FAQs
Big Green Egg does not discount products online. Third party sites advertising as Factory Stores or Outlets are NOT legitimate sites. Only legitimate brick+mortar dealers are authorized to offer products online.
IMPORTANT – SEE SAFETY TIPS AND FIRST-TIMER TIPS
We’ve attempted to answer the most common questions people have about the Big Green Egg in a very clear and concise manner.
If you don’t find the answer to your question here, please contact your nearest Big Green Egg dealer or [email protected].
To help make it easier finding answers to your questions, we separated them into sections.
– Pick the section
– Click the question for the answer
About the Big Green Egg
The Big Green Egg is available in seven convenient sizes and, with the addition of a Nest, Table or Custom Island, can be configured in many different packages — designed by you to meet your specific needs. Many dealers also offer their own suggested packages that include all of the most popular configurations. For pricing on specific EGG packages and EGGcessories, please contact or visit any Authorized Big Green Egg Dealer. Click Here to locate dealers in your area.
The Big Green Egg is simply the most versatile outdoor cooker on the market. Grill, roast, smoke and bake on the original kamado. Learn more about all the things an EGG can do.
Please see How the EGG Works to discover some of the amazing features of the Big Green Egg.
The Big Green Egg is not a gas/propane grill. The Big Green Egg is fueled specifically by Natural Lump Charcoal. Read more about Big Green Egg natural lump charcoal.
Our Getting Started page will take you from start to finish on how the set up and light the Big Green Egg. For more information, we have a blog dedicated to Lighting and Maintaining the Temperature of the EGG.
The Big Green Egg is available in seven convenient sizes. Please visit our Meet the Family page to see which size Big Green Egg you have.
The Big Green Egg includes the EGG itself, hardware and interior components including the stainless steel cooking grid and high-quality external temperature gauge. The Big Green Egg is designed to be used in a metal nest or with one of many EGG table options, allowing for air flow freely around the EGG. Do not place an EGG directly on a wood surface.Individual dealers often include or package Nests, Tables or other EGGcessories such as Charcoal or convEGGtor with the EGG.
You can use the Find a Local Dealer tab on our home page to locate Authorized EGG Dealers in your area, or around the world.
Like many specialty products, the Big Green Egg is currently available exclusively through a network of distributors and Authorized Dealers (Retailers). Big Green Egg dealers are knowledgeable about the EGG and its many features and pride themselves on customer support. Discount Clubs and other similar entities are not Authorized Dealers, and are in effect reselling products they have acquired elsewhere. Big Green Egg does not recognize or offer a warranty on any EGG purchased from an unauthorized online reseller or discount club, so be wary of anyone claiming to be an online Big Green Egg dealer. For Authorized Dealer online EGG sales, delivered to your home by a certified dealer in your community, visit our online store.
We do not ship EGG orders inside the USA or internationally from the United States, as we have many international distributors and dealers that can help you. Please go to the International page on this website for contact information.
The Big Green Egg is available in seven convenient sizes and, with the addition of a Modular Nest, Table, Custom Island or Nest, can be configured in many different packages to meet your specific needs. For pricing on specific EGG packages and EGGcessories, please contact or visit any Authorized Big Green Egg Dealer. You can use the Find a Local Dealer tab on our home page to locate dealers in your area. All individual product prices can be found on our website. EGG packages are available for purchase online and are fulfilled by a local dealer in your area.
Like many specialty products, the Big Green Egg is currently available exclusively through a network of Authorized Dealers (Retailers) who are knowledgeable about the EGG and its many features and pride themselves on customer support. Big Green Egg does not recognize or offer a warranty on any EGG purchased from an unauthorized discount club or online reseller, so be wary of anyone claiming to be an online Big Green Egg dealer. For Authorized Dealer online EGG sales, delivered to your home by a certified dealer in your community, visit our online store.
For pricing on specific EGGcessories, please contact or visit any Authorized Big Green Egg Dealer. You can use the Find a Local Dealer tab on our home page to locate dealers in your area. You can also visit the Big Green Egg website for a full list of our EGGcessories.
Please use the Become a Dealer feature on our website to contact us. Big Green Egg is seeking qualified dealers in many new market areas, and there are exciting opportunities to join the winning dealer team at Big Green Egg!
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.
The Big Green Egg headquarters is located in Atlanta, GA. Please visit our Contact page for full information.
How to use an 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. Our Natural Charcoal Starters or Electric Starters are designed to start your EGG quickly and cleanly.
Be sure to visit our Getting Started page!
If you have used lighter fluid in your EGG, you will need to light your EGG to 500°F/260°C and conduct several non-cooking cycles (no food) for approximately one hour each to burn off the lighter fluid and lighter fluid odor.
Be sure to visit our Getting Started page!
The convEGGtor is used for indirect cooking on the Big Green Egg – providing a barrier between the food and the flame – 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 to your EGGcessories collection.
In simple terms, 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 air flow and raise the temperature. See Lighting and Maintaining the Temperature of the Big Green Egg 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. Our blog will show you the proper amount of charcoal to use as well as the recommended lighting procedures.
Using damp charcoal. 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 below to learn how to calibrate the 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 insufficient 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 212°F/100°C. If your temperature indicator is not at the 212° F/100°C mark, adjust the indicator by turning the nut on the underside of the gauge using a 7/16″ wrench. Rotate nut in direction needed to align pointer at proper temperature and repeat to check your gauge as instructed above. AGAIN, EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION AT ALL TIMES WHEN BOILING WATER.
DO NOT PLACE AN EGG DIRECTLY ON A WOOD SURFACE OR ON OR NEAR ANY COMBUSTIBLE SURFACE! The bottom of the ceramic does generate significant heat when in use, and may cause combustion if placed directly on or in proximity to any combustible material. 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.
