Medium or Large

boilerUp

I'm trying to decide if I need a large BGE or can get by with a medium. I have a small patio in the city (6x13) and the main use of my egg would be for my girlfriend and I. Occasionally other people but mainly just the two of us. Would I be able to cook a brisket on the medium? Any limitations of the medium that I'm not taking into account?

Thanks!

Rick in Crystal Lake

When I went looking for my BGE I was sure I would only need a medium. After talking to my dealer, he talked me into the large (Ha, no surprise). It is only my wife and I and occasionally a family get together. As I look back I am so happy I purchased the large and not the medium. For the small additional cost, it was well worth it. The extra space gives you room to spread out your cooks on the grill and is greatly appreciated when unexpected guests stop by because they smell what you are cooking and just happen to be in the area. Go with the large, IMHO.

'Q Bruddah

boilerUp--
This is a common dilemma and frequent question and we're happy you asked it. Just did a search in the archives for you and the hands down opinion is to get the large. You can always cook less on a large but not more on a medium.

Manfred

I have had a Medium for a year now and love it. Its just me and my wife. I have cook all type of food 14 lb brisket ,8 lb butts,and ribs,and a 14lb turkey with no problem. The medium is good for 2-4 people if you plan on cooking for more get the LBGE. Happy egging

RRP

Large! Then start saving toward a small or a mini for a terrific combo!

FrankC

I have both a large and a medium, and the medium gets used at least 70% of the time. I'm cooking for my wife, myself, and 2 young children.

I can't answer regarding briskets or butts, as I only do those on the large. OTOH, if I had to only choose one, I'd go with the large.

Hope that helps!

fc

skihorn

I have a Large and a Medium. For what you are describing the Medium would be great most of the time. However, the price difference is not that great and, as previously posted, you can always cook less on a Large but not more on a Medium. However, I will say that my Medium sure seems to use a lot less lump and gets up to temp quicker. But it is easier to get Eggcessories for the Large.

I know I am talking out of both sides of my mouth. You can't really go wrong, but if I had to cast my vote for your needs I would lean slightly toward the Large. The Large is the most versatile and when you are ready for a second Egg you might opt for the Small as the complement. If you start with the Medium you will definitely need a Large as your second Egg. While I love the Large/Med combo, Large/Small seems to be the most popular on here.

Freddie
League City, TX

Gandolf

Most here will advise to get the Large and they are right. Having said that, I started with a Medium for a family of four and some very hungry friends. After a couple of years, I added a Large and love the combination. I've been Egging now for over 10 years. I still love the Medium and use it a lot, but if starting again with only one Egg, I would go Large first. You will eventually get a second, so enjoy your decision. Oh, and yes, you can do all that you mention on a Medium.

FearlessGrill

One thing others don't seem to have mentioned yet is that a lot of the popular accessories for the Egg, such as the adjustable rig from the Ceramic Grill Store, are only made for the large, or are made first for the large.

Personally, I own a large and a small. I like the versatility of the large, as I can cook a ton of food for a party, but also use it to make something small for the family. I usually only use the small if I need a 2nd cooker to make 2 things at once.

Hope this helps,

-John

Bacchus

I have roughly the same size patio at my townhouse, with a Large, Medium, & Small Egg.

popagar0

I have a medium & large. first egg was a large. this egg is great,when all the kids & grand childern come can feed all. but when just the wife & me the medium is just great. less lump! so if your girlfriend & you grow to more of a family you may need the large later. you wont go wrong with the medium or large egg.JUST GET (1) :laugh:

Grandpas Grub

 
There are a lot of people that have the medium and cook for a lot of people. One person cooks for 50+ people on his medium & small often.

I would be hard pressed to really say my medium uses less lump than the large for any given cook. The medium loads with less lump, however, I get 4 to 6 cooks out of one load of lump on the large.

There are the two of us here an once in a while 2 to 5 grand kids. Once a month the whole gang of 26 is here. The large can easily handle cooking for any of those situations. Other than pulled pork the medium would be hard pressed to cook for the entire group.

Having all sized large on down I would get a large then a mini and probably get a second large.

If money is a none issue I would get the large. If there is little chance you would ever get a second egg, again, I would get the large.

Either the large or medium you are not making a mistake.

GG

boilerUp

Thanks for all the feedback! I really appreciate it. Now I just have to make the plunge and buy one!

Unknown

dunno but we got a Small and we regret it. The large lets you do a lot more. I'd suggest a large. The only downsides are expense, weight and using more charcoal.

faithie999

i assume from your forum name you might do some tailgating. a large is definitely the way to go if you want to do several racks of ribs.

a large is actually cheaper than a medium--if you buy a medium you'll be back to your dealer to buy a large in a few months!!

Little Steven

boilerUp,

Most people do not consider the effect the egg will have on your cooking. Medium will suit your needs right now...no question. As you get used to the egg you will have more company. Family events will be at your place. I have all the sizes but if I had just one it would be the large. First combo large - large.

Steve

egger66

If you can do it, go with a large. My friend that introduced me to the BGE had a medium and suggested that I buy a large(I'm glad I did ), and he eventually sold his medium and bought a large. Hope this helps

duchunter

We started out with a Large (mostly cooking for 2) and have since purchased a Med. and use that most of the time. I would say start with a Large and go from there, it is nice when you have friends over to have extra space of the large,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Good luck

Boilermaker Ben

Looks like you've gotten some good advice already, so I'll just say "welcome to the forum, fellow Boilermaker!"

Ben
Chem-E class of '02