There is a nut on the back side of the temp gauge you can use to calibrate the dial gauge. Look up what boiling temp of water is for your elevation and then use boiling water to calibrate your dial. There have been updates to the firmware on the eggenius in the last month or two that has substantial improved how the fan works in maintaining temp. Might be worth updating it and giving it another shot
My experience has shown me to keep the top vent closed while burning fire starters, or whatever, to unfreeze the lid. Plenty of airflow from the bottom vent to feed the fire and exhaust the smoke. Plus the heat stays in the grill instead of blowing out the top.
I have been a BGE chef for over 15 years. I have a large I purchased new at a cost of $800. As for the warrantee, I don't think it covers accidental overturn but only damage caused by manufacturing or material default. I may be wrong but I think that is right. Keep on cooking young man, you have the best machine. Chef Jerry
Great video - a couple of thoughts to add. The same incompetent clowns that assembled your egg, probably mishandled the charcoal as well. I use several premium brands including the BGE lump and in 15+ years I’ve never experienced what you describe with the BGE lump. Also, the warranty WILL NOT cover accidental (or deliberate) damage. Final note regarding the thermometer - I’ve noticed that sometimes BGE’s come with tel-tru’s & sometimes an off brand. If you don’t have the tel-tru thermometer, throw it away and get one. I use tel-tru’s on my BBQ trailer and all of my BGE’s. They are the best money can buy.
when you get up to the desired temp if you can take the cover off of the thermometer carefully take two small flat screwdrivers under the needle dial in the middle and gently pry off and put back on where the needle is at the desired temp based on your digital readings. This will be fairly accurate around your original desired temp, it may be off at the really low and higher temps but still livable.
This was an awesome video. I’m looking at purchasing a BGE very soon and have decided on the 2XL. The lid overbite should not be there and there are videos showing how to fix that. But, yes, excellent job with your video. Very informative.
👨🏻🍳 Thanks Joe I liked your help ! New to the egg -ship- 🤗 Can’t seem to be able to get my add ons squared away. Order the wrong size pizza oven and ROTISSERIE . I’ll keep trying .
Awesome video thank you for sharing. I have the XL and mini max BGEs and love them. I think everyone needs a BGE. I like the all the options you have to prepare amazing meals. Enjoy and keep trying need reciepes with your BGE!!!
In the Netherlands most grill cooks prefer Dammers Charcoal it’s one off the best brands of charcoal for a reasonable price. Even more expensive charcoal doesn’t stand a chance.
There should be a nut on back of thermometer to make adjustments, put end in boiling water for reference. The lid should be aligned better, talk to another dealer.
Whoever assembled your egg did it wrong the "lip" is caused by a maladjusted metal band and can be fixed. there are plenty of videos to help. I had a similar issue with a bag of BGE lump coal, my dealer exchanged it for me for free, I think that's part of why it's so expensive...at least when dealers were exclusive before Ace got into the game. As for the genius, I love mine, it works perfectly on a large egg. Yes, when you purchase a 2XL you use A LOT of coal, but you should have known that going in. Every time I consider getting a pellet grill I have to ask myself why? The egg does everything and does it well, especially with the genius. Good luck in the future
Nice review, hard to disagree. I have been using mine XL for 3 years now and find that it's too big for some stuff and never too small for big bbq. It takes a lot of charcoal but result is outstanding. Would actually love to get a small one for a quick steak on a weekday.
The XL is great for almost everything. You'll be happy. I just ordered the XXL as I really started getting into beed ribs. Beef ribs (standing up) take a big egg without cutting them up. I also tend to do a lot of large roasts and the occasional turkey which can all be done on the XL.
