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Grill or Egg

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Unknown
Unknown
edited November -1 in EggHead Forum
I have a $2k Jenn Air gas grill and a Masterbuilt smoker; I love them both. My father in law is bugging me to buy one of these eggs. He claims that the egg is the bar none, the best. I like coming home from work and pressing thump and having the grill ignite; eight minutes later, I am grilling. I don't use the smoker but about two time a year to do a turkey or butt. I really don't want to come home from the office and handle a bunch of dirty charcoal and wait for it to heat up to put our chicken or steak on (not a puss about getting dirty, just don't like the hassle). Please tell me why I should have one of these, to settle the argument with my father in law; he is Farlsworth and uncle in law is Dynagreaseball. Don't necessarily need a new hobby and like my present set up, but if I am missing out on a wonderful pasttime, I would like to know. The $$ is not an issue, just don't want another appliance on the deck, if it is unused. Thanks...ETB, CPA
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  • Dover_Gal
    Dover_Gal Posts: 116
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    ErnestTBass,
    The jennair is very nice, but...
    we get a fire started really quickly: shake in a small amount of lump (yes, arranging it can get hands slightly soiled, soap works well or a wet scrub towel.) Poke in the electric starter, come back in a few.[p]The electric starter has our fire going in under 8 minutes and the food tastes great and we bake a dessert sometimes after the main dish is grilled or roasted. [p]Basically it's about the taste. I don't like the taste of gas and I can taste it on even indirect gas grilled food. [p]The Egg is like a grill mixed with a wood-fired oven, with the effects a clay wood oven can give you in baking and roasting.[p]But if you are happy with the Jennair, so be it. Some dealers let you try out a loaner. That would be ideal--you could tell if it was worth it to you.
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  • Smoky Joe
    Smoky Joe Posts: 7
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    ErnestTBass,
    A BGE is the swiss army knife of BBQ/grilling. It can low and slow with little effort, it grills like the best of the best, its a bread oven, and a pizza oven. The Eggs temps range from 150 degrees to 1000 degrees and will maintain temp better than the finest gas or electric oven. The Egg is easy to light and clean. You can't afford to not have a BGE in your stable. Besides this cool forum is part of the deal, so your not just getting the finest cooking insturment in the world you will be in the company of the most knowlegable chefs, pit masters, and engineers on the planet.
    SS
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  • Wise One
    Wise One Posts: 2,645
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    ErnestTBass, damn, you sound exactly like me before my wife bought me an egg 7 years ago. I have cooked on my gas grill exactly two times in the last 7 years. I think the favorite thing I have eaten from the BGE were my words. Boy was I wrong. I can be ready to cook in 15 minutes and unless I just don't really care, I don't get dirty from loading the lump. What I do get is by far the best grilled food I have ever eaten - much less cooked.

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  • Unknown
    Unknown
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    ErnestTBass,
    The "appliance on the deck" will be used to store your Eggcessories. They are handy for that... (I know whereof I speak).[p]Tripp
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  • billt
    billt Posts: 225
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    ErnestTBass,
    scroll down the forum to 9-12-07 "why buy and egg" and read the replies, including mine.. should answer your questions.
    yes you are missing out on a wonderful past time and eating dried out food at the same time :>)[p]
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  • Scotty's Inferno
    Scotty's Inferno Posts: 170
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    ErnestTBass, Even as a 4 egg owner/lover for 3 years I can't see you buying something you don't even have an interest in. Buy an egg when you are ready for it, then get immersed! Have fun, Scott

