Welcome to the EGGhead Forum - a great place to visit and packed with tips and EGGspert advice! You can also join the conversation and get more information and amazing kamado recipes by following Big Green Egg to Experience our World of Flavor™ at:
Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Pinterest  |  Youtube  |  Vimeo
Share your photos by tagging us and using the hashtag #BigGreenEgg.

Want to see how the EGG is made? Click to Watch

New XL coming soon....

-Jas-
-Jas- Posts: 22
in EggHead Forum
Greeting from north Louisiana!  Wife has given me permission to start an egg family and we are going with an XL.  Any parts I need to get when I pick it up?  I will be putting it in custom made antique pine and cedar table. Still searching for stone table insert.  Looks like a great site and look forward to contributing to the boards in the near future.  
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Hunter1881
    Hunter1881 Posts: 406
    Welcome. Need a good pair of gloves. Actually just keep your wallet handy. There are lots of things u will want.
    Henderson TN. 1 large BGE, 1 Webber Gasser (recently seems to have converted into a warming oven)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ryantt
    ryantt Posts: 2,558
    Agree with @Hunter1881 on the gloves and wallet....you also need to have a great butcher on hand. Welcome and look forward to seeing you post pictures of your cooks.  
    XL BGE, KJ classic, Joe Jr, UDS x2 


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • blasting
    blasting Posts: 6,262
    congrats on your new egg, and welcome
    Phoenix 
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • nolaegghead
    nolaegghead Posts: 42,109
    Congrats on starting your new family. 

    You need some kind of shield to smoke/cook indirect.  Plate setter or Adjustable Rig (AR).  Or as simple as an extra grate, a pizza stone or foil and some bricks. 

    I used to tell people they need a thermapen, but I pretty much go by feel now days.  Still, the thermapan is secondary to the need to do indirect, unless you only pan on direct grilling.  Then it's number one. 

    Lots of other stuff you can spend money on, but don't worry about them until you get the stuff above.
    ______________________________________________
    I love lamp..
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AUCE
    AUCE Posts: 890
    As an xl owner I agonized over a lrg vs xl...soooo glad I went with it..welcome and yep Theres a few things you'll need.....take you time in the decisions. Ask questions and do your research here.....the fine Eggers here are the best.

    I would much rather be able to say I was glad I did than wished I had........

    XL owner and purveyor of pallette perfection...

    Homosassa....Mecca of Florida

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • stemc33
    stemc33 Posts: 3,567
    Welcome. +1 with what @nolaegghead said. Not sure how long you've been lurking, but you're gonna get lots of opinions on what you need. I think the biggest immediate need is for you to decide what your going to use to cook indirect unless your only planning on just grilling. I bought a Plate Setter with my egg not knowing about other indirect options. I might of went with another option if I knew about them. Just try to evaluate what you will be using the egg for the most and start with those things you need. Have fun eggin'. 
    Steven
    Mini Max with Woo stone combo, LBGE, iGrill 2, Plate Setter, 
    two cotton pot holders to handle PS
    Banner, Wyoming
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Chubbs
    Chubbs Posts: 6,929
    +1 on what Nola said. Regarding things you can buy, if BGE lump is part
    if your deal when you buy egg then so be it. If it is not, don't waste your money buying that lump. It is just Royal Oak ( buy at Wal Mart for fraction of price) in BGE bag. Tell us where you are located and others can chime in with local places for lump, accessories, etc. welcome. 
    Columbia, SC --- LBGE 2011 -- MINI BGE 2013
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • johnnyp
    johnnyp Posts: 3,932
    An indirect method is very necessary.  Skip the plate setter and go with a Woo.  Also add the AR kit
    XL & MM BGE, 36" Blackstone - Newport News, VA
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ladeback69
    Ladeback69 Posts: 4,484
    johnnyp said:
    An indirect method is very necessary.  Skip the plate setter and go with a Woo.  Also add the AR kit.