I've been working with the 2XL for a month now, was a little disappointed that I couldn't find as many accessories as I thought were out there. What kind of work around have you found or brands that are making something?
i think you've got some valid points... however. some of the points/issues could have been avoided. i would never have left my $2500+ BGE outside in the elements without a cover, the thermostat can be calibrated, cooking with the egg genius takes getting used to.... it is a slightly different style of cooking. I think you might have gotten a bad lot of lump charcoal. the one bag i purchased from the BGE was pretty good, BGE is not my goto lump charcoal, but it is pretty good.... the warranty doesn't quite work the way you described, lol. great video, it is always great to see other perspectives. I have a large and wish i had a XL or XXL; that being said. i know i need two BGE's not just one. lol
Great review of the BGE, charcoal, and Egg Genius, brother! I would double check the lifetime warranty issue you brought up before you go tossing the egg around...lol. Normally, if the egg cracks or breaks under normal use then it’s covered...keep up the great work! This is what I copied from their website “WHAT IS NOT COVERED: Warranty does not apply to any incidental losses or accidental damage or breakage, or for any damage caused by: transporting; dropping; misassembly; improperly supporting; attempting to suspend the EGG by any means other than an approved BGE Nest or solid, non-combustible surface under the base; commercial use (other than as provided for within this BGE Warranty); modifications; alterations; negligence; abuse; improper care; road hazards; normal and reasonable wear and tear; floods, storms or natural disasters.” So, be careful with it...lol
15lbs! Holy smokes i have a weber summit charcoal its only 24 inch but it uses very little charcoal its cheap to run, no felt gasket to bugger with. I love charcoal but i cant afford to throw a whole bag in
In the one and only bag of Green Egg lump I've ever bought, I found a rock larger than my fist in the bag and most of the other lump was small like your experience. I know they make great grills but I'll never try their charcoal again.
I have had my BGE for 16 years and have put at least a hundred bags of BGE charcoal through it; I buy mine from a local hardware store, and I have never had the problem you describe. If I did, they would gladly replace the bag without a receipt! It’s a chain store, but what makes this one special is that it’s family owned and ran like the hardware stores we all remember from our childhood. They are few and far between these days, and I don’t think one of the big box stores would be so accommodating .😆
I just made the plunge to Jealous Devil Lump. While it is very expensive it does last a lot longer and I don’t need as much comparing to other lump charcoals. I’ve also noticed each size egg operates differently. My large BGE works perfectly with Royal oak but the XXL needs something better to get up to temp and it needs to be large pieces to allow for airflow given it is so large (mostly on long cooks when putting in 10+ pounds). Either way, smoke on brother!
@@simplemansbbq5495 I also use the BBQ DX2 WIFI controller. It let you start and forget. I get 20 to 22 hours on a full load of lump which in the L is about 12 pounds at 225.
I just got a 2XL for Father's Day, but I'm having trouble finding accessories for it. Specifically, I'm looking for a heat deflector, but all I'm seeing is deflectors for the smaller sizes. Do the accessories for the XL fit in the 2XL? Or, does anyone know of a source where I can find one that fits this?
Congratulations on the 2XL! Accessories are few and far between for this size of egg. The heat deflector, do you me convector plate that goes between the coals and the grate? if so, that should of came with your egg.
It's been very hard finding accessories. The BGE does a bad job supporting this size egg. I went aftermarket to get additional grill space. Would love to see more support
Regarding the overbite of your BGE, I would loosen all screws and re-adjust it according to this video: czcams.com/video/xACZUGYrcbA/video.html Helped me with my BGE.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on the 2XL Egg vs the Horizon Ranger - am really torn on buying a used Ranger as an upgrade in space from a Kamado Joe Classic (same size as BGE Large) and to try a stick burner, vs just buying a Big Joe or 2XL Egg and having 2 kamados.
If I could do it all over again I would buy the egg first. Than get the Ranger. They are both amazing pits but you can’t really compare them because they are so different. For my briskets, ribs and pork shoulders my Ranger is my pit of choice. However, if I don’t have time to tend the fire all day I put them on the BGE. Hope that helps and good luck!
Thank you for making this video. It was very helpful. I am concidering to get one for a new restaurant (indoors)... Can you tell how is the smoke flow and a exhaust rate are, comparably to the other grills of this type? Thank you a lot in advance!
