This is my favorite size of the Big Green Egg. Yes, it costs more, but it has the space for almost anything you want to grill or smoke. It is ideal for indirect grilling and you can smoke two briskets without buying a second cooking rack.
derrickriches.com is supported by you, our readers (the smartest, best readers in the world). We may earn an affiliate commission if you buy through a link on this page. This comes at no cost to you. Learn more.
Full Review – Big Green Egg XL
Specifications
- 24-inch diameter cooking surface (452 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
- Made in Mexico by Big Green Egg
PROS
- Large Capacity
- Excellent Temperature Control
- Wide Range of Available Accessories
- Solid Construction
- Excellent Product Support
CONS
- Limited Features as is
- Metal Work could use Improvement
The Big Green Egg XL is a dramatic expansion over the Large size. The 24-inch diameter cooking grate has nearly twice the cooking surface at 452 square inches. This is large enough to easily hold two 20-pound turkeys with room to throw on a couple of burgers while you wait. For the average backyard cook, this is probably too much space and the larger size is going to burn through a lot more fuel.
One other hand, this is still a ceramic Kamado grill. It is still much more efficient than conventional charcoal grills and all this extra space not only makes this a big charcoal grill, it makes it a great charcoal smoker. The firebox is large enough for true indirect cooking and the superior temperature control means that this cooker can hold low and slow temperatures for a very long time. As a smoker, it is a fantastic unit though I would suggest considering the Primo Oval XL in this size as well.
It is the efficiency of this unit that makes it a great grill. The ceramic shell (not nearly as fragile as the name suggests) holds heat in. While the design is simple and there are only two vents to adjust, temperature control on this grill is more precise and has a much wider range than virtually any gas grill.
While the $1,200USD price tag sounds steep, the durability of this grill more than makes up for it. Properly placed and cared for, it can last for decades with very little maintenance, making it a sound investment. Big Green Egg is the largest and best known of the Kamado Grill makers and has an excellent reputation for service and support. As with all Big Green Eggs, this model is sold exclusively through authorized dealers who are generally small business owners and have a vested interest in your satisfaction.
If you are looking for a charcoal grill that can cook a lot of food, reach temperatures over 700 degrees F and yet still cook low and slow barbecue, then this might just be the perfect grill for you.
