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Which to Buy??

Porque-E-Pig
Porque-E-Pig Posts: 7
edited November -0001 in EggHead Forum
I am about to buy an Egg..... In 90% of the cases the Large will be fine. But there are those occasions when bigger is better. Is there any reason NOT to buy the XLarge ????

ButtWiper
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Comments

  • vidalia1
    vidalia1 Posts: 7,092
    If u can buy an XL my advice is to but a large & a small....versatility is the key to more than 1 BGE...or a XL and small... B)
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  • Mainegg
    Mainegg Posts: 7,787
    What kim said :) You will find having two Eggs is much better than one huge one. diff set ups and temps especially if you are cooking for a crowd. I routinely cook for 20 -30 on my large at work and if I have more than that bring in my med or small to help out.
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  • Lambchops
    Lambchops Posts: 166
    I have two large Eggs and can't complain about that set up at all.
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  • 2Fategghead
    2Fategghead Posts: 9,624
    ButtWiper, I have two large eggs and there are just two of us most of the time. At times I use both eggs. One may be cooking direct while the other is cooking indirect. One may be doing an overnight cook so I use the other for in the mean time. I egged on a large for almost a year then I got another large. Tim :)
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  • Porque-E-Pig
    Porque-E-Pig Posts: 7
    Thanks all..... You've managed to talk me out of the XL and save me some dough. But I'll probably end up doing like the rest of you and getting a second Egg once I get used to using one.

    Next question: What accessories MUST I have??
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  • Morro Bay Rich
    Morro Bay Rich Posts: 2,227
    In my opinion the only MUST have accessories:

    1. Some method to do indirect cooks (platesetter or something like that).
    2. A thermometer (probe type or instant). Nothing will turn you off faster than undercooked chicken. :S
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  • walrusegger
    walrusegger Posts: 314
    Platesetter first and foremost.
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  • 2Fategghead
    2Fategghead Posts: 9,624
    Consider purchasing one of these. I is an instant read thermometer made by thermapen. My go to read when i'm about to pull the cook off the egg. Hope this helps. Tim ;)

    Here is my go to post. Save it in you favorites and refer to it often. I this post you will find the site for the splash proof thermapen and a lot of other nifty sites.

    http://www.eggheadforum.com/index.php?option=com_simpleboard&func=view&id=746787&catid=1

    000_1915.jpg
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  • Porque-E-Pig
    Porque-E-Pig Posts: 7
    I should have stated somewhere that I have been smoking for about 5 years - built my own big-arsed heavy 1/4" steel mammoth but have very difficult time maintaining temps. That's why I am looking to change.

    SO I need to know what you experts deem as necessary accessories - so I don't have to make several trips to the dealer....

    Thanks for your help..........
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  • Porque-E-Pig
    Porque-E-Pig Posts: 7
    One last question........... I am concerned about using this as a grill for burgers, etc.

    Do you cook with the top up or down? What about flare-ups?

    I swear, I'm done asking question but I really appreciate the help.....

    Thanks again,

    ****
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  • Capt Frank
    Capt Frank Posts: 2,578
    Check out the ceramic grill store for their aftermarket accessories, then call them up and discuss what type of cooks you will be doing. They are great folks, very knowledgeable, and will save you some money in the long run B)

    Capt Frank
    Homosassa, FL
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  • Unknown
    Unknown
    ButtWiper wrote:
    One last question........... I am concerned about using this as a grill for burgers, etc.
    Do you cook with the top up or down? What about flare-ups?
    I swear, I'm done asking question but I really appreciate the help.....
    Thanks again,
    ****

    I believe the saying is: "If you're looking, you ain't cookin'"

    Meaning, top down. Remember to add some smoked chips when you make the burgers - give it a good flavour. Someone posted this recipe last week, I'm going to give it a try tomorrow.

    http://www.whiteonricecouple.com/recipes/best-umami-hamburger-recipe/
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  • Celtic Wolf
    Celtic Wolf Posts: 9,773
    This is a pre-recorded message:

    I often hear that the large does not have the capacity to cook for a large family.

    Let me tell you that is a lot of bull. When my family gets together we are typically 20+. My XL sits there and wishes I would use him.

    So here is my proof:

    Please note the amount of sausage on this egg:
    IMG_8030-020.jpg

    6 7-9 pound butts on this egg:

    IMG_8055-033.jpg

    Just for contrast please note the amount of meat on this Lang 60:

    IMG_8059-035.jpg

    I cooked 18 butts on 3 eggs and took up less space.

    My XL gets used when I cater and even then it's only used for something that may not physically fit on my large and can't be cut into smaller chunks.

    Ohh did I tell you I have 2 small eggs too. You will NOT be disappointed with the Egg, unless you fail to learn how to use it or don't use it. Many of us use it as our primary cooking source year round.
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  • evenwhenitsraining
    evenwhenitsraining Posts: 75
    I've heard the XL can be harder to control temp-wise, more finicky. And besides, 99% of the time you're not going to need the XL.
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  • Bash
    Bash Posts: 1,011
    You've heard?

    I have an XL and a medium. Between the two, the XL is much easier to control, and is much less finicky about being kept clean. With the XL, I stir the lump and light - easy peasy. The medium requires more cleaning out to get to the hotter temps.
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  • Celtic Wolf
    Celtic Wolf Posts: 9,773
    The only size I don't have the Medium. Even though the LBGEs are the workhorses of American Spirit they aren't any less or any more difficult to control than my XL. They are just easier to move around and have more eggcessories.

    For that matter I don't have issues with either of my small eggs getting them up to high temps or keeping them controlled.
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  • Brazilian_Egg
    Brazilian_Egg Posts: 48
    If you often grill for large groups, get the XL. I have one and love it. I grill on it for my friends on weekends but during the week its just my wife and I and it works great. There's no such thing as too big. Anyone who says so is just jealous. :)

    With the accessories available, there are ways to conserve lump on each cook and no need to fill it up all the way.

    In my short time here, I've quickly noticed that the Large vs. XL is a common debate. In the end, its personal preference. Go with what makes you happy.
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  • Ripnem
    Ripnem Posts: 5,511
    Buttwiper,

    You won't believe how these things grill. Burgers better than anything you've ever had. I cook with the top open for some steak and burger cooks. The egg will act like a radiating fire vs. an oven. With the dome shut your flare-ups won't exist. Indirect gets you a convection/bread/pizza oven at the higher temps.

    I ain't just the Worlds best smoker. B)
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