When using decent lump the smoke isn’t bad after 30 minutes. However, when you are cooking above 400 sometimes the lump likes to explode /spark while coming up to temp. I’ve cooked on a few other BGE competitors pits and honestly they all seem the same. My guess is that with BGE you are paying for the name and warranty.
Get a Komodo kamado man, its so much more efficient. Uses way less lump. Just keep in mind it’s so efficient that you’ll get less smoke flavor in the food.
I leave it outside in all the elements with no cover. No issues other than the gasket freezing from time to time. Since the video I readjusted my bands so the over bite of the egg is less severe. Since doing that I haven’t had the gasket freeze yet this winter.
As much as you had to pay for the smoker, their ass would be making that lid right or come get it. I was not put on right. That is not normal. Chef Jerry
Lol, thanks Patrick. Yes, I did adjust the bands already and I should of mentioned that in the video but I forgot. I contacted my dealer and they sent out a new band set that I installed and it’s almost perfect now.
There is a nut on the back side of the temp gauge you can use to calibrate the dial gauge. Look up what boiling temp of water is for your elevation and then use boiling water to calibrate your dial.
There have been updates to the firmware on the eggenius in the last month or two that has substantial improved how the fan works in maintaining temp. Might be worth updating it and giving it another shot
My experience has shown me to keep the top vent closed while burning fire starters, or whatever, to unfreeze the lid. Plenty of airflow from the bottom vent to feed the fire and exhaust the smoke. Plus the heat stays in the grill instead of blowing out the top.
Good video. I've owned an XL for the past 8 years and I love it. You can adjust the bands to fix that dome fit. Lots of CZcams videos on it.
That frozen lid story was soo painful to listen to, wow, your commitment to try and get it open is impressive. Appreciate the candid review!
Onley seeing this now. On the "over bite"... Ad some spacers between the the lid and the hindge. That will push the lid more to the front.
I have been a BGE chef for over 15 years. I have a large I purchased new at a cost of $800. As for the warrantee, I don't think it covers accidental overturn but only damage caused by manufacturing or material default. I may be wrong but I think that is right. Keep on cooking young man, you have the best machine. Chef Jerry
Great video - a couple of thoughts to add. The same incompetent clowns that assembled your egg, probably mishandled the charcoal as well. I use several premium brands including the BGE lump and in 15+ years I’ve never experienced what you describe with the BGE lump. Also, the warranty WILL NOT cover accidental (or deliberate) damage. Final note regarding the thermometer - I’ve noticed that sometimes BGE’s come with tel-tru’s & sometimes an off brand. If you don’t have the tel-tru thermometer, throw it away and get one. I use tel-tru’s on my BBQ trailer and all of my BGE’s. They are the best money can buy.
Dude solid review i can really tell how much better your channel is getting from your first videos. I see great things for smb in the future
when you get up to the desired temp if you can take the cover off of the thermometer carefully take two small flat screwdrivers under the needle dial in the middle and gently pry off and put back on where the needle is at the desired temp based on your digital readings. This will be fairly accurate around your original desired temp, it may be off at the really low and higher temps but still livable.
This was an awesome video. I’m looking at purchasing a BGE very soon and have decided on the 2XL.
The lid overbite should not be there and there are videos showing how to fix that.
But, yes, excellent job with your video. Very informative.
Great review man! I have the XXL as well and I love it ! I also bought the mini max to help with amount of fuel I use with smaller cooks
👨🏻🍳 Thanks Joe I liked your help ! New to the egg -ship- 🤗 Can’t seem to be able to get my add ons squared away. Order the wrong size pizza oven and
ROTISSERIE . I’ll keep trying .
Awesome video thank you for sharing. I have the XL and mini max BGEs and love them. I think everyone needs a BGE. I like the all the options you have to prepare amazing meals. Enjoy and keep trying need reciepes with your BGE!!!
In the Netherlands most grill cooks prefer Dammers Charcoal it’s one off the best brands of charcoal for a reasonable price. Even more expensive charcoal doesn’t stand a chance.
