Just Bought My First Big Green Egg

Hawg Fan · February 2016

Welcome aboard! There's a lot of knowledgeable member on this forum. Don't be shy about asking questions. We've all been down that road.

lousubcap · February 2016

As has been said, welcome aboard and enjoy the journey. And the following may be of use:

Some observations-make sure you calibrate your dome thermo-boil some water, then insert the thermo and check the temp. If not around 210*F, then note the off-set and use the nut on the back to correct. Then recheck.

Temperature is a controlled by the volume of lump burning. The volume is controlled by the air-flow thru the BGE. In thru the bottom vent and out the top. Make sure when you set it up that the fire box opening is aligned with the lower vent.

When adjusting the vent(s) to change temperature, the feedback loop can take some time. Changes in air-flow are reflected in the dome thermo temp. Don’t chase temperature; +/- 10-15*F is close enough.

“Stable temperature” is a relative term. Means you haven’t moved the vents and the temperature is steady for anywhere from 30-60 minutes.

After-market toys- With the BGE there are three basic styles of cooking; “direct”-where the cooking grid is on top of the fire ring; “raised direct”-where the grid is elevated at least to the gasket-line (this setup requires after-market stuff-easiest is to get another grid and then use three fire bricks (or three empty aluminum beer cans) and place them on the grid at the fire ring and then put the second grid on top. The third is “indirect” where there is a heat deflector (platesetter or some other type stone) between the burning lump and the cooking grid. This is the setup for low&slow long duration cooks. I would get comfortable playing around with the BGE before any major after-market investments. Will save you $$ in the long run.
That's more than enough for a Friday night.

HeavyG · February 2016

C130 said:

I guess I I initially let it get too hot before closing the vents to adjust the temp. So, I left the lid open to burn the charcoal off since I didn't want to ruin the gaskets the first time. Then I closed the lid and was able to keep it under 400 while cooking. Burgers turned out perfect. Lots to learn but I look forward to lots of good cooking. Thanks for everyone's help.

Personally, when I'm just grilling (as opposed to bbq'ing) I don't pay much attention to the dome thermometer. It doesn't really reflect what is going on at the grate in a direct cook anyway.

I just use the old school "how long can I hold my hand over the fire" test.

http://www.weber.com/weber-nation/grill-skills/mastering-basics/charcoal/measuring-heat-the-hand-test

ryantt · February 2016

I agree with @GregW beware of the flash backs, I've lost most the hair off my arms from this. It's a real danger, when your in rush and not thinking.

SmokingPiney · February 2016

ryantt said:

I agree with @GregW beware of the flash backs, I've lost most the hair off my arms from this. It's a real danger, when your in rush and not thinking.

Done that, myself. Burned the hair off my left arm and most of my left eyebrow.

I find myself burping the gasser now when I use it.

garyflintstone · February 2016

Welcome. I'm into my third week of egg ownership. You will get the hang of temperature control. I have learned to leave top down as much as possible.
Invested in a adj rig from ceramic grill store. Check that website out. Took my place setter back.
babybacks were phenomenal. Pork terderloin. Filet mignon. Even the simplest chicken breast and burgers with grilled onions are on a whole different level on he egg.
Pork shoulder I just put on early this morning.
Enjoy the journey.

johnmitchell · February 2016

Welcome.. Happy cooking..

C130 · February 2016

Thanks everyone, this is a great forum and appreciate all of the help. Going to grill some chicken tonight, trying to start out simple, but going to try filets in the next night or two.

Renegaderam · February 2016

I just bought mine too. Welcome I am looking forward to cooking on mine.

C130 · February 2016

Renegaderam said:

I just bought mine too. Welcome I am looking forward to cooking on mine.

Congratulations, what size did you get? I couldn't decide between the XL and L but ended up with the large. We have an RV and initially thought maybe I'd take the large with us on some trips. But once I get the hang of this thing I'm thinking I might get a smaller one for the RV because I don't want to move the large and I'm afraid I'll crack it.

onedbguru · February 2016

Welcome to the cult (as my other half always quips).
Your title seems to indicate that you have already decided there may be more... Again, welcome to the cult.

ScottNC · February 2016

"I'm thinking I might get" hahahahaha

That won't be the last time C130

Renegaderam · February 2016

C130 said:

Renegaderam said:

I just bought mine too. Welcome I am looking forward to cooking on mine.

