The Big Green Egg (BGE) entered the world as a charcoal grill inspired by an ancient design. While it was not the first kamado grill on the market, it has taken the world by storm. So, why should you consider purchasing a Big Green Egg?

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It is one piece of cooking equipment that can sear a steak, bake a pizza, or smoke a pork shoulder. That’s the promise of the Kamado Grill, and it delivers without any fancy electronics, wireless apps, and temperature control systems. You simply build a charcoal fire (preferably lump charcoal) and adjust vents by hand. Don’t get me wrong, these Big Green Eggs are among the most expensive charcoal grills you can buy.

The Kamado Grill

Kamado-style grills are based on ancient cooking technology and were adapted into grilling units in the 1940s. Prior to this, they were primarily used as rice cookers and for heating large pots. The original design focused on building an efficient fire with controlled airflow. Today, kamado grills are capable of maintaining temperatures over an extended period with less fuel than any other type of charcoal grill.

What really makes this ceramic grill so popular is its versatility. These grills can easily reach temperatures over 700° F, which is hotter than most gas grills. They also make the perfect pizza oven and can hold low smoking temperatures, around 225° F, for several hours. In fact, you can safely operate them overnight at this low temperature without needing to add fuel or closely monitor them.

A Kamado Grill is a fantastic grill and an incredible smoker. It offers the best of both worlds in a single unit that doesn’t take up a lot of patio space. Are you looking to prepare a restaurant-quality steak? How about a tender smoked brisket? A Kamado grill excels at these tasks and is one of the best pieces of outdoor cooking equipment you can invest in.

Why Invest in a Big Green Egg

Every year, thousands of fans of the Big Green Egg gather at Eggtoberfest events worldwide. The company itself didn’t initiate these festivals. It was the early owners of these grills, aka Eggheads. They wanted a space to gather, share recipes, and learn new cooking techniques, which in turn contributed to this product’s success.

From these gatherings and the initial conversations on the internet, word began to spread, and Big Green Egg listened. By considering suggestions, ideas, and collaborations, they were able to make improvements, resign products, and create new accessories. Kamado grilling and smoking became a group effort that included thousands of enthusiasts. What is purchased today is the direct result of these conversations.

Big Green Egg Price List

As expected, prices are subject to change at any time. I work diligently to keep this list up to date, but if you spot an error, please inform me. Please note that the prices listed are for the grills only. Nests, tables, and other mounting options are available at an additional cost (see packages below).

Big Green Egg Models

Mini

• 79 square inches of cooking space (10 inches diameter)
• Height of 17 inches
• 39 pounds total weight

This tiny tabletop grill can handle a pair of steaks or up to four hamburger patties. Consider this a great little grill for two people and a small patio. It is best suited for direct, high-temperature grilling.

Small

• 13-inch diameter cooking surface (133 square inches)
• Height of 24 inches
• 80 pounds total weight

The height of the small provides a little more versatility than the Mini or the Mini Max models. The 13-inch cooking grate is large enough for up to six burgers, one whole chicken, or four small steaks.

Mini Max

• 13-inch diameter cooking area (132 square inches)
• Height of 18 inches
• Total weight of 76 pounds

The Mini Max is a steak grilling machine. In fact, it is used in a number of restaurants for just that purpose. The size is right to grill a pair of large ribeye steaks, but not much more. For super hot and fast grilling, this is an amazing little cooker.

Medium

• 15-inch diameter cooking surface (177 square inches)
• Height of 26 inches
• Total weight of 115 pounds

The Medium Egg is the smallest grill that can be relied on for doing indirect heating. You will need the convEGGtor accessory (diffuser plate), but you can smoke low and slow on this unit without any trouble. The small cooking area is going to make many foods difficult, but you can fit a few racks of ribs on here if you want.

Large

• 18-inch diameter cooking surface (255 square inches)
• Height 29 inches
• Total weight of 162 pounds

The Large Big Green Egg is the most popular size and has been since the company started. It gives you the most grill for the money. Add in the diffuser for indirect grilling and smoking, and you will be able to create fantastic barbecue brisket. One brisket, but still a great one.

