Welcome to the EGGhead Forum - a great place to visit and packed with tips and EGGspert advice! You can also join the conversation and get more information and amazing kamado recipes by following Big Green Egg to Experience our World of Flavor™ at:
Want to see how the EGG is made? Click to Watch
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Youtube | Vimeo
Share your photos by tagging us and using the hashtag #BigGreenEgg.
Share your photos by tagging us and using the hashtag #BigGreenEgg.
Want to see how the EGG is made? Click to Watch
Thinking about an XL
Options
skihorn
Posts: 600
It makes no sense, but I really want it! I have a Large and Medium that work just fine 95% of the time. Even the other 5% they work descent. My biggest problem is with ribs and brisket. Both are lot of work to keep from over hanging plate setter and getting a little crispy on the edge. Anyway, here are my questions (answer as many or few as you wish):
1. Does the XL roll about as easy as the Large? It would be too crowded to keep all three on the same prime area on the deck (right outside the kitchen). I would be rolling it about 30 feet on a wooden deck for when I needed it (which in all honesty will not be that often.)
2. How well does the half plate setter work for cooking direct and indirect simultaneously? That would help justify more uses. The most common use (but probably hardest to pull off) would be steak and baked potatoes. In theory I could do them more or less at the same time on the XL. The problem is TRexing a steak is going to cause a lot of temp variation for the potatoes even if they are protected by the platesetter.
3. Given the relative lack of use, am I going to have a mold/mildew problem? I live 22 miles from the Gulf Coast with lots of heat and humidity. I currently never have a problem because both my Eggs get used very often. However, the XL could easily go a couple of months without use. Is it going to be growing things? I don't want have to fire up a burn off fire prior to every use, especially since my main use is going to be for low and slows. (Note, if I wind up using the XL for steak/potatoes (see 2 above) that would bump my use enough to negate this problem.)
4. Any other issues I should consider or any other justifications I can use for Mrs. Skihorn?
Freddie
League City, TX
1. Does the XL roll about as easy as the Large? It would be too crowded to keep all three on the same prime area on the deck (right outside the kitchen). I would be rolling it about 30 feet on a wooden deck for when I needed it (which in all honesty will not be that often.)
2. How well does the half plate setter work for cooking direct and indirect simultaneously? That would help justify more uses. The most common use (but probably hardest to pull off) would be steak and baked potatoes. In theory I could do them more or less at the same time on the XL. The problem is TRexing a steak is going to cause a lot of temp variation for the potatoes even if they are protected by the platesetter.
3. Given the relative lack of use, am I going to have a mold/mildew problem? I live 22 miles from the Gulf Coast with lots of heat and humidity. I currently never have a problem because both my Eggs get used very often. However, the XL could easily go a couple of months without use. Is it going to be growing things? I don't want have to fire up a burn off fire prior to every use, especially since my main use is going to be for low and slows. (Note, if I wind up using the XL for steak/potatoes (see 2 above) that would bump my use enough to negate this problem.)
4. Any other issues I should consider or any other justifications I can use for Mrs. Skihorn?
Freddie
League City, TX
Comments
-
Have coveted an XL forever :( but just cant justify LOL have yet to have trouble getting enough butts on the lg med combo if I have to. the xl's are heavy. You know you are pushing some weight when you move it. quite often in fl I am cooking for 10 - 15 and the lg med are fine.. there is where I would want it. here in Maine I just would not use it enough to justify. but when it comes right down to it a second lg would make more sense for me cause I have the equipment to set them up with out buying more stuff LOL
BUT like you said it makes no sense and I still want one LOL there is just something about them LOL
so when you figure out the argument that works with your wife let me know and I will try it on my husband
-
You weren't much help.
Freddie
League City, TX -
1. It rolls just fine and the nest handler is also available in case you are worried.
2. I don't have the half. I only have the full one.
3. If you let it burn a little extra after the cook, you shouldn't have a mold issue. I never have. Even if it does, just light it up and let the mold burn off and you are good to go!
4. I like ribs on the XL, you can do 3 racks flat on the top grid (of 2 tier rack). they cook really nice without fear of burning. I really enjoy my XL and would like to sell my L to get another XL. It is heavy and you will need help if you load it to go anywhere. I take the insides out to light the load on the back. Go for it. -
Thanks!
Freddie -
skihorn wrote:It makes no sense, (you are probably right
) but I really want it! I have a Large and Medium that work just fine 95% of the time. Even the other 5% they work descent. My biggest problem is with ribs and brisket. Both are lot of work to keep from over hanging plate setter and getting a little crispy on the edge. Anyway, here are my questions (answer as many or few as you wish):
1. Does the XL roll about as easy as the Large? It would be too crowded to keep all three on the same prime area on the deck (right outside the kitchen). I would be rolling it about 30 feet on a wooden deck for when I needed it (which in all honesty will not be that often.) Can't help here - my XL is in a table - not sure how many eggers you will find that frequent the forum with both an XL and Large in nests - maybe Little Steven
2. How well does the half plate setter work for cooking direct and indirect simultaneously? I didn't know there was a half platesetter but for sure there is a half pizza stone. should work fine but maybe would want a half grid as well so you could sear the steak at the lower level then move above the stone for roasting. That would help justify more uses. The most common use (but probably hardest to pull off) would be steak and baked potatoes. In theory I could do them more or less at the same time on the XL. The problem is TRexing a steak is going to cause a lot of temp variation for the potatoes even if they are protected by the platesetter.