There should be a nut on back of thermometer to make adjustments, put end in boiling water for reference. The lid should be aligned better, talk to another dealer.
Whoever assembled your egg did it wrong the "lip" is caused by a maladjusted metal band and can be fixed. there are plenty of videos to help. I had a similar issue with a bag of BGE lump coal, my dealer exchanged it for me for free, I think that's part of why it's so expensive...at least when dealers were exclusive before Ace got into the game. As for the genius, I love mine, it works perfectly on a large egg. Yes, when you purchase a 2XL you use A LOT of coal, but you should have known that going in.
Every time I consider getting a pellet grill I have to ask myself why? The egg does everything and does it well, especially with the genius.
Good luck in the future
Nice review, hard to disagree. I have been using mine XL for 3 years now and find that it's too big for some stuff and never too small for big bbq. It takes a lot of charcoal but result is outstanding. Would actually love to get a small one for a quick steak on a weekday.
Getting the xl version,and super excited. Thank you for the pointers
The XL is great for almost everything. You'll be happy. I just ordered the XXL as I really started getting into beed ribs. Beef ribs (standing up) take a big egg without cutting them up. I also tend to do a lot of large roasts and the occasional turkey which can all be done on the XL.
Nice video review ….. I have the large and wish I had the XL ….. a XXL and you are the BOSS! Congratulations!
Thanks for sharing your experiences...ups & downs both!
I have a 2xl and love it. The space is incredible. Have done 10 racks at the same dam time
I've been working with the 2XL for a month now, was a little disappointed that I couldn't find as many accessories as I thought were out there. What kind of work around have you found or brands that are making something?
Great honest review, I really appreciated all your good advise and Information. Fair and Honest great channel thank you 🙏
i think you've got some valid points... however. some of the points/issues could have been avoided. i would never have left my $2500+ BGE outside in the elements without a cover, the thermostat can be calibrated, cooking with the egg genius takes getting used to.... it is a slightly different style of cooking. I think you might have gotten a bad lot of lump charcoal. the one bag i purchased from the BGE was pretty good, BGE is not my goto lump charcoal, but it is pretty good.... the warranty doesn't quite work the way you described, lol. great video, it is always great to see other perspectives. I have a large and wish i had a XL or XXL; that being said. i know i need two BGE's not just one. lol
Thank you , i think it also helps buying from a well trained distributer
I have a large and wish I would’ve purchased a bigger one.
put a cover on it and it won't get wet and freeze shut.
Thanks. Good information.
Great review of the BGE, charcoal, and Egg Genius, brother! I would double check the lifetime warranty issue you brought up before you go tossing the egg around...lol. Normally, if the egg cracks or breaks under normal use then it’s covered...keep up the great work! This is what I copied from their website “WHAT IS NOT COVERED: Warranty does not apply to any incidental losses or accidental damage or breakage, or for any damage caused by: transporting; dropping; misassembly; improperly supporting; attempting to suspend the EGG by any means other than an approved BGE Nest or solid, non-combustible surface under the base; commercial use (other than as provided for within this BGE Warranty); modifications; alterations; negligence; abuse; improper care; road hazards; normal and reasonable wear and tear; floods, storms or natural disasters.” So, be careful with it...lol
15lbs! Holy smokes i have a weber summit charcoal its only 24 inch but it uses very little charcoal its cheap to run, no felt gasket to bugger with. I love charcoal but i cant afford to throw a whole bag in
This is great information!
In the one and only bag of Green Egg lump I've ever bought, I found a rock larger than my fist in the bag and most of the other lump was small like your experience. I know they make great grills but I'll never try their charcoal again.
If I remember right, royal oak makes BGE lump..that would explain the rocks. I’ve had rocks as well.
I have had my BGE for 16 years and have put at least a hundred bags of BGE charcoal through it; I buy mine from a local hardware store, and I have never had the problem you describe. If I did, they would gladly replace the bag without a receipt! It’s a chain store, but what makes this one special is that it’s family owned and ran like the hardware stores we all remember from our childhood. They are few and far between these days, and I don’t think one of the big box stores would be so accommodating .😆
Cover it so it doesn’t get wet and have the gasket freeze shut
LUMP, BGE is expensive, I have a Large BGE for more than 10 years. I use Royal Oak mostly. It too can be small also.
