Two questions........

Bama Egger

First, juts an FYI for myself, how hot were you able to get the egg to reach? I know that the temperature gauge only reaches 750 degrees but is there anyone out there that knows if they reach higher? Don't the Egg people advertise they can reach 2000 degrees?[p]Second, there is an Eggfest in May in Maryland that offers reduced priced Eggs since they are used once during the fest. For $549 you would receive a large egg, next, temp. gauge, slide daisy top and a spring top. Do you think this is a worth wild offer? This includes $50 for entering the fest (why so expensive?). Did anyone ever do this and not like what they received? Did you have a choice of what you are buying? Any info would help as I am seriously considering this as an option.[p]Paul

Cornfed

Paul,[p]I believe I've had my Small BGE over 1000*. I base this on the thermometer lapping the 750 mark and coming back around past the "F" saying it's measuring in Farenheit (sp). I think KennyG has a picture of a good thermometer reading like 1200 or 1400 or something crazy like that. In any case, 750 is probably hot enough for whatever you want to cook, and 1000 most certainly is. Not sure about 2000, but if you want a good sear on your steak, the BGE is a good tool to do it with.[p]As for the Eggfest deal, it's a good one. I'm not sure of the particulars as I've never bought one there. The overall price is very good for what you get, though. Also, you'll most likely have so much fun and eat and drink so much that the $50 will seem cheap. I've been to all 4 in MD and am planning on attending this one. It's basically a really big party with a bunch of folks who like to eat and drink too much. You'll sample lots of great food and get lots of great cooking ideas. Some of the folks attending and cooking are really good cooks, and it's a great way to learn a lot in a really short amount of time.[p]In short, I think my answer to your first question is that the BGE will get hot enough for whatever you want to cook, and it's probably hotter than anything else you can get except maybe one of those crazy TEC grills. As for Eggfest, definitely go. I can't really say one way or the other if you should buy an Egg there, but it will likely be at least one of the best deals you'll find. Either way, though, pay the $50 for the fest and come and hang out and meet some of the fine BGE folks. I'll drink a beer or 10 with you and tell you all I know about this BBQ world (for whatever that's worth!)...[p]Later,
Cornfed

Wise One

Paul, two answers, (1) yes and (2) because you are fed and entertained all day.[p]Seriously the $549 price is a good fair price for a once used egg. There are some people who have found a used one for less but there are a lot more people who have paid a lot more for a brand new one. The $49 is to cover all the costs of the festival. It is worth it to just spend a day with some good folks and eat a lot of really good food. I spent $100 for dinner for three Thursday night and it wa sno where as good or as much fun as what you get at an Egg-fest.

Wise One

Psul, as for temperature, I have had mine past 750 but I know of no real need for a temperature this high. I assume it was in the neighborhood of 800-850 but I really don't know.

The Naked Whiz

Paul,
The egg folks advertise that the ceramic material can withstand 2000 degrees or so. They don't advertise that you can build a fire and get it that hot. Probably 1000 is the highest most people will achieve.[p]$549 for a large egg and admission to Eggfest is a bargain. If you are serious about getting one, you should definitely come and get one.[p]TNW

Sundown

Paul,
I've always wondered what the difference is between a brand new Egg and an Egg used once. I sure as heck isn't like a car that drops 50% when you sign the papers. There aren't a lot of moving parts that will go bad if the fire was started the wrong way. I look at a once used Egg as one that has been tested and works. Should command more $$$. Some of us old dogs should cut a deal with Dale to certify the "used Eggs" as tested and ready for use. Untested Eggs would be sold at a much lower price.
As for heat. I can't imagine you'll need more than 1,000º for anything! I've had mine up well past the 750º mark and my guess is it was at 1,200º - 1,3000º the flashback was awesome!