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Mini vs Mini max

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AaronH
AaronH Posts: 145
in EggHead Forum
Here I am a new egger and already looking at getting a second one for tailgating/camping. Went to the store where I got my XL to look and compare the two. Mini is 429 and the max is 529. Anyone have experience with both? Thanks
XLBGE /MiniBGE / Maverick 733 x 2/ Woo2 / CGS 17.5 Stone

North Carolina land
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  • AaronH
    AaronH Posts: 145
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    Sorry, guys, just saw a July post that was the same as mine. Please ignore this. That's what I get for not using the search button. Carry on
    XLBGE /MiniBGE / Maverick 733 x 2/ Woo2 / CGS 17.5 Stone

    North Carolina land
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  • Photo Egg
    Photo Egg Posts: 12,110
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    From what I have seen posted, 529 for the MM is a good price.
    What it comes down to, MM has a larger cooking area and is heavier. Mini is smaller and lighter. More up your strength and travel space.
    Thank you,
    Darian

    Galveston Texas
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  • SoCalTim
    SoCalTim Posts: 2,158
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    I have a mini that i bought new on CL for half the price of a new one. It is a lump miser .. thou the grate is only 10", I can cook 2 New York Strip steaks ... a 2.5 lb tri-tip ... a 5lb pork shoulder .. a full rack of ribs ... etc ... I absolutely love my Mini.
    I've slow smoked and eaten so much pork, I'm legally recognized as being part swine - Chatsworth Ca.
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  • smokesniffer
    smokesniffer Posts: 2,016
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    I debated between the two as well. I have a large and small, and just purchased a mini. My 2 cents is the mini is more poratable. We go rving and tailgating quite a bit, the small and the mini with come along for sure. The mini max and small are close to the same weight. Mini max has the handles which is nice. just wasn't sure about the lump capacity for the size of egg. The mini doesn't have a very big firebox, but I am really starting to like the little egg. Have done a few cooks on it and it comes up to temp quickly. The mini gets my vote. But there is no wrong egg. They are all amazing. Good luck with your decision.
    Large, small, and a mini
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  • Monty77
    Monty77 Posts: 667
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    I love my MM, had it at 375-400* for 6 hours straight yesterday and it still had a bit of lump left when I shut it down.  Gets hot fast, MM loves the 300-350* sweet spot.  I will say its a little tough to keep it low, under 250*, but I do most of those low n slows with my Large or XL.  As far as weight goes, I can carry mine from spot to spot, but at 80 lbs I am surely not going too far with it in my arms.  Overall I really enjoy mine, it gets a ton of use.  Have fun making your decision, I think either Egg will be a great addition.  
    Large BGE 2011, XL BGE 2015, Mini Max 2015, and member of the "North of the Border Smokin Squad" Canadian Outdoor Chef from London, Ontario, Canada

    https://www.flickr.com/photos/monty77/
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  • Cm23
    Cm23 Posts: 130
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    The future of the mini (and parts) should also be considered.
    XL, 2 Large, Mini  -- Shenandoah, TX  Now BulletGrillHouse
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  • YEMTrey
    YEMTrey Posts: 6,829
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    Congrats, because either way, you're getting a great little cooker!
    Steve 
    XL, Mini Max, and a 22" Blackstone in Cincinnati, Ohio
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  • feef706
    feef706 Posts: 853
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    SoCalTim said:
    I have a mini that i bought new on CL for half the price of a new one. It is a lump miser .. thou the grate is only 10", I can cook 2 New York Strip steaks ... a 2.5 lb tri-tip ... a 5lb pork shoulder .. a full rack of ribs ... etc ... I absolutely love my Mini.
    What did you pay?
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  • AaronH
    AaronH Posts: 145
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    Thanks for the input all. I found a mini on Cl (yes i know the warranty is void). brand new in box from a couple that got it as a prize for $215. Couldn't pass it up for that price as the replacement parts are cheap anyway. 
    XLBGE /MiniBGE / Maverick 733 x 2/ Woo2 / CGS 17.5 Stone

    North Carolina land
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  • Mattman3969
    Mattman3969 Posts: 10,457
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    Congrats on the mini!   Get ready to be amazed

    -----------------------------------------

    analyze adapt overcome

    2008 -Large BGE. 2013- Small BGE and 2015 - Mini. Henderson, Ky.
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  • SGH
    SGH Posts: 28,791
    edited September 2015
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    AaronH said:
    Thanks for the input all. I found a mini on Cl (yes i know the warranty is void). brand new in box from a couple that got it as a prize for $215. Couldn't pass it up for that price as the replacement parts are cheap anyway. 
    I would have jumped on that deal as well. Congradulations and welcome to the mini club.

    Location- Just "this side" of Biloxi, Ms.

