC]

Wow, I don't think I've ever had mine shoot up like that. As soon as I've dumped my lit chimney, I put it together and get the vents set.

[Mike P in Tucson]

You may have used too much lit charcoal.  I only fill my chimney maybe half full, fill the charcoal basket with unlit, then spread the lit coals on top of the unlit.  The temp should start out below 200 then work its way up with all vents open.  When it gets close to your desired temperature, shut down the vents, then start opening them a little at a time until it settles in where you want it.

That's how I do it with my Excel 20, and have never had any temerature spikes.