I was fortunate enough to get a 2XL for free (prior owner used it a few times, got bored, and was looking to get rid of it).
The thing is a beast. I never thought I would own a grill this huge, and want to make the most of it. I’ve got the “eggspander” basket and one of the half moon ”conveggtors.”
Any other 2XLers have tips about how to use this thing? Thoughts on cooking for a family of 4 on this, or should it be reserved for hosting?
Cheers.
by j4z7y
27 Comments
Heat it up, clean the grate, cook something.
I’d get something cheap to cook on it and just get started. I have an XL and cook for 2 sometimes. Just close it when done and save the good charcoal remaining.
I am somewhat new to cooking on this style of smoker and got the Chefstemp S1 and Temp Control fan and it’s been great. Still learning but the automated temp control makes it very easy for a newbie to cook on.
Watch your lump charcoal consumption on this beast. You won’t always need to completely fill the firebox if you are just cooking for four people.
Buy wood. Buy pig. Smoke pig. Live well.
I usually can cook for a my family of 3 on my Mini Max. The regular large has been big enough for almost any occasion. I think you got a great find here, maybe buy one of those baskets where you can split the fire box into 2 sections and you only have to fill 1/2 at a time.
I mean, that’s a big burden to put on someone, I can pick it up this Saturday to ease your pain. Seriously though, now you have one, the 2XL for all your low and slow long smokes, and another for burgers and hot dogs when hosting.
Do you have another grill grate, the 2xl grate has handles
Do a pig.
Give the original owner a decent bottle of scotch or whiskey as a thank-you gift. Always burp your egg. Get some elbow-length high-heat gloves. I’d offer that Fogo charcoal is superior to the BgE branded charcoal. Start with something simple like a pork butt or whole chicken, or cannonball with a brisket if you like to live dangerously. Don’t use a water pan, as the porous ceramic will make up for it. Pizza on the egg is fantastic once you figure out the learning curve. Good luck, and enjoy it!
half moon cast iron grates, kick ash basket, timer and quality thermometer
the xl is the king of reverse sear, smoke indirect then direct sear, why i recommend the half moon cast iron grates
Are you brand new to cooking with charcoal? I could probably give you a basic rundown. It sounds like a lot, but it really isn’t. You’re just lighting a fire inside a big clay pot and adjusting air flow. Add wood for various flavor profiles if you want. Most of the charcoal brands I’ve tried give off a nice mild flavor on their own though. I like cooking on my XL egg more over time. I mostly smoke/BBQ in mine, but these things make a perfect ribeye, pizza, bread, you name it. Last summer I made more food in the BGE than I did in my oven.
Cook for 30 people
Thank whomever gifted it to you with something delicious
Get a camo Egg cover, put it on there to protect it from the weather, and then never be able to find it again.
Make some badass 16″+ pizzas.
Man I saw this at a local BGE event and they had two of them cooking. One with a baby pig and the other with a baby alligator. It was awesome.
For the love of god, get a brisket started.
Its a huuuge thing! You will get amazing barbecues
Fire it up to 300F, wait don’t walk away, watch that thermometer while you have a beer. Everyone tends to overshoot the heat the first time. They get up and go unload the dishes and come back and it’s 700F in there. Patience…..
Slap some rub on a pork shoulder, stick a thermometer in there, come back when it hits 202F. Let it rest covered on the counter. Shred it. Walk around with the bone held high like you have conquered a dragon.
toast your luck and the gifter
Cook!
Sell it and get something more practical like a large. Unless of course you see yourself needing this one
Go check Kroger for those full briskets on sale for half price because they’re close to the sell by date.
When you find one, use this smoker to cook it.
When it’s done, enjoy 18 pounds of brisket.
What kind of friends do you have and where do I find one?
Regift it to me. You won’t like it.
Charcoal divider
Multiple racks of baby backs