The people over at the Big Green Egg Company have really outdone themselves. The days of barbeques only functioning as glorified hot dog and hamburger grillers are over.
The Green Egg takes BBQing and grilling to the next level, in multiple ways. The question you’ll be wondering after this review is, is it an oven, grill, or a smoker? The answer is “Yes!”
The Big Green Egg Company
According to the guys over at biggreenegg.com, the design of the barbeque hailed from the Japanese Kamado style grills. Ed Fisher, the founder of the Egg, was a serviceman during World War II and brought one of these grills home.
The design seemed a bit fragile and after a few tweaks and enhancements, he set forth with production. 1974 Saw Ed opening the first store in Atlanta, with the entire shop floor dedicated to selling his Big Green Eggs.
Incorporating ceramic and cleverly placed vents in the design meant that various meals could be cooked, grilled and smoked as the heat levels could be controlled. It is no wonder that Ed’s company is the world’s largest distributor of ceramic cookers.
The smoker itself works well with wood and natural charcoal, creating that smoky taste you’d want and expect. Propane is excluded from this, as it was part of Ed’s dream to grill and smoke food with natural elements.
Big Green Egg Parts And Warranty
Probably one of the best features of the Egg, is the fact that almost every part of the Egg can be replaced if damaged, broken or lost. This includes:
- The Big Green Egg Grill. This is also known as the grid but not to be confused with the optional cast iron grids.
- Draft door
- Dual function metal top
- Spring assisted bands
- Fire grate
- Ceramic damper top
and more at the time of writing this review. Please see your warranty for the exact coverage for your particular egg.
There are several warranties on the Big Green Egg, which differs with the different types of components. You should register and print a copy of your warranty:
- Registration Page: https://biggreenegg.com/contact-us/
- Warranty Page: https://biggreenegg.com/warranty/
Customers are encouraged to check that their Egg says that it is a “Big Green Egg”. Cheap imitations can be found in stores and online.
Compare The Big Green Eggs
When Size Really Does Matter! As with any great appliance, the Egg gives you the freedom of choice.
Big Green Egg Size | Cooking Area | Grid Diameter | Weight |
---|---|---|---|
Mini Egg | 79″ sq. / 507 sq. cm | 10″ / 25 cm | 39 lbs / 18 kg |
MiniMax Egg | 133″ sq. / 856 sq. cm | 13″ / 33 cm | 76 lbs / 35 kg |
Small Egg | 133″ sq. / 856 sq. cm | 13″ / 33 cm | 80 lbs / 36 kg |
Medium Egg | 177″ sq. / 1140 sq. cm | 15″ / 38 cm | 114 lbs / 52 kg |
Large Egg | 262″ sq. / 1699 sq. cm | 18.25″ / 46 cm | 162 lbs / 73 kg |
XL Egg | 452″ sq. / 2919 sq. cm | 24″ / 61 cm | 219 lbs / 99 kg |
XXL Egg | 672″ sq. / 4336 sq. cm | XXXXX | 424 lbs / 192 kg |
Egg Mini
This little number is no reason to sneeze at as it is perfect for a newlywed couple or retired one. Perfect for pairs of chops or chicken breasts, it really is a pack up and go BBQ.
Weighing in at a sturdy 39lbs, it’s not really something you would want to carry on a hiking trip. The grid diameter measures in at 10”, with the cooking area measuring in at 79” sq.
Egg MiniMax
Perfect for a small family who loves travelling, this grill comes with a carrier and slightly larger dome. The grills grid diameter is slightly increased in size.
However, the height of 19.5” and cooking area of 133” sq. really sets the Green Egg cooker apart. With the added size, you can now cook up to four burgers or a 12lbs turkey.
SEE ALSO: Best Frozen Hamburger Patties
An optional feature includes the ability to make your own pizza. Of course you will have to purchase the Pizza & Baking Stone separately.
The MiniMax weighs in at 76lbs.
Egg Small
This little guy is great for small cooking areas like balconies and patios. It is also often used to complement the larger models, to ensure that numerous courses are cooked simultaneously.
This is perfect for those who have ventured beyond the turkeys and burgers and have discovered the ability to roast your very own Jalapenos on the Jalapeno Grill Rack & Corer Set.
The grid diameter and cooking area is the same as the MiniMax, however, it weighs a bit less as it doesn’t include a carrier.
Big Green Egg Medium
You’re finally venturing into inviting your brother and his wife over to try out your Egg, as you can now comfortably fit 4 steaks or vertical racks for smoking ribs.
Your 12lb turkey has upgraded to an 18 pounder with the extra cooking space. It looks great in your backyard, and pretty soon you will start experimenting with the cast iron cooking grid.
The grid diameter has increased to 15 inches and the cooking area to 177” sq. to accommodate the additional awesomeness of the Egg Medium. Weighing in at 114lbs, this is solid cooking power.
Large Big Green Egg
This one is, according to the guys over at biggreenegg.com, the most popular. Looking at it, it’s easy to see why.
- The Big Green Egg table has enough space on the 18.25” grid to cook no less than 8 steaks!
- The deep dish baking stone will also expand your meal plans.
Weighing in at 162lbs, this guy isn’t leaving the backyard in a hurry. 262” sq. cooking area cook 6 chickens simultaneously.
Big Green Egg XL
So you like your family gatherings and you are known to invite everyone at once. The Big Green Egg smoker can accommodate 11 whole chickens.
The grid diameter of 24” and cooking area of 452” sq. really helps getting all those mouths fed. This 219lb smoker and BBQ will amaze even the most discerning guest.
