Big Green Egg question or two

[kcbbqfiend]

Howdy ya'all :D (sorry, had to get that outta My system)
So, now, time for everyone to either be happy or hate Me LOL

Was walking through Hy-vee a few months back and saw a display, text to win a big green egg from Heineken (http://www.hy-vee.com/company/press-room/promotions/big-green-egg.aspx).

I texted it in as I was shopping and promptly forgot about it, until I got the call 6/14 to verify eligibility and after answering all the questions, I was told that I won...

All I could think of to say to the lovely sounding women on the other end of the phone line was "are you ****ting Me???" :doh:(could've handled that one better, oh well LOL )

Anywho, so, what I'm writing all this about is, I'm getting My egg tomorrow (YAY!!!!! ) and was wanting to pick the brains of some other egg owners here and see what the best accessories are to pick up first.

To start with, this is what the prize came with: large egg, side tables, nest, ash cleaner tool, charcoal, a grill lifter and some starter sticks.

I've been reading up on the BGE and heard from a few different sources that the first high temp cook you do you're pretty much going to have to replace the gasket that comes with it, so, thinking I'm going to need some sort of replacement for it. Any suggestions on what a good durable replacement would be?

Also thinking about either a plate setter for it, or, if possible, something that is cheaper for it that would work as well as the plate setter so I can do some smoking on the BGE.

Last thing I'd like some feedback on is the different types of grills with extension shelves and such. Is there a good aftermarket model out there or should I stick with OEM BGE parts?

Thanks in advance for any and all responses, I'll try to attach some pictures tomorrow once I have it all setup and ready!!!

Robert

[unzippy]

Lucky bugger!

[HeSmellsLikeSmoke]

Congratulations!

A plate setter is very handy, although there are other methods of getting an indirect heat setup.

Don't worry about the gaskets until and if you ever need to. BGE sells a high heat gasket if you need it.

[kcbbqfiend]

Having a couple of eggs yourself Jim, any pointers on the indirect methods you mentioned?
Was thinking about possibly getting a small pizza stone or something (need to get the egg home and setup so I can do a bit more thinkin' on it and see what I can come up with)

[HeSmellsLikeSmoke]

Having a couple of eggs yourself Jim, any pointers on the indirect methods you mentioned?
Was thinking about possibly getting a small pizza stone or something (need to get the egg home and setup so I can do a bit more thinkin' on it and see what I can come up with)

Here is one thread from the archive that addresses your question. I am just leaving the house fora couple of hours and will check your thread when I return.

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=62864

[Southstar Jeff]

I got a set up from here: http://www.ceramicgrillstore.com/

I really prefer it to the plate setter, which I haven't used since getting their set up. A lot more flexible and more usable space.

[plowin-fire]

I second the ceramic grill store setup. Works very well. Also the high heat gasket isnt needed unless you burn yours up doing pizzas or super hot cooks. Mine lasted 3 years.

[TheRealGrinder]

Congratulations on your win! I have a Primo, but this will apply to any ceramic grill. Stock up on lump and do some dry runs. Learn to set the vents so you can hit the temps you desire. Start with vents wide open and dampen them down 50 degs. before you get to your desired temp. If you over shoot your temp it can take forever to bring the temp back down. Invest in a mapp torch, it's the best method of lighting a ceramic. And never use lighter fluid in a ceramic grill.

[Pyle's BBQ]

A good pizza stone is something that you will want to get.

[HeSmellsLikeSmoke]

Looks like you are in good hands regarding eggcessories. If you need more ideas just let us know.

[eggzlot]

you dont have to buy it right away but I recommend this gasket: Amazon.com: Nomex High Heat Gasket with Adhesive Upgrade Kit for Large Big Green Egg Grill: Patio, Lawn & Garden

My original fried pretty quick. I got the BGE high heat one, that too burned up a bit AND refused to stay stuck to my egg (even though I did all the cleaning instructions given)

This adhesive one is easy, no need to remove the dome which is a major plus and it's been on my egg for about 18 months and has been abused and is still going strong.

Also another vote for the ceramic grill store - they will set you up with either a spider or woo and stone to act as a plate setter, but will have other functions too

[R2Egg2Q]

Congrats on winning the Large Egg! The Ceramic Grill Store makes the Adjustable Rig which offers the most flexibility for cooking at different heights and multiple cooking grids. They make high quality products so they aren't cheap but I would recommend them over the BGE accessories.

Cheapest extra grid solution would probably be a DIY solution with parts you can buy at your local hardware store and a replacement Weber grid. Here's one I put together for my old kamado:
http://i1005.photobucket.com/albums/af172/R2Egg2Q/BBQAccessories/IMG_0214.jpg

Combined with a decent (5/8"+ thick) baking stone and a drip pan and you can have a cheaper indirect cooking set up. Something like this:
http://i1005.photobucket.com/albums/af172/R2Egg2Q/BBQAccessories/IMG_0216.jpg
http://i1005.photobucket.com/albums/af172/R2Egg2Q/BBQAccessories/IMG_0217.jpg
http://i1005.photobucket.com/albums/af172/R2Egg2Q/BBQAccessories/IMG_0218.jpg

Another affordable raised grid solution is this "BGE Grill extender" (this is in my XL Egg with a 20" upper grid - testing it for sagging with the platesetter from my LBGE for weight):
http://i1005.photobucket.com/albums/af172/R2Egg2Q/BBQAccessories/IMG_5573_zps074682ba.jpg
And in use in my LBGE:
http://i1005.photobucket.com/albums/af172/R2Egg2Q/BBQ/2013/IMG_5646_zpsf1b19eba.jpg

It may be harder to find. I bought it through a group buy at the Egghead forum a couple of months ago.