    I went with the plate setter on my XL, because I was limited on enough funds to buy the AR/Woo2 combo for $197.  If you can afford the extra cost over the plate setter you can get it.  I am getting along fine with my PS, but it has a crack in it and I may talk the wife into letting me get the AR/Woo2 combo for my birthday.  Here is the link to it.  With this you can do a lot of different things on the egg.  Good luck and welcome.

    http://shop.ceramicgrillstore.com/xl-woo2-adjustable-rig-combo/
    XL, WSM, Coleman Road Trip Gas Grill

    Kansas City, Mo.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Eggaroo
    Eggaroo Posts: 417
    Welcome! I also debated getting a large or extra large, but when the wife said "might as well go big" that's all I needed to hear and have not regretted my decision. I have a plate setter for indirect cooks and that has fulfilled my needs for the type of cooking I do. You will need to decide for yourself based on the types of cooks you will be doing.
    Greenwood, IN | XL BGE | Weber Genesis | Blackstone 28 | bunch of accessories  =)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jtcBoynton
    jtcBoynton Posts: 2,814
    Welcome.

    Since you are placing the egg in a table, you need to make sure you get a table nest to set it on. Most also place a layer of fire brick or a paver between the nest and the wood shelf the egg sits on. 

    When you are at your BGE dealer, you will see lots of accessories to drop some coin on. Take your time deciding what you need/want. There are other vendors who offer alternatives to what BGE makes. 

    Spend some time looking at past discussions on this forum. Lots of topics have been discussed and you will find lots of good advice. I have been egging only for a year now. I find the folk on this forum to be quite friendly, knowledgeable, and willing to help out others.  Just post a specific question, and you should get some good advice.
    Southeast Florida - LBGE
    In cooking, often we implement steps for which we have no explanations other than ‘that’s what everybody else does’ or ‘that’s what I have been told.’  Dare to think for yourself.
     
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • -Jas-
    -Jas- Posts: 22
    Wow, thanks for the welcome!  I was really looking at the place setter but know of other options for indirect cooking,  I plan on smoking and direct cooking.  I am a lover of all the meats.   In my amazon saved cart i have gloves, dual read thermometer, as well as a vented chimney cap.  I have been using a Weber performer for a few years now.  It's time to move up in class so I can smoke more.  The woo+AR seems to be the most talked about cooking system over the plate setter, would that assumption be correct?   

    The decision is still on going but I think I have nailed it down to the XL.  We looked at Kamado Joe's and the dealer here sucks.  I told the wife it was made over seas and she asked where the BGE was made and the good ole USA.  She said buy american and i have a very nice dealer here who even suggested the XL over the Large because of the indirect options over the large.  

    Nice to know the BGE is just royal oak in a more expensive bag.  I am in Bossier City, LA sister city to Shreveport and Barksdale AFB is outside my back door almost.  What is the opinion of Stubbs Lump?  It is the only brand I have seen around besides BGE at the dealer here.  I will have to search some of the local fireplace shops around here that sell grills as another option of place to buy lump.  

    Again thanks everyone for the information.  Wife got new ring I get new grill, her bling is still bigger than my grill.  


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • 4Runner
    4Runner Posts: 2,948
    edited April 2015
    Congrats.....I'm jealous and after having my LBGE since 2008, I wished I had an XL.   Enjoy and you already have some good advice to get you started.  I'll jsut add that there is no need to take on everything all at once.  Go with a basic direct and indirect setup and grow into the other stuff as you learn.  A temp controller is an example of something you may or may not want to take on down the road.    Again, enjoy the XL!

    PS - I guess Mexico is close enough to the USA anyway.  
    Joe - I'm a reformed gasser-holic aka 4Runner Columbia, SC Wonderful BGE Resource Site: http://www.nakedwhiz.com/ceramicfaq.htm and http://www.nibblemethis.com/  and http://playingwithfireandsmoke.blogspot.com/2006/02/recipes.html
    What am I drinking now?   Woodford....neat
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SmokeyPitt
    SmokeyPitt Posts: 10,490
    Welcome!  I think the AR would be the ultimate, but if that price tag hurts another one to consider is the Woo and stone combo.

    http://shop.ceramicgrillstore.com/xl-woo2-and-17-5-ceramic-stone-combo/

    Obviously this is just part of the Woo+Adjustable rig combo.  At $80 it is comparable to the price of the plate setter for the XL and it gives you the ability to do both raised direct and indirect.  

