Pros & cons
Pros
- ✓ Exceptional heat retention with minimal fuel usage
- ✓ Extremely versatile for multiple cooking styles
- ✓ Durable ceramic shell built to last decades
- ✓ Excellent temperature control via dual vents
- ✓ Retains moisture well for tender, flavorful food
- ✓ Strong resale value due to brand reputation
Cons
- ✕ Very heavy and difficult to relocate
- ✕ Higher upfront cost compared to standard grills
- ✕ Ceramic shell can crack if mishandled
- ✕ Nest or stand often sold separately
- ✕ Learning curve for vent and airflow management
Specifications
| Cooking Surface Diameter | 18.25 inches |
|---|---|
| Weight | 162 lbs |
| Material | High-fired ceramic |
| Temperature Range | 200°F to 750°F |
| Primary Fuel | Lump charcoal |
Our full review
The Big Green Egg Large stands as one of the most trusted names in outdoor cooking, a ceramic kamado grill that fuses ancient cooking principles with modern craftsmanship. Built from high-tech ceramics designed to withstand extreme temperatures, this egg-shaped cooker excels at retaining heat and moisture far better than traditional metal grills. Its thick ceramic walls create a natural insulation barrier, allowing you to smoke a brisket low and slow for twelve hours or sear a steak at temperatures exceeding 700 degrees Fahrenheit, all within the same versatile unit. The Large size is considered the sweet spot for most households, offering enough cooking surface to handle two whole chickens, several racks of ribs, or a large turkey while remaining manageable for backyard use. What sets the Big Green Egg Large apart is its exceptional fuel efficiency and temperature control, achieved through a precision airflow system with adjustable top and bottom vents. Using 100% natural lump charcoal, this kamado grill burns cleaner and longer than briquettes, imparting authentic wood-fired flavor without chemical additives. The ceramic construction means you can expect to use significantly less charcoal per cooking session compared to conventional grills, and a single load can sustain an all-day smoking session without needing to be replenished. The heavy-duty cast iron and stainless steel components, including the hinge and cooking grid, are engineered for decades of reliable performance, backed by a limited lifetime warranty on the ceramic components that speaks to the brand's confidence in its durability. Beyond its technical performance, the Big Green Egg Large delivers unmatched versatility, functioning as a grill, smoker, oven, and even a pizza stone platform all in one. Home cooks and pitmasters alike appreciate how the thick ceramic shell locks in moisture, producing consistently juicy results whether you're slow-roasting pulled pork, baking artisan bread, or achieving that perfect char on vegetables. The grill's iconic green ceramic exterior, available in various nest and stand configurations, has become a status symbol among barbecue enthusiasts who value both form and function. Whether you're a weekend griller or a dedicated competition cook, the Big Green Egg Large offers the kind of precise temperature control, flavor development, and cooking flexibility that has made it a benchmark against which other kamado grills are measured.
I've had my Big Green Egg Large for over a year now and it still amazes me. The heat retention is incredible, and I can smoke a brisket overnight without constantly checking the temperature. Worth every penny.
It took me a few cooks to really understand the vent system, but once I got it dialed in, the results have been phenomenal. Pizza night is a game changer with this thing.
The ceramic construction is no joke - this thing holds heat like nothing else I've used. I've done everything from low and slow ribs to blazing hot steaks. Highly recommend investing in the nest and accessories too.
Fair warning - this grill is seriously heavy and you'll want help setting it up. That said, the cooking performance is outstanding. I use way less charcoal than my old smoker and get better results.
I've replaced three other cooking appliances with this one Egg. Smoker, grill, pizza oven, and even a bread oven when I use a baking stone. The Big Green Egg Large does it all beautifully.
