The XXL Big Green Egg is the largest smoker grill in the Big Green Egg lineup. With a cooking area that measures at 29 inches in diameter, it can accommodate a whole hog or dozens of burgers at once. This size is ideal for large gatherings or those who love to cook for extended periods.
Big Green Egg has been around since 1974 and is a popular brand among outdoor cooking enthusiasts. The company is known for its high-quality, ceramic kamado-style grills that provide excellent heat retention and cooking versatility. The XXL model was introduced in 2012, and since then, it has become a favorite among those who want to cook big, impressive meals in their backyard.
The History of the Big Green Egg and Its Size Evolution
The Big Green Egg is a ceramic grill that has been around for several decades and has undergone numerous size evolutions. The origin of the Big Green Egg dates back to ancient Chinese history. During this period, rural farmers used clay ovens to cook food, which was later improved to produce the ‘kamado’ cooker. In 1974, Ed Fisher, the founder of Big Green Egg, discovered these kamado cookers and realized that they could be used for barbecuing.
Ed started making his own version of kamado cookers, which he named ‘Big Green Egg.’ The first Big Green Egg was a single size cooker, which was a little over a foot in diameter and a foot and a half tall. The first prototype was developed in Atlanta, Georgia. The first full-sized/medium-sized Big Green Egg was launched in 1974, because Ed realized that consumers wanted a larger cooking space. Over the years, the Big Green Egg has evolved to come in sizes ranging from Mini to XXL. The XXL Big Green Egg has a diameter of 29 inches and weighs over 400 pounds, making it the largest ceramic cooker on the market.
The Benefits of Owning an XXL Big Green Egg
Owning an XXL Big Green Egg can be a game-changer for your outdoor cooking experience. One of the major benefits of owning an XXL Big Green Egg is its sheer size, providing the ultimate cooking surface for large parties or family gatherings. With a 29-inch diameter cooking grid, the XXL Big Green Egg offers more cooking space than any other ceramic grill on the market. You can cook up to 40 burgers, 14 whole chickens, 20 steaks, or 12 racks of ribs at once on this giant grill, making it perfect for entertaining a crowd.
Another great benefit of owning an XXL Big Green Egg is its unparalleled versatility. It’s not just a grill. It’s an all-in-one outdoor cooking machine that can be used as a smoker, oven, and even a pizza maker. The ceramic construction provides excellent heat retention, allowing you to cook at low and slow temperatures for hours, perfect for smoking your favorite cuts of meat. The XXL Big Green Egg also has the ability to reach superior temperatures, making it ideal for searing steaks or baking a crisp, wood-fired pizza. It’s the ultimate cooking machine for foodies and outdoor enthusiasts who want the best cooking experience for their backyard barbecues.
How the XXL Big Green Egg Compares to Other Grills on the Market
When compared to other grills on the market, the XXL Big Green Egg is in a league of its own. Its sheer size alone sets it apart from the competition. The XXL Big Green Egg has a cooking surface of 672 square inches, which is over four times larger than a typical kettle-style charcoal grill. This allows for greater flexibility when it comes to cooking larger cuts of meat, as well as the ability to cook multiple items at once.
In addition to its size, the XXL Big Green Egg also excels in its ability to maintain temperature control. Its ceramic construction allows for great heat retention and distribution, which means that it uses less fuel and maintains heat for extended periods of time. This, coupled with its ability to reach temperatures of up to 750 degrees Fahrenheit, means that the XXL Big Green Egg is capable of searing meats like a professional-grade steakhouse grill while also being able to smoke meats to perfection like an offset smoker.
The Different Accessories Available for the XXL Big Green Egg
The XXL Big Green Egg is not just another typical grill. It is a versatile cooking appliance that can accommodate a wide range of accessories, offering a unique culinary experience for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. The grilling machine is equipped with a variety of accessories that can be used for different cooking techniques, including baking, roasting, smoking, searing, and grilling.
The accessories available for the XXL Big Green Egg include the ConveGGtor, a ceramic insert that allows for indirect cooking and acts as a heat shield; the Porcelain Grid, which provides a non-stick surface for grilling delicate foods; and the Dual Function Metal Top, which allows for precise temperature control by adjusting airflow. Additionally, there are other essential tools such as Ash Tool, Skewers, Grilling Baskets, Pizza Stones, and Custom Cooking Islands that can enhance the cooking experience on this egg-shaped grill. With a variety of accessories at your disposal, you can experiment with different styles of cooking and take your culinary game to the next level.
Tips for Cooking on an XXL Big Green Egg
Cooking on an XXL Big Green Egg can be overwhelming for beginners, but with a few tips and tricks, it can be an absolute delight. Firstly, make sure to use high-quality charcoal and wood chips to get that delicious smoky flavor. Secondly, maintain the temperature by using a temperature controller, as it can be quite tricky to monitor the heat inside a big egg.
Thirdly, make sure to clean the grill grates before and after every use to prevent any flavors from sticking to them. Fourthly, avoid opening the lid too frequently, as it can cause the temperature to drop significantly. Finally, invest in good quality accessories like a pizza stone, Dutch oven, and a meat thermometer to take your cooking game to the next level. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to cook anything from pizza to brisket flawlessly on your XXL Big Green Egg.
Customer Reviews and Ratings of the XXL Big Green Egg
The XXL Big Green Egg is a popular investment for both professional and amateur chefs alike. When it comes to customer reviews and ratings, most users agree that this grill is a beast that can handle just about anything. There are numerous positive comments about its spacious cooking area, which allows for cooking large cuts of meat and even multiple items at once.
Users also rave about its heat retention capabilities, which allows for grilling, smoking, and baking with ease. However, some customers also pointed out that the XXL Big Green Egg’s size can make it a bit cumbersome to move and store. Despite this minor drawback, the majority of users still recommend this grill for anyone who loves to cook outdoors and needs a large, reliable, and high-performing grill.
Cost Comparison: Is the XXL Big Green Egg Worth the Investment?
The XXL Big Green Egg comes with a heftier price tag than its smaller counterparts. With a retail price of $3,999, it is a significant investment that requires careful consideration before purchase. However, for many devoted grillers, the cost is worth it for the additional space and features that the XXL Big Green Egg offers.
When compared to other larger kamado-style grills on the market, the XXL Big Green Egg is competitively priced. Its durability and extensive capabilities also make it a worthwhile investment for those looking for a high-quality grill that will last for years to come. Ultimately, the decision to invest in an XXL Big Green Egg should be based on personal grilling needs and preferences, but for those who prioritize space and advanced grilling features, it may prove to be a valuable investment in the long run.
Verdict
In conclusion, the XXL Big Green Egg is the largest in its range and can cater to a large gathering. Its cooking space and versatility make it an ideal cooking tool for a range of dishes, from smoking meats to baking pizzas. Its ceramic construction allows for superior heat retention and even heating, resulting in perfectly cooked food.
While the XXL Big Green Egg comes with a hefty price tag, its durability and longevity make it a worthwhile investment for avid grillers and food enthusiasts. Whether you’re a professional chef or a backyard BBQ enthusiast, the XXL Big Green Egg is a versatile and reliable cooking tool that is sure to impress your guests and elevate your culinary game.