What is the Big Green Egg?

The Big Green Egg is a modern day version of the Kamado ceramic smoker that originated in Japan around the 1960s. Temperature control is achieved by the managing airflow exit thru the Lid. The Big Green Egg is manufactured distributed by the Big Green Egg, Inc with headquarters in Atlanta GA.

How can you Cook on the Big Green Egg

1. Grilling: Sear Steaks, Burgers, and Seafood, the cooker can obtain temperatures of up to 800°F yielding “Steak House Grilling” that is quick, easy and delicious.

2. Slow: The insulating qualities of the ceramic body allows for precise temperature control at low heat for up to 12 hours. Long and slow cooking is great for Hams, Turkeys and Ribs.

3. Baking: It can bake Pizza, Bread, Casseroles, Pies and Cakes better than kitchen oven. See cooking Wood Fired Pizza below.

4. Smoking: It is by far the most efficient smoker on the market today. By adding different aromatic flavored chips and wood you can have scrumptious smoked meat, poultry or fish.

5. Roasting: It retains moisture and heat so well that your meat will not dry out. Fish, Beef, Chicken and vegetables are tastier because the juices and flavors are still retained.

How is temperature controlled in the Big Green Egg?

Once the coals are lit on your big green egg open the vents in lid and bottom of the grill. Remember the more air that flows thru the grill the hotter it will get. Once the temperature is within 50°F of the desired value start closing the vents until the temperature stabilizes.

One tip is to err on the cool side by closing the vents more than is needed – you can always bump open the vents to increase the airflow and subsequently increase in temperature.

Another Tip is resist the temptation to open the lid because the opening the lid will drop the temperature dramatically – resulting in several minutes to reestablish the internal temperature.

Cooking Wood Fired Pizza on the Big Green Egg

Get your lump Coal started by using the Green Egg coal starters and close the lid. In about 5 minutes the grill should be around 350°F. Place your favorite homemade pizza on the green egg pizza baking stone that is on top of place setter for indirect heating for about 15 to 20 minutes until the crust is nice crispy.

Bottom Line

Big green egg prices have become more affordable since the grill was first introduced in the United States in the 1970's. Big green egg prices vary by model - you should be able to purchase the large egg for around $800 which should last over 10 years.

The Big Green Egg is a great grill and smoker and after you try it there is no reason to use a traditional gas or charcoal grill every again.