The Big Green Egg Large is the most popular kamado grill on the market. It simply outsells them all. This charcoal grill can sear at temperatures over 700°F or smoke for a dozen hours at temperatures under 225°F. This makes this grill one of the most versatile on the market today.
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Full Review of the Big Green Egg Large
Specifications
- 18-inch diameter cooking surface (255 square inches)
- Top vent cap is cast iron – bottom vent is stainless steel
- Heavy ceramic shell holds heat and stops temperature fluctuations
- Glazed interior makes it easy to clean
- Spring loaded lid for easy lifting
- Porcelain-coated steel cooking grates
- Primarily made in Mexico with globally sourced parts by Big Green Egg
Big Green Egg Large
PROS
- Excellent Temperature Control
- Wide Range of Available Accessories
- Solid Construction
- Excellent Product Support
CONS
- Limited Features as is
- Metal Work could use Improvement
Big Green Egg is virtually synonymous with the Kamado Grill. As the largest and most well-known producer of this style of charcoal grill, they can be found worldwide and on the back patio of tens if not hundreds of thousands of homes. They not only produce a very good grill but a massive array of accessories (or as they call them, Eggsessories).
The Large, and 18-inch diameter grill is the most popular they produce. The 255 square inches of primary cooking space is large enough for most people and can cook several steaks, a 20-pound turkey, or a couple of pork roasts. While not a huge grill, it meets most people’s needs.
What makes this style of grill, and this model in particular, so popular is its versatility. Capable of reaching temperatures over 700 degrees Fahrenheit while also able of holding low smoking temperatures around 200 to 225 degrees. This makes this grill not only the perfect high-temperature charcoal grill but also an excellent smoker. Few grills are capable of this amazing range of cooking styles. Add a pizza stone, and this is also the perfect pizza oven.
The ceramic shell of this grill might seem fragile, but it is made of materials similar to those used as heat shields on spacecraft. It is strong, durable, and retains its appearance for decades. It can also take all the extremes of temperature that the grill is capable of hitting and do it without cracking, even when fired up on the coldest days.
The extreme insulation of the Big Green Egg means it burns less fuel and can hold low temperatures for longer than most barbecue items need to be cooked. The airflow is controlled by a small vent at the bottom and another on top. It might take a little practice, but since the grill is simple in design, it is easy to master.
There are many imitators on the market these days, but Big Green Egg offers a fantastic product and excellent customer service and support. While there are charcoal grills for less, the durability of this grill, with a little care, means it can last for decades. There are people who have had this exact model for nearly as long as the company has existed, so it is an investment worth making, particularly for the person who wants more out of a grill than just cooking burgers.
