There is no doubt that Big Green Eggs and Webers are excellent products. If you find yourself having to choose between the two, you won’t be disappointed no matter which one you decide to get.
These two outdoor cooking systems are quite distinct in their appeal, so let’s see which one you should get; an Egg or a Weber.
The Big Green Egg is an outdoor kamado-style oven that is highly versatile in the range of menu items it can produce. A Weber is a less expensive, no-fuss, quality outdoor grill. A Weber is significantly lighter than a Big Green Egg, so it is more suitable if you need to use it away from home.
Although they can both be used to grill, there are some significant differences in both the price tag and function. Let’s go through the major features and differences of each so that you can make the best decision for your summer cookouts.
Big Green Egg vs. Weber
When shopping for an outdoor cooking system, two brand names stand out from the rest, Big Green Egg and Weber. However, if you know the features of both, you can quickly decide because although they are both able to handle basic grilling perfectly, they each have some pretty unique features.
Before we go on, the first thing that anyone will notice when comparing an Egg and a Weber is the distinctly different price ranges. Big Green Eggs are significantly more expensive than Webers. In fact, you might do a double-take when you see the price tag.
Keep in mind is that these are entirely different products. A Big Green Egg is a thick ceramic air-tight oven that you could produce anything from bread to pizza inside, while a Weber is a more relaxed, convenient styled grill perfect for summer weekends on the patio.
When comparing Weber and Big Green Egg features, always be sure to compare similar-sized models. Both brands offer a variety of sizes in the same design, so when comparing prices, be sure to check that you are comparing similar-sized grills.
So how much more expensive is a Big Green Egg? The answer is a lot! A 26” Original Standard sized Weber will set you back around $389, which includes a complete setup and the stand. In comparison, an XL model Egg, which is 24”, starts at $1399, without any accessories.
You may immediately wonder why anyone would spend more than three times more for a Big Green Egg if a Weber does the same job. The answer lies in the guarantee and the fact that while the Egg can do everything that a Weber can, a Weber cannot perform all the functions of an Egg.
Before we break down all the differences with a table, another significant difference between a Big Green Egg and a Weber is the weight of each. An Egg is made to be set up and stay put where you put it, whereas you can easily wheel a Weber around to where you need it.
An XL Big Green Egg weighs 219lbs as opposed to the Standard size Weber that comes in at 56.6lbs. You will probably be able to set the Weber up on your own when you purchase it, while getting an Egg set up may require more than one person.
Let’s take a side-by-side comparative look at a Big Green Egg vs. the Weber Kettle Charcoal Grill.
| Big Green Grill – XL | Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill | |
| Colors Available | Dark Green | Mostly black, but available in other colors |
| Sizes Available | Mini is 10,” and largest is 29”, which is the 2XL size. | Mostly 14″ – 26″. There is also a 37” Ranch Kettle format available. |
| Material | Thick ceramic | Metal – porcelain coated |
| Weight | Very heavy | Much lighter |
| Models | Only charcoal burning | Webers are available in charcoal or gas versions |
| Portability | Difficult to move | Maneuverable |
| Closed grill | Forms a tight seal when closed | Not air-tight |
| Max Temperature | 750F – can be carefully controlled | 550F – may be affected by the outside temperature |
| Weather conditions for effective use | It has a thick ‘shell’: Can be used in any weather conditions | Thin sides so inside temperature will be affected by extreme cold |
| Fuel | Lump hardwood charcoal | More choice – briquettes are also suitable |
| Storage | Will never rust, wear out or jam up. | Weather-resistant but should be stored indoors in a dry place |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Ten years on bowl and lid. 5 Years on One-Touch cleaning system. 2 Years on all remaining parts. |
If you need an impressive outside cooking system that you can enjoy all year through and will last a lifetime, then a Big Green Egg is an excellent investment. However, a Weber is a perfect choice if you need a great casual summer grill with more portability.
Does Weber Have a Kamado Style Grill?
While Big Green Egg is one of the most well-known brands of the kamado-style grill while the Weber brand is best known for its black kettle-style grills. Loyal Weber fans should note that there is a Weber kamado-style option; however, don’t expect to shell out much less than you would for an Egg.
The Summit Kamado E6 is the Weber brand’s kamado option. Although the cooking style is the same, it differs somewhat from the Egg because it is made from dual-walled insulated steel, rather than thick ceramic like the Egg.
