Welcome home, new BGE!!!... and a request for tips for a newbie

[caliking]

So after much deliberation, pondering, question-asking ( http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=149679 & http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=141423 ), I finally pulled the trigger.

Welcome home, new large Big Green Egg! :clap::whoo::bounce:

Bering's in Houston had the large BGE on sale for $699 (usually $869) + tax. Picked up a cast iron grate, ash tool, large plate setter, and large pizza stone for $276 + tax. I had a coupon for $50 off if I spent $250, so the total out the door was $979.61. I saved ~$220!

My wife makes ceramic pottery, so I will ask her to make me 2 sets of feet - 1 set for below the egg and 1 set for going under the pizza stone when making pizzas. I am a little bummed that the new handle is much longer, since I had my heart set on one of Marty Leach's handles, but i will asjk him anyways if he makes handles for the new BGE.

Sadly, I will not be able to set it up until after Xmas, since I plan on building a custom table for it. I will have to contain myself.



Now for more questions::grin:

1. Is there a cheaper cast iron grate available? The BGE one looks pretty good and I did get it discounted, so maybe I should just use it. I plan to mod the stock grate with threaded rod "legs" to use it as an extended rack.

2. I may have got the wrong ash tool. it looks kinda small. I use the XL ash tool for my tandoor, so I will probably exchange the smaller one and get the XL version for the larger "sweep".

3. The new BGE seems to have the grate set kind of low. The floor models had about a 2-3" space between the grate and the rim/lip ofthe egg. Is this too close to the fire? It is much closer than the distance between the charcoal basket and grate in my drums.

4. Is the stock gasket the same as the high heat nomex ones available from other vendors? The salesman said it was nomex.

5. Any tips for assembly? Especially regarding the bands and hinge?

That's all for now. I have to get cracking on re-reading all the BGE threads on here to pick up whatever tips I can! I love Christmas!!

 

[LMAJ]

I have no answers to your questions... but I do have a big congrats for you - Have fun with that Egg!

 

[centexsmoker]

welcome to the bge cult. It's a great cooker.

answers:

1)- Maybe but not much. not worth chasing around to save $10 since you already have the BGE grate.

2)- I have the large tool and it works fine. The XL would be fine too

3)- Normal grid level. You will want to look into ways to raise and lower your grid and use multiple cooking levels. 2 best places are: www.ceramicgrillstore.com (adjustable rig- my set up.) and www.ceramicgrillworks.com (2 tier swing rack). both great guys and great products to get the most out of your egg.

4)- the new lighter gray gasket is the high temp. I don't think it's actually nomex but I could be wrong. wither way, the new gasket is WAY better than the old stock gasket. You'll know if you have the good one the first pizza cook you do (it will fall off if you have the old one). the nomex I have is white, but they did the heather gray high temp a few months ago.

5)- your dealer should have done this for you if you are in the area. it's not hard but kind of a pain if you've never done it. PM me if you run into any problems. I just took mine apart and rebuilt it so I've done it in the last few weeks.

 

[ThatsWhatSheSaidBBQ]

I hate the ash tools. For me, it has always seem easier to just take the grate and deflector out and scoop or push through the intake from the inside. Maybe I'm weird... Not too sure about the differences from old to new, though.

Enjoy it! I love my egg.

 

[centexsmoker]

I hate the ash tools. For me, it has always seem easier to just take the grate and deflector out and scoop or push through the intake from the inside. Maybe I'm weird... Not too sure about the differences from old to new, though.

Enjoy it! I love my egg.

9 times out of 10 I use an old paintbrush to brush it out from the inside. When I'm doing a short cook and have lump in, I use to ash tool to free up a little airflow.

