Can a BGE stay out in the elements? What size L or XL?

Mine stays outside in an uncovered portion of my deck. It's in a stainless steel table that I modified to fit it. It's been there for almost 20 years now. Survived snow, wind, rain, hail, tornadoes, and a hurricane or two.

Like LE said above, I suggest buying a cover. Shouldn't have any problems.

I didn't have a covered patio at my old house and my egg stayed out there 3-4 years with just a cover on it. Didn't have any problems at all.

I’m going on over 10 years with no overhead cover and no cover or tarp on the actual egg. A few months ago I had all of the metal/hinges/handle replaced after a hinge popped. Worth it to me to just close the vents and cap it after a cook and forget about it until my next cook.

The wire grill grate that came with it is still fine. I have replaced cast iron grates I bought twice as they get rusty. I also switched the daisy wheel with a stainless steel version that blocks rain from getting in. This helps for light or quick showers.

The ceramic parts are all fine. The fire box has cracks but I believe that’s normal and hasn’t impacted anything. The shell is fine. Every couple of months after a cook I open up all the vents and let the temp soar until the charcoal is gone. Result is inside looks almost brand new. Some of the “gunk” bleeds to the outside and can be washed off easily.

TLDR: it will be fine but you will get faster wear and tear on the non-ceramic parts. I got 10 years on those. I would like an overhead cover just for rainy days though.

I've had mine under a carport or on a screen porch for 10+ years. So not in direct weather, but definitely it gets wet from blowing rain. I need to replace the bolts on the hinge, as I noticed some rust recently (dunno why those aren't stainless, considering the price). If I had left it out in direct rain/sun, I'd probably have used a simple cover.

Get the XL or step up to a Primo.

Mine’s been in the elements 10+ years and going strong. Brisket going since 6am. Love my large and rumor is it’s the creator’s favorite to cook on but it is definitely a tight squeeze for brisket and ribs.