I just made the plunge to Jealous Devil Lump. While it is very expensive it does last a lot longer and I don’t need as much comparing to other lump charcoals. I’ve also noticed each size egg operates differently. My large BGE works perfectly with Royal oak but the XXL needs something better to get up to temp and it needs to be large pieces to allow for airflow given it is so large (mostly on long cooks when putting in 10+ pounds). Either way, smoke on brother!
@@simplemansbbq5495 I also use the BBQ DX2 WIFI controller. It let you start and forget. I get 20 to 22 hours on a full load of lump which in the L is about 12 pounds at 225.
I could be wrong but. Isn’t that the XL not the xxl?
I just got a 2XL for Father's Day, but I'm having trouble finding accessories for it. Specifically, I'm looking for a heat deflector, but all I'm seeing is deflectors for the smaller sizes. Do the accessories for the XL fit in the 2XL? Or, does anyone know of a source where I can find one that fits this?
Congratulations on the 2XL! Accessories are few and far between for this size of egg. The heat deflector, do you me convector plate that goes between the coals and the grate? if so, that should of came with your egg.
It's been very hard finding accessories. The BGE does a bad job supporting this size egg. I went aftermarket to get additional grill space. Would love to see more support
you need a mini torch to thaw out that lid
Regarding the overbite of your BGE, I would loosen all screws and re-adjust it according to this video:
czcams.com/video/xACZUGYrcbA/video.html
Helped me with my BGE.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on the 2XL Egg vs the Horizon Ranger - am really torn on buying a used Ranger as an upgrade in space from a Kamado Joe Classic (same size as BGE Large) and to try a stick burner, vs just buying a Big Joe or 2XL Egg and having 2 kamados.
If I could do it all over again I would buy the egg first. Than get the Ranger. They are both amazing pits but you can’t really compare them because they are so different. For my briskets, ribs and pork shoulders my Ranger is my pit of choice. However, if I don’t have time to tend the fire all day I put them on the BGE. Hope that helps and good luck!
Is this the 2xl aka 30inch grate or the xl aka 24inch grate? Looks like XL in the video
XXL
Thank you for making this video. It was very helpful. I am concidering to get one for a new restaurant (indoors)... Can you tell how is the smoke flow and a exhaust rate are, comparably to the other grills of this type? Thank you a lot in advance!
When using decent lump the smoke isn’t bad after 30 minutes. However, when you are cooking above 400 sometimes the lump likes to explode /spark while coming up to temp. I’ve cooked on a few other BGE competitors pits and honestly they all seem the same. My guess is that with BGE you are paying for the name and warranty.
Get a Komodo kamado man, its so much more efficient. Uses way less lump. Just keep in mind it’s so efficient that you’ll get less smoke flavor in the food.
Put a cover on the egg in bad weather..
👌🏻
What made you pick the BGE over the Kamado Big Joe?
They are both great. I just prefer the green due to personal preference.
How is this to leave out in the elements, rain, etc? Seems you don't have a roof over it? Just a cover? Thanks Great video.
I leave it outside in all the elements with no cover. No issues other than the gasket freezing from time to time. Since the video I readjusted my bands so the over bite of the egg is less severe. Since doing that I haven’t had the gasket freeze yet this winter.
As much as you had to pay for the smoker, their ass would be making that lid right or come get it. I was not put on right. That is not normal. Chef Jerry
The overbite is an easy fix. CZcams it...😊
Lol, thanks Patrick. Yes, I did adjust the bands already and I should of mentioned that in the video but I forgot. I contacted my dealer and they sent out a new band set that I installed and it’s almost perfect now.
Please kill the music. It's irritating.
First mistake: buying a big green egg... absurd prices for an absurd grill.
please explain why?
@@fire-n-smokebbq6654 Because we have such thing as propane!