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  • Pork Butt Mike
    Pork Butt Mike Posts: 2,584
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    ErnestTBass,
    The main reason why I changed over was there are so much more you can do with the Egg and I just love to cook. As for the coal and waiting for the coal to get ready to cook is not much more time and so much better flavor. [p]Pork Butt Mike MIA_logo-80x90.gif
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  • Dimple's Mom
    Dimple's Mom Posts: 1,740
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    ErnestTBass,[p]I just went outside, opened up the lid, tossed on a few more pieces of lump, closed the lid, in less than 10 minutes the egg was up to temp to put my meatloaf on.[p]For me, I prefer the taste of wood bbq vs propane. It's just a preference but if I had a propane grill, we would never use it. I don't see the purpose off taking the time to carry food outside if it's going to taste the same as if cooked in the house.[p]Gwen
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  • Unknown
    Unknown
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    ErnestTBass,
    DynaGreaseball and I welcome you aboard! We look forward to your report on the first low & slow. The kids will love the pizzas, and the wife will love you more when you present the first tri tip done to perfection for sandwiches. Happy egging , JCSBCPA.....
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  • Flashback Bob
    Flashback Bob Posts: 519
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    ErnestTBass,
    Get a large Egg and use it on the weekends. Use the gasser for quick cooks after work. What happned to me is I found more and more ways to squeeze in time to do food on the Egg. I haven't been doing this a long time, but in the past year I've cooked way more stuff on the grill than I cooked in the previous year on grill and stove combined.[p]You can get more flavors out of food cooked on the Egg than you can on the gasser. Don't expect it to happen overnight, but give it time and I'll be surprised if you don't become a kool-aid drinkin', secret-handshakin' full fledged convert to the cult![p]BTW- your name is EXCELLENT! ( Loved you on the Andy Griffith Show, was wondering whatever became of you)
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  • Unknown
    Unknown
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    ErnestTBass,
    I'm confused, have you ever tried the food on Falsworth or Dynagreaseball's eggs? Or do they not live close by?
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  • DynaGreaseball
    DynaGreaseball Posts: 361
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    JudyFoodie,[p]I'm a newbie. Only been cooking on my egg for about a month or so, and we don't live in the same state. He's GA, I'm NC.[p]
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  • Essex County
    Essex County Posts: 991
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    ErnestTBass,
    If you don't want the hassle of dirty charcoal and like having the ability to push a button and boot up the grill, you've got the rig of your dreams already. Your Jenn-Aire is a fine grill and it sounds like something that suits your needs. Seriously, the BGE is a versatile cooker that does lots of stuff really well but it does require a little more effort to exploit its substantial benefits. I have three eggs now and sent my last gasser out with the trash about 3 weeks ago. I'm not going back, but I have to admit that when I get home from the office, I have to top up the charcoal, get it lit (with one match and a fire cube), and head inside to wash my hands before I can have the first drink of the day while I wait for the temp to hit its target. I agree, if its not about money, then cook like you want to and enjoy life.[p]Cheers,[p]PJB,CFA
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  • Just Plain Mike
    Just Plain Mike Posts: 57
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    I enjoy cooking on the gas grill during the week but really look forward to working with my egg or my offset or my upright water smoker or my sentimental favorite toy, an antique Cook-N-Kettle. If you like a good smoked flavor in meat, you can't get the same flavor on gas and certainly can't go wrong with the egg. I really look forward to having people over to get a chance to cook more stuff on my toys and being able to try so many different things. I bet you will too.
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  • Unknown
    Unknown
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    ErnestTBass,
    If you don't want the hassles of another hobby, perhaps your wife could give it a go? I'm a newbie myself and have done 99% of the cooks in my home and am amazed by the flavour and juiciness each and every time. Yes it takes a little more effort to get it going and there is an initial learning curve in understanding the abilities of ceramic cooking but boy is this a FUN pasttime. My kids love it and have really developed an appreciation for charcoal grilling. It has made dinners more fun especially on pizza nights as they both fight over whose pizzas get baked first. They'll be the envy of their friends as they get older. [p]Also what may sell you, whether now or in the future, is the web page of 'Rick's Tropical Delight'. His BBQ porn site will blow you away. You can find it on his profile page.[p]Judy
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  • Pharmeggist
    Pharmeggist Posts: 1,191
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    ErnestTBass,
    If money is not the issue... I double dog dare you to go with your Father in Law to the Atlanta Eggtoberfest! If you don't come back with an egg or wanting one it wasn't meant to be. Just my 2 cents worth of advice. It is a win win deal for you and would be a great guy thing to do with the father in law. My neigbor has $$$$$$ Ducane Gas Grill and wants me to call him now when I have food coming off my two Eggs.
    ~Pharmeggist

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  • Unknown
    Unknown
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    ErnestTBass,
    I was in a similar situation. I had a really nice Ducane gas grill that I enjoyed cooking on. That is, I enjoyed it until I tasted food cooked on the BGE. Next thing I knew, I had the BGE at home and was cooking everything.[p]I live in Iowa and we have what I consider good beef and pork and there is just no comparison in meat cooked on the egg and the gas grill. The BGE is much more versatile. I tried many times to cook ribs on the gas grill and while edible and ok they weren't great. First time for baby backs on the BGE and they were great. [p]The other thing is that I was similar to you in that before I got the egg I thought I wouldn't want the hassle of the charcoal. What has happened is that I have come to love the process involved with the BGE. It is a huge stress relief for me after a day of chaos at the hospital where I work. The simplicity of having a beer and starting a fire in the egg is just what I need. And as for that Ducane gas grill...I gave it away to a college student and haven't missed it at all.[p]
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  • DynaGreaseball
    DynaGreaseball Posts: 361
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    ErnestTBass,[p]Pharmeggist has a great idea. Come go to the Egg Fest with us. If for no other reason than to eat some really great viddles. I think they'll have some used eggs on sale too. I mention that just in case. [p]Hug the family for Gwen and me.
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  • Unknown
    Unknown
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    ErnestTBass,[p]My two gassers are Gandhi-with-the-Windhi...[p]My gassy neighbors are all challenging me to cookoffs -- and by their own admission, they're losing.[p]Mwahahahahahahahaaaaa![p]I am da King-a da Forest![p]ROAR![p][p]
    ~ Broc

