Widely acclaimed as the original American-designed ceramic cooker, the Big Green Egg was derived from an ancient clay cooking device known as a “kamado”. Originally a clay vessel with a lid, today’s EGG® is a modern ceramic marvel known for producing amazing culinary results for novice and experts alike for over thirty years! Often copied, never matched… there is only one, Original Big Green Egg –The Ultimate Cooking Experience!
Grilling out on the patio, in your outdoor kitchen, at the camp, and tailgating is an tradition and an experience. The Big Green Egg embraces that mindset. But what exactly sets the Big Green Egg apart from traditional charcoal and propane grills? The Egg’s versatility in terms of size, temperature control, accessories, and cooking styles make it the perfect platform for grilling enthusiasts. If you’ve prefer charcoal, or are looking to transition from propane, or simply need an upgrade for your patio, here is everything you need to know about the Big Green Egg.
The Big Green Egg is a charcoal grill that can be used to smoke, grill, roast, and bake. Due to the Egg’s unique design it actually acts as a chimney. You can use an electric lighter or a paraffin fire starter cube to ignite the charcoal; never use lighter fluid.
The Big Green Egg was originally designed by Ed Fischer in Atlanta, Georgia in 1974. Fischer based his design after a centuries-old Chinese grill that was later used as a Komodo in 3rd-Century Japan.
One of the most popular capabilities the Big Green Egg offers is baking. Because of the ceramic material and the exceptional temperature control, you can cook anything from pizzas to breads, and beyond in the Big Green Egg.
The Big Green Egg is available in seven different sizes, meaning you can choose the model that works best for your needs and space. The Mini offers a 10” grill grid, which can accommodate about two large chicken breasts. The 2XL is the largest version, which can cook 40 hamburgers in one session. The Large is the most popular size, but there are other options.
There are different stands and tables that are made for the Big Green Egg. These stands can make it easier to move your grill. Whether it is back and forth from where you store it, or repositioning it around your patio or deck. If you would prefer to bring your Big Green Egg tailgating, camping, or on a picnic, the Mini Big Green Egg is the perfect solution.
The Big Green Egg has a variety of accessories that can expand its capabilities. A few popular items include: The EGGspander is a flexible cooking system that changes the way your grill can perform. It allows you to cook low, cook high, as well as directly and indirectly. Remote thermometers are also helpful add-ons that allow you to monitor the grill’s temperature with out the need to be next to it. Electric fire starters also make getting your Big Green Egg ready to cook faster and easier. Pizza stones, cast iron cookware, and a wide array of other products available to enhance your grilling experience.
Because of the Egg’s design allows efficient airflow circulation, lighting the charcoal is always quick and easy. You can use an electric lighter to ignite the charcoal. You can also use charcoal starters. With the draft door open you can place the starters in the center of the charcoal and light. After replacing the stainless steel grid, wait 7-10 minutes before closing the lid. Your Egg should reach cooking temperature 10 to 15 minutes later.
Common Egg slang includes “burping”. Burping the Big Green Egg prevents a back flash of fire and heat as you open the grill’s lid. Once the grill has reached your desired temperature, raise the lid a few inches to release some of the built up heat, then lower it. You may need to repeat this a few times.
Natural lump charcoal is the best source of fuel for the Big Green Egg. You should start each session with a full load of natural lump charcoal. A full load is considered 5 lbs. and it can be lit with an electric lighter or a paraffin fire starter cube, no charcoal chimney is needed. You should also soak your wood chips, chunks, or cooking planks before use.
Anytime you’re grilling, safety needs to be a top concern. Both personal injury and property damage can occur if a grill is left unattended, or is overall in an unsafe condition. Because the Big Green Egg has a ceramic surface it does not get as hot as the surface on a metal grill. Also the heat source of the Big Green Egg is protected inside of the ceramic fire box within the grill’s base.
The Big Green Egg features a stainless steel cooking grid with a beautiful green exterior that is coated with a lifetime glaze. With this setup, you can easily wipe away the cooking surface without chemical cleaners, and maintain an appealing, clean look. Any grease buildup inside burns away with the grill’s residual heat, acting just like a self-cleaning oven.
Temperature control is essential to the success of a grilled meal. The more precise you can be, the better the outcome. The health of your food is critical, and understanding the safe way to prepare and cook your food is made even easier with the Big Green Egg’s versatile cooking methods and temperature control. The Big Green Egg allows you to roast, smoke, grill, and bake at the exact temperature that your recipe requires. With the BGE’s patented air flow controls, controlling the temperature has never been easier or more accurate. Multiple air vents help the grill reach and maintain your desired temperature. The grill’s metal top is equipped to ensure the proper air flow into and through the cooking chamber. The Big Green Egg’s precision flow draft door on the grill’s bottom mitigates the amount of air that is allowed to enter the fire box.