3. Given the relative lack of use, am I going to have a mold/mildew problem? Yes - my Xl in Corpus Christi, TX sees the least activity and from time to time I open the dome to find some mold, but not really an issue - fire it up and burn it off I live 22 miles from the Gulf Coast with lots of heat and humidity. I currently never have a problem because both my Eggs get used very often. However, the XL could easily go a couple of months without use. Go a couple months without use? You are not making a good case for an XL Is it going to be growing things? I don't want have to fire up a burn off fire prior to every use, especially since my main use is going to be for low and slows. (Note, if I wind up using the XL for steak/potatoes (see 2 above) that would bump my use enough to negate this problem.)
4. Any other issues I should consider or any other justifications I can use for Mrs. Skihorn?
Freddie - you cannot justify an XL but I can't justify a boat, table saw, chop saw, swimming pool, etc. and I have them - go get one and enjoy Sorry I wasn't much help
Freddie
League City, TX -
Frank, I have both in nests and they roll just fine. I am always a little more apprehensive moving the XL in and out of the garage just because of the weight. So far, there have been no issues. We even roll it over the grass at comps with no worries (double teamed)
-
Of course the last time Julie almost bought an XL I joked and said she should stop by Victoria Secret and buy a gift for Neil. After thinking about it, I'm not sure your wife wants you wearing anything like that :woohoo:
-
I forgot about the egg rescue team
Actually Darian may have an XL and L in nests as well.
Skihorn - my primary use of the XL is low and slow but don't forget about turkeys (I know they can fit on a large, just easier to fit the largest ones on an XL), six whole chickens at one time, and a huge grilling space for big gatherings - lots of burgers, hot dogs, sausage, wings, etc.
Pics of non low and slows on the XL - I know most could be done on a large - just trying to help out
Twenty blocks of cheese for presents
Brownies in The Edge pan
Two pans of okra, tomatoes, onions, garlic cooking down
Several lamb chops
Two butts over a brisket - oops, that's a low and slow
Spatchcock Turkey
Four chicks
Six chicks
Whole bunch of shrimp
Charbroiling a bunch of oysters
Cedar planked gargonzola spinach, corn and trout menuire
A ginormous wok
But you still can't "justify" one - go get one and enjoy -
Love the pictures!
Freddie -
Thanks Frank! Unfortunately, I already have a boat. But other than that and my Eggs I really have very few "guy" toys!
Freddie -
Hi Freddie,
The XL is still my go to cooker.
I do not have the half stone but I do use a half raised grid all the time. Sear on the lower and roast to finish temp on the top. I also push the lump to one side at times to get even more control. You will really like the XL for ribs and brisket.
My original nest was a little under built for the XL but the new models are much better. No problems rolling on a deck. My large BGE sees very little use.
I always over cook for work lunches or cook side dishes and the extra room on the XL is great.Thank you,DarianGalveston Texas -
I use direct and indirect often enough. works well.context is important
-
Oooooooowwwwwwwwweeeeeeeeeeeeee,
Frank, whatchagotondemlambies? De shoor looookn goooood! -
His habit of always overcooking has led to a big following at Egg Gatherings :woohoo:
-
"other than that and my Eggs I really have very few "guy" toys!"
Be careful on this forum calling Eggs guy toys.
You might have a group of lady Eggers show up at your door and kick you in your other guy toy. :woohoo:Thank you,DarianGalveston Texas -
I'm only one of many crazy Eggfest cooks that you are also a member.Thank you,DarianGalveston Texas
-
:laugh:
-
Thank you for clarifying THAT for him
-
Thanks Darian!
Freddie -
Like a sports car (which I don't own), just because it is a "guy" toy does not mean the ladies can't also own and enjoy one.
I am married to a feminist, so I do need to be careful. However, she completely cedes all Egg responsibilities to me. But she does swear that she will soon own a sporty convertible (which does not interest me).
Freddie -
Desert Oasis: No worries. Even when guys consider things "guy" things we usually love it when the ladies also enjoy them! A guy toy is not a mutally exclusive term.
Freddie -
LDD: How do you usually set up for direct/indirect cooking?
Freddie -
Crushed pistachio nuts - pretty good
First introduced to them at 2008 Eggtoberfest by 12step - not as good as his but pretty good. -
I just sold my XL and bought a medium. For just the two of us the XL was too big and even with the charcoal reducing ring it burned up lots of coals for the few items cooking. The 1/2 stone and 1/2 raised grate really gave me two heat zones for searing steaks and cooking taters or veggies. Can't do that on the medium, but then the pellet pooper comes into play.
-
Yes thank you Darian!! Us ladies are growing in strength and numbers so beware!!
-
Well, damn, I've never wanted an XL but after reading the responses, and esp after seeing all those pics, now I want one. Thanks a lot.
-
Do you have a 'recipe' for the pistachio nuts?
-
It's been so long that I really can't remember how I did them.
Probably dipped in a light egg wash, rolled in the crushed pistachio nuts, lightly seasoned, and grilled.
After typing the above I googled "pistachio crusted lamb chops". There are several recipes.
Good luck with it. -
it is a sickness.... probably the worst pic of me out there... but oh how I wanted that egg...... -
It's a great pic. I love it.
Categories
- All Categories
- 182.7K EggHead Forum
- 15.7K Forum List
- 459 EGGtoberfest
- 1.9K Forum Feedback
- 10.3K Off Topic
- 2.2K EGG Table Forum
- 1 Rules & Disclaimer
- 9K Cookbook
- 12 Valentines Day
- 91 Holiday Recipes
- 223 Appetizers
- 516 Baking
- 2.4K Beef
- 88 Desserts
- 163 Lamb
- 2.4K Pork
- 1.5K Poultry
- 30 Salads and Dressings
- 320 Sauces, Rubs, Marinades
- 543 Seafood
- 175 Sides
- 121 Soups, Stews, Chilis
- 35 Vegetarian
- 100 Vegetables
- 312 Health
- 292 Weight Loss Forum