As for your gasket, BGE switched to a better gasket (handles high heat better) this year so you might be OK for a while. Most folks go with a Nomex or Rutland gasket down the road.

[dajogejr]

You just won an egg....get the plate setter...lol. congrats.
Get a 16" drip pan from the ceramic store.
Get the cast iron adjustable top for it, also called the daisy wheel.

When your gasket burns out, get a rutland gasket. Last one you'll ever have to buy.
To sweeten your new winnings, I have a brand new rutland that will fit your egg (I ahve an xl, not long enough for mine). You pay shipping, you can have it.

Pick up a weber 22.5" grate, you can use a few small bricks to give yourself a second tier cooking surface.

LMK if you'd like that gasket. You'd need to buy permatex ultra copper for adhesive...

[loco_engr]

Here is a multi-level cook with the adjustable rig from
ceramic grill store (tjv)

http://i.imgur.com/TRIv146.jpg

The best replacement gasket seems to made by
Rutland

HTH

[ICDEDTURKES]

Man thats awesome congrats.. I fried my BGE felt on my Akorn pretty quick and went with self adhesive Nomex like mentioned above and could not be happier.. BBQ gaskets sells them at a good price and has fast shipping.. I would roll as is until ya need it... http://www.bbqgaskets.com/catalog_1.html

And please Keep this in the Back of your mind and take steps to insure it does not happen, its not fun..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=WxBZRFbSaDU

[kcbbqfiend]

I knew I was asking in the right place. Thanks for all of the help :D
I was checking out the ceramicgrillstore after Jims first reply, but, the pics, the links, the tips and tricks are very much appreciated!! Very cool flashback video and definitely an eye opener.
Thanks!
LBGE arrives today! WOOT!

[dajogejr]

While you're at it...find a good, reliable source of lump fuel.
I don't know what you're burning in your kettle or UDS...but I'm sure as you know, only natural lump in your Egg.

Weekend Warrior lump by Wicked good is a GREAT lump, however...it's harder to get in some areas than others and it's pricey.

I prefer Royal Oak in the Orange/Red bag. I get it at Restaurant Depot. Same stuff as in the Green bag.

One thing you'll need to get used to...is fuel consumption and how efficient the Egg is.
Cap it when done, close the vents, and use the left over for the next cook, adding a little more if needed.

Also, I bought a cheap, $30 weed burner/torch from Harbor Freight to light lump.
Use a torch and you'll never go back to a chimney, starter sticks, newspaper, etc.

I've had great luck getting the middle nice and charred up...just hitting the outer edges a little with the torch, and placing smoking chips all throughout the lump.

[J-Rod]

Heineken should give away a free bbq with every six pack, if ya get my drift lol...

Congrats on your win!

[Big George's BBQ]

Congrats on your win I have done a couple high heat cooks and have not re[placed my gasket Prob should but have not needed too The Naked Whiz site is pretty good and the ceramic grill store is very good

[DriverWild]

If you want to cook indirect your first priority is a plate setter. You shouldn't need to replace your gasket unless your high heat cook is super high heat. Mine lasted a couple of years so I wouldn't order it right away.

[legendaryhog]

Dude, that is awesome! Free egg? I'm jealous. Aside from all the advise given her as far as accessories, get a friend to help you set this up. Seriously, do. It is super heavy and awkward to handle/lift and if you drop it it will crack, or at worst break in many pieces. It has happened many times, and would just suck.

Also, something like a platesetter or other device that lets you cook indirect is your first buy.

[loco_engr]

Keep an eye on Menards sale flyers.
They usually have a sale on RO in April.

[LMAJ]

Looks like the guys have you all sorted out with eggcessories so the only thing I have to offer is...


YOU LUCKY BASTIGE!!!!!!
Congrats!!

Don't fry your gasket - do a bunch of low and slows first.

[kcbbqfiend]

Here is the egg by itself:
http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/p798/kyrron/th_IMG_20130716_153033_zps258bdbc0.jpg (http://s1351.photobucket.com/user/kyrron/media/IMG_20130716_153033_zps258bdbc0.jpg.html)

Here it is with the rest of the family (minus the other three in the shed I didn't feel like dragging out):
http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/p798/kyrron/th_IMG_20130716_172940_zps46e2f56d.jpg (http://s1351.photobucket.com/user/kyrron/media/IMG_20130716_172940_zps46e2f56d.jpg.html)

You all have been awesome with the advice, it is VERY much appreciated!
It will be time to fire it up this weekend and see what kind of fun I can get into!!!

[Billdanc]

You also may want to purchase a high-que fire grate that holds your lump charcoal. It helps your egg come up to temp faster. The stock fire grate can get plugged with ashes and cause your egg to have a harder time coming up to temp. The high-que grate is made out of stainless.