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New egg user

ninnymugs
ninnymugs Posts: 87
in EggHead Forum
Hello all,

I just got my first egg last week. I am not new to smokers, but still for sure a novice, especially since I am switching to an egg. Any thoughts on fun egg toys to get. I have the platesetter and that's all the extra I got. I'm super stoked to be an egg user now!
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  • SSQUAL612
    SSQUAL612 Posts: 1,186
     Welcome to Eggland.  You can go crazy Eggcessorizing ...I know I did.   Ceramicgrillstore.com    
    Tyler, TX   XL BGE 2016, KJ Classic 2019,  MES, 18.5 WSM,  Akorn Jr,  36"&17" Black Stone, Adj Rig, Woo, Grill Grates, SS Smokeware Cap, KAB,  FB 300, Thermapen 
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  • bgebrent
    bgebrent Posts: 19,636
    edited July 2017
    Go slow on accesorizing.  Thermopop/thermapen, remote thermo (Smoke) and a way to raise your grid (fire bricks or ceramicgrillstore).
    Welcome.
    Sandy Springs & Dawsonville Ga
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  • lousubcap
    lousubcap Posts: 36,757
    Welcome aboard and enjoy the journey.  Above all, have fun.  Very perceptive "my first egg." Regarding eggcessorizing and after-market toys- As you are aware, with the BGE there are three basic styles of cooking;  “direct”-where the cooking grid is on top of the fire ring; “raised direct”-where the grid is elevated at least to the gasket-line (this setup requires after-market stuff-easiest is to get another grid and then use three fire bricks (or three empty aluminum beer cans) and place them on the grid at the fire ring and then put the second grid on top. The third is “indirect” where there is a heat deflector (platesetter or some other type stone) between the burning lump and the cooking grid.  This is the setup for low&slow long duration cooks.  As above, I would get comfortable playing around with the BGE before any major after-market investments.  Will save you $$ in the long run.
    This forum will gladly separate you from your $$.  No worries in that regard.  
    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.  
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  • Eggdicted_Dawgfan
    Eggdicted_Dawgfan Posts: 1,912
    edited July 2017
    Definitely great advise from Brent and Lou to take it slow. Figure out what all you plan to use your egg for and then go from there. Otherwise you will end up with a gas Weber(or storage container of choice) full of stuff you don't need. Before you buy anything call Tom and ceramic grill store and talk to him. He will not try to sell you stuff you don't need and he is a super nice fellow with a wealth of knowledge when it comes to his products and their use. Welcome to the forum. 
    Snellville, GA


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  • dsrguns
    dsrguns Posts: 421
    SSQUAL612 said:
     Welcome to Eggland.  You can go crazy Eggcessorizing ...I know I did.   Ceramicgrillstore.com    
    +1^
      
    XL BGE
    MD
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  • Carolina Q
    Carolina Q Posts: 14,831
    I always suggest NONE when people ask about accessories. At least in the beginning. Just play around with your egg and see what you think you're going to need instead of listening to one of us. We may love accessory X and it may turn out to be worthless to you. For example, I have a remote thermometer that I have absolutely no need for. Others swear by them. Which is why I bought it. It just collects dust.

    The only exception I can think of isn't an egg accessory, but for cooking in general... an instant read thermometer. The darling of the forum is the Thermapen (nearly $100) or its little brother, the ThermoPop (about $30 I think). An alternative is the Lavatools line. $25-$50 I think. They get great reviews too. If you buy one of Thermoworks products, you must buy from them or you will have no warranty. That's not a bad thing, they're  great company.

    Otherwise, save your money for a while.

    I hate it when I go to the kitchen for food and all I find are ingredients!                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

    Michael 
    Central Connecticut 

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  • JohnnyTarheel
    JohnnyTarheel Posts: 6,629
    Welcome !!!!   All good ideas above... Enjoy
    Charlotte, NC - Large BGE 2014, Maverick ET 733, Thermopen, Nest, Platesetter, Woo2 and Extender w/Grid, Kick Ash Basket, Pizza Stone, SS Smokeware Cap, Blackstone 36"
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  • SemolinaPilchard
    SemolinaPilchard Posts: 1,282
    First thing is a way to cook indirect, which you have. Second is a Thermapen.
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  • ninnymugs
    ninnymugs Posts: 87
    Thanks so much all. Excited to get started. 
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  • bucky925
    bucky925 Posts: 2,052
    Welcome abord and post pic's  good or bad, we have all been on both sides.  rofl.  

    The best things in life are not things.  