Egg XXLarge
Sometimes it’s simply not enough to just invite your family, you need to invite the neighborhood too! The 29” grid diameter and 672” sq. cooking area will see you roasting up a small pig. No joke!
424lb giant BBQ smoker will accommodate the pig or up to 20 steaks.
Go big or go home… wait, you’re already at home. Okay, sometimes bigger is better!
Big Green Egg Accessories
Of course you can’t have just the egg itself. You will need accessories to compliment your cooking efforts.
The Big Green Egg has got you covered with pretty much everything you need and could want. Here are a few things they cover, but may not be included with a grill purchase:
- Pizza
- Electric Starter
- Baking
- Cookware and Cooking Tools
- Charcoal and Wood Chips
- Egg Covers
- Nests, Handlers, Mates
- Tables & Shelves
For a complete look at their accessories product line visit https://biggreenegg.com/product-category/eggcessories/
My Top 10 Picks For The Best Big Green Egg Accessories
BGE Accessories | Reason To Buy | Price |
---|---|---|
BGE convEGGtor | Converts your BGE into a convection oven. | N/A |
Innovations by Chance Grate Rack | Rack holders to keep you from resting them on the ground. | Check Price |
Aura Outdoor Products HPDE Shelves | Mold and mildew resistant side shelving for large BGEs. | Check Price |
Innovations by Chance Grill Light | Helps you grill in dim lighting. | Check Price |
SmokeWare Stainless Steel Vented Chimney Cap | Helps you control heat and smoke during different weather conditions. | Check Price |
BGE Nest Cover | Protects your BGE from the weather when storing. | Check Price |
BGE Grid Lifter | Makes lifting your grid easier without damaging it. | Check Price |
ThermoPro TP-07 Meat Thermometer | Helps you monitor temperatures of your food and grill. | Check Price |
BGE Natural Charcoal Starters | Makes it easy to get things started without toxic fumes or taste. | Check Price |
Jealous Devil Lump Charcoal | Restaurant quality charcoal that burns 2x as hot and lasts 3x longer than regular charcoal. | Check Price |
You should also consider hand protection such as a quality pair of grilling gloves.
The Big Green Egg Prices
If you’re looking for a Big Green Egg price list online, you won’t find it. Dealers are not permitted to post this information.
*** The following chart is our best price estimates based off forums, blogs, flyers and reviews. The prices do not include extra accessories. These estimated prices are for the bare-bone Egg to get you started.
Big Green Egg Size | Estimated Prices $ USD |
---|---|
Mini Egg | $399 – $500 |
MiniMax Egg | $399 – $500 |
Small Egg | $549 – $700 |
Medium Egg | $649- $800 |
Large Egg | $849 – $1100 |
XL Egg | $1149+ |
XXL Egg | $3999+ |
To find the latest price near you, contact a authorized Big Green Egg Dealer here.
We aren’t a dealer, and are not associated with any Big Green Egg dealers. There are claims that say Costco is a fake Green Egg and not the original, so the price should be much cheaper than it is.
Either way, it’s important to remember that the price will also vary depending on the dealer closest to you.
You may find similar ceramic smokers that cost less than half the price, but the quality and reputation of the Big Green Egg usually trumps competitors. That is of course, you don’t have any neighbors who pressure you in to buying what they have just because you’ve seen theirs work a few times.
Does the Big Green Egg cost matter more to you than its functionality and quality?
Green Egg Tips
Be sure to check out some handy tips and tricks from Big Green Egg enthusiasts, as a few issues users have been stuck with are easily resolved. Check out Chef Tips Big Green Egg Reviews in the video below:
- It is incredibly important to ensure the bottom vents are aligned to ensure enough air comes into the bowl. The top vents also need to be cleared, as debris could block even heat distribution.
- In order to maintain the heat for as long as possible, it is important to place the larger pieces of coal or wood at the bottom and the smaller ones at the top. This is especially important should you want the Egg to burn slow. The wood and charcoal should not go beyond the start of the fire ring.
- Ensure that the gaskets are calibrated to seal the Egg up nice and tight, or else you won’t be able to enjoy temperature control.
- The bottom vent is often forgotten during temperature control and can effectively be used for larger temperature jumps.
- The daisy vent is very effective for small temperature adjustments.
Also check out the BigGreenEggHQ for awesome tips and recipes.
There you have it, a BBQ smoker that can take care of all your outdoor grilling. We think that if you can afford it, you won’t be disappointed.
Do you own a BGE or are you considering buying one? If you own one, please let us know in the comments with your thoughts and experiences to help fellow smokers and grillers who are considering one.
If you’re considering purchasing a BGE, what are your top concerns?
Please give me prices on the large green egg plus a table to go with it metal and or wood.
Do you ever have sales or used slightly ones?
Hi Rebecca,
Unfortunately we don’t sell or distribute any of the Green Egg products. One of the challenges of purchasing these products is the availability locally. You may have to branch out on classified listings and hope something pops up. Sorry we couldn’t help further.
Tara
Where would I purchase a green egg? I live in the Orlando, FL area.
Hi Elle,
It looks like there are a few places in Orlando to check out. Here is the best place to find a dealer closest to you https://biggreenegg.com/find-a-dealer/ .
Getting ready to move to another house. Have cooked on a xl green eggs for at least 15 years and sorry to say I am gonna have to retire during our move… It has performed excellent over the years cooking briskets,turkeys,chickens.pizza and all types of pork. The wheels are shot,the lid wont stay open and the wooden handle is nonexistent,but man have I used it. I’d say a 21 gun salute may be in order ,right before I buy my next green egg