FAQs

Big Green Eggs are made at one of the most advanced ceramic factories in the world, based in Mexico. The unparalleled ceramic composite offers improved insulation, thermal shock tolerance, durability, and material strength. This means EGGs are able to far exceed and maintain the temperatures of any BBQ, regardless of the weather conditions. The insulation also means that the EGG is considerably safer to be around than a traditional metal BBQ which might burn you on impact.

Our ceramic warranty is the best in the industry. The ceramics on Big Green EGG have a Limited Life Time guarantee. With careful use you will be cooking on your EGG all year round, until you hand it over to the next generation!

This depends entirely on how often and what you cook. As a guide, you can achieve up to 80 hours cooking time with one large 9kg bag of charcoal.

The EGGs contain several ceramic components which make each EGG heavier than a conventional metal BBQ and care must be taken when moving them around. We offer several set ups for each size of EGG. The most mobile option is the Metal Nest with Handler which is on wheels.

If you are looking for a fully portable EGG, the MiniMax EGG is a best seller amongst sailors, caravaners and campers! It comes in its own carrier and will provide the same cooking magic as the bigger sizes, on the go!

The ceramics are high spec technology enabling a lifetime of cooking in any weather with careful use. As with any ceramic, it will of course crack if hit by a hard object, impacted or dropped. Please take care if moving your EGG around the garden or particularly if moving house. Your warranty will not cover accidental damage.

You will be cooking things on the Big Green Egg that you would cook on a conventional gas grill. Pizzas, ham, beer-can chicken, smoked fish, low & slow pulled pork are just a few of the standard options available. If you’re feeling more adventurous, wild game, smoked duck, calamari, oysters, corn bread, pastries and even cake! There’s no limit to what you can prepare on a Big Green Egg.

The Big Green Egg is unique in its design, technology and results. It has unrivalled cooking performance and achieves superior results that surpass all other conventional cookers. The most defining difference is the state-of-the-art ceramic technology that ensures that heat and moisture are retained in a way other barbeques and grills can’t. The unique design means you can grill, roast, bake and smoke all in one. Food doesn’t dry out and meat undergoes little or no shrinkage. Foods will have a natural and wholesome quality and flavour. The ceramic surface doesn’t get as hot as a metal cooker, also making the EGG safer to use. Here are some of the other benefits of the Big Green Egg:

Fast lighting – ready to cook in 15 minutes.

The EGG produces the juiciest, most succulent food you’ll ever taste!

Accurate temperature control with no uneven temperature spots

Fuel efficient so there is no need to add more charcoal during cooking and any unburned charcoal can be reused
Cooking with the lid closed ensures there are no grease flare-ups or flames that carbonise your food.

Constant checking is not required; simply close the lid and walk away!

The EGG withstands temperature extremes from below 0° to 1800°F so can be used year-round, even in freezing temperatures and rain.

The surface stays cooler and is safer around children than metal grills and the ceramics won’t rust like ordinary metal grills!

The BGE will totally change the way you think about cooking on a BBQ or even cooking in general.

The Big Green Egg is the original American-designed ceramic cooker, and all the components are made in North America. The proprietary ceramic components of the Big Green Egg are manufactured in Mexico at an advanced technology facility that has earned ISO14001:2004 Environmental Certification and ISO9001-1944 Quality Certifications. The Bands, Hinge Assembly, External Temperature Gauge and Stainless Steel Cooking Grids are all designed and manufactured in the United States of America To our knowledge, there is no kamado cooker on the market that actually consists of 100% American made components throughout.

You can use the Find a Local Dealer tab on our home page to locate Authorized EGG Dealers in your area, or around the world.

The convEGGtor is used for indirect cooking on the Big Green Egg, providing a barrier between the food and the flame and turning your EGG into an outdoor convection oven. The design of the convEGGtor allows heat to radiate within the dome while preventing the direct heat of the fire from reaching the food. Nothing will contribute greater versatility to your outdoor cooking than adding a convEGGtor (Plate Setter) to your EGGcessories collection.

The Big Green Egg is available in seven convenient sizes and, with the addition of a Nest, Table or Custom Island, can be configured in many different packages to meet your specific needs. For pricing on specific EGG packages and EGGcessories, please contact or visit any Authorized Big Green Egg Dealer. You can use the Find a Local Dealer tab on our home page to locate dealers in your area

The Big Green Egg includes the EGG itself, hardware and interior components including the stainless steel cooking grid and high-quality external temperature gauge. Individual Dealers often include or package other EGGcessories such as a Nest, Table, Charcoal or convEGGtor with the EGG.

Charcoal is the heat source, and wood chips or chunks enable you to add an extra layer of flavour to whatever you’re cooking. Think of smoke as an extra ingredient- like salt or pepper. Pre-soak your wood chips and chunks and add to the charcoal at the appropriate time. The possibilities are endless.

Cooking with the lid down creates an enclosed environment limiting the oxygen to the fire. This alleviates the direct flame (typical to a normal BBQ) which can flare up and burn food, particularly when you are cooking something greasy. Cooking with the lid down controls the oxygen flow and also controls the temperature and moisture loss. Do not be tempted to cook with the lid open even when cooking steaks, after all, if you’re looking you’re not cooking!

