The Big Green Egg

[ww2farmer]

I am sick of gas grills. Any one have a Big Green Egg? Likes? Dis-likes? Or can you recommend something else?

[clayton86]

I've wanted one forever never got one though

[slonezp]

My bro-in-law has one. He loves it. I think you need to buy all the accessories to really get your moneys worth. Fans and thermometers and whatnot.

[Long Mike]

I'm sick of gas grills also.  In any sort of wind, ya just can't control the heat.  I've heard good things about the Egg, but know of no one who owns one.  I've reverted back to my trusty Weber.  Anyone want to buy a five-burner propane grill?  It's all yours, but you pay shipping.

[RAMBLER]

I looked at the "big green egg", in stores.  The large one, set in a wooden roll around base was $1400.00.  Looks really nice, but for that price, I think I will just go to my favorite BBQ place and let someone else cook and a waitress serve me.

[derekxec]

ive seen them being used a few times on that bbq pitmasters show...ive been looking into getting one too if i get it before you ill let you know how it works out

[Ohio Dave]

guys don't buy one until you have been over to the web site smoke ring.com.  I do  a ton of bbq and some pro catering  and hang out there from time to the time.  I use a stick burning smoker so I don't have direct experience with these but do know a couple of things

 

first: they are not all created even close to equal.  the real big green egg has great reviews and folks swear by them but the copys are often very frustrating to use

 

also switching from gas to charcoal and wood will blow the roof off the flavor but takes a lot more time and prep.  it frustrates some guys who want to push a button and flip some burgers or a steak (not knocking them but you have to know that going in)

 

wind will always be an issue even with the egg (but less I think?)

 

the green egg can do both with the right set ups

just work with your dealer and know what you want to do going in. 

 

the down side of the egg seems to me to be that it is slower than gas to get going and is not as big of a cooking area as some grills   so know what you want to do before you spend the coins

 

and get your eat'n pants out as bbq and charcoal grilling will ruin you from ever eating off gas again

 

next know that bbq is not the same as grilling: ribs and pulled pork are over the top good as bbq but poor grilled (indirect and 250F for hours verses direct heat and 350+ F)

[flyfisher]

It is on my short list as well but they are pricey.  I have a friend with one and that thing is incredible and probably the most versatile grill out there.  You can get it super hot and sear steaks or go low and slow for shoulders and brisket.  The other thing i like, since i have an overactive 3 year old is that it never really gets to hot on the outside so chances of him burning himself is pretty low.

 

For now i have a weber kettle and it does a good job of smoking meats and grilling and for the price, there probably isn't anything better out there.  I have also found that while the wait time to get started is a little slower it really isn't that much.  If i am grilling some burger, steaks chicken or whatever i just go outside, get the chimney starter going then go back and get all the meats ready.  By the time i am done that the grill is ready to go so really no more time in my mind just an additional step to do while you are preparing everything else.

[sarcazmo]

My parents have a big green egg.  Amazing griller/smoker/baker/ whatever you want to do machine!

 

Absolutely love it.  Wish I could afford one.

[flechero]

Green egg's and Primo's are all they are cracked up to be.  I have 2 brothers that cater and do competition- one uses the Primo as his at home grill/smoker, the other a pellet grill/smoker. (they use a big custom trailer rig for catering and comp) You can cook some amazing food on any of them.  But all have their strengths and weaknesses and there will never be a single best option...   for guys like us that grill, smoke and cook a lot- you'll want a couple options.  I've always got 2 weber kettles here and currently have been using a pellet grill for my smoking, as my stick smoker is at my other brother's house.  I've never owned a gas grill.  The weber smokes well but it's a labor intensive cook to tend the temps.  Best to decide what you like or cook the most and buy the option that leans that way.

 

The pellet grill is pretty easy and versatile... the Yoder's Traeger's and the GMG are able to go as low as 200 at the cooking surface up to about 475-600 (depending on which models).  It is nice when the weather sucks- you can set it to the temp you want and pellet and airflow are computer controlled... it will stay within 5 or so degrees, regardless of wind.  Rain is more of an issue but a simple pop up cover can fix that.  You can also change on the fly with a push of a button which is nice when you are cooking lots of different stuff. 

 

I'll be honest though, for everyday grilling needs- you just can't beat the original Weber kettle. (specifically the 22.5" version)  It's the one that gets used the most... at least 3-4 times a week.  The "fancy" stuff gets used mostly on weekends.

[MDBowHunter]

If you have the coin to get it, don't think twice. But to be honest I'm with flechero on this one as I use the Weber 22.5" guy, and I have his tiny brother that I take on day trips when it's just me and the wife. All of my BBQing gets done on a Masterbuilt gas smoker which does an awesome job. The one thing about the BGE is dont ever and I mean ever use charcoal lighter fluid in it. Use a charcoal starter or you'll never get the burned fluid smell and taste out of it.

[llPa1nll]

BGE's are ok, they have their drawbacks like every other cooker. unless you are putting down huge amounts of money the cooking area is small, they are very heavy, they are fragile. I use 2 WSMs 1 18.5" and a 22.5", to do my smoking. I also use 1 22.5 Weber Charcoal grill and a Weber Performer, for grilling. You can definitely do anything you want on a BGE its just not practical for everyone. I don't own a gas grill and never plan too. However I do love my collection of Weber cookers.