The Big Green Egg is a ceramic cooker that can be used for a smoker or a grill. These types of ceramic smokers are very versatile and efficient.
One big PRO of the BGE is it’s simple design. It’s easy to build a fire, hold temps and maintain your smoker.
The Big Green Egg does come with accessories that can be added – like the diffuser plate for slow-smoking. And there are other brands of ceramic cookers out there to consider as well, such as the Primo smoker.
These cookers are ceramic – which allows them to hold the temps really well, but can make them difficult to move around. If you are looking for a grill you can take to contests or move, this isn’t the ideal option. But if you are looking for a grill to leave on your patio – these ceramic cookers are perfect backyard grills.
BGE grills are easy to maintain and are built really well. Once you learn how to control your air flow with the bottom vent and the top daisy wheel vent, you can maintain steady temps and product some great barbecue.
I run lump charcoal in my BGE and I get really long burn times. The BGE doesn’t burn through charcoal like typical grills. In fact, I can typically get multiple long cooks off one bag of charcoal because these grills are so efficient.
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Hi Malcolm, I’m hoping you can give me some advice. I’m trying to decide between buying a Yoder YS640 and a BGE. I already own a MAK 1 pellet grill, but feel like it’s not versatile enough. I notice that you do a lot of cooking on your BGE, so I was wondering which one you think would be a more useful addition to the MAK. Also, would the charcoal make the meat taste different than the pellet grill would? Thanks so much in advance.
Author
If you already have a pellet grill, I might add a ceramic grill instead of adding another pellet cooker. You can get a deeper grill flavor with the ceramic cookers.
Thanks Malcolm – that’s a good point. Much appreciated!
I noticed on one of your videos that you used what appeared to be a tomato cage to hold the charcoal in the center. Does this help with indirect cooking? Thanks.
Author
Are you talking about the Vortex? https://howtobbqright.com/2018/02/22/vortexchickenwings/
Hey Malcom…just found your YouTube videos as I’m getting into grilling and BBQ/smoking…have really enjoyed your videos…the directions and recipes are awesome! Looking to buy a BGE…what size do you use? Thanks for all your videos and help!
Author
The one I use is a BGE XL
Hi Malcom I’m looking to started a BBQ Food Truck what are some good grill to consider
Author
A lot of restaurants and food trucks use Ole Hickory Pits – check into those for sure
Hi Malcom I’m looking to started a BBQ Food Truck what are some good grill and smoker to consider thanks
Author
You might have different heath dept regulations to consider – all depends on where you live. I would find someone around your area who has a food truck and take them out to lunch.
Love the videos Malcom! Any particular reason you chose a BGE vs a Kamado Joe?
Author
No, that is just what I have – both cook about the same.
Malcom, I have a Memphis Pro, which I bought largely based on your videos here. I am now somewhat regretting not buying the elite for the larger cook space and considering buying another smoker all together to add to my stable. I believe I want to stay away from another pellet grill again, maybe a BGE? What other ones might you recommend? I looked at the Ole Hickory but that seems like overkill for residential use and as often as I may use it. Any advice or recommendations would be much appreciated!
Author
You do have a lot of versatility with a BGE. And it makes a great outdoor cooker. You can grill and smoke on it – and get the flavor you might miss on the pellet.