Perfect Dimensions for a Large BGE Table?

vchelf

I am about to start building my large Egg's new home. I've been analyzing plans to death. For those that have built tables or for those that have bought tables - do you have any input as to the "perfect" dimensions? My large BGE is currently in a nest. The shelves that fold out are 35" high. The generic Big Green Egg table plans show 32" high x 25" deep x 58" long. The Naked Whiz plans show 31.25" high x 26.25" deep x 57" long.

I guess I've gotten used to the folding shelves being tall, but was wondering what others think. I'm not tall (5'8"), so I don't need it to be too tall. I was thinking about making the table 34" tall as a compromise. Any thoughts?

I want to get it right and would appreciate any input.  Also, I have the large BGE cover for the table. I want to keep the dimensions to a point that the cover will still fit. 

grege345

I've been down this road myself. Few things come to mind. 1. Even if you drop your egg into the table as far as you can the egg grate/ handle is always going to be higher than table surface. I put my small egg as low as it can (which requires cut out for hinge) and the opening of the egg is still a few inches higher than table. 2. I think the recommendation for the 15" bottom shelf is too high. Once you add the table nest or some other air gap it leaves the egg to high in the table IMO. 3. Also try to leave the egg closer to the front so it is easier to clean out the ash. Unless you use shop vac. 4. Plan ahead for drawers or closing up the bottom shelf altogether. Need room for those accessories. I thought about mine a lot before I started and I still wish I did some things different. Mine is an outdoor kitchen and its been a fun build. As for the cover I don't use one. See no need. Have fun and if you need measurements ill try to help. Oh and one more thing. Measure 3 times and before you cut measure 1 more time

vchelf

No additional comments from the group about the pros and cons of the sizes of the beloved tables? What is too tall or short? What is too deep or shallow? I figured I would get lots of thoughts from my fellow Eggheads on what they would do over, if they could...

Tspud1

28 x 60 x 34-36" high
Covers should fit this size. This gives you a work surface next to egg. I like thecut out option for the hinge. It allows the egg to sit a little lower in table

theyolksonyou

I made my width and depth to naked whiz dimension, thinking I might want a cover later. That's not going to happen so I would have made it a little longer. Height I don't really care about as long as it's not really low. My shelf is 15" below the table top. I used 1x6 rough lumber and planed and cut close to nominal. I wish I'd used 1x4 on the front frame as it inhibits use if the shelf somewhat.

Finally, make sure your castors are well connected and you always pull don't push. Don't ask how I know.

BRush00

I've got Big Green Egg's official table.  My Wife bought it for me before realizing it was 10x what it would've cost me to build, but oh well.

I'm not sure what the right answer is but, I've never ONCE thought, "this table is too high".  Conversly, i've never thought it's too low either (i'm 5'8" too btw).  Actually, the height has never crossed my mind, until this thread.

My vote - make your table a little on the high side, and if you're unhappy with it, at least the legs will be easy enough to trim down an inch or two.

NPHuskerFL

In my mind too tall or short is subjective. If your a tall guy a 40" table top and 46"-50" feltline may be perfect. Mine is 36"H 30"W 60"L and off the top of my head I don't know the feltline height.
Mine was a repurposed stainless steel prep table so all my adjustments were made via casters height and modifications to the table nest.


Lili Ann approves of the felt line height. )

jtcBoynton

Keep in mind that you have two different heights you will be working on. The main cooking grate of the egg will be higher than that of the table top. If you make the table top on the higher side, you may find it more awkward to use the egg. If you adjust the plans to drop the egg lower, you need to make provisions for the hinge.

Gator_Fan

Also keep in mind that most "plan dimensions" are so there is as little lumber waste as possible.

Beavercreek_Smoker

Try not to over think this. Are you comfortable cooking on your kitchen stove? Adjust the table height so the grate is at the height you are comfortable at. 

This is a pic of my table. I started with the basic plans and customized it with a propane cooktop and ceramic insert. This was my first cook, i couldn't wait till the tile set to add the grout. that was the next day lol.

Its a perfect height of me (I'm 6') and lets me set my beer down on it comfortably while i watch the Egg cook and enjoy the smell emitting from it...

Chubbs

Keep in mind table plans may not factor in your casters. Sounds like you have thought of everything but just a thought. The casters will raise the finished product up some.

xiphoid007

http://eggheadforum.com/discussion/1157985/cedar-table#latest

Tinyfish

Thinking about my plans for my XL. I like the idea of the table height 34" and the feltline at 351/2". I dont like the look of the eggs feltine 5"-6" above table. Thinking about this table top design so the feltline will be closer to the table top.