Suggested size of BGE

Unknown

I'm thinking of purchasing a BGE. Any indecision relates to BGE size. [p]SITUATION: My wife and I are retired, are no longer big eaters, and our church-picnic-size entertaining is a thing of the past. However, we love to smoke and grill -- thought we'd give it up in retirement, but the bug is biting. 90-95% of our use will be just the two of us. The other 5-10% would be ourselves and a couple of friends or kids. Very seldom more than that.[p]So, the mini or small would seem to be adequate. Plus, they take up less space and are less expensive.[p]HOWEVER, what if anything -- by way of ease of use, quality of end product, grilling/smoking time, etc. -- would we sacrifice by downsizing? What disadvantages, if any, should we consider? If size is a consideration regarding ease, quality and time, what might be the optimal size to assure our later product satisfaction?[p]Thanks.

Smokin' Todd

Lu,[p]I can at least tell you that the MINI alone is not adequate for your needs. It's good for lighting it up for a few burgers or a steak, but the small increases the possibilities of doing 2 steaks and smoking larger cuts of meats for 4 hrs or more. From my experiences the MINI is a good griller, not much of a smoker.[p]ST

Sundown

Lu,[p]I'm not retired but there's just my wife and I 90% of the time too. We have a large and a Mini. like Todd says, the Mini is a great little grill and not much of a smoker. I really believe a large is in order. You'll be surprised when you start learning and cooking how you'll start having gusests again - invited and uninvited! Many of our forum members are retired many of them "only cook for two" and a great many of the membership have 3, 4 and 5 ceramic cookers. If I were you I wouldn't think twice about it. Get the large and in a year you can think about which size you'll get next. I'm sure you'll get a bunch of responses it's a tough decision. One thing to remember, you won't be buying a replacement every few years like most non-ceramic people do. It's a lifetime investments. Good luck.

Banker John

Lu,
We have a medium. There is the wife & I and 2 small children. The medium gives enough space to cook both a meat and side fixins. We will be upgrading to a large soon. If you live in Florida, we may be able to work something out.
Banker John

Charbon

Lu, I'm a relative newbie (2 months). Bought a small and cooking every night with it. It can do long cooks and sear steaks. Usually cook for just 2 people. Had to carry this small baby down a very steep path and one of my main concerns was having it break away and tumble down the ravine behind my house. All is well and everyone happy with choice. No plans to take Egg camping. If needed I would do something novel and cook food and bring with.

singramfl

Banker John,[p]I'm in Gainesville, I would be interested in talking to you about your medium egg. email me at singram@atlantic.net[p]I may be coming to the Florida Q-Fest, I work with QBabes husband and he's been trying to entice me with stories and pictures of food from an egg for a while now [p]Thanks,[p]Steve

ravnhaus

Lu,
I have been cooking on a medium for a couple on years now and have been very happy with it. I usually cook for 2 to 4 folks. You can see what a medium can do on my site. Check out the food photo section for specific experiences.
[ul][li]Cooking on a medium egg[/ul]