buying my first

As far as the size goes, I wouldn't start with a small, start with something you can fit at least 3 racks of ribs on. If you don't currently BBQ ribs on the grill, you will when you get the Egg. I think a large is best, but I've never used a Medium so I can't comment on whether a Medium would be best for you, but maybe it would.

You should get a lot of responses but I'll throw a few comments:

It costs a lot, but it is a lifetime investment. Comes with a lifetime warrantee and a support network like nothing else anywhere. The initial cost is an obstacle, but over time it proves to be negligible for the use you get out of it.

This cooker is different than a weber kettle in that it is more versatile, it can be used in ALL kinds of weather without any adverse effects, and it tends to cook the meat in a way that retains moisture. Also, you use lump for fuel, not briquettes and lump can be reused until it's ash or too small to bother with.

You can easily cook out year round. I live in new england and cook out several times a week through the winter. In the summer when it's too hot in the house to use the oven, you can cook everything and anything outside. You can cook outside with any grill but with this one you can cook anything! You can grill meats at high temps, BBQ at low temps, smoke or no smoke, bake pizzas, breads, pies and with the addition of a "spider" you can use a wok on it as well. I look back on my other grills as just heating food up to eat.

I have found one significant difference between the Egg and other griils is that a BGE functions as a major appliance. I use it more than the stove or oven.

Also, your husband may find he would like to try cooking on this.

good luck!

Welcome to the party. Let me echo previous posts and tell you the large is the way to go. Once a month for a large group my turn into more gatherings and you will need the cooking capacity. With a large you can do a couple of butts and then cook abt's just prior to eating. The possibilities are limitless.
I have owned some highend gassers in my time and nothing come close to the egg. Moister food with almost a set it and for get operation. You will taste chicken that is juicy and not rubber skinned. Steaks, chops, etc will be juicy and exploding with flavor. And finally, you will be able to draw from fabulous knowledge base of the forum. Sorry for being so windy.

Just to throw some confusion into the mix:

1. Eggs are expensive, I can't believe it would happen but if you regretted a purchase I'm sure you could easily recoup at least 50% but bettre still talk to your dealer about that they might have an option for you.

2. Eventually you will want a large and a small but a large and a med is probably cool too. I have a medium and love it - but I would like to end up with a large and a small (grass greener etc) (oh and perhaps a med too...)

In coclusion I'd say you would be good with either size because you are likely to want to add a large

The Medium is a serious machine. I dont have one but have used one many times. That being said, get the Large becuase it's even better.

The Large is the best all around Egg in my opinion. You can't go wrong with it. Pricey, but as mentioned it will last a lifetime and then be bequeathed to the next generation. You can always add a Small or Medium later to complement. I have a Large and Medium and love them both.

Freddie
League City, TX

I think the Egg is less expensive than a Weber.
First over the years you will go through many Weber grills as they rust out. Second the amount of fuel (lump vs charcoal briquettes) will be less as the egg burns more efficiently. The finished product, the food, is so much better tasting everyone will know you are a great cook. Sure the day-one cost is a more but ask yourself do you want to save a buck and have mediocre meals or inveat in something so much better…

If I was in your situation heres what I would do.
1. Buy the large for the situation you described the large will comfortably do what you want and more.
2. Take your husband to an eggfest, if he requires more convincing than eggfest food you are in trouble.
3. Research demo/slightly used eggs from an eggfest, dealers usually sell these eggs at a discount with things like the nest (stand) included.
Good luck.

I have a Large, so let me state my bias in favor of that size up front.

I agree with other commenters that the Large is the unit to buy. Yes, it's more expensive than the Medium or Small, but it will be more accommodating for your group dinners and, because it's the most commonly-sold Egg, there is a host of accessories you can get for it that are not available for the smaller units.

Wow, a consensus. LARGE it is! Thanks for making my decision easy. I was prepared to have to mull this over. I don't think I can wait for an eggfest to convince my hubby. After all, he did just buy a kayak...I can't wait to try my grandmother's BBQ chiken, not like any BBQ you've ever had (I promise) and it is the moistest, yummy chicken! Wish me luck. Mom the griller