FAQ’s

Need some help? 

 

What size EGG should I buy?

For a quick reference guide, click HERE.

What comes with my EGG?

All EGGs come one rEGGulator cap, one stainless steel grid, one fire box and one fire ring. The MiniMax comes with its own carrier too. Full specs can be found on the product page of your chosen EGG.

I can’t get the temperature up in the EGG. What can I do?

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 airflow and raise the temperature. See How the EGG Works 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. The 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 question #20 in the Parts and Service Section below to learn how to calibrate the gauge.
How do I calibrate my external temperature gauge?

If you think your external temperature gauge is reading incorrectly, first make sure the holes in the Fire Box are clear and that there is a proper load of charcoal in place; reduced air flow or not enough charcoal can lead to low temperatures.

To calibrate the gauge, carefully place the stem of your gauge into a pot of boiling water, being careful to not rest the tip of the gauge against the bottom of the pan. Exercise EXTREME CAUTION as boiling water is very dangerous and can cause burns. We recommend holding the gauge with pliers and wearing a heat proof glove or mitt. After about one minute, your gauge should read 100°C. If your temperature indicator is not at the 100°C mark, adjust the indicator by turning the nut on the underside of the gauge using a 7/16″ wrench. Rotate nut in the direction needed to align pointer at the proper temperature and repeat to check your gauge as instructed above. AGAIN, EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION AT ALL TIMES WHEN BOILING WATER.

My EGG does not seem to fit all the way down into the Nest. What should I do?

First, check to make sure you have purchased the correct size Nest and that the EGG is aligned correctly facing the front of the Nest and has been placed squarely in the Nest with the vinyl pads in place. If so, make sure all of the internal components of the EGG are installed as the weight should naturally push the EGG down into the Nest. You may apply slight pressure to seat the EGG in the Nest, but do not attempt to force it. Never stand inside an EGG to attempt to seat it in a Nest. If this problem persists, please email info@biggreenegg.co.za.

How often will I need to clean the EGG?

The ash should be removed regularly to keep the fire box flowing air properly. Other than that, the Big Green Egg features a distinctive green exterior with a lifetime glaze that maintains its good looks and wipes clean easily without chemical cleaners. Inside, residual heat burns off any grease build-up – just like a self-cleaning oven. Other than removing ash, wiping the outside and brushing the cooking grid, regular cleaning is not necessary. As part of annual maintenance, removal and brushing off the internal parts is recommended for optimal function of the EGG. DO NOT USE ANY CHEMICAL CLEANERS IN THE EGG.

How do I clean the convEGGtor and Baking Stone?

The Big Green Egg convEGGtor and Pizza & Baking Stones acquire a natural patina – the mark of their effectiveness and continued use. For regular care, once the convEGGtor and Pizza & Baking Stones has cooled completely, scrape off any baked-on food with a stiff, dry brush or a plastic scraper; wipe with a damp cloth. Over time the convEGGtor and Pizza & Baking Stones will darken and possibly show stains – this is normal and will not affect the flavor of foods. Do not soak in water or place in dishwasher.

My gasket has become separated or dislodged from the ceramic. What should I do?

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. Alternatively, the gasket can be replaced and can be purchased from an authorised Big Green Egg dealer. Watch our Youtube instructional video for guidance.

The dome and base do not align. What can I do?

If you have just assembled a new EGG, please check your bands and make sure you have everything in alignment. Please watch the Big Green Egg Assembly videos and if the problem persists please email info@biggreenegg.co.za.

My dome has sealed itself shut and cannot be opened. How can I open it again?

On rare occasions, your EGG could seal itself shut due to inactivity or ambient temperature fluctuations. If there is charcoal in the Fire Box, and if you can safely attempt to light it through the draft door, warming the EGG slightly will often release the dome. You can light the charcoal through the draft door by lighting a charcoal starter or newspaper in the bottom of the EGG, which will in turn ignite the charcoal, which will then heat the EGG and allow the dome to open.

Otherwise, to open the EGG – ONLY WHEN IT IS COOL – carefully insert a flat object such as a putty knife between the dome and base gasket and slowly work the flat edge around the circumference of the base. This should loosen the seal enough for you to be able to open the EGG.

CAUTION: TO AVOID A WARRANTY ISSUE, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FORCE, LEVER OR FORCIBLY PRY OPEN THE EGG AS THIS MAY CRACK OR CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE CERAMIC! Once the EGG is open, inspect the gasket for damage and replace if necessary.

What can I do about the dome of my XL Big Green Egg that opens only halfway?
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  info@biggreenegg.co.za.

Where is the Big Green Egg manufactured?

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.

What is the Number 1 Must Have Accessory?

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.

Can I use briquettes or lighter fluid in the EGG?

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.

I used lighter fluid – now what?

If you have used lighter fluid in your EGG, you will need to light your EGG to 260°C and conduct several non-cooking cycles (no food) for approximately one hour each to burn off the lighter fluid and lighter fluid odour.

What do I need if I want to install my EGG in a table?

Never place your EGG in direct contact with combustible material such as wood – it generates a massive amount of heat. 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.

Is there a rotisserie attachment?

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.

Can I drill a hole into my EGG?

DO NOT DRILL ANY HOLES into the EGG. It may damage the cooker and will void your warranty.

How do I register the warranty on my EGG?

Simply go to our support page.

There is a crack in the firebox of my EGG. Is this covered under warranty?

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.

If it doesn't say Big Green Egg then it's not a Big Green Egg

The Big Green Egg is the only outdoor cooker of its type that offers a LIFETIME WARRANTY. This is because we are confident that our products are built to last a lifetime.

Here are some of the features that are unique to the Big Green Egg.

DOME DESIGN

The distinctive shape of the Big Green Egg is a result of years of testing to find the perfect shape for optimal heat retention and airflow.

ENAMEL COATING

The signature green coating of the Big Green Egg is a proprietary ceramic enamel that is baked at temperatures above 1,400 C for many hours. This results in a durable surface that will not crack, fade or degrade even if left outside uncovered.

CERAMIC INTERIOR

The Big Green Egg interior undergoes a rigorous testing process over time to produce a surface that can withstand the high heat that the Big Green Egg is capable of producing and can be rapidly cooled without cracking or degrading. Inferior products tested under the conditions that we apply to our Eggs, rarely meet the same standard.

SAFETY

Do you want to trust a product that has been manufactured to ISO9001 standards and independently lab tested, or a product that hasn’t?

HEAT INSULATION

Only the Big Green Egg offers a true thermal insulation rating that holds the heat inside the vessel. This is an important safety feature when cooking at high temperatures, as the exterior of the Egg remains relatively cool. It is also one of the main benefits of the Big Green Egg – the heat is retained inside the Egg which improves food flavour and charcoal efficiency.

AFTER-SALES SERVICE

Customer service is a cornerstone of the Big Green Egg brand and we pride ourselves on always being available and responsive to our customer’s needs.

QUALITY MANUFACTURING

Everything about the Big Green Egg is driven by quality. Starting with the pure ceramic mix that is free from any impurities to the design of every accessory has been developed and perfected over years.

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