    Status- Standing by.

    The greatest barrier against all wisdom, the stronghold against knowledge itself, is the single thought, in ones mind, that they already have it all figured out. 

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  • DutchMiniMax
    DutchMiniMax Posts: 129
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    I do low very easy with MM just use a single firestarter in the center, top hole half open and bottom about 5mm i keep it easily 5hrs for BB ribs at 110 celcius.
    BGE MiniMax Rocks!
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  • SoCalTim
    SoCalTim Posts: 2,158
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    feef706 said:
    SoCalTim said:
    I have a mini that i bought new on CL for half the price of a new one. It is a lump miser .. thou the grate is only 10", I can cook 2 New York Strip steaks ... a 2.5 lb tri-tip ... a 5lb pork shoulder .. a full rack of ribs ... etc ... I absolutely love my Mini.
    What did you pay?
    I paid $200 for a new mini n CL . Deals are there if your patient and got cash.
    I've slow smoked and eaten so much pork, I'm legally recognized as being part swine - Chatsworth Ca.
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  • SoCalTim
    SoCalTim Posts: 2,158
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    feef706 said:
    SoCalTim said:
    I have a mini that i bought new on CL for half the price of a new one. It is a lump miser .. thou the grate is only 10", I can cook 2 New York Strip steaks ... a 2.5 lb tri-tip ... a 5lb pork shoulder .. a full rack of ribs ... etc ... I absolutely love my Mini.
    What did you pay?
    I paid $200 for a new mini on CL . Deals are there if your patient and got cash.
    I've slow smoked and eaten so much pork, I'm legally recognized as being part swine - Chatsworth Ca.
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  • Lit
    Lit Posts: 9,053
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    I got my mini from a store that was closing for $300. Even on the mini parts aren't cheap. All it takes is 1 cracked firebox and $200 isn't a deal anymore. 
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  • feef706
    feef706 Posts: 853
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    Lit said:
    I got my mini from a store that was closing for $300. Even on the mini parts aren't cheap. All it takes is 1 cracked firebox and $200 isn't a deal anymore. 
    This is the dilemma, I envision lots of seared steaks in a minis future, there is one new on CL by me but listed as $350 obo, guess I need to Check the local dealer in their prices...
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  • johnnyp
    johnnyp Posts: 3,932
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    Recently heard the mini was being discontinued.  May be harder to get support later down the road
    XL & MM BGE, 36" Blackstone - Newport News, VA
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  • AaronH
    AaronH Posts: 145
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    I have to pay for it Friday. So...no warranty, no go? I find it hard to envision a firebox that hot in a mini.....although it can happen.  Also, I have a hard time thinking that BGE company wouldn't keep servicing them regardless if discontinued or not. 
    XLBGE /MiniBGE / Maverick 733 x 2/ Woo2 / CGS 17.5 Stone

    North Carolina land
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  • firebike
    firebike Posts: 39
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    • I have both. The Mini was my camp egg. I liked it for its small size and ease of moving, but with the four of us it was to small. Recently got MMax to replace it and it is alot better. I can cook reasonably for four if I am a miser with the space. The advice I heard in the past... Buy bigger than you think, you'll need it. My vote is the Max unless there is only two or less of you.
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  • Lit
    Lit Posts: 9,053
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    AaronH said:
    I have to pay for it Friday. So...no warranty, no go? I find it hard to envision a firebox that hot in a mini.....although it can happen.  Also, I have a hard time thinking that BGE company wouldn't keep servicing them regardless if discontinued or not. 
    I have a cracked base for a mini in my garage. All the eggs can crack. I doubt the mini is getting discontinued if anything it would be the small egg.
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  • SGH
    SGH Posts: 28,791
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    I personally like all of the eggs. Hope that none of them go the way of the

    Especially the mighty mini. It is my favorite.

    Location- Just "this side" of Biloxi, Ms.

    Status- Standing by.

    The greatest barrier against all wisdom, the stronghold against knowledge itself, is the single thought, in ones mind, that they already have it all figured out. 

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  • AaronH
    AaronH Posts: 145
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    So, I picked up the Mini today from the person that won it. It was still in the box. The assembly kit came with grill grippers, 10lb bag of charcoal, firestarters, and ash tool.  Not bad for $215. . . . . . EXCEPT!, when I was putting it together, I noticed there was no thermometer.....oops on BGE's part. I contacted the lady and she is emailing them......mistakes can happen.  
    XLBGE /MiniBGE / Maverick 733 x 2/ Woo2 / CGS 17.5 Stone

    North Carolina land
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  • AaronH
    AaronH Posts: 145
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    XLBGE /MiniBGE / Maverick 733 x 2/ Woo2 / CGS 17.5 Stone

    North Carolina land
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