Congratulations, what size did you get? I couldn't decide between the XL and L but ended up with the large. We have an RV and initially thought maybe I'd take the large with us on some trips. But once I get the hang of this thing I'm thinking I might get a smaller one for the RV because I don't want to move the large and I'm afraid I'll crack it.

Got the large too

bluebird66 · February 2016

Welcome!

Dfoshee · February 2016

Welcome. BGE has an iPhone app with some recipes on it that are pretty cool if that helps you any. Bought mine New Year's Eve. Best grill I will ever own. Enjoy

C130 · February 2016

I downloaded the app and I've been looking over lots of different recipes. I grilled chicken last night which turned out really good. While I still have a long ways to go on precise temperature control I did much better last night. I didn't get it too hot this time, actually closed the vents too much too early, but I was able to get it back where I wanted it. I also learned to be patient and not react to every temperature change and let it stabilize before making an adjustment. I told my wife I may never use the gas grill again.

I need to get a good instant read thermometer and that'll be my next purchase. I'm wanting to do some pork butt and brisket soon.

C130 · February 2016

I'm going to buy the Thermapen MK-4 and also a thermometer for smoking. Any recommendations on where to order the Thermapen or is it best to just order it from Thermoworks?

It seems the Maverck or IGrill 2 is pretty popular, any recommendations on either of these two or is there anything else out that's better?

saluki2007 · February 2016

Buy it from Thermoworks. Great customer service and you aren't going to get it cheaper anywhere else. I use the Maverick and really like it. I've had mine for about 5 years and never had an issue.

hapster · February 2016

Congrats and well come... probably someone already mentioned it, but take and post pics. We like food porn

northGAcock · February 2016

Welcome aboard.....good to already acknowledge that it want be the only one you will purchase.

Jeepster47 · February 2016

Go directly to Thermapen for their product. They have the best prices (although, expect the MK-4 to go on sale two weeks after you buy one) and it's worth it for the jelly beans. They have great customer service ... by purchasing directly from them you'll lock it in with no questions asked.

If you want a remote temp unit (and don't want to build one yourself), then Maverick with radio waves, iGrill with bluetooth, and Tappaque with wifi seem to be it right now. The Maverick is the lowest cost ... the 733 does a good job, but has some issues with probes. The iGrill is the next most expensive unit and most of the complaints are directed at the short range of the bluetooth transmission. The most expensive (at $200 for the base unit with four probes) is the Tappaque. Great range with the wifi, but you'll most likely want to drop an extra $40 for the color coded improved probe set.

C130 · February 2016

I ordered the Thermapen from Thermoworks and ordered the IGrill from Amazon. SAMs had the best deal on the IGrill but we aren't members so Amazon had a decent price. I couldn't decide on the Maverick or the IGrill and it seems both are good so just ordered based on the app on the Igrill which I liked. Thermoworks sent an email with the tracking number within an hour of placing the order, can't beat that for customer service. Thanks for the suggestions.

Jeepster47 · February 2016

You can't go wrong with Thermoworks ... great company and great customer service ... oh, and the jelly beans aren't all that bad.

henapple · February 2016

Welcome...

Renegaderam · February 2016

Welcome picked mine up today too.

rmr62 · February 2016

I got the Thermapen during the Cyber Monday sale they had----thanks to the forum for the heads up on that sale. I had been wanting one, then with the deal they offered, it was $72 delivered to my door. Can't beat that

Holepuncher · February 2016

Welcome! I don't think anyone addressed the Big Green Egg cookbook. I received it as a gift. It does have some good recipes. However, there are a lot more practical recipes on here. I pull it out every now and then so my daughter thinks I appreciate the gift. For the cost personally, I would rather use the money for something, I felt more useful.

C130 · February 2016

Holepuncher said:

Welcome! I don't think anyone addressed the Big Green Egg cookbook. I received it as a gift. It does have some good recipes. However, there are a lot more practical recipes on here. I pull it out every now and then so my daughter thinks I appreciate the gift. For the cost personally, I would rather use the money for something, I felt more useful.

How are things in Hendersonville? I'm from the Nashville area and moved to Texas from Franklin. My sister is in Brentwood, lots of family in the Lebanon, Smithville area.

DuckDogDr · February 2016

I'm about to purchase mine as well (March - bday present to myself)

Holepuncher · February 2016

H-ville is Great. Lot's of growth, like all of Nashville. Light snow today.

Just Bought My First Big Green Egg

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