 

[Hoss]

Best tip I can give,RELAX,it is just a smoker grill.Quoted from my friend stike.The longer I have mine the more I realize he is correct.It is quite simple,a small learning curve and a great cooker.Threaded bolts,Bad Idea.Buy an Xtra regular grate and get a couple firebricks and DO NOT waste your money on a plate setter,just buy an Xtra pizza stone.I will help all I can,just send me a message and I will relay my personal eggsperiences.I am no Eggspert but have cooked on a few for a while.Congrats,you will come to love it.:grin:

 

[centexsmoker]

Best tip I can give,RELAX,it is just a smoker grill.Quoted from my friend stike.The longer I have mine the more I realize he is correct.It is quite simple,a small learning curve and a great cooker.Threaded bolts,Bad Idea.Buy an Xtra regular grate and get a couple firebricks and DO NOT waste your money on a plate setter,just buy an Xtra pizza stone.I will help all I can,just send me a message and I will relay my personal eggsperiences.I am no Eggspert but have cooked on a few for a while.Congrats,you will come to love it.:grin:

Ha! I have actually been chatting with Stike tonight via email. I use my platesetter all the time though. have for 7 years. Just got the Adjustable rig so I'll use it less but I have used it hundreds of times and thought it was a great tool to have.

 

[Hoss]

After my second one broke,I just use a regular grid,za stone,firebrick,second grid and Xtra za stone.Cheaper and more durable,for me at least and they are all interchangeable with the other LGE.:thumb:

 

[Oldyote]

My only advice is to make sure you understand how to burp your egg.

 

[Hoss]

One more tip.The CI grate has a flat and a pointed side,the flat side is for anything you need a spatula to turn( burgers,fish) the pointed side is for those beautiful grill marks on steaks or anything you turn with tongs.use the CI grid you have til it breaks,and ,it will.Then order you a Craycort.

 

[centexsmoker]

After my second one broke,I just use a regular grid,za stone,firebrick,second grid and Xtra za stone.Cheaper and more durable,for me at least and they are all interchangeable with the other LGE.:thumb:

i'm still on my orginal platesetter (7 years). it does have a crack in it though. I've gone through a firebox, fire ring and a new base (all under warranty) and my PS is still running strong.

The post above about burping your egg......take that seriously unless you hate eyebrows and arm hair.

 

[caliking]

Thanks for all the tips so far. Some I read on the BGE site (about burping for instance), but I did not realize that the cast iron grate was double-sided.

I like the ash tool for my tandoor, since it is too deep to reach in from the top to brush ash out. I like that it lets you clean the ash out with the rack(s) still in place.

I must have misunderstood when the dealer asked if i wanted it assembled. There was an extra fee for assmebling, but more importantly i wanted it to stay boxed and banded so that I could get it out of my car easily. Assembly looks a little daunting, so I just might be bugging some of you pretty soon about how to set it up.

 

[caliking]

After my second one broke,I just use a regular grid,za stone,firebrick,second grid and Xtra za stone.Cheaper and more durable,for me at least and they are all interchangeable with the other LGE.:thumb:

Do you have a pic of your set-up? It sounds more expensive than the platesetter if it has 2 pizza stones, but I may have misunderstood. I hear what you are saying though - there is enough room to stack a couple of things on the grate to use as heat sinks/shields.

 

[Boshizzle]

Big congrats! Now, stop your bragging and get cooking and post some pron!

 

[centexsmoker]

Thanks for all the tips so far. Some I read on the BGE site (about burping for instance), but I did not realize that the cast iron grate was double-sided.

I like the ash tool for my tandoor, since it is too deep to reach in from the top to brush ash out. I like that it lets you clean the ash out with the rack(s) still in place.

I must have misunderstood when the dealer asked if i wanted it assembled. There was an extra fee for assmebling, but more importantly i wanted it to stay boxed and banded so that I could get it out of my car easily. Assembly looks a little daunting, so I just might be bugging some of you pretty soon about how to set it up.

I've bought 3 from 3 different dealers in 2 states. All of them assembled for free and the best one came to my house and assembled it.

It's not that hard but it pisses me off for guys to charge to put it together. they do it all the time and it takes 15-20 minutes for them. It's a $1000 BBQ grill for god's sake. It should come assembled.

let me know if you need help. I've taken apart and rebuilt mine several times

 

[Hoss]

Do you have a pic of your set-up? It sounds more expensive than the platesetter if it has 2 pizza stones, but I may have misunderstood. I hear what you are saying though - there is enough room to stack a couple of things on the grate to use as heat sinks/shields.

I will post one.I have 2lbge so the stones and stuff are interchangeable,if you do not want to cook pizza,a single stone ,firebrick and And Xtra off brand grid from Wally World will do the same as a plate setter.The firebricks were free.You only use the second stone for pizza cookin or stuff you cook like pizza.

 

[Tonybel]

Congrats on your new cooker

 

[martyleach]

Dude, check my website. I make handles for the new BGE bracket. Available in Walnut and African Mahogany. Glad you finally got the Egg. You will love it as I do.

So after much deliberation, pondering, question-asking ( http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=149679 & http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=141423 ), I finally pulled the trigger.

Welcome home, new large Big Green Egg! :clap::whoo::bounce:

Bering's in Houston had the large BGE on sale for $699 (usually $869) + tax. Picked up a cast iron grate, ash tool, large plate setter, and large pizza stone for $276 + tax. I had a coupon for $50 off if I spent $250, so the total out the door was $979.61. I saved ~$220!

My wife makes ceramic pottery, so I will ask her to make me 2 sets of feet - 1 set for below the egg and 1 set for going under the pizza stone when making pizzas. I am a little bummed that the new handle is much longer, since I had my heart set on one of Marty Leach's handles, but i will asjk him anyways if he makes handles for the new BGE.

Sadly, I will not be able to set it up until after Xmas, since I plan on building a custom table for it. I will have to contain myself.



Now for more questions::grin:

1. Is there a cheaper cast iron grate available? The BGE one looks pretty good and I did get it discounted, so maybe I should just use it. I plan to mod the stock grate with threaded rod "legs" to use it as an extended rack.

2. I may have got the wrong ash tool. it looks kinda small. I use the XL ash tool for my tandoor, so I will probably exchange the smaller one and get the XL version for the larger "sweep".

3. The new BGE seems to have the grate set kind of low. The floor models had about a 2-3" space between the grate and the rim/lip ofthe egg. Is this too close to the fire? It is much closer than the distance between the charcoal basket and grate in my drums.

4. Is the stock gasket the same as the high heat nomex ones available from other vendors? The salesman said it was nomex.

5. Any tips for assembly? Especially regarding the bands and hinge?

That's all for now. I have to get cracking on re-reading all the BGE threads on here to pick up whatever tips I can! I love Christmas!!

 

[R2Egg2Q]

Congrats on the Egg! I was going to let you know that Marty makes handles for the 2012 larger brackets but he beat me to it!

 

[Midnight Smoke]

Now for more questions::grin:

1. Is there a cheaper cast iron grate available? The BGE one looks pretty good and I did get it discounted, so maybe I should just use it. I plan to mod the stock grate with threaded rod "legs" to use it as an extended rack.

You will be fine with the BGE grate...

2. I may have got the wrong ash tool. it looks kinda small. I use the XL ash tool for my tandoor, so I will probably exchange the smaller one and get the XL version for the larger "sweep".

Ash tool is a waste to me, make a wiggle rod.

3. The new BGE seems to have the grate set kind of low. The floor models had about a 2-3" space between the grate and the rim/lip ofthe egg. Is this too close to the fire? It is much closer than the distance between the charcoal basket and grate in my drums.

Was the grate set between the Fire Box and the Fire Ring? How it was in the store should be the same no matter.

4. Is the stock gasket the same as the high heat nomex ones available from other vendors? The salesman said it was nomex.

If it is Gray it is stock, White is NOMEX.

5. Any tips for assembly? Especially regarding the bands and hinge?

Do not drop it lol, do not over tighten the small band nuts they will snap off, the rear hinge should be tightened until the bolt bends slightly. Put it together and see how it fits, readjust and tighten as needed. Do a dollar bill test between the gaskets to check for leaks.

That's all for now. I have to get cracking on re-reading all the BGE threads on here to pick up whatever tips I can! I love Christmas!!

Happy Egg'n