First egg recommend a size

stx.dead.I · August 2015

Alright guys, been wanting one for a whole now and am gonna bite the bullet. I will soon be a family of two in an apartment. On second story, so I won't need to bring it in and out.

I went to the store and liking the xl but may not certain. It's normally going to be just us 2 eating for now but would like to start showing off my skills in the future when a backyard allows.

One concern with getting the xl is coal usage. I have heard the xl uses a lot more coal per cook than the medium or large. Is this true?

stemc33 · August 2015

Start with the Mini Max. It won't be your only egg. Get the big one when you get the backyard.

Chubbs · August 2015

Buy the biggest you can afford. I personally like the large.

ryantt · August 2015

I have an XL and while it may use a little more lump than a medium or lg model the extra space is worth it to me. It uses way less lump than my UDS or Weber to cook the same amount of food. Look forward to seeing pic of your new Egg in action.

Scottborasjr · August 2015

I don't know what fire regulations are in your area but in mine you aren't allowed to have charcoal grills on patios and balconies in an apartment building. Better make sure it's accepted in your area before taking the plunge.

YukonRon · August 2015

I have an XL, it was my first. I love it. You really need to check out the rules for your apartment. It takes up a lot of ground space, and unless you are cooking for several folks on a regular basis, it may indeed be too large for your immediate needs. I also have The MM. It is a great little grill, and with decent planning you can cook for four. If you think something larger take a serious look at a Medium. That will be my next purchase.
The medium is pretty sweet. Those that I know, which have them, have convinced me of their worth. Perfect size for two or a few more, and does not eat up a lot of room or floor space.
Do check the guidelines for rental property with grills, especially with balconies. Hope this helps.
Lump useage is a valid concern, but it will be on the lower end of ongoing expense for the BGE.

pgprescott · August 2015

The large is the overwhelming leader in sales. I would say it is adequate for a family of four and regular entertaining. You could easily go smaller if you wish, but you appear to be wisely looking forward to the future. Large is my vote.

TexanOfTheNorth · August 2015

+1 on large.

JohnInCarolina · August 2015

I suggest the large. You can do everything on it that you'd really want - full packer briskets, Thanksgiving turkey, etc. I like the XL too but it just seems like overkill on everyday cooks when you just want a couple of burgers or maybe a steak for yourself. For sure the smaller units use less lump, and I have a MiniMax as well and love it.

BigGreenBamaGriller · August 2015

I started out with an XL. There is more space than I need 95% of the time. With accessories like the Adjustable Rig (www.ceramicgrillstore.com) that can add space, I would recommend the large.

Terrebandit · August 2015

Get a large demo egg, if they allow it at your apartment complex.

Jstroke · August 2015

I reiterate. Check the rules where you live. I vote for XL. If you look at it and like the idea of that much elbow room, you wont regret it. It is your first instinct. I personally like plenty of elbow room when i cook. I hate having to flip a burger and put it back in the same hole it came out of. Plus room for sides. Concerning lump. Trust me. After you start cooking it becomes a neccessary thing to keep on hand like TP. You look for good deals but you dont try to use less.

jakebge · August 2015

I started out with a small and it has been great. I then purchased a large off craigslist and again a great decision. Good news is, you can't make a bad decision.

Terrebandit · August 2015

If you get a large or XL, you will need a spot to store at least two 20-lb bags of lump. Just so you know, these eggs are super heavy.

MisterCode · August 2015

I am constantly reminded of our good decision to buy the XL back before we had any kids or plenty of space to host like we do now (5 years later). The XL does it all. I have yet to need extra stacking racks and such the smaller Egg owners tend to end up wanting.

SmokingPiney · August 2015

I bought the XL. It's nice to have the real estate on the grate.

bob.bud · August 2015

I went with a large and bought an AR, and like others have said... no matter what you get, you will be thinking of another egg. Fire code, as others have mentioned, will likely foil your plans to use the egg on your apt second floor deck.

Langner91 · August 2015

I was in the same boat as you. Except I have five eating from the egg (well 4 1/2 anyway). I struggled for over a year deciding on size. I drove @pgprescott nuts with my questions.

I went large. It is perfect. XL would have been cool too. But, I have no regrets EXCEPT I wish I had bought it a year sooner.

