We’re looking at getting a large egg with the mahogany table but after that there’s so many options I get really lost. Mainly we’ll just be doing standard steaks, burgers, chicken, etc – and maybe occasionally pizzas. A cover is important for British weather and I’d like it to be easy to clean. What do we need for all this, and what can we just buy from elsewhere that will be just as functional but maybe less expensive? And will all the accessories fit in a box on a shelf including the cover? I’m sure this question gets asked a lot. Grateful for any advice.
This is the exact bundle we’re looking at: https://www.johnlewis.com/big-green-egg-large-egg-bbq-mahogany-wood-table-bundle-with-conveggtor-cover/p111214480?deepLink=false
by booshtukka
6 Comments
If the cost isn’t too prohibitive I’m very happy I went with the XL. If you eventually get into smoking having the extra surface area to work with is very helpful. Not sure what all accessories you’re looking to keep in a box. In mine I keep a torch, a lighter, fire starters, foil, butcher paper, nitrile gloves, cotton gloves, and heat resistant gloves, and my bbq journal.
That’s a solid bundle to start with and learn. You can grill, smoke, and do pizza with it. Here are a few things you will need-
-A way to clean out the ash, I like the BGE ash pan but a dustpan with a circular cutout can work. There is also an ash tool for pulling it out.
-A good thermometer, Thermoworks Thermapen is the gold standard but the thermopop is way cheaper.
-Quality charcoal. not sure what’s available there. Fogo, Jealous Devil, Wicked Good are all solid brands in the US.
-Lighting method. I like the wood shaving starters, but Weber cubes are good and cheap.
-Set of BBQ tools, whatever you can find.
-Rubs and seasonings.
[Ceramic Grill Store](https://ceramicgrillstore.com/) is a great place for accessories. The Kick ash basket is great, along with woo ring.
I thought I needed a separate pizza stone, no? This is great advice thank you!
I’ve got a Large and cook for our family of three all the time on it. The Eggspander helps give me more space vertically for grilling veggies while the protein is on the main grid. I’d look into a kick ash can to keep the ash from clogging up the holes in humid/damp climate. A separate pizza stone might be nice but you don’t have to use a BGE branded one as long as it’s 16” or less diameter.
Kick ash basket and a good temp probe, preferably wireless are game changers. Also, I built a table for mine and I like the added stability for the egg and the work space it provides.
If you’re handy with woodwork, building your own table is not hard to do. Or rather, it’s as hard as you want it to be.
You can make a table with a lower shelf (simplest) or add drawers and small cabinets.
Costs about a ⅓ of buying one retail.