Medium or Large to round out my outdoor kitchen?

loylsn1

Hello all.  I'm looking for some advice to finalize our outdoor kitchen.   I'm in the process of completing a large patio below our walk out basement which will include built in areas for my eggs.  My first egg was a fathers day gift from my lovely bride.  She bought me an XL and I've used it like no other.  My only complaint that I have ever had about this egg is that it uses a tremendous amount of lump.   So to remedy this last year I bought a mini-max while camping at the state fair.  Talk about falling in love with my egg all over again.   We've used this little guy to know end.   

Anyway, fast forward to monday.   I got a call from my wife regarding a conference she had just attended.   She won another egg.  Talk about having a great wife, right?  Anyway, we get to go pick out what we want from our local dealer, up to size large.  I'm loving this idea as I really want to be able to do a long cook on my XL and then run a second grill at another temp for other cooking (and then the mini-max) for something to go with the beer while we cook.  I'm torn here as I don't know which size to go for.  My gut says just get the large.  When cooking burgers or something quick for my family we use the mini.  What are your thoughts?

HarrisFrampton

I would go with the large.

TideEggHead

If it is no cost, definitely spring for the large! It is a great all purpose size for my family's needs. It sounds like you have the mini for quick stuff. I can cook 2-3 spatch chickens on the large in 1 1/2 hours and still have lump left over, for reference.

tarheelmatt

I think a XL and Med combo is one of the best with L and M next.  

loylsn1

Matt, can you weigh in a bit more on your opinion since it varies from the other two?

epcotisbest

loylsn1 said:

Matt, can you weigh in a bit more on your opinion since it varies from the other two?

He is probably just kidding.

DoubleEgger

Medium all the way. Great cooker. Heats up fast. Burns very little lump. Awesome for weeknight cooks. 

tenpenny_05

I had a medium that I sold to finance a large. The large is great, but the medium was definitely awesome and I miss it a lot. It was crazy efficient, and crazy predictable. I knew exactly how to dial it in and turned out some of the best food I've ever made. 
I probably wouldn't go back to a medium as my only grill, but I think its a no brainer addition for somebody who already has larger eggs.

tarheelmatt

loylsn1 said:

Matt, can you weigh in a bit more on your opinion since it varies from the other two?

I believe with the XL and M combo, you have the best of both worlds.  The XL having the space for big low and slow items and occasional large cooks for groups.  Then the medium that doesn't require a lot of lump and can be up to temp in a matter of no time using a weed burner (and good lump, like Rockwood).  Your quick cooks (steaks, chicken, chops, veggies, etc) can be done on the M.  

Now, not to say the M is not a good low and slow cooker.  I ran my M just the other night with a whole 15lb shoulder on it, all night, and still had lump left.  

The M is my go to every nighter.  The Large is for large crowds.  You'd just have more space.  

WeberWho

Large 

Gulfcoastguy

I love my medium and if you didn't already have the MM I would say get one. Since you have the MM you would probably be happier with a large.

GrateEggspectations

IMO, the Medium is the very best performer of the lineup. As others have noted, it is quick to heat up and easy to dial in as far as temps. I have not been able to replicate its performance on my Large or MM. 

That being said, the Large is more versatile than the Medium (e.g., can accommodate cooking vessels more easily, has greater capacity, has a greater number of accessories available for it, etc.).

My choice would be the Large. Not only for those reasons above, but because you have been awarded any Egg size up to and including a Large. Personally, I would opt to get full mileage out of my choice. 

saluki2007

I love my small and large combo. Since you already have a MM I would suggest the large. 

bgebrent

Large. My 2 cents.

cookingdude555

I have most of the sizes. I don't use my small, mini, or large. Only the medium and XL. And almost all cooking is done on the medium for reasons stated above. I am one with the medium. Don't tell my wife but I have considered making it a sister wife.