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Mini Max vs. Mini
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@egret can you put two baskets in at the same time? It would be nice when grilling to keep the same distance from lump to grate but decrease the total mass of lit charcoal.Chicago, IL - Large and Small BGE - Weber Gasser and Kettle
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egret said:In the first place, the original question was whether to buy a mini or MMax. One of the comments that the mini is a toy is completely misleading and basically false. I've used mine for years just for the two of us. But, I haven't used it in over a year since I got the new accessory from Turbostream. This thing turns your large into a mini with an elevated half-moon raised charcoal grate that sits right under your grid. It can very easily be removed when you want to use your large as a large and it also acts like a Kick Ash basket to dispose of the ash. It can also be used as the heat source for indirect cooking. It's a lot cheaper than a mini as well. By the way, we're selling the MMax at the GA Mt. Eggfest for $499, eggfest price. Check out the Turbostream raised charcoal grate: http://www.turbostream.net/products.html
Living The Big Green Egg Life...
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www.biggreenegglife.com -
I am about to pull the trigger for a portable egg. I'll be getting the mini. While I like the cooking area of the MM, the mini is much lighter and should easily cook for 2 people.
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Dyal_SC said:A few pix from my "toy" mini.
I'm only hungry when I'm awake!
Okeechobee FL. Winter
West Jefferson NC Summer
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More pizzas from the "toy" ...
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@SoCalTim sorry I haven't been to an egg dealer since mine argued with me that BGE didn't make a small cast iron grid.
Slumming it in Aiken, SC. -
Well I have read every post so far on this topic since this morning when I first saw it, I almost posted this morning and for reasons I'm not sure of did not reply. Now after pondering the question and reading what others have shared I would like to say the Mini is in no way a toy, we got ours many years ago and I have had as many as 6 BGE's at the same time in the past, 2 large, 2 medium, 1 small and 1 mini. Currently have 2 large, 1 small, 1 mini max, 1 mini. We got our first BGE 9 years ago and the mini 6 years ago and after thinking about it all day I'm certain that the Mini has cooked more meals for the wife and I than all of the other eggs, they all get used but for the two of us the mini works well. Our Mini has visited and cooked meals in the following states FL, GA, NC, OH, IL, it is a permanent resident of NC now because the small that stays in the motor home is our go egg when on the road now. I like the nest for the small while camping. Now for the only negative I could come up with about the mini is that I have to clean out the ash quite often, it's not a lot of ash but still with as much as I use it the ash builds up fast, the positives are it's very easy for me to pick up and move up on the covered porch to cook out of the rain, have even done it when cooking and I can cook for 4 people no problem. I have not used the new mini max because I haven't made/bought a table to set it on here at the summer home in NC, it is just as heavy as the small, same size cooking grid. I can't speak to the cost difference. If you want the most one person portable the Mini is the best, if you want double the cooking grid and not so portable get the mini max. Good luck and I hope I have helped. Oh and one can never go wrong with any BGE............
I'm only hungry when I'm awake!
Okeechobee FL. Winter
West Jefferson NC Summer
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For $150 ish more (in Iowa) I went MM just this week. But I've got 2 kids, too. The extra grid space for burgers/dogs was worth it for me. Plus this is a tailgating unit (not taking the XL anywhere) that needs to feed more than two. I don't see there being a wrong answer. Definitely nothing wrong with the "toy.""Take yourself lightly, but what you do seriously." - M. Martin XL BGE - Johnston, IA
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@Dyal_SC No doubt the Mini is a worker.
Just a few from the MM.
First cook was a nice Chucky
In conclusion they're both solid workhorse cooking vessels.LBGE 2013 & MM 2014Die Hard HUSKER & BRONCO FANFlying Low & Slow in "Da Burg" FL -
@NPHuskerFL nice looking grub brotherColumbia, SC --- LBGE 2011 -- MINI BGE 2013
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@Chubbs Thx my friend. I take pics of all my cooks. I may have a problem That was just the tip of the iceberg so to speak.LBGE 2013 & MM 2014Die Hard HUSKER & BRONCO FANFlying Low & Slow in "Da Burg" FL
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Small!Which came first the chicken or the egg? I egged the chicken and then I ate his leg.
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@NPHuskerFL damn! Some of the finest looking food I've seen in awhile! Can you explain the avocados?Chicago, IL - Large and Small BGE - Weber Gasser and Kettle
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@blind99 Thank You. That's funny you chose that pic That was our Son's grub on his MM @HuddleHouseCook. Truthfully he'd be best to ask on that particular shot...that is if he ever gets back on the forum. He's a college student, part to full-time cook and juggles a girlfriend inbetween. I guess he's sorta busy
Essentially it's an Haas avocado w/ pit removed, egg with onion, herbs, garlic, bacon and spices. Hot and fast to get over medium on the egg.Served just as you see it. Pretty decent eats.LBGE 2013 & MM 2014Die Hard HUSKER & BRONCO FANFlying Low & Slow in "Da Burg" FL -
Yessir @NPHuskerFL !! No doubt, they are both incredible pieces of equipment. Those are some fantastic cooks!!!
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@Blackwidow98 IMHO choosing either of them you'll be happy.
Or...both.LBGE 2013 & MM 2014Die Hard HUSKER & BRONCO FANFlying Low & Slow in "Da Burg" FL -
I have a MM. At first I didn't think much of it (use an XL for most cooks). Started traveling (RV trips) with it and love being able to travel and have wonderfully cooked food. Only problem is weight. Love the cook space.
this weekend i did an 16# brisket and 3 racks of ribs on the XL and chicken on the MM. Everything worked out wonderfully. Love cooking in TBGE and my family can't believe how great things taste.Northern New Jersey
XL - Woo2, AR L (2) - Woo, PS Woo MM (2) - Woo MINI
Check out https://www.grillingwithpapaj.com for some fun and more Grilling with Papa (incase you haven't gotten enough of me)
Also, check out my YouTube Page
https://www.youtube.com/c/grillingwithpapaj
Follow me on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/GrillingPapaJ/ -
I am going to get a mini, already decided on that. This thread just pushed me over the edge.
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stompbox said:I am going to get a mini, already decided on that. This thread just pushed me over the edge.
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blind99 said:@egret can you put two baskets in at the same time? It would be nice when grilling to keep the same distance from lump to grate but decrease the total mass of lit charcoal.
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I have seen amazing cooks off the Mini, and in the right hands it is a delicious food pumping machine. I really struggled between the MM and the Mini when I wanted to add a second egg. I selected the MM, and for Team YukonRon, we have been very, very happy. I often will have a surprise addition for dinner and the added space makes it so much easier for unplanned guests.
That being said, if it were just for the two of us, I would have definitely gone with the Mini.
Either way, I can't understand how anyone could be disappointed in the purchase of Mini or MM."Knowledge is Good" - Emil Faber
XL and MM
Louisville, Kentucky -
Mini vs Mini Max...Large vs XL...same debate. Hey, it's just a size and weight thing. If your primary use is NOT to travel with your Egg and you don't mind spending a little more money I would always recommend the larger size.
Yes, you can cram a lot of food on the Mini...this means you could cram even more on the Mini Max.Thank you,DarianGalveston Texas -
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THEBuckeye said:
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Great pics Blake! Love the section of counter top for the tailgate.
Steve
XL, Mini Max, and a 22" Blackstone in Cincinnati, Ohio -
I will add mini to the family at some point, and was considering one until minimax was announced. Here are some observations:
Mm is portable but cumbersome. And although it has just a couple of inches more of grid space but this extra space is huge, especially when making pizza or using the woo and smaller grid for two levels. I think mm is great for two, but if you take it to a tailgate party or camping, it would be hard to smoke six burgers or 10 sausages at a time for a larger group. Mm gives me flexibility of upper rack on woo to make onions or other veggies and good amt of meat on lower grid
I wouldnt say mini is a toy but that it has tighter limitations on flexibility of use than mm. Plus the accessories for small fit mm so availability of wider array of items exists, such as pizza stone, woo, platesetter etc.
I still plan on adding a mini sometime and exploring its capabilities.
If you want flexibility maximixed and see making food for more than two frequently, get the mm. If it will mostly be two people and ultimate ease of transport is the goal, the mini would be my choice -
We sent a Mini to Afghanistan for a MP unit of 21. They used the hell out of it. It's not a toy.
I had two Mini's at one time but sold one to get a MM. I still use the Mini more than the MM or the two Larges.Salado TX & 30A FL: Egg Family: 3 Large and a very well used Mini, added a Mini Max when they came out (I'm good for now). Plus a couple Pit Boss Pellet Smokers. -
Big_Green_Craig said:The original question was not "is the Mini capable?" It was which one to get.
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NPHuskerFL said:Ellijay GA with a Medium & MiniMax
Well, I married me a wife, she's been trouble all my life,
Run me out in the cold rain and snow -
Last year I was thinking which egg to go with my XL. I was thinking, Mini, MM, or Small, but SWMBO didn't like any of the prices. I tried for a KJ Jr, but she said now to that as well. She did approve this;
Kind wish I would have saved my $200. I thought it would get up to temp faster, but nope. It does use less lump, but I just don't use it anymore. My weekday grill is my new Coleman portable gas grill. This may end being used for target practice some day.
XL, WSM, Coleman Road Trip Gas GrillKansas City, Mo.
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