    If you want to just go for it get the AR+Woo, but my $.02 is I would definitely not get the plate setter and get at least the Woo+stone instead. 



    Which came first the chicken or the egg?  I egged the chicken and then I ate his leg. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ladeback69
    Ladeback69 Posts: 4,484
    -Jas- said:
    Wow, thanks for the welcome!  I was really looking at the place setter but know of other options for indirect cooking,  I plan on smoking and direct cooking.  I am a lover of all the meats.   In my amazon saved cart i have gloves, dual read thermometer, as well as a vented chimney cap.  I have been using a Weber performer for a few years now.  It's time to move up in class so I can smoke more.  The woo+AR seems to be the most talked about cooking system over the plate setter, would that assumption be correct?   

    The decision is still on going but I think I have nailed it down to the XL.  We looked at Kamado Joe's and the dealer here sucks.  I told the wife it was made over seas and she asked where the BGE was made and the good ole USA.  She said buy american and i have a very nice dealer here who even suggested the XL over the Large because of the indirect options over the large.  

    Nice to know the BGE is just royal oak in a more expensive bag.  I am in Bossier City, LA sister city to Shreveport and Barksdale AFB is outside my back door almost.  What is the opinion of Stubbs Lump?  It is the only brand I have seen around besides BGE at the dealer here.  I will have to search some of the local fireplace shops around here that sell grills as another option of place to buy lump.  

    Again thanks everyone for the information.  Wife got new ring I get new grill, her bling is still bigger than my grill.  


    On gloves, I got these like I asked for Christmas and have not been happy with them.  They are not think enough to take out or put in the plate setter.
    http://www.amazon.com/Premium-LEATHER-Barbecue-Leather-14-5-Inch/dp/B000G1MIJO/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1430316583&sr=8-12&keywords=bbq+gloves

    Now I am going to be buying a new pair of these from my dealer soon to replace the old ones that I liked.  Amazon sells them too.  I burned my hand with the pair above this last weekend, because they weren't thick enough when I went to pull the PS out to sear a steak.

    http://www.kcbbqsource.com/extra-long-leather-bbq-gloves-by-mr-bbq/

    http://www.amazon.com/Mr-Bar-B-Q-40113X-Leather-Barbecue/dp/B001BVVSLM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1430316770&sr=8-2&keywords=mr+bbq+gloves

    On lump you will find a lot of the people here including my like Rockwood and can be gotten from Firecraft on line.  Ozark Oak is another good one.  If you like the BGE lump, Royal Oak at Home Depot is basically the same thing from what I have been told and it is cheaper then BGE.  Where are you located if you don't mind?  I can't comment on Stumps Lump. 
    XL, WSM, Coleman Road Trip Gas Grill

    Kansas City, Mo.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • -Jas-
    -Jas- Posts: 22
    Ladeback69 said:
    On gloves, I got these like I asked for Christmas and have not been happy with them.  They are not think enough to take out or put in the plate setter.
    http://www.amazon.com/Premium-LEATHER-Barbecue-Leather-14-5-Inch/dp/B000G1MIJO/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1430316583&sr=8-12&keywords=bbq+gloves

    Now I am going to be buying a new pair of these from my dealer soon to replace the old ones that I liked.  Amazon sells them too.  I burned my hand with the pair above this last weekend, because they weren't thick enough when I went to pull the PS out to sear a steak.

    http://www.kcbbqsource.com/extra-long-leather-bbq-gloves-by-mr-bbq/

    http://www.amazon.com/Mr-Bar-B-Q-40113X-Leather-Barbecue/dp/B001BVVSLM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1430316770&sr=8-2&keywords=mr+bbq+gloves

    On lump you will find a lot of the people here including my like Rockwood and can be gotten from Firecraft on line.  Ozark Oak is another good one.  If you like the BGE lump, Royal Oak at Home Depot is basically the same thing from what I have been told and it is cheaper then BGE.  Where are you located if you don't mind?  I can't comment on Stumps Lump. 
     I am in Bossier City, LA sister city to Shreveport with Barksdale AFB outside my back door almost. 
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MrCookingNurse
    MrCookingNurse Posts: 4,665
    Wish I had an XL! I've got the go ahead to move it to the short list. Thinking birthday present next year. 


