Read this and collect $100

Hi Greennewb :)if you look up a little and to the left you will see a search box. You are right in that this question is asked a lot and as a result there are 100's of answers waiting to be read if you have a thermapen ordered then you have done some reading and know about the better equipment. so spend some time browsing and go ahead and register welcome, Julie

Both the large and XL regulate heat very well so no issue there. If you are cooking for 4 people 95% of the time you will most likely be better off with a large. On a single grid I have cooked 4-5 Boston butts and seldom have to go to the XL unless doing a big cook. The XL is nice for Laying 3 large racks of ribs flat or doing mass grilling but I could get by with the Large most of the time. There are accessories to add grid space to the large like the adjustable rig which is made and sold by one of the forum members. It is a top quality piece of equipment. I started out with my XL and have since bought 3 larges and a small. The large is my go to egg most of the time and I regularly cook for 3. The XL is nice to have at all the big holidays as I am usually cooking a lot for a lot of people. Most here will recommend the large but I say get what will fit your cooking needs, they are both great cookers. If cost is not an issue a two egg combo like a Large and a med or a small or even two larges may fit your bill. No matter what you get you will be very happy with it. Chances are you will get another one to compliment your first one somewhere down the road. That is really nice to cook the meat and sides all on the Eggs.

http://www.eggheadforum.com/index.php?searchword=xl+or+large&dtstart=0&dtrange=0&orderby=score&pagelength=50&returnfirst=0&option=com_simpleboard&Itemid=112&func=search

Read and enjoy. It been debated as much as "Ginger or Mary Ann"

I thought you were going to give us a preference. Which one is it, Ginger or Mary Ann. Ask Neil. He'll have an opinion.

Mary Ann...always Mary Ann

He know what he's talkin bout!Mary Ann-HANDS DOWN!or up.

I have a large and a small. I got the small in September and have used it more than the large. I have 2 adults and 2 kids and can cook enough food for a meal on the small.
I have cooked 6 pork butts at once for a party with no problems on the large.
I have no experience with a XL, but it seams it would use more lump to cook the same amount of food an a large for a family of 4. I would recommend a large and a second level.

I'm a little hesitant to show my lack of forum knowledge, here goes: Who are Ginger and Mary Ann? (As one of the forum members says, it is better to keep quiet and have some people think you are foolish than to open your mouth and remove all doubt)!

Uglydog

My bad! I am of the right age group for Gilligan's Island, but I am TV illiterate. Sometimes my contemporaries can't believe how little I know of the old TV shows.
Thanks for the clue,

Uglydog

I agree there is a big difference in size between the Large and XL.

Yep. Would have married Marry Ann in an instant. Think I did marry her sister!