So, what size Egg should I get to supplement my Large?

arizonawildcat · June 2012

Family of four with the two kids being fairly young (under 9). Cook on our LBGE about 2-3 times each week and do the traditional cooks (burgers, steaks, chicken, etc) as well as some slow cooks for larger groups (pork butts, brisket, ribs, etc).

For Father's Day, I am getting another egg after hinting that I could possibly use a smaller version when just cooking for the four of us on simple cooks. So...would you suggest getting the Small? The mini is obviously way too tiny and I thought maybe the Medium was honestly just too close to the Large in size?

I suppose we could take it with us in the car on a trip or two, but that would probably be a rare situation and I honestly was just thinking about something that would be easy to start up, cool down, and cook maybe 4 burgers/chicken breasts or a few steaks at a time.

lousubcap · June 2012

I am not worthy of circulating in your world-"another BGE" but that said, given your comments above, I would go with another LBGE. All the toys/tools are interchangeable along with the cook knowledge and if transport is not a concern, then from my view it's a "no-brainer". But I have F'ed up "no brainers" before-lucky you!

sean4185 · June 2012

A medium egg is nice for situations where you just want to cook a few hamburgers or hot dogs which isn't going to take very long. If I have more people coming over, then I'll use the bigger egg when it's needed.

Bear 007 · June 2012

I think the large small combo is perfect. I've got a large, small and recently the mini, my new mini is giving the small a run for the money but prior to the mini my small saw probably 75% of the action. That being said there's just the two of us.

arizonawildcat · June 2012

Thanks for the input so far. I'm really torn between a small and a medium - I am really trying to use the small when it is just the 2 adults and 2 kids eating. Would still use the large when company is over or I am doing a low and slow.

Anyone have a medium and large and can tell me when you might alternate using them? The more I look at the stats (cooking grid surfaces, etc) it seems as if the medium and large are pretty close to each other with the small being a distinctively unique size.

I'd love to go with the Mini, but feel like it is just too small if you are not using it for tailgates, picnics, etc. This second BGE would be sitting 99% of the time on my back patio with my large.

Thanks again everyone - love learning from you all.

ShadowNick · June 2012

I have a medium only, but i can tell you from experience trying to cook more than 4 (8-12 oz patties) burgers or about 25 wings on there it gets crowded in a hurry.

misu · June 2012

The mini is great for that quick breakfast and many other small cooks but if you really think its too small go for another large. At least you will be able to swap accessories and parts between the 2.

JerkChicken · June 2012

I'd go with 2 larges in a heartbeat. As others have mentioned, the eggsessories are interchangeable, and grid space will never be an issue for large cooks.

gabriegger · June 2012

Go with another large. I did this spring and consider it one of my best decisions. The toys interchange and the best part is there is no sibling rivalry.

Duganboy · June 2012

No brainer, another large. See other post about accessories.

arizonawildcat · June 2012

I should have been more clear in my original post. I am looking for something a little smaller and more compact than my large. Something that i can quickly cook up 4-5 burgers or chicken breasts that is a little faster to get going and cool down. Again, purely as a supplement to my large. I can never see me needing the capacity of two larges going at the same time.

gabriegger · June 2012

How bout this? Get another large and stand well back from it. It will appear smaller.

Rolling Egg · June 2012

I think you will be more happy with the small. I also have a family of four,with my kids being 7 and 4. I have a large, XL , and about two months ago bought a small. The small is perfect for most of our every night cooks as a family. Whether it is a whole chicken, pork chops, steaks, or just simple burgers and dogs, the small handles it. Also on half the charcoal your use to using in the large. I have had a medium as well, and it was my favorite egg until the small come along. They are just a great size to cook dinner on every night and at the same time the right size to pick up and set in the back of the truck for a weekend picnic somewhere. With that being said, if your looking for more capacity, you should think about an XL or another large. Other than that, the small is for you.

Ragtop99 · June 2012

I'd like a medium to go with my XL. I typically cook for 4 now that one is at college most of the year.

Visit you egg dealer and make some paper cut-outs of the food and see how it fits. A small would be a bit tight for me as I like room to move food around to deal with hot spots and ease of flipping. Also the outer edges of the grate that sit on the fire ring aren't as useful for cooking when doing direct, unless you have a raised grid.

cookingdude555 · June 2012

I bought a large, and then the small. I loved the small and used it almost all of the time. Then I found a mini cheap and that was great too. Finally I picked up a medium from another forum member and that was it. I absolutely love my medium. My small is never used, at all. The medium temp management blows the small away, and it uses a lot less lump than the large. They seem similar, but the medium just uses less. It's perfect for my family of five (me, spouse, 11yr old son, 5yr old daughter, 3yr old son, and dog if she is lucky). I don't care if the small uses a little less lump, the medium just rocks for me. Good luck with your choice, I am sure you'll love any you get.

Hi54putty · June 2012

I am in exactly the same situation as you. 2 small children and wanted something we could take with us if we want to. I bought a small a few weeks ago and am very happy with it. I smoked a 10 pound butt on it this weekend with no issues other than the holes in the charcoal grate being way too small. Had to go out and unclog it twice over the 16 hour cook. Anyway, bought a better grate and it will solve that problem. I would highly recommend the small.

Hi54putty · June 2012

I also did a low and slow on 4 large chicken thighs for the first cook. Worked great.

So, what size Egg should I get to supplement my Large?

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