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When buying an egg from Craigslist...

jrog74jrog74 Posts: 29
in EggHead Forum
what should i look for to make sure that i am getting a good used egg? I want to make sure that my first egg is a good one. Thanks. 
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  • GreenEggAndManGreenEggAndMan Posts: 53
    I would look to make sure that there are no hairline fractures that they are trying to pull over on you. As well you should make sure that you are getting all of your eggcessories. 

    here is a parts diagram that may help you so that you dont overlook anything!
    BGE_Diagram.jpg
    389 x 389 - 22K
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  • Fred19FlintstoneFred19Flintstone Posts: 1,778
    I bought my large on CL in June.  Look for cracks in the ceramics.  The fire ring, fire box and the Egg itself.  Look at the outside for signs of abuse.  Next thing to check the smell.  If you smell lighter fluid, walk away.  I mean it.  I'm not sure it's possible to decontaminate an Egg that was doused in lighter fluid.  After all that checks out, then you think about money.  My large came with a large table, cover, platesetter, pizza stone, stainless grill, ceramic feet, grid lifter and a couple of other small items for $625.

    If my calculations are correct, when this baby hits 88 miles per hour, you're gonna see some serious shit!

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  • GreenEggAndManGreenEggAndMan Posts: 53
    After checking back in and looking at the parts diagram I have noticed that there is one piece not shown, do not forget about the green ceramic lid that replaces the daisy wheel once you have finished your cook. If they have their egg in a nest or in a table don't forget to ask if they have the ceramic egg feet by any chance, although you may not be using them to stand the egg on you may use them to elevate your drip pan or pizza stone which will reduce the burning on the underside. Good luck!
     
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  • KingRoverKingRover Posts: 115

    This is a good resource

    http://bubbatim.com/Green_Book.php

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  • FockerFocker Posts: 960

    Cracks

    Bands(cost $100 new)

    Draft door($40 new)

    Had to replace the band on an older egg I found.  Had a yellow lever with a locking hinge.  Bottom draft door was black and not stainless like the newer ones.  More prone to rust.

    "I embrace my desire to feel the rhythm, to feel connected, enough to step aside and weep like a widow, to feel inspired, to fathom the power, to witness the beauty, to bathe in the fountain, to swing on the spiral...of our divinity, and still be a human."--------Maynard James Keenan  F(n) = F(n-1) + F(n-2) = tool

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  • jrog74jrog74 Posts: 29
    KingRover-Thanks, that is a great site. 

    Thanks to all others for the responses. I am planning on buying a used egg at the Texarkana Eggfest unless I find one on CL before I have to turn my money in. Even after I get my large i know that i am going to want a Med too! 
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  • volfan1volfan1 Posts: 17
    I walked away from one last week that I found on CL because of the lighter fluid smell.  Plus it looked like they had used briquettes instead of lump.
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  • fishlessmanfishlessman Posts: 14,191
    you will want to look at the bottom of the base really carefully for cracks, tip it over and look. cracks usually start at the lower vent in the corner and then disappear underneath, they can be hard to see if your not looking for them
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  • nolaeggheadnolaegghead Posts: 6,040
    Using briquettes doesn't hurt the egg.
    New Orleans - best food on the planet. Large BGE
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  • volfan1volfan1 Posts: 17
    But if it's matchlight, same issue as using lighter fluid, no?
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  • The Cen-Tex SmokerThe Cen-Tex Smoker Posts: 7,672
    It had better be cheap. I've used several hunderd dollars in warranty on mine (all new insides) and I know several guys on here have had cracked bases/domes as well. I would assume at least $200 in warranty over it's life time. Take that into consideration when buying used.
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  • fishlessmanfishlessman Posts: 14,191
    The Cen-Tex Smoker said:
    It had better be cheap. I've used several hunderd dollars in warranty on mine (all new insides) and I know several guys on here have had cracked bases/domes as well. I would assume at least $200 in warranty over it's life time. Take that into consideration when buying used.
    im at 1 lg base and 1 lg firebox, and 1 lg spring band. 1 small base and 1 small firebox and ring. could use 2 more lg fireboxes
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  • Fred19FlintstoneFred19Flintstone Posts: 1,778
    volfan1 said:
    But if it's matchlight, same issue as using lighter fluid, no?

    Yeah, Matchlight is the scurge of decent BBQ and you risk contaminating your Egg!  Normal briquettes are ok for use in a pinch.  They won't hurt the Egg, but because of the large amounts of ash they produce, you may have airflow problems.

    Matchlight users are morons!

    If my calculations are correct, when this baby hits 88 miles per hour, you're gonna see some serious shit!

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  • LitLit Posts: 1,325
    I would not buy an egg again off CL unless it was under half price. I have gone through numerous fire rings, a couple fireboxes, a cracked large base and a cracked medium base. I found a mini for $100 and one of my larges with nest and cast iron grate for $450 but I am selling them and buying demos at the next egging in the mountains to replace them so they have warranties. The large demo with no nest was $599 last year and the XL was $829. Think the mini was $329.
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  • travisstricktravisstrick Posts: 2,892
    I got a LG off CL. It was never used and came with a nest, 20lb bag of lump and some other goodies. All for $425.

    Any less of a deal you are better off getting it new. 
    Be careful, man! I've got a beverage here.
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  • EggerinLAEggerinLA Posts: 128
    Buy a new one or demo. I would buy a large or medium if less than $400 and in new condition maybe. I value the warranty though and would still pass on it. The warranty will pay for the price difference later on most likely from hearing from others.
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