XL Big Green Egg Table Needing some help!!!

Drapes

I just got my first Xl big Green egg after years of using a Masterbuilt 30 inch electric smoker and let me first say what was i waiting for!!!

Now being as my wife is telling me "totally addicted" I will be building a Table to show this baby off!

Couple of questions for the build.

1. What is the height that the Egg needs to be above the top of the table looks that it sits very proud of the top I am assuming this is due to the hinge. 

2. The bottom shelf per the plans only shows a 9"opening I would like this to be wider to hold more Lump and storage. I will be using a nest for the egg but it looks to only be about 2" and trying not to have to put 3 pavers in due to appearance

All advice is welcomed 

Thanks 

Tspud1

I lost you at "looks that it sits very proud of the top I am assuming this is due to the hinge." Did you leave something out"