    Welcome aboard!!! I'd smooth go straight with the AR for the XL. But depending on your grilling/cooking experience, and I'm not questioning your manhood, I'd just get a plate setter and a thermapen for starters to get the hang of everything. And cooking to temp will blow your mind if you haven't been already. 

    I I bought a thermometer when I got my egg so my food got exponentially better. 

    Good luck! Have fun, and even if doesn't look like it, this is a cooking forum. 


    _______________________________________________

    XLBGE 
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jtcBoynton
    jtcBoynton Posts: 2,814
    Rockwood and Ozark Oak are two of the most recommended premium lump charcoals. Ozark Oak is now out of business. Rockwood has limited distribution. The nearest location to you for Rockwood may be in Alexandria (Ace Hardware). It is a bit of a drive, but if you are in the area, its worth picking up some (call ahead to make sure they have some in stock - they may need to special order it for you, which takes a few days to get in).
    Southeast Florida - LBGE
    In cooking, often we implement steps for which we have no explanations other than ‘that’s what everybody else does’ or ‘that’s what I have been told.’  Dare to think for yourself.
     
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • -Jas-
    -Jas- Posts: 22
    jtcBoynton said:
    Rockwood and Ozark Oak are two of the most recommended premium lump charcoals. Ozark Oak is now out of business. Rockwood has limited distribution. The nearest location to you for Rockwood may be in Alexandria (Ace Hardware). It is a bit of a drive, but if you are in the area, its worth picking up some (call ahead to make sure they have some in stock - they may need to special order it for you, which takes a few days to get in).
    I travel to Baton Rouge and my wife travels through the butt hole of LA on her way to conventions as well.  We will have to find this place and grab a few bags.  

    So far I need the Woo2 and AR, I think i can swing that, as well as gloves and thermometers.  Instant read as well as dual temp thermometer?  I was looking at one that does grill tempo and meat temp.  
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • tz666
    tz666 Posts: 404
    I think with an AR you will not need the woo. Im just outside of BR in Denham Springs, welcome to the crew. 
    image

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ladeback69
    Ladeback69 Posts: 4,484
    tz666 said:
    I think with an AR you will not need the woo. Im just outside of BR in Denham Springs, welcome to the crew. 
    The Woo2 gives you more options for other cooks like cooking with woks and lowers it more so you can get 3 levels of cooking.  I having been wanting one since I seen it.  You don't need it, it is just cheaper to buy it in a combo if you think you might want it later.  Just my 2 cents.
    XL, WSM, Coleman Road Trip Gas Grill

    Kansas City, Mo.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ladeback69
    Ladeback69 Posts: 4,484

    -Jas- said:
    jtcBoynton said:
    Rockwood and Ozark Oak are two of the most recommended premium lump charcoals. Ozark Oak is now out of business. Rockwood has limited distribution. The nearest location to you for Rockwood may be in Alexandria (Ace Hardware). It is a bit of a drive, but if you are in the area, its worth picking up some (call ahead to make sure they have some in stock - they may need to special order it for you, which takes a few days to get in).
    I travel to Baton Rouge and my wife travels through the butt hole of LA on her way to conventions as well.  We will have to find this place and grab a few bags.  