XL

• 24-inch diameter cooking surface (452 square inches)
• Height 27 inches
• Total weight of 217 pounds

The XL is my favorite size. It is large enough to allow for indirect grilling and smoking without the use of the diffuser plate. And you would still have well over 200 square inches of cooking space. Enough for a couple of pork butts. With the diffuser, you can smoke a couple of whole briskets or enough chicken wings to feed all the football fans in a small city.

2XL

• 29-inch diameter cooking surface (672 square inches)
• Height 30 inches
• Total weight: 375 pounds

The 2XL is a monster. At nearly 400 pounds, it will break through your wood deck. It also has a massive cooking area and consumes a lot of all-natural lump charcoal. This model is best for commercial use, country clubs, or restaurants.

How to Purchase a Big Green Egg

You cannot purchase these kamado grills online, nor at any big box store. If you find them there, be careful. Purchasing from a nonauthorized dealer can void any warranty. The Big Green Egg Website has a list of authorized retailers from which you can choose. Ace Hardware Stores are the only large retailer on the list.

Big Green Egg Packages

You’re unlikely to buy just the grill body without a stand (Nest). Big Green Egg offers a wide range of stands and enclosures for your Egg, as well as more accessories than you can store in a standard garage. Most dealers offer package deals on accessories and stands. Overall, this is the most effective way to purchase one of these grills.

Big Green Egg Accessories

Big Green Egg is not only the most recognized name in Kamado Grills but also the largest manufacturer of Kamado accessories. If it can be imagined, they probably already have it. This list includes more than an ash tool and fire starters (by the way, never use lighter fluid in a ceramic cooker).

The company emphasizes the EGG part of its name. It incorporates this word into every piece of marketing and product name. Sometimes, this means naming something that isn’t obvious and incorporating EGG into the name. It’s good for brand recognition, I suppose. I have translated these names to give you a clearer understanding of their meanings and functions.

Nest:

Eggs are found in nests, and Big Green Eggs can be placed in these metal nest-like cages. Typically, these are four-legged metal frameworks with large wheels on the bottom. Fold-down side tables, known as ‘nest mates,’ can be added to the nests. These cages are durable and make it easier to move your grill. They come with two locking casters (wheels), so your grill doesn’t wander off.

convEGGtor:

A play on the words convection and convector, the convEGGtor was once commonly known as the platesetter. For the Big Green Egg, this is a larger ceramic plate with three legs that fits inside the grill. It transforms the grill into an indirect oven for low and slow cooking. Of all the accessories sold, this is the one that I recommend the most. While the deflector plate isn’t as beneficial for the Mini, Small, or Mini Max sizes, it adds significant versatility to the larger sizes. For increased versatility of the larger sizes, the convEGGtor is a must.

EGGspander:

This series of accessories was introduced recently to expand (pun intended) the versatility of the Big Green Egg. Basically, it is a metal frame that can be attached to various accessories. It fits the standard cooking grate and the convEGGtor but adds a series of full—and half-moon parts like grids, pizza stones, and griddles. It is a great accessory, but not a necessary one.

rEGGulator:

Translation: top vent or damper. This accessory comes standard with your Egg but might need periodic replacement every ten years. This vent is used to control the temperature. The bottom vent is for larger temperature settings.

The Warranty

The ceramic parts of all Big Green Egg sizes carry a limited lifetime warranty. Registration is required to make a claim, so if you buy one, register it before using it. All metal components come with a 5-year warranty, and wood components (the handle) have a 1-year warranty. These warranties apply to “normal and reasonable residential use.”

About Me

I have been writing about Barbecue & Grilling for 25 years. I have cooked on almost every grill or smoker ever built. In that time, I have endeavored to match people with the grill or smoker that was right for them. The ideal product is user-friendly, fulfills all your needs, and is dependable. If you have a good first experience, you will be back for more. In this way, we grow BBQ for the next generation. I want you to make memories that you and your loved ones will cherish.

Affiliate Disclosure

This article and the website it appears on use sales affiliates to cover the cost of operation. If you purchase a product through the links provided, a portion of the sale will go to me. This helps me create content so I can help you and others have the best barbecue experience. I am grateful to all my readers over the years who have assisted me in exploring outdoor cooking. Thank you.

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