Mini max

Lit · February 2016

@Eggzellent http://eggheadforum.com/discussion/1190829/new-woo-for-the-newer-minimaxs-anyone-recieve-use-yet#latest

Jeepster47 · February 2016

@Eggzellent ... When Ozzie and I adopted our "old style" MM's, I checked on the price of the newer fire ring ... $52 was the quote. And, the Woo costs $40. Thus, I concluded that keeping the old ring was the best bet dollar wise. And, since a number of folks have been turning out great meals on the taller fire ring, I was okay with it too.

The rest of the argument was that even if BGE gave me a new style fire ring when the old style cracked, I could buy a new Woo and be $12 ahead. Also, I can't see from the pics why the old style Woo wouldn't work with the new style ring. Might have to use three 3/4" spacers to lift the Woo, but that doesn't look like a big negative.

If the new style ring is important to you, you might check out the dealers present stock. CGS's website says the new rings started showing up late in 2015. So, if your dealer ordered one late in the year, you might have a shot at it. If not, ask your dealer to order a new one for you from the factory.

saluki2007 · February 2016

I'm 5'7 165 pds haven't worked out in over 2 years and I can carry a small by myself with ease. Might help that I'm 31 though...

YukonRon · February 2016

I bought mine in May, 2015. It has been an awesome addition to my XL. Old configuration, I am sure, but it works awesome. If they have made it better, then it is a "must buy," in my opinion.

stompbox · February 2016

IS there any info as to when the new style started being sold or a serial #?

1move · February 2016

@stompboxEnd of 2015

northGAcock · February 2016

stompbox said:

IS there any info as to when the new style started being sold or a serial #?

I purchased in late December and apparently was one of the first. I discovered this when I was ordering a Woo.....and they asked me to measure. They suggested that I must be in Georgia (thinking they were distributed there initially.....but live over in SC, so perhaps close to the main distribution. Bottom line is I don't know when they were released.....but have to believe December or shortly before based on my experience. Hope this helps.

northGAcock · February 2016

saluki2007 said:

I'm 5'7 165 pds haven't worked out in over 2 years and I can carry a small by myself with ease. Might help that I'm 31 though...

Wipper Snapper

Eggzellent · February 2016

NPHuskerFL said:

Pricing is subjective. I've seen $420-$599 w/ PS
$420 is the best
1move said:

@Eggzellent I heard that the cost of a MiniMax is $450 for average dealers. I paid $500 for mine. I also heard that they did some adjustments to the firebox on the newer version. Not sure there would be much difference!?!?

It would be nice to hear of somebody offering even 10% off list with an accessory purchase given the wide range of prices offered to date. You speak to the dealers of this issue (both the ring AND placesetter changed for the better) and they act as if you're a pain in the butt for even pointing the fact out or asking when they'll have a MM that is 'not' obsolete in stock.

It's funny to me that everything surrounding these things is ALWAYS analyzed to pieces by (obviously) some pretty smart people...yet when BGE changes the two primary elements of the entire cooker?...meh.

I look at inch level (vs centimeter) changes in a cooker of this size as significant and not done for similarly sized reasons..yet what do I know anyways.

NPHuskerFL · February 2016

I'm confused there are 2 options for the MM firering? Or did the first firering get 86d and when they run out they run out? And in the meantime if you want the new style BGE is gonna charge you "x"?

NPHuskerFL · February 2016

Eggzellent said:

NPHuskerFL said:

Pricing is subjective. I've seen $420-$599 w/ PS
$420 is the best
1move said:

@Eggzellent I heard that the cost of a MiniMax is $450 for average dealers. I paid $500 for mine. I also heard that they did some adjustments to the firebox on the newer version. Not sure there would be much difference!?!?
It would be nice to hear of somebody offering even 10% off list with an accessory purchase given the wide range of prices offered to date. You speak to the dealers of this issue (both the ring AND placesetter changed for the better) and they act as if you're a pain in the butt for even pointing the fact out or asking when they'll have a MM that is 'not' obsolete in stock.

It's funny to me that everything surrounding these things is ALWAYS analyzed to pieces by (obviously) some pretty smart people...yet when BGE changes the two primary elements of the entire cooker?...meh.

I look at inch level (vs centimeter) changes in a cooker of this size as significant and not done for similarly sized reasons..yet what do I know anyways.