“Burping” is the name given to opening the EGG lid about 2 inches before fully opening it up. This limits the amount of oxygen reaching the fire via the bottom Draft door and the Dual Function metal door. When you open the lid, a rush of oxygen can pour inside the EGG to the fire. Holding the EGG lid open only a little way will allow the fresh oxygen to burn safely inside the EGG. This is very important at higher temperatures where you could experience a flashback if you don’t Burp the EGG sufficiently.

The EGG can reach average cooking temperatures of 150 ͦC within as little as 15 minutes. This can sometimes take a bit longer if your natural lump charcoal has been left outside and has absorbed moisture or if you didn’t rake the ash prior to cooking to allow the ash remnants to exit through to the base.

No, because when you add the convEGGtor for indirect cooking, the EGG acts as a convection oven and a rotisserie isn’t necessary. The natural convection effect due to the ceramic construction and superior performance that the EGG provides eliminates any need for a rotisserie attachment.

We have something even better! We have a full library of recipes and cooking videos – along with cooking tips – in our Recipes section.

Big Green Egg EGGtoberfest Cookbook is full of great recipes to use at home.

The bottom of the ceramic does generate significant heat when in use, and may cause combustion if placed directly on or in proximity to any combustible material. Do not leave a lit EGG unattended with the dome open. Be aware of dry leaves, decking and other combustible materials that may be in proximity to an EGG while it is in use, as they may present a fire hazard if any hot charcoal or sparks are allowed to come into contact. Do be aware of your surroundings if using an EGG while camping or on cookouts, as any open flame can present a hazard to people and property. Do be aware that local ordinances may specify distance to place any outdoor cooker from a structure or may limit outdoor flame of any type during drought or fire hazard periods.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO LIGHT OR USE AN EGG INDOORS unless it is an approved commercial installation with venting or fire suppression as may be required by building codes. The EGG must always be placed outdoors, away from structures and NEVER inside or in proximity to an enclosed area. The burning of wood and charcoal products releases carbon monoxide, which can be deadly. DO NOT attempt to light or use an EGG near any storage area or inside a garage or enclosed patio that may contain fumes or combustible materials – if you have any questions about such materials, please contact the manufacturer of the combustible material in question.

DO NOT PLACE AN EGG DIRECTLY ON A WOOD SURFACE OR ON OR NEAR ANY COMBUSTIBLE SURFACE! The bottom of the ceramic does generate significant heat when in use, and may cause combustion if placed directly on or in proximity to any combustible material. The EGG is designed to be used in a metal Nest or with the metal table Nest, allowing for an air gap below the EGG. Alternately, a concrete paver block may be used to support the EGG when used in a table. For maximum heat protection, a paver block and a metal table Nest can be used in combination. Always close both vents fully upon conclusion of cooking.

In simple terms, the volume of air flowing into and out of the EGG controls the temperature. By adjusting the patented lower draft door and the top vent cap, you are able to precisely regulate the flow of air – an increase in either or both openings will increase air flow and raise the temperature. See Using Your EGG for more information. Some common reasons that a Big Green Egg will not get up to temperature are:

– Not using enough charcoal. We recommend filling the EGG with natural lump charcoal to the top of the fire box. The Lighting Your EGG video on this website will show you the proper amount of charcoal to use as well as the recommended lighting procedures.

– Using damp charcoal. Charcoal will retain moisture if it has been exposed to water, such as rain or humidity, even if the charcoal appears dry. Always store your Big Green Egg Natural Lump Charcoal away from the elements or in a sealed bin.

– Air flow is reduced by the round air holes in the fire box becoming clogged with ash, or excessive ash accumulation in the base of the EGG. Simply clean out ash using the Ash Tool and clear the holes in fire box to maximize air flow inside the EGG; check the openings occasionally and clean as needed. The Maintaining Your EGG video on this site will show you how to clean and maintain your EGG.

– Temperature Gauge is not reading correct temperature. See How do I calibrate my External Temperature Gauge? question above or Warranty Section below.

Please don’t! Briquettes contain a variety of materials, including nitrates, chemicals, anthracite coal, limestone, treated wood, starch, sawdust or petroleum by-products. Does anyone really want to cook with those additives? We recommend using only Big Green Egg 100% Natural Lump Charcoal for a clean, controllable fuel source. Natural lump charcoal burns efficiently and produces very little ash, so cleanup is easy. NEVER USE LIGHTER FLUID or charcoal products that contain lighter fluid … you don’t need it and you don’t want the chemical taste on your food. Our Natural Charcoal Starters or Electric Starters are designed to start your EGG quickly and cleanly.

Be sure to visit our Getting Started page!

Burning natural lump charcoal results in less ash than burning briquettes so less cleaning up is required. Prior to filling your EGG for the next cook, use the ash tool to rake the old charcoal. Any ash remnants will fall through to the base where they can be easily removed with the Ash Tool and Ash Pan. You should only need to remove the ash every 3 to 4 cooking sessions.

