How to load up a BGE?

C

Crotonmark

is one Smokin' Farker
Joined
Sep 6, 2013
Location
Croton, NY
Thinking of buying a BGE.
Dumb question-how do you load charcoal and smoking wood into it?
The charcoal burning area seems so large that I can't figure out
Where to put the wood to create a good smoke
Can you guys help?
I've watched videos but it's not clear.
Also I trust you guys more.
Thanks
Mark
 
Absolutely not trying to change your mind. BGE's are quality cookers. All my friends and family have them. I have a BGE-Mini that gets quite a workout. BUT every one of my friends wish BGE made an oval design. Mine has a divider where I can load coals to one side and make an offset configuration. I mix lump and smoking wood chunks.
 
Last edited:
Use Lump Put large pieces in first and then medium size pieces This will help to promote airflow Go to the Naked Whiz site and click on ceramic cookers I have a Large BGE and love it Some people who have an extra large will divide the fire box and only fill half with coal- that way you can do a reverse sear easily If you get one you will love it Just remember if cooking at high heat when you open the lid only open a little at first and then all the way- called burping Prevents losing the hair on your arms
 
Big George's BBQ said:
Use Lump Put large pieces in first and then medium size pieces This will help to promote airflow Go to the Naked Whiz site and click on ceramic cookers I have a Large BGE and love it Some people who have an extra large will divide the fire box and only fill half with coal- that way you can do a reverse sear easily If you get one you will love it Just remember if cooking at high heat when you open the lid only open a little at first and then all the way- called burping Prevents losing the hair on your arms
Click to expand...

Thanks
Do you really need to replace the gasket annually?
 
I have had my Egg for several years The gasket could/should be replaced I have never done it and it cooks just fine I believe they make a high heat gasket that you can replace the original with
 
Nothing really cooks with the ease and efficiency of a ceramic cooker, I have to say. It's different from an offset or a Weber, but you won't be disappointed in the investment. I actually moved away from cooking on my Primo as often and got a stickburner because I felt that cooking on the Primo was too easy...lol.

BGE is a good brand with a large accessories market. Primo has the edge with the oval design. But all ceramics function the same way. Use only lump and mix in chunks of smoking wood. With the efficiency of ceramics, people told me not to put as much lump in at once. But I will tell you, the biggest pain in the arse is having to reload a ceramic cooker in the middle of a cook. I always put more in than I think I will need. As long as your gaskets are making a tight seal (and yes, I do recommend replacing them often and being careful not to get sauces/drips on them or burning them off by keeping the lid open too long with a live fire), you will only burn as much charcoal as the cooker requires and the rest will be ready to burn for the next cook.
 
If you have to reload your egg during ANY cook, you're doing it wrong. I've had an egg for several years now, and have never thought about redoing the gasket. I think people worry about it too much. Also, I have a both a Weber OTG and a large Egg and while I love the Weber, if I'm being totally honest, the Egg simply blows it out of the water in every conceivable way. You will not regret it.
 
cheeaa said:
If you have to reload your egg during ANY cook, you're doing it wrong. I've had an egg for several years now, and have never thought about redoing the gasket. I think people worry about it too much. Also, I have a both a Weber OTG and a large Egg and while I love the Weber, if I'm being totally honest, the Egg simply blows it out of the water in every conceivable way. You will not regret it.
Click to expand...

What can you cook on a large vs XL?
 
Crotonmark said:
What can you cook on a large vs XL?
Click to expand...

I opted for the XL just to have the extra cooking area. It's better to have the extra space than to be needing more.

On a full load of lump, my XL will run close to if not over 20 hours on a low and slow cook. My Egg is a little over a year old and the gasket is still in great shape. Some owners kill their gaskets prematurely by doing nuclear hot "clean burns", which are completely un-needed.

The BGE was a solid investment for me - worth every penny.
 
I was set on an XL BGE until Weber came out with the Summit Charcoal, have you looked at it?
 
Crotonmark said:
How much is the XL all decked out?
Click to expand...

I paid $1300 last year for the EGG, nest, plate setter, and ash tool. The prices will vary by dealer.

Then I bought a Woo2 ring and a Flame Boss 200. I don't really feel the need for any more accessories.
 
Smoking Piney said:
I paid $1300 last year for the EGG, nest, plate setter, and ash tool. The prices will vary by dealer.

Then I bought a Woo2 ring and a Flame Boss 200. I don't really feel the need for any more accessories.
Click to expand...

What is a Woo2 ring and a Flame Boss 200?
How much is the price for the XL over the L?

thanks
 
jwtseng said:
nothing really cooks with the ease and efficiency of a ceramic cooker, i have to say. It's different from an offset or a weber, but you won't be disappointed in the investment. I actually moved away from cooking on my primo as often and got a stickburner because i felt that cooking on the primo was too easy...lol.

Bge is a good brand with a large accessories market. Primo has the edge with the oval design. But all ceramics function the same way. Use only lump and mix in chunks of smoking wood. With the efficiency of ceramics, people told me not to put as much lump in at once. But i will tell you, the biggest pain in the arse is having to reload a ceramic cooker in the middle of a cook. I always put more in than i think i will need. As long as your gaskets are making a tight seal (and yes, i do recommend replacing them often and being careful not to get sauces/drips on them or burning them off by keeping the lid open too long with a live fire), you will only burn as much charcoal as the cooker requires and the rest will be ready to burn for the next cook.
Click to expand...

exactly true in all respects! Amen to all you said........
 
Crotonmark said:
What is a Woo2 ring and a Flame Boss 200?
How much is the price for the XL over the L?

thanks
Click to expand...

The Woo Ring sits on top of the fire box to raise the grate level above the coals:

https://ceramicgrillstore.com/colle...ries-for-xl-big-green-egg/products/xl-woo-bge

The Flame Boss is a controller to remotely run your EGG - a great thing for long low and slow cooks:

https://www.flameboss.com/store/p/3...ado-Smoker-Controller-Fits-Big-Green-Egg.aspx

I suggest you call some dealers and get some prices. The prices can be all over the map.
 
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