Best way to get a BGE? And what else to get?

WeberWho

The warranty won't transfer. Just know people have gone through 4-5 bases on their egg and there $4-$500 a pop without warranty. Any cracks/glaze defects in the ceramics is covered under warranty, and I believe the steel parts have a 5 year warranty. 

To be completely honest that's way too much for that set-up above. I think it's worth about $500. Accessories aren't worth much when someone is selling it with their eggs.

The warranty is worth more than the egg itself. It's not "if" the egg cracks but "when" the egg cracks. The warranty is everything. 

fishlessman

JohnfromKentucky said:

WeberWho said:

Warranty won't transfer over. They need to be purchased through a certified dealer. (Keep any and all receipts regarding the purchase) 

Ok, looking at the warranty online, I don't think I have much to worry about if i purchase used.

Warranty coverage does not extend to scratches, dents, chips, crazing, fading, changes in appearances of ceramic components and non-structural blemishes that do not affect the performance or structural integrity of the EGG.

Due to the expansion and contraction of ceramic components during heat cycles, hairline cracks, crazing or surface cracks may appear, which is normal for ceramic materials, and will not result in warranty coverage unless accompanied by a loss of structural integrity or breakage.

I found the parts link. How often do you all replace the gasket?

there is no warranty on used. ive replaced two bases and a few fireboxes under warranty. the bases are expensive and are dangerous to use with a thru crack.  RRP on the forum will hook you up with a rutland gasket and install directions at cost when needed.

JohnfromKentucky

4-5 bases in how long of a period? That seems a lot. Those were caused by defects in materials or workmanship? 

The only references I have that have the Egg here locally haven't had any issues, but then again all it takes is once.

Ugh...the warranty is something to really consider. I have bought things thinking the warranty is worth it only to have never used it. 

Unfortunately what you and I may think it's worth is not what the sellers think. And I would be in the same boat if I was selling. For example, here's another one that's 2 years old and selling only due to divorce. For me, I think that this price is very reasonable. 


$1000
Large big green egg in excellent condition. Stained table with wheels for easy maneuvering. Some small chips in stain but have bottle of stain available for touch ups. Will include waterproof cover.

fishlessman

they seem to just randomly crack at times, i had one for 6 or 7 years and was just cooking a turkey and it cracked while i was standing there, it sounded like a shot gun going off. really no explanation other than you are cooking in a high priced clay pot. fireboxes are a little different, mine was a 12 piece puzzle before i replaced it last time, its still usable after it cracks. base cracks and you want it far away from the house while waiting for the replacement.

JohnfromKentucky

How hard is it to get them replaced?  From their description, it's at their discretion to replace under warranty...do they ever give you all any issues on replacement?

Original BGE components that are found to have defects in materials or workmanship, and that are covered under a valid and registered Warranty, will be replaced or repaired at the sole discretion of BGE at no cost

WeberWho

I really don't think I'm that far off. There are several large BGE in tables for around $500 here in the Twin Cities that sit on Marketplace and Craigslist. Those eggs are way too much in my opinion. 



I'm not a warranty person for most things but it's absolutely needed with the Big Green Egg. There is no rhyme or reason for them cracking. I live in MN where it's cold and hot and I'm on my same base 12 years later. I've gone through a dome, firebox, and fire grate through the years which relatively minor compared to some. Someone can live in a dry warm climate and can go through several bases. It doesn't make any sense on how or why they crack. 

JohnfromKentucky

Thank you for your time and answering my questions. I'm trying to run through all the scenarios so that when my wife asks me why I shouldn't save money and get one off of FB marketplace, I can now answer with some authority. :-) 

JohnfromKentucky

ok, here's another scenario:
a seller is selling a 6 month old XL egg for $950 with nest. I asked him about warranty, he said:
Well can have my number and you will know where I live if that happens I bought at big counter power sports

He lives about 75 miles south of me....granted, it's not legit according to BGE, but.....

alaskanassasin

XL egg are somewhat notorious for cracking bases.  I have warrantied my base once, probably 3 fire bowls, 2 fire rings, and a set of bands on a large.

fishlessman

WeberWho said:

I really don't think I'm that far off. There are several large BGE in tables for around $500 here in the Twin Cities that sit on Marketplace and Craigslist. Those eggs are way too much in my opinion. 



I'm not a warranty person for most things but it's absolutely needed with the Big Green Egg. There is no rhyme or reason for them cracking. I live in MN where it's cold and hot and I'm on my same base 12 years later. I've gone through a dome, firebox, and fire grate through the years which relatively minor compared to some. Someone can live in a dry warm climate and can go through several bases. It doesn't make any sense on how or why they crack. 

my first large egg was 399 delivered to ma from tn for free with warranty and new, that was before bge changed the delivery/internet rules. the warranty does work albeit can be a slow process at times. thats over 20 years ago

buzd504

My wood table rotted after about 5 years, even with a cover (from the legs up), and despite having wheels, they are not particularly "maneuverable", no matter what the ad says.  I much prefer my stainless table and it has held up way better.  I very rarely move it (and then only to clean).

Legume

All the warranty talk on their own forum makes me laugh.  I’ve warranteed a base, fire ring end firebox in 8 years.  I haven’t regretted buying new at all.

If you have to replace a major piece, you’ll think - do I want to pay to replace a base, or just buy another used egg…which also won’t have a warranty.  You may never have a problem and I have no idea if there are actual stats, but anecdotally from the forum here, lots of people have warranty claims.

WeberWho

I'm glad you found the forum and asking these questions prior. We've seen people join the forum and realize their used egg deal maybe wasn't so much of a deal afterwards. You could buy a used egg and have the previous owner help you out with warranty but that's easy to tell someone when their the one selling you a used egg. I was promised to be sold a vehicle when I traveled two states away for it. Guess what happened when I arrived? The person never answered their phone after traveling 8 hours for the vehicle I was promised. The person is as only good as their word. 

I'd be lying if I said that I haven't bought a used egg. I purchased a couple of them over the years. The two large eggs were both under $300. I only purchased them as I knew they were worth that or less without warranty. I unfortunately ran over one and the other was a gift to my parents. No issues with my parents but it doesn't get used very often. My Dad only uses it. My mom does the cooking. My original Large BGE with warranty has almost paid for itself in replacement parts alone. 

I'd venture 98% of us here would tell you to buy a new Big Green Egg. The warranty is worth gold when it comes to ceramic grills. They will crack. It's a given. 

JohnfromKentucky

Thanks!

RyanStl

I have two used eggs, both great deals.  Yeah, I wish I had a warranty, but if something does happen to my XL base I have a backup NIB base I got from FB 

What should you pay, that is the question and hard to answer in this climate.  What do you value the table? Do you even want a table? I've been happy with my nests. What do you value the accessories, some are quite expensive new.

Sounds like supply of new eggs is next to none where you live. Also, all used hobby stuff is so jacked up right now, you'll probably pay more used right now than any other time.

abpgwolf

I have a 10 year old XL and have replaced the base 5 times, the fire ring 3 times and the fire box twice. My recommendation would be to find a great dealer and negotiate the best price that you can get on a egg with a warranty, eventually they will crack.  

RyanStl

I have to say, this is the only hobby I keep up with where people aren't flipping new product for a profit (other than burgers) or price gouging used right now.  Yeah, meat prices are up, but that's a whole other thing.

danhoo

I have a 2011 large that I got a replacement base under warranty last summer. 

It had a cosmetic crack that I noticed years ago, and last year it cracked all the way through.

Original invoice from a legit dealer was necessary and sufficient to get the warranty handled. the original dealer no longer sells BGE, but they connected me with the distributor, who connected me with a new dealer.

I also got a new fire ring which cracked about 5 years ago, but I didn't know it was covered until I sent the pictures in.