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  • JethroVA
    JethroVA Posts: 1,251
    Agree that it's easy to get over-gadgeted.  Also consider finding a local EggFest and see stuff in operation. 
    Richmond and Mathews County, VA. Large BGE, Weber gas, little Weber charcoal. Vintage ManGrates. Little reddish portable kamado that shall remain nameless here.  Very Extremely Stable Genius. 
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  • johnnyp
    johnnyp Posts: 3,932
    Welcome aboard.  Grab a good instant read thermometer and decide what you need as you go. 
    XL & MM BGE, 36" Blackstone - Newport News, VA
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  • Powak
    Powak Posts: 1,412
    PSWOO2 ring for raised direct and you're good to go. Holds the plate setter too for easy lift in and out operation.
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  • SSQUAL612
    SSQUAL612 Posts: 1,186
    Powak said:
    PSWOO2 ring for raised direct and you're good to go. Holds the plate setter too for easy lift in and out operation.
    WOO2 holds PS with exception of XL. 
    Tyler, TX   XL BGE 2016, KJ Classic 2019,  MES, 18.5 WSM,  Akorn Jr,  36"&17" Black Stone, Adj Rig, Woo, Grill Grates, SS Smokeware Cap, KAB,  FB 300, Thermapen 
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  • SSQUAL612
    SSQUAL612 Posts: 1,186
    ninnymugs said:
    Thanks so much all. Excited to get started. 

    Don't you mean Eggcited?
    Tyler, TX   XL BGE 2016, KJ Classic 2019,  MES, 18.5 WSM,  Akorn Jr,  36"&17" Black Stone, Adj Rig, Woo, Grill Grates, SS Smokeware Cap, KAB,  FB 300, Thermapen 
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  • evie1370
    evie1370 Posts: 506
    I started out with the plate setter and the ash tool. Agree on above-cook and see where it takes you. Platesetter gives you everything you need for now. I added as I needed, determined for what I was able to cook. I would recommend a pair of thermal gloves-very handy for removing hot items-I have even used for the plate setter. Also a thermopen. But that is it.

    Medium BGE in Cincinnati OH.

    "

    "I don't know what effect these men will have upon the enemy, but, by God, they frighten me. " Duke of Wellington, Battle of Waterloo.
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  • cookingdude555
    cookingdude555 Posts: 3,196
    SSQUAL612 said:
    Powak said:
    PSWOO2 ring for raised direct and you're good to go. Holds the plate setter too for easy lift in and out operation.
    WOO2 holds PS with exception of XL. 
    I got mine in there ...

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  • SSQUAL612
    SSQUAL612 Posts: 1,186
    cookingdude555 said:
    SSQUAL612 said:
    Powak said:
    PSWOO2 ring for raised direct and you're good to go. Holds the plate setter too for easy lift in and out operation.
    WOO2 holds PS with exception of XL. 
    I got mine in there ...

    Well...do tell how?
    Tyler, TX   XL BGE 2016, KJ Classic 2019,  MES, 18.5 WSM,  Akorn Jr,  36"&17" Black Stone, Adj Rig, Woo, Grill Grates, SS Smokeware Cap, KAB,  FB 300, Thermapen 
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  • SSQUAL612
    SSQUAL612 Posts: 1,186
    SSQUAL612 said:
    cookingdude555 said:
    SSQUAL612 said:
    Powak said:
    PSWOO2 ring for raised direct and you're good to go. Holds the plate setter too for easy lift in and out operation.
    WOO2 holds PS with exception of XL. 
    I got mine in there ...

    Well...do tell how?
    @tjv  Hey Tom...PS with Woo on XL?  Is it so?
    Tyler, TX   XL BGE 2016, KJ Classic 2019,  MES, 18.5 WSM,  Akorn Jr,  36"&17" Black Stone, Adj Rig, Woo, Grill Grates, SS Smokeware Cap, KAB,  FB 300, Thermapen 
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  • WDE86
    WDE86 Posts: 69
    Welcome to the forum! I'm new'ish to the BGE and very new here myself. My only advice is to take the time at some point to practice dialing in your temperatures for low and slow cooks and certain temperatures in general. I did this and it's gotten me a lot more comfortable and knowledgeable about my grill. 
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  • bgebrent
    bgebrent Posts: 19,636
    YukonRon said:
    Get a bigger wallet. 
    The initial purchase of the "Big Green" Egg is the least expensive investment in owning a BGE.
    It is everything that follows.
    Butcher paper, aluminum foil, food savers, food storage bags, disposable aluminum pans, thermometers, remote sensor thermometers, alcohol, place to store alcohol, 
    Meat slicers, butcher boards, knives, lump by the skid, smoking wood (multiple varieties, because, of course), patio redesign, patio furniture, landscaping, building the "now needed" outdoor kitchen, 57 inch TV, audio system for out side kitchen, lighting for new patio, freezer, cast iron, bigger freezer because the first one was too small, 2nd fridge, 3rd fridge, kitchen remodeling to hold the thousands of dollars worth of rubs and spices, and all the previously mentioned crap, SRF, more alcohol, insulated gloves, stupid t-shirts, stupid aprons, oh yeah, stuff for the BGE too, and the list will grow.
    May as well add group therapy, but that usually is not necessary until you own 3 or more BGES.
    Have fun. Welcome to the Machine we call Egging.

