The Big Green Egg Review

(*est. $870) Compare Prices

This page is part of a larger ConsumerSearch report on Charcoal Grills which includes more reviews, analysis and a summary of the top-rated models.

What the reviewers like:

Accurate temperature control
Good for searing, slow roasting and baking

What the reviewers don't like:

Small grill surface
Expensive

The Big Green Egg review highlights

We found the best reviews of the Big Green Egg charcoal grill at About.com and Food & Wine. The experts at these sites know charcoal grills; however, recommendations are based on their experience rather than formal, standardized testing. We also consulted customer reviews at Buzzillions.com.

Reviews say The Big Green Egg charcoal grill is the best luxury charcoal grill you can buy, even though its grill is just 18 inches in diameter. This Kamado-style grill's selling point is its temperature control; you can cook at very low and very high temperatures, and the settings are accurate enough that you can bake brick-oven style or use it as a smoker. We found hardly any negative comments for this grill, but some owners say that because it's so different, it takes a while to learn to use it. If you don't need to slow-cook or smoke meats, you can spend less and still get a great performing grill. For large families and entertaining, reviewers suggest the Bar-B-Chef Charcoal Barbecue Built-In (*est. $500).

Also see full report: Charcoal Grills

The Big Green Egg Reviews

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. About.com
Top 10 Charcoal Grills
Derrick Riches

Derrick Riches is the guide to barbecues and grilling for About.com. He rates the Big Green Egg highly for its long life, usefulness for smoking and excellent heat control. Picks are based on Riches's evaluation of the grill's features, build quality and performance.

2. Food & Wine Magazine
>> Details/Subscribe
Stephen Raichlen's Favorite Grills
Stephen Raichlen
May 2006

Raichlen, author of The Barbecue Bible and host of PBS's Barbecue University, ranks seven grills but doesn't say if he conducted any formal testing. The Big Green Egg ranks seventh; Raichlen notes that you can crank it from 225 degrees to 700 degrees "in minutes."

3. Buzzillions
Big Green Egg Reviews
Contributors to Buzzillions.com

Nearly all of the 50 user reviews posted here are raves for the Big Green Egg. Owners note hardly any drawbacks, though a few say that because this grill is so different it takes a while to learn how to use it.

Also see full report: Charcoal Grills

Where to Buy: