Strongly considering getting a Big Green Egg grill. Any thoughts, advice and tips?

First off, they are great to cook on. Especially if you want to do high temp stuff like steaks or pizza. They do pretty well for smoking, but require a watchful eye. If you want to smoke, I'd get a smoker honestly.

Also, I'd look at primo and kamado Joe's as well. They are cheaper for what you get and just as good quality imo.

You can get alot on a green egg if you have the rack accessories. Like steaks on the bottom, veggies on top. Or alot of burgers. The primo and kamados come with those accessories I believe, while the green egg does not.

I would definitely get an electric charcoal coal starter if your gonna use natural charcoal.

As far a durability they are pretty good and come with a warranty. I have seen a few that cracked, so I'd definitely check the warranty of whichever you get.

Maintenance isn't bad, but I would cover it when not in use. The metal air flow regulator on top will rust.

Who makes the oval shaped one?

I have an egg that was a gift. The Joe's and primos are just as expensive and just as nice from what I understand. There's a ton of accessories for the ceramic grills. Look at getting the pswoo with extra rack, kick Ash basket, pizza stone, etc. Definitely consider grabbing an electric starter or heat gun to cut down on lighting time.

I have a couple of buddies that own them.....they love and swear by them.

I have a large and the lack of space for smoking meat is annoying at times. If I get a large brisket, it barely fits and it over hangs the plate setter (ceramic insert for indirect cooking) which means parts of it are over direct heat. Longer racks of ribs are the same thing. You’re not smoking a large pork butt and a chicken and a couple of racks of ribs at the same time with it.

For similar money (remember, you’re gonna need to build a table and buy a bunch of accessories), you can get a nice pellet grill with a sear section on it. I have a buddy who has a nice Yoder and I’m constantly jealous.

I own a ceramic cooker, Weber Kettle and Weber Smoker. I enjoy cooking on them all, for specific things. If I were to venture into just one grill, multi use, for all my needs, I would go for the Summit® Charcoal Grilling Center 24".

I’ve been an egg head for a year now and absolutely love it. I have the large egg that was a gift.

Must have accessories are as follows:
Electric starter (Looflighter)
Ceramic insert for smoking
Digital meat probe
Rib rack

My only complaint is the small opening to clean out the ashes at the bottom when it is in a table. They make a dust pan that attaches to the egg to eliminate spillage. I need to pick one up this weekend come to think of it.

Google egghead YouTube videos and enjoy your new experience.

Primo xl > BGE

Oval > round

Ahhhh, those were the days

With my new business venture...I wonder if I can get in on that??

I have a Kamado Joe and really love it. I went with the Joe due to the price including everything I would need to smoke or grill. Felt the BGE I would have to buy a bunch of other accessories that would drive costs up but were included with the Joe. Namely the diffuser plates and the split grill grates.

Regardless, I think a kamado style grill is an excellent purchase if you are looking to spend 750-1100 on a grill.