how much can you fit on a large?

leemschu

I am getting ready to build a table and buy my first BGE. My problem is I don't know what size I should get. I'm between medium, large, and XL. Ita just me and my wife but we have family over quite often so it can go up to 12 people eating with us. I'm thinking split the difference and go with the large but how much can you guys with the larges really cook at once? I've read what BGE says will fit but I'm not that trusting after looking in person at cooking space. So how much can yall pack on? Any kind of food. Meats, veggies, anything!

lkapigian

3 Butts on a large No Problem 1 packer brisket a butt no problem- add a tier-- I can cook for 50 on a large 12 is no issue

SGH

Listen brother, I have a large and absolutely love it. However I have a few other large smokers for big cooks. With that said, if I didn't have those other smokers the XL would be my first choice. Especially if it's your only means to cook. Up to a reasonable point, the bigger the smoker the better. The only reason I went with the large instead of the XL was the deal I got on it. 700 bucks with plate setter and 2 bags of lump. Couldn't pass on that.  

SmokingPiney

It's just my wife and I and I went with the XL - when I need the room, I have it. I do entertain from time to time and it's come in handy.

fishlessman

you can do 30 pounds plus of butt or butt and brisket in a large but cooking 12 or more steaks would be difficult but still doable. thinking roasts and your fine, even several chickens is doable in a large with the right rack system(not bge tiered rack). xl is too much for two people and really boarderline for big groups unless you cook big pieces of meat. tough choice. most of us get two eggs

leemschu

Haha I'd probably be the big piece of meat cooking in that egg if I bought 2 eggs

BYS1981

Is go XL

Jstroke

XL,  I have a medium and it gets crowded quick. I am adding the XL for more elbow room and temperature options. Think beyond the protein. Where are you grilling the corn, veggies, pots. I don't like stacking things though. To me it is more of a PIA. Buying an XL only hurts once. But remember eggs are social and need friends^^^^^^^ and it is true. Most people end up with two.

drano

With a raised grid I recently did 22 lb. of Boston Butt and a 17 lb. Packer and I could have gotten at least 1 more 10 lb. butt on it.

Langner91

I spent two years debating the large versus XL deal.  I wish I had spent two years cooking on an egg.  Here is my advice, which is free, so you get what you pay for. 

If if you only see 1 egg in your life, buy the XL. You can do direct and indirect on that one easily at the same time. 

If you see two eggs as a possibility, buy a large first. It will do everything you want right now and it will give you time to decide if your next egg will be large or medium, or XL. 

Good luck, but buy an egg!

ryantt

In my opinion the XL is the way to go.  I love having all the space.  Additionally it heats up quickly and  it doesn't burn that much lump. Below is a picture of the  beast in action on July 5, 50 pounds butts on it.  .  

Hook_emHornsfan_74

It's just my wife and I and I have an XL. We love and I wouldn't have it any other way. We are always having people over and I love the space to cook what I want on it.  Just my two cents. 

bettysnephew

My first Egg was an XL and I have never regretted buying it. It is only the wife and I but we do entertain. The charcoal usage is very reasonable. It is nice to have the acreage when a large group needs to be served. Last year I did buy a Medium, but mostly to have multi temp capability. I have only seen a couple of folks that have an XL say they wish they had a large unless it was to be a second Egg. With a Woo2 and AR Combo you can cook absolutely astonishing amounts of food in just about any way you can dream up to use the Egg. I bought the platesetter when I initially got my XL but after getting the Woo2/AR Combo I would pass on the platesetter as everything you need is in the Combo package. The package is a bit more money than the platesetter but the cooking versatility it adds is great.

Tbla

You need to think about what, how much and how you like to cook.    

I got the large for a family of 4....  But will be down to 2 in a couple years.   I have only had it a couple months.   When I start to cook multiple items - such as sides, apps plus main course - I struggle for space.   I have the BGE 2nd shelf - but it isn't so handy.  Probably upgrading to an AR in time.  I've also been surfing Craigslist for a used Mini-Max to add space or for small cooks.

So - if I knew more about how much I would love cooking on the egg, or the extra stuff I would cook on the egg - maybe I would have gotten an XL.    

Good luck.   Let us know what u get.  

SmokeyPitt

With 2 people the XL will be more than you need for 90% of your cooks.  Get the XL . 

Jeremiah

I can get one whole ball park frank on mine. 

Dobie

If there is a drawback to the egg its grid space, get the XL. 

dldawes1

XL all the way baby !!!   It is me and my wife as well, but when you start entertaining, with ABTs, wings, butt, ribs, and a couple spatchcock birds....you'll need the XL.

Just my reasoning, I like variety and like to offer variety to my guests.

Whatever you get....you'll love it !!

leemschu

I'm going to think about it. I think it depends on the price difference. I know my dealer has larges for $850 but I'm not sure about what they ask for XL. Extra space is always nice.

dmirish1

I'd also put my 2 cents in and say the large is absolutely fantastic, especially with tires. BUT I also love having the MiniMax to be able to do other things like appetizers and higher temp cooks while the large is slow cooking. Recommend both at some point!

Big_Green_Craig

You can expand an Egg's capacity with an aftermarket setup. For example:

Here is two deep dish chicago style pizzas. The bottom is a 12" Lodge cast iron skillet, the top is a 10" Lodge. 

dldawes1

Ribs over butts.  Chickens over ribs.  Don't know if you could get 4 butts and 4 racks of ribs with room to spare on the LG.  It is a hard decision...just have to weigh out the usage . needs, and the price.  I have no regrets getting the XL.