    My favorite optimist!
    Sandy Springs & Dawsonville Ga
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  • tjv
    tjv Posts: 3,846
    SSQUAL612 said:
    SSQUAL612 said:
    cookingdude555 said:
    SSQUAL612 said:
    Powak said:
    PSWOO2 ring for raised direct and you're good to go. Holds the plate setter too for easy lift in and out operation.
    WOO2 holds PS with exception of XL. 
    I got mine in there ...

    Well...do tell how?
    @tjv  Hey Tom...PS with Woo on XL?  Is it so?
    @SSQUAL612   I am not sure what benefits one gets by having the xl platesetter inside the xl woo ring, as it does not have handles.  It's a timely picture because right now, we are doing the very same thing with a new medium woo -  handles to lift the units out easily together. 

    We looked at adding handles several times to the XL Woo. It's easy to do but we always keep coming back to the same conclusion, unit is too easy to tip and dump the food. With just the xlwoo and grid, it's not a problem handling but add food or a stone and it takes some wrist strength and continued concentration to manage it.

    We are looking at doing some cool things with the xl rig - making two grid, grilling cooks easier.  maybe more on it next month.

    t




    www.ceramicgrillstore.com ACGP, Inc.
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  • YukonRon
    YukonRon Posts: 17,261
    bgebrent said:
    YukonRon said:
    Get a bigger wallet. 
    The initial purchase of the "Big Green" Egg is the least expensive investment in owning a BGE.
    It is everything that follows.
    Butcher paper, aluminum foil, food savers, food storage bags, disposable aluminum pans, thermometers, remote sensor thermometers, alcohol, place to store alcohol, 
    Meat slicers, butcher boards, knives, lump by the skid, smoking wood (multiple varieties, because, of course), patio redesign, patio furniture, landscaping, building the "now needed" outdoor kitchen, 57 inch TV, audio system for out side kitchen, lighting for new patio, freezer, cast iron, bigger freezer because the first one was too small, 2nd fridge, 3rd fridge, kitchen remodeling to hold the thousands of dollars worth of rubs and spices, and all the previously mentioned crap, SRF, more alcohol, insulated gloves, stupid t-shirts, stupid aprons, oh yeah, stuff for the BGE too, and the list will grow.
    May as well add group therapy, but that usually is not necessary until you own 3 or more BGES.
    Have fun. Welcome to the Machine we call Egging.

    My favorite optimist!
    Yeah, that's me. Mr. Muhfuggin +.
    "Knowledge is Good" - Emil Faber

    XL and MM
    Louisville, Kentucky
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  • GoldenQ
    GoldenQ Posts: 590
    I agree with most of the comments and advice here, however, the pocketbook may be an important factor so go slow and make a list and prioritize items and why want them. I started with an XL w/o table and placesetter, a raised grid and thermopen.   As I cooked and noted the forum item discussions I made a list of what I could cook with the items I had and a list of what I wanted to cook and options for each. I almost got a LBGE but when I looked at my list of what I had and what I wanted to do with it I bought a webber one touch to go with my XL + my gass webber Q 220 and my turkey fryer. Also talked to CGS and got 2 XL drip pans and XL insert rings to contain charcoal into smaller diameter for short quick fires. Then when I tried pizza with our older stone I bought a BGE pizza stone and metal spatula as the older std stone did not suit wishes.  Still looking at CI from lodge and have a list of items desired with priority and what to use it for--just bought 17 in skillet--and looking at other items.  The main mistake I made was to start buying items before deciding where to and how to store many goodies.   This still hurts as I used the space where I should store them for wife garden and dog hobby stuff so now I have a problem w/o budget to fix.     Always want more and wife always questions it.   If I had room and place to store goodies my next would be 36 in blackstone griddle.

    Good luck and keep trying and just enjoy the ride.

    By the way make your own evaluation of charcoals and the price/availability of each. After trying many different ones I use RO mostly due to ease of getting and cost.  My walmart handles it roughly so small pieces but my HD is gentle and pieces are consistantly large with very little dust.
    I XL  and 1 Weber Kettle  And 1 Weber Q220       Outside Alvin, TX-- South of Houston
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  • bluebird66
    bluebird66 Posts: 2,946
    Welcome aboard!
    Large Egg with adjustable rig, Kick Ash Basket, Minimax and various Weber's.
    Floyd Va

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  • buzzvol
    buzzvol Posts: 534
    GoldenQ said:
    By the way make your own evaluation of charcoals and the price/availability of each. After trying many different ones I use RO mostly due to ease of getting and cost.  My walmart handles it roughly so small pieces but my HD is gentle and pieces are consistantly large with very little dust.
    Or make some popcorn and start a post on Friday night asking about lump brand. B)

    Oh yeah, welcome!
    Lawrenceville, GA
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