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I sold a small to buy a mini max, and honestly have regretted the move. I have since added a kamado joe jr (exact replica of a small egg) to the mix to reverse my misfortune. The mini max is just a less capable small egg. If you get a 10 inch fire grate like the mini max has in a small egg, it behaves exactly like a mini max. But go back to the smaller grate, and you have your small egg again that holds more lump, and also has your food higher away from the heat.
Translation: the minimax is the new girlfriend that doesn't seem anything more than quirky and weird, but with time gets more and more annoying until we realize -- why were we so blind entering in to this relationship?
Disclaimer - I don't have one, opinion based on comments read on this forum by others.
______________________________________________ Large and Medium BGE, Kamado Joe Jr, Akorn Jr, big effin' pellet smoker, gas grill, fire pit, FireDisk, pack of angry cats, two turntables and a microphone, my friend. Registered republican.
I like mine, used it last night and the night before. The UK Egg distributor doesn't (or at least didn't) stock the small, so that choice wasn't available. Space the temp probe out a bit and you can get quite a lot in it.
I also love my MiniMax. It’s true that the close proximity between lump and firegrate causes it to behave a little more unpredictably. I have burned Dutch oven bread recipes where they otherwise turn out on the Large using the same MO. Just don’t expect the MM to be truly portable. While it can be carried for short distances by healthy individuals, one cannot simply decide to bring it on their next portage expedition. For me, moving it around within my front and backyard suits my pursposes and for that, it is more practical than the Small.
I love mine. I would certainly replace it with another if something happened to it. It is a stout little workhouse that has never failed to provide exceptional results. Knowing its limitations, you can still cook a lot of food on it. It is an ideal companion to my XL. We travel, camp, tailgate, and use it for BGE functions and get-togethers. It is worthy.
Love it and do not get any of the negatives as I cannot figure out how their experience could possibly be a bad one. Huh, go figure. Did I say I love it!
I think my disappointment with the mini max was compaing it to the small. I had issues with the small, and I discovered how to work around them after the wheels were already in motion. When you consider the mini max to be a bigger mini, it’s a great grill. And that is actually what I use mine for. I still enjoy using it that way. I think the mini max is a huge sales hit, but I believe it is at the expense of both the small and the mini. I was lucky to find a small replace,ent in the Kamado Joe jr for only $150 new in the box, so in the end I’m very happy to have both now.
I love mine. I would certainly replace it with another if something happened to it. It is a stout little workhouse that has never failed to provide exceptional results. Knowing its limitations, you can still cook a lot of food on it. It is an ideal companion to my XL. We travel, camp, tailgate, and use it for BGE functions and get-togethers. It is worthy.
I am with Ron, I would buy it again. Love it.
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Don't let the truth get in the way of a good story!
Large BGE 2006, Mini Max 2014, 36" Blackstone, Anova Sous Vide Green Man Group
Translation Numero dos: The minimax is a great hibachi. Except it costs more and don't drop it. Owch!
______________________________________________ Large and Medium BGE, Kamado Joe Jr, Akorn Jr, big effin' pellet smoker, gas grill, fire pit, FireDisk, pack of angry cats, two turntables and a microphone, my friend. Registered republican.
For my family of 2, our MM gets much more use than the L. The MM is a lump miser and gets up to temp more quickly. As noted above, there are some cooking differences due to the proximity of the lump to the cooking grate, but like many other aspects of the BGE you learn the quirks and use that experience to your advantage.
LBGE - St. Louis, MO; MM & LBGE - around 8100' somewhere in the CO Front Range
I like how fast it gets to temp. I have 2 L as well, and the MM is my go to always for meals after work because of this. Its large enough for any steaks or chicken or whatever for weeknight meals in our family. In the summers, I will take it camping with us. Its heavy, but once we are all set up, its worth packing it for sure.
I have the woo ring which solved for the gap between the coal and food. I use it all the time and love it. I also take it places so the carrier is great even though you can make one for the small.
@Jeremiah made a setup for the small that in hindsight I would do vs the MM. same weight, same portability now and better air flow. I think his rig is brilliant
Ive never cooked on anything and thought “I wish this was smaller”
I assume you have the XXL and nothing else will do in ceramic cookers? I get what you’re saying and as a general rule I would agree. There are carve outs however.
Ive never cooked on anything and thought “I wish this was smaller”
I assume you have the XXL and nothing else will do in ceramic cookers? I get what you’re saying and as a general rule I would agree. There are carve outs however.
No. I just hated the Mini Max and was being a smart ass. The tiny ceramic cooker is not for me but like my great granddad used to always say, “there’s an ass for every seat”. If you want a tiny, yet 80lb, breakable $600 ceramic grill, by all means, go for it.
The MM was the first egg I bought. I was living in an apartment and had it on the balcony. While it was still not legal, it was more inconspicuous than having an egg on a stand out there. That said, I'm glad I purchased it. I use it frequently on weeknights.
Comments
John - SLC, UT
Several eggs ..
Disclaimer - I don't have one, opinion based on comments read on this forum by others.
Large and Medium BGE, Kamado Joe Jr, Akorn Jr, big effin' pellet smoker, gas grill, fire pit, FireDisk, pack of angry cats, two turntables and a microphone, my friend. Registered republican.
"I've made a note never to piss you two off." - Stike
The other ahole
Living large in the 919
It is a stout little workhouse that has never failed to provide exceptional results.
Knowing its limitations, you can still cook a lot of food on it. It is an ideal companion to my XL.
We travel, camp, tailgate, and use it for BGE functions and get-togethers.
It is worthy.
XL and MM
Louisville, Kentucky
36" Blackstone - Greensboro!
"I've made a note never to piss you two off." - Stike
The other ahole
Living large in the 919
Well, I married me a wife, she's been trouble all my life,
Run me out in the cold rain and snow
John - SLC, UT
Several eggs ..
Green Man Group
I've also cooked an 8lb. turbo pork butt on it and it was terrific.
Dallas, TX
Large and Medium BGE, Kamado Joe Jr, Akorn Jr, big effin' pellet smoker, gas grill, fire pit, FireDisk, pack of angry cats, two turntables and a microphone, my friend. Registered republican.
YouTube: @smokingdadbbq
Be careful when following the masses. Sometimes the M is silent.
YouTube: @smokingdadbbq
I just love it and the mini so long as I have a large or xl
YouTube: @smokingdadbbq
Large & MM, Blackstone Griddles (36" & Tailgater)
LBGE since June 2012
Omaha, NE