JohnfromKentucky

Finance minister has approved the spending for a new egg! So we will be traveling Saturday to Bardstown or Brownsboro to look at the eggs and get one.
We have decided (and found) to get the nest on FB messenger. Found one for $85. Then I will build a table for it.

Thank you all for responding to this thread and bearing with me on this decision! 

Pics coming soon. :-)

alaskanassasin

JohnfromKentucky said:

Finance minister has approved the spending for a new egg! So we will be traveling Saturday to Bardstown or Brownsboro to look at the eggs and get one.
We have decided (and found) to get the nest on FB messenger. Found one for $85. Then I will build a table for it.

Thank you all for responding to this thread and bearing with me on this decision! 

Pics coming soon. :-)

Congratulations! FYI don’t go through all that and toss the receipt out the window on your way home!  I have my original in a place I keep important paperwork. Also took a photo and saved it on my computer and a email chain I just reply to with the local dealer every year or so when I have a claim. You may as well register it with bge but I have never seen any benefit to that. They don’t actually keep records, if you say “but I registered it with you knuckleheads” they will tell you to provide a receipt 

WeberWho

Awesome! Congrats. 

I'd start messaging around on the nests and see if you can work a deal. I've bought 7 nests off Craigslist/Marketplace in the past. The most I've paid was $45 and that was from a forum member here and because small nests are really hard to come by. The cheapest I've paid was $2 and that was for a nest and mates.

I'd try negotiating with the guy/gal as it isn't an item that most people are looking for and most owners are looking to move them. 

JohnfromKentucky

Of course, you all do realize that my questions have only just begun!   

danhoo

JohnfromKentucky said:

Of course, you all do realize that my questions have only just begun!   

Bring them! 

lousubcap

@JohnfromKentucky - Way to do your diligence and arrive at the decision.  Congratulations.  I totally endorse the new with warranty option.  Independent of the amortized cost savings over time there is the peace of mind with that in the background.  
Bring on the questions, if no one here can honestly answer, then you won't know it for the smoke screen.  
BTW- the members here will generally respond to any urgent cook issues within quite a short time regardless of time of day.  
Again, welcome.  

RyanStl

JohnfromKentucky said:

Of course, you all do realize that my questions have only just begun!   

Yes, I noticed, but it's great because maybe I can actually help somone.  

Regarding the used nest, make sure it has the caster locks and rubber bits where it touches the egg.  I also agree, you can usually find them for half of new, but we have a really strong FB MP and CL market here.  I don't know your situation.  I have an XL stand next to the house when it gets nicer our that I'm going to post on FB MP for real cheap, but that doesn't help you.

1voyager

JohnfromKentucky said:

Of course, you all do realize that my questions have only just begun!   

That's part of the fun.

When you're ready to try smoking brisket, save yourself from headaches and spending excess $$ by asking The Grand Poobah of brisket on BGE, @lousubcap for help.

alaskanassasin

alaskanassasin said:

I looked on ace and just the nekked egg is $999 also out of stock.

 swmbo bought mine in 2017 for $849 so I guess its not that far of a stretch.

 In hindsight the $849 included a nest.

 

 Speaking of the nest, on acehardware.com the nest is $209!!! Does anyone else think that is ridiculous?

JohnfromKentucky

alaskanassasin said:

alaskanassasin said:

I looked on ace and just the nekked egg is $999 also out of stock.

 swmbo bought mine in 2017 for $849 so I guess its not that far of a stretch.

 In hindsight the $849 included a nest.

 

 Speaking of the nest, on acehardware.com the nest is $209!!! Does anyone else think that is ridiculous?

BGE sells them for $209 too

JohnfromKentucky

RyanStl said:

Regarding the used nest, make sure it has the caster locks and rubber bits where it touches the egg.  I also agree, you can usually find them for half of new, but we have a really strong FB MP and CL market here.  I don't know your situation.  I have an XL stand next to the house when it gets nicer our that I'm going to post on FB MP for real cheap, but that doesn't help you.

He said it does and sent me picture

JohnfromKentucky