The bottom of the ceramic does generate significant heat when in use, and may cause combustion if placed directly on or in proximity to any combustible material. Do not leave a lit EGG unattended with the dome open. 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. 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 unless it is an approved commercial installation with venting or fire suppression as may be required by building codes. The EGG must always be placed outdoors, away from structures and NEVER inside or in proximity to an enclosed area. The burning of wood and charcoal products releases carbon monoxide, which can be deadly. DO NOT attempt to light or use an EGG near any storage area or inside a garage or enclosed patio that may contain fumes or combustible materials – if you have any questions about such materials, please contact the manufacturer of the combustible material in question.
We have something even better! We have a full library of recipes and cooking videos – along with cooking tips – in our Recipes section. Big Green Egg Dealers also offer several Big Green Egg Cookbooks, with extensive color photography and delicious recipes that will help you fully explore the unique cooking abilities of the EGG.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DRILL HOLES IN THE EGG; doing so will void your warranty and most likely will damage the EGG
Parts Service & Care
If your local dealer does not have the parts that you need in stock, they can easily order it for you. If that is not possible, please visit our online store to order your replacement parts.
The convEGGtor is used for indirect cooking and smoking. Please visit our convEGGtor product page for more information.
The Big Green Egg Plate Setter is the exact same part as the convEGGtor. The name was changed from Plate Setter to convEGGtor to more accurately describe the convection properties of the part. Please visit our convEGGtor product page for more information.
The Fire Box is the lower internal ceramic part that holds the charcoal. More information is available on the product page.
Big Green Egg Acacia Wood Tables are fabricated from all-natural kiln dried solid planks of eco-sustainable hardwood, without pressure treating or other preservatives. They have been lightly treated with a UV-resistant finish. It is important that you take care to protect the finish as any natural wood is going to change appearance when exposed to sun, heat or rain. Keeping the table covered and ventilated when not in use is always recommended. A Big Green Egg Table Cover is the best way to protect the finish.
To protect your table:
Clean the table as needed with a mild detergent and damp, non-abrasive cloth.
Standing water can seep through the finish and stain the wood. Keep your table covered or wipe away any standing water.
Place table on a hard surface with adequate drainage. Don’t place legs directly on damp grass or standing water. The adjustable leveling feet included with the table (or the optional Locking Caster set) should be used to keep the bottom of the legs elevated above ground.
Chemicals, solvents, chlorine and alcoholic beverages can stain wood surfaces. Hot items such as cooking grids, convEGGtors and baking stones can damage the table if placed directly on the wood surface.
Check and tighten hardware occasionally.
This table is an all-natural wood product – with proper care it will exhibit its beauty and functionality for years to come!
See all our Modular Nests, Tables & Islands
Ash build-up should be removed regularly to maintain proper air flow in the fire box. 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.
We have a full line of cleaning products to help keep your EGG looking brand new. For more information on cleaning and maintenance, please read this blog.
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 have cooled completely, scrape off any baked-on food with a stiff, dry brush or a plastic scraper and 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.
If you experience adhesion issues with the gasket, please contact your local Big Green Egg dealer for a warranty replacement. 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.
Also watch our Gasket Replacement Video Click Here
Gasket Replacement Video Click Here
Big Green Egg Touch-Up Paint can be provided by your Authorized Big Green Egg Dealer or you can purchase it at our BGE online store.
If you have just assembled a new EGG, please check your bands and make sure you have everything in alignment. Please click here to watch the band alignment and adjustment video, and if the problem persists please email [email protected]
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. Your Authorized Dealer can provide a new gasket.
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 [email protected]
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 [email protected]
All components of the Big Green Egg are available and can be purchased from your Authorized Big Green Egg Dealer.
Our current band and hinge configuration fits on EGGs that were made in 1998 or later. For older model (pre-1998) EGGs please email [email protected]
Warranty
Simply go to the online warranty registration located on the website home page. If you do not have access to the online form, your Authorized Dealer can register the warranty for you. Always keep the original receipt or proof of purchase as only EGGs sold by an Authorized Dealer are eligible for warranty support.
The Big Green Egg serial number is located on the inside of the dome back towards the hinge. The number is usually 11 characters and is stamped into the ceramic. Please visit our warranty registration page to register your Big Green Egg.
When you purchase an EGG, your investment in this amazing product is protected by a successful company with a reputation for manufacturing excellence. We are committed to supporting our products with the original limited lifetime warranty and best-in-class customer service and dealer support. Please see our Warranty page for complete information. When you invest in a Big Green Egg you are protected by a company with over forty years of success making the finest product of its type in the world today.
Big Green Egg Hardwood tables come with a one year warranty. If your table has experienced what you believe to be a manufacturer defect, please email [email protected]
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.
The Temperature Gauge comes with a one year warranty. Replacement gauges are available at your Authorized Dealer. If the gauge has been exposed to heavy rain or humidity, or stored in a damp environment, this fogging often clears up after exposure to the sun or in drier weather.
Depending on the reason or source of the crack it may be covered under warranty, if it is a structural crack and not from dropping or accidental breakage. Big Green Egg is unable to provide warranty coverage on damage caused by accidental dropping or other similar situations as outlined within the Warranty. The dome releasing from the band can occur due to loose nuts or bolts on the band, or any other number of reasons beyond our control. All hardware on the EGG should be checked and tightened every 30 days, and more frequently if it is used or moved often. An Authorized Dealer may be able to examine the crack and determine the cause, and if not you can Click Here to send a photo and message to Customer Service.
Yes, any Authorized Big Green Egg Dealer in the country of purchase is able to handle warranty issues. If you have moved your EGG to a different country, you will need to contact the Authorized Dealer in the country where it was originally purchased.