The Big Green Egg is a popular outdoor cooker beloved by home cooks and backyard BBQ pros alike. But with so many sizes available, how do you know which one is right for you?
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Big Green Egg dimensions across the entire product line, from the compact Mini to the massive 2XL. We’ll break down each size, outlining its cooking surface area, weight, and overall footprint, so you can make an informed decision and choose the perfect Egg for your grilling needs.
Understanding the Big Green Egg Size Spectrum
One of the best things about Big Green Egg grills is that they come in a range of sizes, so you can choose one that perfectly matches your cooking style and the number of people you typically feed. The Eggs come in seven sizes: Mini, MiniMax, Small, Medium, Large, XLarge, and 2XL.
The best size for you will depend on your individual cooking habits and preferences. Here are a few things to think about as you choose:
- How many people do you usually cook for?
- What kinds of foods do you make most often?
- How much space do you have for the Egg?
- Will you need to move the Egg from place to place?
Detailed Dimensions and Specifications of Each Big Green Egg Size
So, you’re thinking about buying a Big Green Egg? Smart move! But with so many sizes to choose from, it can be tough to figure out which one is right for you. Let’s break down the dimensions and specs of each model to help you make the best choice.
Mini Big Green Egg
- Grid Diameter: 10 in / 25 cm
- Cooking Area: 79 sq in / 507 sq cm
- Weight: 39 lbs / 18 kgs
The Mini is best for small gatherings, balconies, and camping. You could cook something like two chicken breasts on it.
MiniMax Big Green Egg
- Grid Diameter: 13 in / 33 cm
- Cooking Area: 133 sq in / 855 sq cm
- Height: 19.5 in / 50 cm
The MiniMax is great for tailgating and smaller spaces.
Small Big Green Egg
- Grid Diameter: 13 in / 33 cm
- Cooking Area: 133 sq in / 856 sq cm
- Weight: 80 lbs / 36 kgs
Medium Big Green Egg
- Grid Diameter: 15 in / 38 cm
- Cooking Area: 177 sq in / 1140 sq cm
- Weight: 114 lbs / 52 kgs
Large Big Green Egg
- Grid Diameter: 18.25 in / 46 cm
- Cooking Area: 262 sq in / 1688 sq cm
- Weight: 162 lbs / 73 kgs
The Large is the most popular size and is suitable for families of four.
XLarge Big Green Egg
- Grid Diameter: 24 in / 61 cm
- Cooking Area: 452 sq in / 2919 sq cm
- Weight: 219 lbs / 99 kgs
The XLarge is a good choice for larger groups.
2XL Big Green Egg
- Grid Diameter: 29 in / 74 cm
- Cooking Area: 672 sq in / 4336 sq cm
- Weight: 375 lbs / 170 kg
The 2XL is ideal for very large gatherings and even commercial use. You’ll be the grill master of the neighborhood!
Cooking Capacity: How Much Can Each Size Cook?
What can you cook in a Big Green Egg? That depends on the size you choose. Here’s a guide to the cooking capacity of each size:
Mini and MiniMax Cooking Capacity
The Mini and MiniMax are perfect for whipping up burgers or steaks for a couple of people. They’re also great for side dishes or small meals when you don’t want to fire up the big grill.
Small and Medium Cooking Capacity
With a Small or Medium BGE, you can cook a whole chicken, several steaks, or a rack of ribs. These sizes are a good fit for couples or smaller families.
Large Cooking Capacity
The Large Big Green Egg is where things start getting serious. This size can handle a brisket, two or three whole chickens, two racks of ribs, a couple of pork shoulders, or a turkey. Many BGE enthusiasts consider the Large to be the sweet spot in terms of size and versatility.
XLarge Cooking Capacity
If you’re hosting a crowd, the XLarge is your friend. You can fit two briskets, five to seven chickens, four racks of ribs, four pork shoulders, or a large turkey (or even two smaller ones!) on this bad boy. Perfect for large parties and events.
2XL Cooking Capacity
The 2XL is the king of the hill. This behemoth can handle massive amounts of food, making it ideal for catering gigs or large-scale events where you need to feed an army.
Large vs. XLarge: A Detailed Comparison
So, you’re trying to decide between the Large and XLarge Big Green Egg? Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you choose.
Cost
The Large Big Green Egg will set you back around $1150, while the XLarge jumps up to about $1600. And don’t forget accessories! You’ll probably want to add another $400 or more for things like a nest, side shelves, or a convEGGtor. That price difference is definitely something to consider.
Space and Portability
The Large Egg weighs in at a hefty 162 lbs. The XLarge? A back-breaking 219 lbs! Moving the XLarge is definitely a two-person (or more!) job. Forget about taking that thing camping unless you have a serious trailer!
Grilling and Smoking Performance
The Large Egg gives you a usable grilling diameter of 16 inches, which translates to about 201 square inches of cooking space. The XLarge boasts a much more generous 22 inches and 380 square inches. The XLarge is really going to shine when you’re searing steaks at high heat. The Large, on the other hand, is more fuel-efficient for low-and-slow smoking.
Expert Opinions
Here’s what some Big Green Egg enthusiasts are saying:
“The XL feels like a Cadillac compared to the Large Egg when it comes to grilling steaks, burgers, or chicken.”
“I believe the Large Green Egg is a better pound-for-pound smoker than the XL Green Egg…”
Other Considerations: Accessories and Space Requirements
While the dimensions of the Big Green Egg are important, a couple of other factors can influence your buying decision: add-ons and physical space.
The Role of Accessories
No matter which size Egg you choose, you can expand its cooking capacity with the right accessories. For example, you can add multi-level cooking racks to cook more food at once, or a pizza stone to turn your Egg into an outdoor pizza oven. There are many other accessories you can use to get the most out of your BGE.
Space Requirements
Before you buy, think about where you’ll put your Big Green Egg and whether you have enough room. Remember to consider the footprint of the Egg itself, plus any accessories you plan to use. You’ll also need enough space to open the lid safely and move around the grill while you’re cooking.
To Conclude
When you’re trying to decide which Big Green Egg is right for you, it’s important to think about how you usually cook, how much space you have for your EGG, and what your budget is.
The smaller EGGs are great for portability and smaller spaces. The medium and large EGGs offer a sweet spot for most families, while the extra-large EGG is perfect for serious grillmasters and entertaining crowds.
Consider the dimensions and features of each size carefully before you make your decision, so you can choose the EGG that best fits your lifestyle.