Mini egg construction

Oldcow

First post, I hope in the right place.

I have a large egg and like everyone, love it.  I was given a mini knock off by a friend and we are trying it camping.  Frankly, I am impressed with it and I think for the wife and I it could become the go to egg with the BGE large for family gatherings.  This mini I find is not easy to get to heat up high temps.  At lower temp it takes longer but works.  Also the bottom part inside (sorry don't know the word) is not centered so that may affect air flow? 

Here is the thing.  I was at a dealer today and can pick up a BGE mini with the nest for $300, maybe less.  But, I find the construction is cheap, maybe cheap is the wrong word.  The hinge on the back for the lid seems small, like its not going to last.  There is one support hinge on the left (if I can call it that).  I am here for 2 more days and then back to Canada.  Is this a good deal?  I am very tempted to buy it, it would be perfect for camping.  The knock off I have has the stronger rugged hinge like my large.  So, not sure on the build of the real mini.

Has anyone had experience with a knock off?  No offense meant to the purists.

Oldcow

chuckytheegghead

That's a pretty good price. Beats the price here in Canada by a couple hundred dollars. You should inquire about the mini carrier. 

U_tarded

Sounds like the old style hinge I picked one of those up new old stock like 4 years ago 250ish no nest.  Don't use it as much as I thought I would honestly 

Carolina Q

Do the bands and hinge(s) look like this? If so, it's a several year old egg. These bands, the terrible scissors support - that thing on the left (broken on this one) and the floppy handle haven't been made in years. The ceramic bits are the same though.


The new hinges, bands look like this (one on each side) and the handle is solidly attached (like the large)...

Also, the old Mini's had a 9", later 10", porcelain coated grid. Newer ones are the preferred 10" stainless.

The new hinge/band/handle parts are about $75 I think. Some folks don't seem to mind the old style. I hated it and was glad when mine broke and they warranted it.

Hope this helps with your decision.

Photo Egg

To add what @Carolina Q said above.
The first gen of the new design had side brace piece on only 1 side. They later put on both sides and the newest ones are black.
Important point is the stand. Make sure it's not the real old one that is a solid ring on top that holds the Egg.

GrateEggspectations

Oldcow said:

First post, I hope in the right place.

I have a large egg and like everyone, love it.  I was given a mini knock off by a friend and we are trying it camping.  Frankly, I am impressed with it and I think for the wife and I it could become the go to egg with the BGE large for family gatherings.  This mini I find is not easy to get to heat up high temps.  At lower temp it takes longer but works.  Also the bottom part inside (sorry don't know the word) is not centered so that may affect air flow? 

Here is the thing.  I was at a dealer today and can pick up a BGE mini with the nest for $300, maybe less.  But, I find the construction is cheap, maybe cheap is the wrong word.  The hinge on the back for the lid seems small, like its not going to last.  There is one support hinge on the left (if I can call it that).  I am here for 2 more days and then back to Canada.  Is this a good deal?  I am very tempted to buy it, it would be perfect for camping.  The knock off I have has the stronger rugged hinge like my large.  So, not sure on the build of the real mini.

Has anyone had experience with a knock off?  No offense meant to the purists.

Oldcow

While the U.S. pricing is very tempting relative to the higher Canadian pricing, you should know that the warranty may not be honoured in Canada if you purchase in the U.S. 

This alone was enough for me to bite the bullet and pay the higher domestic price. 

Carolina Q

Photo Egg said:

Important point is the stand. Make sure it's not the real old one that is a solid ring on top that holds the Egg.

This is the stand he's referring to... and why you want to avoid it!

Oldcow

This is great.  It is indeed  the old style with one hinge on one side and with the old nest as shown above so in my opinion, not worth it.  I will stay away from it.  You would think the dealer would have told me...

Made some steak and fish last night on the knock off mini.  Since it was given to me, I think I will keep it for a while.  My only issue is getting it above 500 degrees.

Oldcow

Carolina Q

What "knock off" are you using? Perhaps someone could help. 

Oldcow

There is not one marking on it.  It looks like the egg to a T other than the green is a bit off.  When I get home from camping I will post a pic.

oldcow