I would more so "guess" their cost w/ shipping is around $375.00 x .60=225+375=600
This allows for sales and wiggle room. There's no way in Hell "cost" is $450. Figure a 40%-60% gpm.

northGAcock · February 2016

NPHuskerFL said:

I'm confused there are 2 options for the MM firering? Or did the first firering get 86d and when they run out they run out? And in the meantime if you want the new style BGE is gonna charge you "x"?

They made a modification with the firebox height. They started production and shipping in December best we can tell. What you purchase depends on where your retailer is with their inventory.

The only real impact I see is if you are purchasing a Woo.....they have developed a solution for the for the newer model specs. One just needs to do some measuring before placing that order.

NPHuskerFL · February 2016

@northGAcock Okay I get that part. But eventually as firerings break and are issued warranty replacements they aren't going to continue to manufacture two different rings. So, my hope is the WOO I've had from the start will work on either one of them.

NPHuskerFL · February 2016

Didn't see this until just now. Wow

Lit said:

@Eggzellent http://eggheadforum.com/discussion/1190829/new-woo-for-the-newer-minimaxs-anyone-recieve-use-yet#latest

Lit · February 2016

The good news is the new fire ring will fix the issue people have been talking about since they came out with the gap from the poorly sized fire ring they started with. Bad news is the woo won't be at the basket level.

feef706 · February 2016

I called around and checked every location within 200 miles a few months back and most were MSRP at $598, no plate setter. My wife bought mine as a surprise xmas present and one of the local vendors I had previously checked with had a $100 off special on the mini max so she got it for $498 plus tax, $532 out the door, beat every price I found by a long shot.

Ive been thrilled with mine, did a few quick cooks at first, 3rd cook was a 7lb Boston butt, smoked it for almost 9 hrs no problem with plenty of lump to spare. Just fired it up to cook some chicken breast for fajitas for dinner, got it up to 300 in a matter of minutes, just dumped a little lump in my chimney starter and dropped it in, holding steady waiting for wife and daughter to get home so I can throw the chicken on.

Best addition ever to my large, mainly bought for small/weeknight cooks. It is heavy and awkward to carry alone, a 2nd person would make it a lot easier for transport purposes. But it is cool that you can load it up for road trips and what not, my first three cooks were actually out of town, took it to SC for New Years with friends.

Ozzie_Isaac · February 2016

NPHuskerFL said:

@northGAcock Okay I get that part. But eventually as firerings break and are issued warranty replacements they aren't going to continue to manufacture two different rings. So, my hope is the WOO I've had from the start will work on either one of them.

My guess is you will need a new Woo when fire ring breaks.

Me too, mine is old style fire ring. I wonder if the grids changed? My grid fits snug on the Woo.

NPHuskerFL · February 2016

Ozzie_Isaac said:

NPHuskerFL said:

@northGAcock Okay I get that part. But eventually as firerings break and are issued warranty replacements they aren't going to continue to manufacture two different rings. So, my hope is the WOO I've had from the start will work on either one of them.

My guess is you will need a new Woo when fire ring breaks.

Thanks BGE!

https://youtu.be/AHlY5k0feVI

Eggzellent · February 2016

Ozzie_Isaac said:

My guess is you will need a new Woo when fire ring breaks.

...and a new placesetter (current style) to match the new fire ring..built to match your new pacesetter (properly).

I understand progress. I don't understand progress if somebody is telling me that progress is needed..yet isn't explaining (in detail) exactly why progress is needed. They're saying that the grill needs to be lowered and that there needs to be more(?) gappage(sic) between the grid and the placesetter.

It's hard to believe that anyone would go to this much trouble and redesign the only TWO pieces that matter here due to everybody already being happy with how the MM cooks 'perfectly' as it is.

Don't get me wrong..I'm simply looking for a current model MM without paying full list and that's it. (Yet) it would be nice to know why this decision was made so as to learn more how little adjustments mean big things on this little well made cooker.

NPHuskerFL · February 2016

If it's "needed" then wouldn't it seem ethical for BGE to recall and replace the firering and PS (where applicable) on their dime. After all it's their err not the consumer.

Ozzie_Isaac · February 2016

NPHuskerFL said:

If it's "needed" then wouldn't it seem ethical for BGE to recall and replace the firering and PS (where applicable) on their dime. After all it's their err not the consumer.

