First-Timer Tips

Are you a Big Green Egg First-Timer?

Here are some useful tips to help you get started!

Also be sure to read our Safety Tips too!

ALWAYS Cook with the DOMED LID CLOSED

Your Big Green Egg is designed to be left closed while cooking, using the patented air control devices to regulate temperature. Leaving the dome open will accelerate the flame and temperature to points that are counterproductive. When checking or moving food, try to make the process swift, then close the dome. Remember: “If you’re looking…. you’re not cooking!”

Particularly if you are used to blowtorching your steaks on a “different” type of grill, you are going to be very pleasantly surprised once you see how you can achieve “steakhouse” grilled steaks at 700°F / 370°C by leaving the dome closed and letting the magic of the Big Green Egg do the work for you!

YOUR EGG lights DIFFERENTLY than other grills

Please only use Natural Lump Charcoal and follow the lighting instructions in order to prevent damage to your EGG and achieve best lighting results.

NEVER use lighter fluid

It will be absorbed into the ceramics permanently contaminating your EGG with nasty chemicals and tainting the flavour of your food. Instead, use Big Green Egg Natural Charcoal Starters or our Electric Charcoal Starter, both of which are odor-free and will be the fastest method of reaching a cooking temperature without any exposure to chemical fumes.

DO NOT cook at high temperatures on your first use

This may damage the gasket before it can properly seat itself. Keep the temperature on your first few cooks under 350°F / 177°C to allow the gasket to fully cure and adhere to the EGG. If you do happen to damage the gasket, you can replace it with another one available from any BGE dealer.

Remember to Vent or Burp your EGG BEFORE opening

When opening your EGG at high temperatures (over 400°F / 204°C), it is essential to lift or crack the dome only slightly a few times, allowing air to safely enter slowly, preventing any backdraft or flare-ups that may burn your hand.

Always use protective heat proof gloves

When handling hot ceramics or cooking surfaces, use appropriate protection to avoid burning injuries. Always use caution when setting hot items on other surfaces.

Keep your charcoal DRY

Although damp charcoal will burn, it is often more difficult to light. You can utilize the charcoal remaining in the firebox from your last cook, but these coals may have absorbed moisture, particularly if it has been rainy or humid. To remedy this, simply add 50% more dry charcoal to ensure fast lighting. Try to keep your spare charcoal in a dry environment or in a bin with a lid so it won’t absorb humidity or moisture.

Always use our Natural Lump Charcoal

Your EGG is designed to cook efficiently for long periods of time at a wide range of temperatures. This can only be achieved using the correct fuel, and why we take great care to specify premium, All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal packaged in the Big Green Egg bag. Many generic brands and charcoal briquettes are packed with chemical fillers, petroleum products and other undesirable materials – and as a result they don’t work as well or they generate huge amounts of ash, which can clog or block the airflow within the firebox of the EGG.

DO NOT use water to extinguish the EGG – simply replace the Ceramic Damper Top when finished cooking

This will extinguish the flame and allow you to reuse the remaining charcoal on your next cook. We recommend storing your Dual-Function Metal Top inside your EGG for safekeeping when not in use; this will keep it handy, dry and help prevent any minor cosmetic surface rust on the cast iron.

DO NOT stoke or turn coals once lit

The Big Green Egg ceramic Fire Box has been specially designed to ignite the charcoal uniformly in a way that is best left undisturbed. The coals will burn most efficiently this way, and best of all, you are not bothered with the constant hassle of messing with hot coals.

DO NOT use water to clean the inside of your EGG

Your EGG is self-cleaning anyway, and the ceramics are porous and will absorb the water. Simply close the lid and both vents after a cook allowing any food residue to burn off and carbonize. At the beginning of your next cook, you can easily remove any remnants with the Big Green Egg Grid Cleaner or the Dual Handle Grill Brush.

YOU CAN cook in every season, in any weather … even in the rain

Thanks to its high-tech ceramic composition, an EGG will endure extreme temperature differences and can maintain internal temperatures irrespective of the weather. You will find yourself using your EGG in all seasons. Perfectly roasted turkey on Christmas Day … no problem!

Periodically INSPECT all fasteners for tightness

The metal band on your EGG is designed to keep the dome of your EGG secure, as are the nuts and bolts on the EGG hardware, Nest or Nest Handler. Checking the tightness of these fittings after the first few uses is highly recommended, along with a rechecking once a year.

SOAK your wood chips or cooking planks in water BEFORE use

This will intensify flavor, prolong the smoking value and avoid unwanted flash burning. USE CAUTION when adding wood chips – the interior of an EGG is a very hot surface so please exercise care at all times.

ALWAYS BE AWARE of Fire Hazards

Do not leave your lit EGG with the dome open if it is unattended. 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

The EGG must always be placed outdoors, away from structures and NEVER inside or in proximity to an enclosed area. DO NOT attempt to light or use an EGG near any storage area that may contain combustible materials.

The Big Green EGG is extremely safe and hazard free when used as intended and according to safety guidelines, and will provide years of trouble free use and enjoyment.

 

It is the users responsibility to maintain safe operation of the EGG AND to exercise REASONABLE STANDARDS OF CARE at all times.

 

Always exercise extreme caution when LIGHTING CHARCOAL, cooking with hot charcoal or handling HOT cooking surfaces. PLEASE READ SAFETY TIPS ON THIS WEBSITE.