How to Use the Egg
Precision temperature control
The Big Green Egg allows you to dial in the exact temperature you need by modifying air flow through the rEGGulator vent cap at the top and the draft door at the bottom. With it’s air-tight, insulating ceramic base, fire box and ring, the Big Green Egg is able to retain the same temperatures for hours on end with only minor adjustments, if any at all, while only burning very little charcoal.
Natural lump charcoal
We recommend the Big Green Egg 100% Natural Oak and Hickory Lump Charcoal for the best results and flavor. Big Green Egg lump charcoal is produced with premium carbonized wood with no additives, fillers, chemicals, limestone, treated wood or petroleum products. All pure, all natural.
The high efficiency of the Big Green Egg paired with natural lump charcoal will give you both long lasting heat for the longest of cooks and high temperatures for searing.
The flavor is in the smoke
The Big Green Egg excels as a smoker due to its ability to maintain low temperatures over the course of time. Choose your favorite wood chips and chunks to add the perfect complimenting flavor to your food. Be sure to ask our experts to help match you with the best wood for your next cook. Also, you can soak your wood in water, juice or other liquids prior to use for a more intensified flavor
Easy, convenient lighting
Lighting you charcoal has never been easier. With SpeediLight all-natural charcoal starters, you only need a match to get a roaring fire started. Also, you can use a cordless EGGnighter with uses refillable butane to get the party started. Avoid using lighter fluid. Once your charcoal is lit, that is it. No need to stoke or turn coals as the EGG will burn the coals in an efficient manner.
Helpful tips
When using your Big Green Egg for the first time, limit your first few cooks to under 350°F. This will help cure the gasket that seals in the smoke and heat. Also, when you cook, keep the lid closed. You can cook in any weather as long as you keep the dome closed and the cap on. Should the EGG get wet inside, use a small amount of charcoal, under 350°F to dry it out.
And don’t forget to “burp” the EGG when you open the lid by slowly and slightly opening the dome to let in air in a controlled fashion to avoid backdraft and flare-ups.
FAQs
For the best results, use Big Green Egg 100% Natural Lump Charcoal. It results in high efficiency cooks and is all natural. Charcoal briquettes contain a lot of additives which will produce a chemical taste to your food and can be absorbed by the ceramic walls. And definitely avoid using lighter fluid as it will create an odor. There are better ways to light charcoal.
There are several methods to cook indirectly, but for the best results you can use the convEGGtor which is an essential accessory that will add versatility to your cooking.
If you are struggling to get a temperature above 350F, there are a few things to check. First, ensure that the lower draft door and top vent cap are open enough to allow for air flow which will increase the tempurature.
Next, check your charcoal. Make sure there is plenty of lump charcoal and that it is not damp.
Finally, if those don’t help, make sure that the firebox has enough air flow and that the holes aren’t clogged up.
Be sure to check the accuracy of the temperature gauge in case that needs to be recalibrated
We recommend that you use the Big Green Egg nests, tables or mates. Never place the EGG on a wood surface or near any combustible surface as the heat generated can start a fire. You could use a concrete paver block.
Close both vents fully when you are finished cooking. This will put out the coals and let you use them again for your next cook.
Why Buy an Egg?
As Big Green Egg has evolved over the years, significant changes have been made to keep it miles ahead of anything else on the market –state-of-the art ceramics, a wide range of easily adjusted cooking temperatures, a stainless steel cooking grid and a permanent porcelain glaze to preserve our signature green color.
Using your EGG
Read to get started? Watch the how-to videos to for more information on using the Big Green Egg.
