newbie in Nixa...HELP!

If you're strapped for cash, you can improvise pretty much what you need. The one thing the Egg does extremely well is indirect cooking. For that, folks usually buy a plate setter or other similar rig, but you can get by with using other things to block the direct heat from the lump.

If you don't have one, I'd recommend getting a dome thermometer, preferably a Tel-Tru. There's no substitute for good instrumentation.

I used the BGE for several years with just a little more than what you have.

You didn't say where you were putting it, but a piece of flagstone and the green Egg feet are generally sufficient for placement on any surface.

You need a dome thermometer. If you have one, check it for calibration by putting the sensor end in boiling water. If you don't have one, a Tru-Tel is one of the best, and still affordable.

A remote reading digital food thermometer is a great asset. You can get a Polder (sp) from Ace Hardware, WalMart, etc. Push the temp probe in what you are cooking, run the wire out between the dome and base, and place the base unit on a small table. This allows you to know with a glance, the internal temp of your food.

As it sits, you have a fine grill. If you want to roast, bake, or BBQ, you'll need something to block the direct heat from the lump (coal).
The plate setter is the simplest way to do this.
You can also use firebricks, drip pans, etc.

Lastly, ASK Questions! The more specific, the better the answers you’ll receive.
Michael B.

You should get an Ash tool.

Leather gloves or if you want, Welders gloves, are real good for handling hot stuff or working over a hot grill and I got mine at Home Depot for $15.

stand the Egg on 3 little Egg feet on top of any kind of paving stone.

Use the paper towel& vegetable (NOT Canola) oil method for starting your fires.

Build yourself (yes YOU) a raised grid. Purchase a weber 18" replacement grid and (3) 3/8" x 4.5" carriage bolts with (3) nuts and washers for each.

Zinc plated bolts are fine, some people here warn not to use them (it's an argument that never goes away)because when you boil zinc it gives off a noxious gas- but you won't be getting hot enough to boil the zinc on the bolts.

Instead of a $40 platesetter you can use Firebrick Splits. they are inexpensive and can be purchased at a local masonry supply or Ace hardware.
two is probably enough to get you started. lay them flat on your grid and then put your raised grid over that to cook on. this will give you an indirect cook.

You can buy remote thermometers fairly inexpensively. From $10 end-of-season closeouts on up. They say you shouldn't be using these for cooks over 400*. I find I use mine for two things- overnight lo and slo cooks and roasts (which are usually at around 400). The overnight cooks need the remote thermo with two probes that monitors grate/pit temp as well as meat. A lot of us use the Maverick ET-73.

hope this helps.

For a medium you would need a 15" grid not a 18".

Oh, and my egg is sitting on my wood deck, so I guess I need to put something underneath it, huh?

Seriously, a stone paver and the (3) BGE feet. If it didn't come with the feet, get some at your nearest Egg dealer or online. The paver should be 18" x 18" x more than 1" thick.

The slight air gap afforded by the feet will keep the heat from transferring directly through the stone to your deck. Also, the stone will be less likely to crack. If you don't have a stone you could buy 8 more firebrick and just lay them flat to create a "pad" for the Egg. The only problem is they will move around over time because your deck deflects (bounces) slightly through normal use (people walking).

Yes, I think you will be able to build your own raised grid. Impress your friends and amaze your family! Go with the 15" size( thanks to Old Salt for the correction!) and you'll be good. You use 3 legs because it will always be stable that way. Tripods never wobble but any furniture with four legs might.

Also, as far as Lump goes, I use Cowboy and/or Royal Oak which I get for $12/ 20lb bag. If you get R.O., look on the bag to make sure it says "Made in America" rather than "Product of Argentina" (or any other South American country). The South American lump is to be avoided! it is often on sale and is not good. Shoots off sparks like crazy!

Good luck and let the fun begin!