    So far I need the Woo2 and AR, I think i can swing that, as well as gloves and thermometers.  Instant read as well as dual temp thermometer?  I was looking at one that does grill tempo and meat temp.  
    If you are looking at a dual temp probe or a quad probe, check out the Maverick ET-735.  It will connect with your smart phone; Android or Apple.  It comes with 2 probes, but you can hook up to 4 probes up to it.

    http://www.amazon.com/Maverick-Bluetooth-Wireless-Digital-Thermometer/dp/B00THCADP4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1430323422&sr=8-1&keywords=maverick+et-735

     
    XL, WSM, Coleman Road Trip Gas Grill

    Kansas City, Mo.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jtcBoynton
    jtcBoynton Posts: 2,814
    A good instant read thermometer is an important tool in the kitchen or for outdoor cooking. No home should be without one (Thermapen is my favorite).

    Remote probe thermometers with multiple probes are nice, but not necessary. There are several brands available - another choice on which to get!!  You will notice that the normal convention on this forum when referring to egg temps is dome temp - not grid temp. If you measure at the cooking grid, you will need to keep in mind the difference. Some remote thermometer probes will fit into the hole on the egg dome, some will not. 
    Southeast Florida - LBGE
    In cooking, often we implement steps for which we have no explanations other than ‘that’s what everybody else does’ or ‘that’s what I have been told.’  Dare to think for yourself.
     
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lousubcap
    lousubcap Posts: 36,806
    Welcome aboard and enjoy the journey. Lots of good info above-here's a site that has a wealth of ceramic cooking info:
    http://www.nakedwhiz.com/ceramic.htm Enjoy.
    Louisville; Rolling smoke in the neighbourhood.  Life is too short for light/lite beer!  Seems I'm livin in a transitional period. CHEETO (aka Agent Orange) makes Nixon look like a saint.  
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • byrne092
    byrne092 Posts: 746
    edited April 2015
    Even if you do decide to go with the platesetter, it is definitely not a bad investment to purchase the Woo2 for searing/wok and raising the grid up a bit, I use it a ton. I didn't know about this site when I was purchasing my egg and just purchased the platesetter because I knew I needed it for an indirect setup, I have no complaints, it works great. Knowing what I know now, the Woo2/AR Combo is a very nice setup and definitely an option to consider.
    XL, Medium BGE & Blackstone I XAR-Woo2 & Rig-BO I Flameboss 500

    St. Louis, MO
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • stlcharcoal
    stlcharcoal Posts: 4,759
    edited April 2015
    -Jas- said:
    jtcBoynton said:
    Rockwood and Ozark Oak are two of the most recommended premium lump charcoals. Ozark Oak is now out of business. Rockwood has limited distribution. The nearest location to you for Rockwood may be in Alexandria (Ace Hardware). It is a bit of a drive, but if you are in the area, its worth picking up some (call ahead to make sure they have some in stock - they may need to special order it for you, which takes a few days to get in).
    I travel to Baton Rouge and my wife travels through the butt hole of LA on her way to conventions as well.  We will have to find this place and grab a few bags.  


    Somewhere between Shreveport and Alexandria is the "neutral zone" for Ace's distribution.  North is Little Rock, AR; south is Loxley, AL.  Find a store in the middle serviced by Loxley (or ANY south of Alexandria) and have them order SKU# 8400772. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • -Jas-
    -Jas- Posts: 22
    stlcharcoal said:
    -Jas- said:
    jtcBoynton said:
    Rockwood and Ozark Oak are two of the most recommended premium lump charcoals. Ozark Oak is now out of business. Rockwood has limited distribution. The nearest location to you for Rockwood may be in Alexandria (Ace Hardware). It is a bit of a drive, but if you are in the area, its worth picking up some (call ahead to make sure they have some in stock - they may need to special order it for you, which takes a few days to get in).
    I travel to Baton Rouge and my wife travels through the butt hole of LA on her way to conventions as well.  We will have to find this place and grab a few bags.  


    Somewhere between Shreveport and Alexandria is the "neutral zone" for Ace's distribution.  North is Little Rock, AR; south is Loxley, AL.  Find a store in the middle serviced by Loxley (or ANY south of Alexandria) and have them order SKU# 8400772. 

    Thanks for the tip, I am finding ranges in prices at ACE for the XL itself. 
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories