Well, I got The Big Green Egg. I feel a bit like a poseur douchebag, being a novice griller and having a top-end grill, but so far it’s been great. It was easy to light, easy to use, and everything’s been moist, smokey-flavored, and delicious. Thanks to everyone for their advice!
New question for BGE owners: There are a huge array of “egg”-cessories. Are any worth having? I like the idea of the cover that blocks the coals and let you use indirect heating. I might put that on my wish list.
Wow. Congratulations. That’s like getting Ferrari as your first car.
I was in the market for a new grill and saw the Egg at one of those high end grill stores. When I tried to open it it just didn’t open the way I expected and I somehow managed to get my finger munched by the thing. Nothing serious. Completely my fault I guess but it left me with an anti-Egg set of mind. It is very heavy.
Yeah, the flame blocking cover (damned if I can remember the real name) is pretty much a necessity, especially if you’re going to do any smoking. I really recommend that, at least.
You are thinking of the place setter. You can achieve the same effect with several 1/2 fire bricks. (this is what I use)
You for sure need a daisy wheel for the top if you are doing a low and slow cook.
A remote thermometer (Polder or equiv) for meat temp is almost a necessity.
A raised grid for being able to cook additional food is real handy.
That is the basics of accessories. There are lots more, but these are what you need to start.
Let us know how you like your new egg.
Don’t sweat it. You don’t need to be an experienced griller to cook very well on an egg. Your lack of experience will probably prove to be an asset, since it’s a completely tool than a Weber Kettle or a propane grill.
I’m still using mine regularly after 11 years of use. Enjoy.