large or extra large (XL)? (want to purchase)

jpwilkin

We're on the verge of getting a BGE but are struggling with the large/xl question. One thing we'll do regularly is pizza and this is in lieu of a pizza oven. The pizzas we routinely put together are a wee bit over 14" in diameter. I know the stone for the Large is 14", and I'm pretty adept at sliding the pie off onto a tight space, but that seems challenging. Good, so I start making 'em a little smaller. We also do the occasional facaccia (always larger) and breads. We're kinda drawn to the XL. At the same time, fact is we're a small family (4 of us) and the large would probably be just right most of the time. So, what to do? Figure that since we'd be spending that much money, get the bigger one, or figure that we should never buy more than we really need? Advice appreciated!

raider60

There are two of us, and we have the large. The XL just seems too bit to me--even with four I can't imagine the large not being big enough for pretty much anything you wanted to cook--Good luck

East Cobb Eggy

IF I were looking to make a choice between the Large and the X-Large, I would be tempted to get a large and a small as they are about the same price as an XL.

For me, my problem is not cooking area but cooking at different temps.

I, too, like to make pizzas, but just tend to make smaller ones to fit the dome. Because they cook so quickly, it does not take much to make two or three or twelve.

My 2 cents.

Greg

stike

the large is probably the way to go. the XL would consume a veritable shungload (that's equal to a 'pantload' or '****load') of lump doing pizzas, especially if the pizzas you'd do would fit on the stone in the large.

you can cook for 40+ people on the large if you really wanted to (pork butt) and it'd serve a family of four really well, speaking as a member of a family of four.

good luck.

oh, as someone mentioned, if you have the ca$h, a small+large combo is GREAT, and allows you to cook side dishes at different temps while cooking the main dish on the large. cost the same or a bit more than just an XL

Bacchus

The Large, without a doubt. If for no other reason, more accessories are available for it. Not to mention, recipes geared for it, more users, more larges sold than any other, less lump consumption, etc.

Big Easy Egg

As the owner of a XL I agree with the rest of the group on the Large. I often cook for 20 or so people on my XL but I think I could do the same with accessories. I know one thing, you wont be disappointed with either one.

Jimmy
Come visit NOLA

Semolina Pilchard

No matter what size you go with you will soon want a second egg, whether to do sides or a different hunk of meat at a different temp. Go large, and with the money you save you can get a small.

"The story of barbecue is the story of America: Settlers arrive on great unspoiled continent, discover wondrous riches, set them on fire, and eat them." Vince Staten

jpwilkin

thanks, all, for the helpful advice! great to have such consistent feedback.

mattm

I bought the XL and a few weeks later bought a Medium so I could do different type cooks at once. Like the others here suggest, If I had it to do over again I would have gone with the large and a small/med for the same price as the XL. More versatile for sure having 2 grills.

Either one is a great investment, but consider you might be buying a second one down the road.

best of luck!!