Review · Kamado Grills
Big Green Egg Large Review
The Large is the right Big Green Egg for most households. 262 sq in of cooking area, the largest accessory ecosystem in the kamado category, and a lifetime warranty on the ceramic.
This review is based on manufacturer specifications, warranty details, retailer documentation, and category fit. It does not claim hands-on testing.
Verdict
If you're committing to a single cooker that handles everything from low-and-slow brisket to 750°F pizza, the Big Green Egg Large is one of the best-built choices on the market. Plan to also buy a nest, plate setter (ConvEGGtor), and a cover — these aren't optional.
Editorial rating: 4.7 / 5. Editorial rating based on published specs, warranty, and category fit. Not based on hands-on testing.
What we like
Heat retention is the headline. Thick ceramic walls hold temperature with minimal fuel input. A single load of lump charcoal can run 12+ hours at 225°F or sear at 700°F+ depending on vent control.
The accessory ecosystem (EGGcessories) is the largest in the kamado category. Pizza stones, two-tier racks, rotisseries, side tables — almost everything you can imagine is sold as a fitted accessory.
The ceramic carries a lifetime warranty, which is appropriate for what should be a multi-decade cooker.
What we don’t
The Egg is heavy and not portable. Set up where you plan to keep it for years.
The base unit doesn’t include a stand. You’ll need to also buy a nest or an EGG Mate table. Add a ConvEGGtor, a cover, and a chimney starter, and you’ll spend another $300–$500 in accessories.
Ceramic can crack if struck or dropped. Most cracks are warranty-covered, but the inconvenience of replacement is real.
Best for
Versatile single-cooker households, pizza enthusiasts, anyone with a permanent backyard spot for a heavy cooker.
Avoid if
You want portability, you cook on weeknights and want a 10-minute startup (kamados take 20–25 minutes to settle), or your budget can’t absorb the accessory stack.
Setup tips
Burn-in: run the Egg at high temperature for 1–2 hours after assembly to cure the felt gasket. Don’t skip this step.
Always extinguish by closing all vents — never with water. Ceramic thermal shock from water is the most common cause of cracks.
Pros
- Outstanding heat retention
- Wide temperature range
- Lifetime warranty on ceramic
- Strong accessory ecosystem (EGGcessories)
Cons
- Heavy and not portable
- Ceramic can crack if dropped or struck
- No moving parts to dial heat — vent control takes practice
Best for
- Versatile smoke + sear cooks
- Pizza enthusiasts
- Backyards committing to one premium cooker
Who should avoid the Big Green Egg Large
If you need a different fuel type, a much larger cooking area, or a cooker designed for long unattended smoking, look at our buying guides and alternatives below.
Methodology
Editorial assessment based on manufacturer specifications. No hands-on testing claimed.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Large more popular than the XL or Medium?
The Large is the size most American households use without feeling cramped. The XL is overkill for most. The Medium is too small for a brisket or whole turkey.
Do I need the ConvEGGtor?
Yes for indirect cooking, smoking, and pizza. The ConvEGGtor (a ceramic plate that sits below the grate) is what converts the BGE into a smoker. Plan to buy it with the grill.