When it breaks, if you have a platesetter then I think it would be appropriate of them to replace it also.

As far as the Woo, thats aftermarket so our own problem. Just my 2 cents.

NPHuskerFL · February 2016

@Ozzie_Isaac agree on the WOO aspect but, the PS and ring thing pisses me off. Bought ours when they were first released & then just bought 2nd for our Son this Christmas and his is identical to mine (old style) ...also bought him a PS for it. Looks like the only one getting the short end is Joe Consumer. For basically 600 bones they should make it right by the customer. Funny this wasn't an advertised thing. Had I not frequented the forum I probably wouldn't have even heard about this.

Ozzie_Isaac · February 2016

BGE has always been good to their customers. If you need a fire ring replaced I would just ask about the platesetter too.

They might just help you out.

NPHuskerFL · February 2016

@Ozzie_Isaac I have no doubt they'll make good when the time comes. Sucks that the WOO will have to be replaced also.

c'est la vie first world problems

Eggzellent · February 2016

There seemed to be friendly disagreement on here as to the PS/13" stone combo vs the woo/10" stone (bottom) and the 13" stone. I'm picking up all 4 to hopefully build whatever 'layers' one possibly can (today at least) in a limited space save all the the grate/spacer combos (the last item will be the Cobb Grill Grate).
Is there anything else out there (today) internally considered a 'must-have' for the MM save the controllers? I would really like see a stone/multi-layer rack set-up for one of these which really jams the food in there right up to the highest reasonable space n the dome.

thetrim · February 2016

Megan Fox is on Kimmel. I have to go now!

Eggzellent · February 2016

Eggzellent said:

There seemed to be friendly disagreement on here as to the PS/13" stone combo vs the woo/10" stone (bottom) and the 13" stone. I'm picking up all 4 to hopefully build whatever 'layers' one possibly can (the last item will be the Cobb Grill Grate).
Is there anything else out there (internally) considered to be a 'must-have' for the MM save the controllers? I would really like see a stone/multi-layer rack set-up which really jams the food right up to the highest reasonable space n the dome.

..answering my own question:
..so the MM KAB fits fine (or better) no matter which woo is installed..obsolete fire ring/PS or not?

NPHuskerFL · February 2016

Eggzellent said:

Eggzellent said:

There seemed to be friendly disagreement on here as to the PS/13" stone combo vs the woo/10" stone (bottom) and the 13" stone. I'm picking up all 4 to hopefully build whatever 'layers' one possibly can (the last item will be the Cobb Grill Grate).
Is there anything else out there (internally) considered to be a 'must-have' for the MM save the controllers? I would really like see a stone/multi-layer rack set-up which really jams the food right up to the highest reasonable space n the dome.

..answering my own question:
..so the MM KAB fits fine (or better) no matter which woo is installed..obsolete fire ring/PS or not?

Yes, I would certainly think so. The firebox is staying the same.

Eggzellent · February 2016

NPHuskerFL said:

Eggzellent said:

Eggzellent said:

There seemed to be friendly disagreement on here as to the PS/13" stone combo vs the woo/10" stone (bottom) and the 13" stone. I'm picking up all 4 to hopefully build whatever 'layers' one possibly can (the last item will be the Cobb Grill Grate).
Is there anything else out there (internally) considered to be a 'must-have' for the MM save the controllers? I would really like see a stone/multi-layer rack set-up which really jams the food right up to the highest reasonable space n the dome.

..answering my own question:
..so the MM KAB fits fine (or better) no matter which woo is installed..obsolete fire ring/PS or not?

Yes, I would certainly think so. The firebox is staying the same.

I asked due to one member claiming that his woo contacted the KAB already when using his (now) obsolete MM. For some reason I was under the impression that: 1) the woo sat on the fire ring and 2) that the fire ring leading edge (top) was now located further below its previous location in the obsolete unit.
I don't know how these two pieces interact at the KAB level yet I want to make certain that I read what I did and understood it.

Mini max

Comments

@Eggzellent I heard that the cost of a MiniMax is $450 for average dealers. I paid $500 for mine. I also heard that they did some adjustments to the firebox on the newer version. Not sure there would be much difference!?!?

@Eggzellent I heard that the cost of a MiniMax is $450 for average dealers. I paid $500 for mine. I also heard that they did some adjustments to the firebox on the newer version. Not sure there would be much difference!?!?

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