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  • Car Wash Mike
    Car Wash Mike Posts: 11,244
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    gdribs01.jpg
    <p />ErnestTBass,
    nmsg.
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  • Ross in Ventura
    Ross in Ventura Posts: 7,234
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    DSCN1525.jpg
    <p />ErnestTBass,
    DSCN1445.jpg<BK>
    DSCN1454.jpg<BK>
    DSCN1617.jpg<BK>
    DSCN1605.jpg<BK>
    DSCN1604.jpg
    YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
    ROSS
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  • Car Wash Mike
    Car Wash Mike Posts: 11,244
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    Ross in Ventura,
    He should just stay with the Jenair. GREAT looking prime rib. I really wish you wouldn't have posted that. LOL[p]Mike
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  • Ross in Ventura
    Ross in Ventura Posts: 7,234
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    Car Wash Mike,
    Thanks Mike, all we can do is show them the way.
    Wave a great Weekend,
    Ross
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  • mb168
    mb168 Posts: 265
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    ErnestTBass,[p]I keep a pair of yard work gloves nearby and usually the right hand I leave hanging on the BGE handle, but no messy charcoal hands. Dump and light.
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  • fishlessman
    fishlessman Posts: 32,754
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    ErnestTBass,
    just know that when your father inlaw is over and you grill him a nice steak, and he says "this is the best steak ive ever eaten", that he is lying. no points there, even his favorite beverage might not make up for the fact that he just ate a gassed steak.
    fukahwee maine

    you can lead a fish to water but you can not make him drink it
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  • Unknown
    Unknown
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    ErnestTBass, The difference between amateur and professional is attention to detail. A gas grill will provide you with convenience, cleanliness, and adequate food. The beloved Big Green Egg will require time, patience, and learning. If you are willing to do those things you will be rewarded with some of the finest food that you'll ever eat. I would encourage you to find someone who knows their stuff with the BGE and sample their cooking. You alone know what will bring satisfaction to yourself and others. Last night we had friends over for Jalepeno Poppers and pork tenderloin. They went home with recipes. Their beautiful gas grill will not deliver the goods but that will be their learning.

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  • fyrcat
    fyrcat Posts: 41
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    ErnestTBass,
    I have never had a gasser, only in the past charcoal barbeques. I love to cook, and the egg has added a new dimension for me. I wanted a wood fired pizza oven. The green egg really covers almost everything a wood fired oven would do-PLUS. As most have done here, you can slow cook meat-pulled pork,beef brisket. I have an xtra large egg, I made a beef brisket a couple of weeks ago for the first time,for a crowd of 30. Cooked it for 250 for 20 hours.It was fantastic!!!! I still had enough charcoal left to cook some steaks the next day. I have made countless pizzas-at temperatures of 600 to 700 degrees. I highly recommend this versatile cooker!!!! Cathy
    P1140145.jpg
    pizza with italian sausage[p]http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p105/fyrcat/100_0255.jpg
    P2150071-1.jpg
    slow cooked yucatan pork
    100_0257.jpg
    chipotle pizzas
    P2080083.jpg
    tortillas!!!
    P1310065.jpg
    Bread
    P1310068.jpg
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  • Unknown
    Unknown
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    ErnestTBass,[p]I have a very nice Jenn-Air grill, and I really enjoyed using it. When I bought the BGE two years ago, I assumed that I would still use the gasser for quick cooks and that it would complement my new Egg.[p]I'm surprised that I have literally not fired the Jenn-Air up even once in two years. It might be faster than the Egg, but not by much. [p]For me, the flavor difference is the key.[p]I'm not one of those that say gas grills are the debil. They have their place, and I'm actually surprised I'm not using mine anymore for any purpose. Eventually, I'll have to decide whether to get rid of it I guess.

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  • GHEgger
    GHEgger Posts: 37
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    ErnestTBass,[p]You will never regret having a BGE. I personally got a lot of grief from family members when I banished my gasser - "why are you going back to the stone age, blah, blah, blah." Since then, I've converted FOUR of my close friends to the BGE club with more coming next year. The flavors from the gasser just flat out don't compare. In fact, there is no comparison IMO.[p]Do what I did: save the tank from your gasser and buy a weed burner (propane torch) attachment for it. You fill the BGE with lump and fire it off with the weed burner for 30 seconds. You'll be ready to cook in 10 minutes. For that extra two minutes, you'll be rewarded many times over![p]Good luck!
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  • stike
    stike Posts: 15,597
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    Dr. Jim,
    exactly.[p]anyone whose criteria include "click a button and i'm cooking in ten minutes" isn't really interested in the food, are they?[p]christ. i can microwave a steak before any of you even have your grill lit. in the end. who is ahead?[p]if you are serious about something, you get serious about it. if you are not serious, you wander around asking people who ARE serious just why it is that you should be serious.[p]remember when you were ten, and said that you'd never ever EVER kiss a girl? it's like that. if we have to explain it to you and cajole you, you just aren't the type. or you are, but you just aren't ready for it.[p]like jerry said, though, "not that there's anything wrong with that".[p]

    ed egli avea del cul fatto trombetta -Dante
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