Yes, we encourage you to cook in the rain, snow, sunshine and moonlight! The EGG can be heated to high temperatures irrespective of external weather conditions and in fact many Canadians, Europeans and Americans use their EGGs throughout winter in the snow and sleet.
When you have finished cooking and when the EGG has cooled, remember to place the Ceramic Damper Top back on the EGG to keep it dry on the inside and consider using a custom cover to protect the EGG on the outside. Store all internal parts and accessories inside the EGG so they’re not exposed to the elements and store your charcoal bags in dry location.

The wooden components such as the EGG Mates or Acacia Table will naturally weather over time if left out uncovered. We do recommend purchasing a cover to keep your investment looking in great shape!

Ash – Burning natural lump charcoal results in less ash than burning briquettes, thus less frequent ash clean out is required. Before you fill up your EGG for your next cook, use the ash tool to rake the old charcoal. Any ash remnants will fall through to the base where they can be easily removed with the Ash Tool and Ash Pan. You should only need to remove the ash every 3 to 4 cooking sessions.

Exterior – The Big Green Egg exterior has a lifetime glaze that wipes clean with a damp cloth.

Interior – Never use water inside your EGG to clean it. If you cooked something that has produced a lot of grease or spatter during the cooking process, turn the temperature up for about 20 minutes and the heat will burn off any grease build-up. Much like a self-cleaning oven.

Any left-over food remnants on cooking surfaces carbonise on to the cooking surface and can be removed with a stainless steel mesh scrubber once the EGG is cold. Do not immerse the Cast Iron Searing Grids in water.

Do not wash or soak the ConvEGGtor or Ceramic Pizza & Baking Stone. Over time they will acquire a natural patina. Once they have cooled, you can remove off any baked food with a stiff, dry brush, a plastic scraper or simply wipe with a damp cloth. Consider placing aluminium foil around the ConvEGGtor when cooking particularly fatty foods.

Our current band and hinge configuration fits on EGGs that were made in 1998 or later. For older model (pre-1998) EGGs please email service@biggreenegg.com.au.

All components of the Big Green Egg are available and can be purchased from your Authorized Big Green Egg Dealer.

If this happens it usually means that your hinge bolts are too tight and need to be adjusted. Loosen the bolts slightly to solve the problem. You may also occasionally lubricate the hinge itself with a dry lubricant, particularly if the EGG is stored outside without a cover. If this problem persists, please email service@biggreenegg.com.au.

If you have just assembled a new EGG, please check your bands and make sure you have everything in alignment. Please CLICK HERE to watch the band alignment and adjustment video, and if the problem persists please email sales@biggreenegg.com.au.

Big Green Egg Touch-Up Paint can be provided by your Big Green Egg Dealer.

If you experience adhesion issues with the gasket, please contact your local Big Green Egg dealer for a warranty replacement. Minor separations on portions of the gasket can easily be reattached by using an adhesive such as 3M Super 77 or similar hi-temp adhesive.

Also watch our Gasket Replacement Video Click Here.

Depending on the reason or source of the crack it may be covered under warranty, if it is a structural crack and not from dropping or accidental breakage.  Big Green Egg is unable to provide warranty coverage on damage caused by accidental dropping or other similar situations as outlined within the Warranty. The dome releasing from the band can occur due to loose nuts or bolts on the band, or any other number of reasons beyond our control. All hardware on the EGG should be checked and tightened every 30 days, and more frequently if it is used or moved often.  An Authorised Dealer may be able to examine the crack and determine the cause, and if not you can Click Here to send a photo and message to Customer Service.

The Temperature Gauge comes with a one year warranty. Replacement gauges are available at your Authorized Dealer. If the gauge has been exposed to heavy rain or humidity, or stored in a damp environment, this fogging often clears up after exposure to the sun or in drier weather.

All Big Green Egg Fire Boxes are manufactured with a vertical cut that runs straight up from the draft opening – this is not a crack. This cut allows for repeated heat expansion and contraction without putting stress on the ceramics. If your EGG develops a crack other than this cut, you may continue using the Fire Box as long as it supports the Fire Ring. If you are the original owner of your Big Green Egg, and the EGG was purchased from an Authorized Dealer, and you have completed the required warranty registration, then the Fire Box is covered under warranty and can be replaced through your local Big Green Egg Dealer.

Big Green Egg Hardwood tables come with a one year warranty. If your table has experienced what you believe to be a manufacturer defect, please email service@biggreenegg.com.au.

When you purchase an EGG, your investment in this amazing product is protected by a successful company with a reputation for manufacturing excellence, and we are committed to supporting our products with the original limited lifetime warranty and best-in-class customer service and dealer support. Please see our Warranty Registration Page for complete information. When you invest in a Big Green Egg you are protected by a company with over forty years of success making the finest product of its type in the world today.

Yes, any Authorized Big Green Egg Dealer in the country of purchase is able to handle warranty issues. If you have moved your EGG to a different country, you will need to contact the Authorized Dealer in the country where it was originally purchased.

Simply go to the online Warranty Registration located on the website home page. If you do not have access to the online form, your Authorized Dealer can register the warranty for you. Always keep the original receipt or proof of purchase as only EGGs sold by an Authorized Dealer are eligible for warranty support.