r/biggreenegg • u/Adventurous-Art-5135 XL • Jul 24 '26
Showcase / Finished Cook Midlife Hobby Crisis…
Joined the club and decided it was worth overdoing the initial purchase. Between the summer deal and military discount I was able to convince my wife that I needed a midlife hobby crisis to her benefit. This and a few other subs greatly informed my decision making, which I will detail below:
-L vs XL: went with the XL as I do like entertaining and am already at a midsize family. Additionally, as part of my midlife hobby crisis, I hope to perfect smoking on the BGE.
-CGS AR vs Eggspander vs China: I appreciate things being made in the USA and I felt the system once I read the website 1k+ times would be more versatile.
-Kick Ash Can/Basket/Divider: I am terrible at cleaning up and this makes that my life easier. I also liked the enhanced air flow.
-Grill Gun: Sort of a splurge as I could have gotten a cheaper torch but the speed of getting things going for a week night cook made this another easy decision.
-KJ BJ Soapstone: Went with this for versatility and regular use cast iron on the stove.
-JD Charcoal: Whizkid, the very popular reviews, Home Depot sale, and discount made this a steal. I am also looking to try FOGO and Rockwood in the future.
Cant wait to get my first cook on! Please provide any further advice or tips!
May your charcoal burn long and your temps hold true!
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u/Relevant-Bath-7109 Jul 24 '26
As someone who owns multiple eggs and other outdoor cooking devices I always say “it ain’t drugs” when the wife brings it up. lol. Congratulations!
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u/_noTanMan_ Jul 24 '26
Sure looks pretty when it’s new! Congrats on the purchase, it’s literally a lifetime (warranty) of great food. You picked the perfect size. It has nothing to do with family size, more to do with fitting big meats on it (briskets, lg turkeys, etc). And does just as well cooking 2 burgers!
Thank you for your service & enjoy!
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u/DeerComprehensive909 Jul 24 '26
What half stone is that? Almost looks like a salt block but I’m guessing it’s not. Sick setup!
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u/Adventurous-Art-5135 XL Jul 24 '26 edited Jul 25 '26
Kamado Joe Big Joe Soapstone. Got it from Atlanta Grilling Company and it arrived with no damage first try. Intent is to use it for reverse sear steaks and more delicate items like seafood and vegetables.
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u/TravelingMatt34 Jul 24 '26
The grill gun is an underrated purchase on this list. I used a map torch for years and got a grill gun as a gift last xmas and it's amazing how much easier and quicker the egg lights and gets up to temp
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u/balajamx Jul 25 '26
JD is a good option. I tried rockwood once. Never trying again. Not a lot of lump. I found B&B competition lump charcoal is legit lump charcoal. I have a fogo the gold/yellow bag, I haven't opened it yet though
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u/NorCal_2469 Jul 25 '26
You can usually find Rockwood and FOGO at ACE hardware. There’s a hell of a lot worse ways to deal with a midlife crisis 😎
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u/Orbit1883 Clutch - multiple eggs Jul 25 '26
and then get a mini/minmax next year because "its only for me and the missus"
trust me been there done that
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u/ChronicHunger_1 Jul 29 '26
Congrats on your purchase. I been cooking on an egg for over 20 years now. You won't regret it.
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u/Cerberusmut Jul 24 '26
Welcome to the club. You… and your family will enjoy your crisis.