Charcoal leaves ash. With the Ash Tool and Ash Removal Pan, ash is easily removed, allowing air to circulate freely inside your Big Green Egg. To heat the EGG quickly to the right temperature and maintain that temperature, oxygen and good airflow are required. The ash shovel fits perfectly into the special ventilation door, avoiding the messy process. If you use Big Green Egg Premium Organic Lump Charcoal, you will notice that it leaves very little ash. The combination of the Ash Removal Pan with the Ash Tool is ideal for removing ash.