Dont fret. Buy what you can afford.

PASmoke · August 2015

Another +1 on checking with your apartment complex before you buy one. Nothing able to have one stinks either way but would be VERY bad to learn afterward. I vote for the large. I have a family of four and we entertain other couples fairly regularly....the Large has worked just fine. I don't think you can necessarily go "wrong" with more space if you choose the XL - but you don't need it.

jaydub58 · August 2015

Large would be a great choice, again, after you have checked all pertinent regulations.

THEBuckeye · August 2015

Large will be fine for two - or more, many more.

Moving a large, while no small feat, will be a cakewalk as opposed to moving an XL.

Toddski · August 2015

I have the large and the XL. I love them both but use the XL more.

Durangler · August 2015

I've got an XL and love it. If I'm doing a couple burgers, pork tenderloin or a couple breasts, I have a couple fire bricks that are set on edge creating a smaller area for lump. You can cut the grate down from 30 to 75% if needed and still hit 500 degrees if necessary. Plus this creates an indirect area, if needed, for any direct cooking. I'm sure one could do the same with the large as well.
I disagree that the XL uses more lump.

Black_Badger · August 2015

Well, I think I've seen petty much everything recommended in the thread aside from the mini (not the Minimax) and the XXL. I think the take home message is that there's probably not a wrong answer. My first (and so far only) egg is an XL and I love it. I cook frequently for just my wife and I since the kids are too young to really eat anything of note, but I've also had the ability to 'cater' events for friends where there we're 60 people in attendance. I feel like the XL maximizes my flexibility without the absolute insanity of the XXL. I also got a great deal on it at an Eggfest, which I highly recommend.

Two things to note that have already been mentioned:
1) Check regs. Nothing worse than buying an egg and not being able to keep it.
2) Consider recruiting help when moving. The XL is HEAVY and unwieldy so it's difficult (not impossible) to move. These things are big, heavy, fragile, and often dirty/sooty; noe of which are condusive to easy moves...

What ever your decision enjoy cooking and experimenting and post often with lots of pics.

Cheers -
B_B

Miked125 · August 2015

I was convinced I needed a xl but didn't have the money... So I bought a large and an adjustable rig and haven't thought about the xl since.

Pridnjoy · August 2015

Miked125 said:

I was convinced I needed a xl but didn't have the money... So I bought a large and an adjustable rig and haven't thought about the xl since.

Isn't this total close to an XL? I've been considering an AR, but have a hard time since it's almost a third of what I paid for the egg..

onedbguru · August 2015

I wouldn't worry about XL usage. You can use as little or as much as needed. I have quipped here about how I have fired up my XL for a single hot dog... Used about 1/4 of a Weber Chimney worth of lump. Whatever is left over can be used in the next cook. Most of us buy lump in bulk (4-20 bags at a time)

Mikee · August 2015

Buy the size Egg that you need. I have a small and its fine for me. It does a single pork butt fine and is plenty big enough for cooking for 2 people. If your plans are for multiple butts or large pizza's then look to the large Egg. The larger the Egg the more lump it will burn. Its just common physics. A 6000 sq. ft. house will burn more fuel to keep it warm in the winter than a 1500 sq. ft. house. 8 months ago I had my heart set on buying a large. My brain over-ruled and said it was not needed. For the amount I cook, the small did it all.

Miked125 · August 2015

Pridnjoy said:

Miked125 said:

I was convinced I needed a xl but didn't have the money... So I bought a large and an adjustable rig and haven't thought about the xl since.

Isn't this total close to an XL? I've been considering an AR, but have a hard time since it's almost a third of what I paid for the egg..

I didn't buy a nest... I built a table and live in Canada. So the ar and egg was about $600 cheaper for me. I also like the large uses a lot less charcoal

JethroVA · August 2015

You can cook a massive amount of meat on a large, especially by adding an inexpensive secondary grid. No need for a XL unless you are cooking for the masses. IMHO.

swordsmn · August 2015

I think ur in trouble with Apt rules... But if u can get one, I'd do small or mini-max knowing you'll add a large when u do the house thing. Just seems like an apt sized plan.

First egg recommend a size

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