So, Do I get the Green Egg?? I think I should

[jstanford]

I am really considering a Big Green Egg or a knock-off Komoda version. Can I have some pros and cons on them.

I have used off-set barrel smokers till now

 

[michael ark]

Look at squirrels post on her new primo.

 

[coffee_junkie]

I think they are a waste of money, but then again I don't have that kind of dough to throw around. For the pennies I like a UDS, not as pretty but just as good.

 

[rbranstner]

I personally have cooked on a Big Green and I like my UDS just as well and it is WAY cheaper. I was debating the same exact thing about two years ago. I wanted a set it and forget it smoker and I had been borrowing my buddies egg but I didn't want to fork out the money for the egg so I went the UDS route and I don't regret it one bit. I'm not try to bash the egg at all here but these are some reasons why I like my UDS better.

I can fit more meat on my UDS.

Its way lighter so I can take it with me and I can load it by myself. The eggs are super heavy and the ceramic can crack if dropped or tipped.

A UDS is WAY cheaper.

They both run like a dream and are pretty much set it and forget it once you figure out how to run them. But if I were to do it again I would go with the UDS. If the egg was free I would definitely take it but I would still have a UDS so I can take it places.

 

[samstrat]

I've had a small komoda for years and it has served me well.  I like the fact that a small double-handful of charcoal will burn for at least 7 or 8 hours without refill.  But they are very heavy and mine has a very small cooking surface which limits it to about 1 good-sized rack of ribs or a large pork butt.  I'd like a Smokey Mountain and will probably get one later this year.  The komoda can crack easily, which mine has, but can be repaired with epoxy.  It was given to me by a relative, so I didn't pay for it.  All in all, I'd probably get something else if I was paying for it.

 

[rp ribking]

I have heard, (butt have not tried) that green eggs are excellent for searing steak's at a high temp.  

Good Luck in your purchase!!!

 

[hardslicer]

I'm saving up now to add a BGE to my arsenal......using a watt burner now...and love it...but the BGE will add the ability to expand my grilling/smoking menu's  

 

[SmokinAl]

Let us know what you decide.

 

[jstanford]

I should have added that I have made a patio area with a nice cement pad for the grill, it will not have to be moved so weight is not the issue and it needs to look good sitting there too. I do not have a suitable grill for searing steaks and what not. Money is a factor but not the main consideration for this purchase. I do not need to be sold on other smokers, just need to know if they are a good purchase for grilling/smoking? I have a propane smoker, A drum style w/ firebox and another basic box charcoal smoker from Lowe's. As far as a UDS, I promised my wife it would look good sitting in the backyard on our new patio so looks are a factor... They just look cool, there, I said it

Thanks for all the feedback, If you have one please tell me a couple pro's and con's on its use.. I am not too concerned on cracking, Like I said, It will probably never be moved... Famous lasat words :)

 

[SmokinAl]

I don't own a BGE, but I'm on this forum all the time & the folks who do have them seem to be very satisfied with them.

I have not heard anything negative about them other than being a little pricey.

I agree with you, it certainly would look good on the new patio.

 

[kydave]

Hi everyone, you have a great forum and I'm glad I found you.

Re: BGE - I've been on the fence with this one too. I really like what I read about it's ability to control temps over a long period of time. I've got my eye on the biggest one and am saving my pennies. I read a cooking blog(s) regularly, and this guy is good and just got the big daddy BGE. There are some great posts on the BGE from ribeye to pizza. http://www.alcoholian.com/?s=big+green+egg

No: I'm not affiliated with the site nor does the blog sell anything or even offer advertising. I'm just trying to help.

 

[woundedyak]

If you want to go ceramic. Go with a Primo XL. Way more versatile then the BGE and twice the space. I don't know how I survived with out mine. Once you get past the learning curve, it's on. You can set it up for direct/indirect. load half a fire box or a full box. You can slow and low on one side and sear  on the other. The cool thing is the primo doesn't care about outside temps or weather. Were you set it, is were it stays.

 

[flash]

I got a cheaper smoker, then bought more meat.

 

[terry colwell]

One real good thing about the ceramic on your "new" patio,,, wont leave any rust marks... I know that ceramic when it breaks is very very sharp, and they do weigh a ton. Good luck,remember,,,,,,,,,,," Momma aint Happy,,know ones Happy"

 

[SmokinAl]

I got a cheaper smoker, then bought more meat.

                         

 

[rbranstner]

I already threw my $.02 in about a UDS. Since money isn't a huge issue then you will be happy with a BGE or maybe one of the other brands such as a Primo that was mentioned above. Like I said I have cooked on both and I like them both. I have gone low and slow and hot to sear on both my UDS and my buddies BGE and they both work great. The only bit of advice I would suggest is  if you go with BGE get the biggest one as size restrictions was one of the biggest things I  disliked about my buddies large egg along with price and weight. Best of luck to you and I can't wait to see what you decide.