Although the price tag of the Weber Summit is slightly less than a Big Green Egg, it does come with more features that are included in the price. However, the warranty on the metal parts of the Weber is only 10 years, while the Egg has a lifetime warranty, so the small initial saving when purchasing your grill may not be worth it in the long term.
Big Green Egg or Weber? What Came First?
Webers and Big Green Eggs seem to be institutions when it comes to outdoor summer grilling, but who came first, the Egg or the Weber? Like the hen and the chicken mystery, there is no clear answer to this question.
The basic design of the Big Green Egg has been around for centuries. During World War II, American soldiers serving Japan noticed the versatile clay ovens called kamado used to cook everything from meat to rice. Some of these clay ovens were brought back to the US at the war’s end. In 1974, Ed Fisher opened The Big Green Egg company in Atlanta, Georgia, and Eggs as we know them today came into production.
The design of the Weber grill as we know it is relatively modern compared to the kamado oven. However, the outdoor grill section of the company that produces Weber grills was only opened in 1952.
These popular charcoal kettle grills had been invented by George Stephen Sr, who made the first designs by connecting the half-spheres of two buoys so the new-style grills had a lid that could open and close.
So if you are talking about the actual design of the grill, then the Big Green Egg came long before the Weber was dreamed up. But the first one to go into production in the USA was the Weber, so it had more than a 20-year head start ahead of the Egg.
What’s So Special About a Big Green Egg?
To own a Big Green Egg is not just about the food you are going to prepare. The whole setup and ambiance created by the presence of one of these gorgeous, durable ovens set any outdoor setting apart.
The Big Green Egg is an iconic, classically styled outdoor oven that you can use to grill on, but also so much more. The air-tight lid and precise temperature cooking control system lets you adjust and make subtle changes during the cooking process to produce a versatile range of menu items and not just the usual meat and corn on the cob.
The strength and durability of the Big Green Egg have made this a legendary item. The design was specifically developed to provide better heat retention than any other outdoor cooker.
Are All Weber Grills the Same?
Weber has a range of designs and colors which can make choosing the most suitable grill for your situation quite challenging. Although most people are familiar with the black kettle-style charcoal grill, which has become an icon in many American backyards, more types are available than just this one model.
The Weber brand makes many types of devices, besides only charcoal grills. They also have a range of electric, gas, wood pellet, portable grills, and smokers. If you are a fan of the Weber brand, you will not be limited for choice as they have diversified the range and continue to extend their offering according to markets demands.
All Weber products come with a proven history of quality. The brand has been producing excellent outdoor cooking equipment since 1952, and it has become a household name synonymous with relaxed outdoor cooking.
Can a Big Green Egg Get Wet?
A Big Egg can be left out, rain or shine. It will survive almost supernaturally through blizzards or intense summer heatwaves.
One of the best features about a Big Green Egg is that it can be used no matter the weather. The outside walls of the dome are made of thick ceramic material, so you will have no problem getting your coals lit and keeping them hot even if there is snow all around.
Weatherproof Egg covers are available for owners who want to keep their grill setup in mint condition. While the Big Green Egg itself is weather-resistant, its stands and accessories may not be so hardy.
Eggs are notoriously heavy, so you probably need to keep it in one place. Big Green Egg has a range of heavy-duty, weatherproof covers specifically designed to cover the Egg and its stand.
Unlike most other grills, you don’t have to pack your Egg away in a dry garage during the winter months. You can use it for loads more than grilling, and you can bake or create hearty casseroles even on the coldest winter days.
What Do You Do with an Old Weber?
Weber grills are built to last, but like most outdoor equipment, they eventually reach the end of their lifespan. Most owners report that their Webers outlast the 10-year warranty, especially if they are kept clean and stored in dry conditions.
When it’s time to replace your Weber, or you want to upgrade, you may not know what to do with it. It’s usually too big to put out on the curb, but you also don’t want bulky, unused items standing about in your yard.
If your Weber still works, consider donating it to a charity, or place it on the pavement with a sign that says ‘free.’ Someone may be delighted at the opportunity to give it a clean and restore it.
Many towns offer a once-a-year pickup of large items that are beyond repair. Some communities may even accept the metal components of your old grill on recycling day.
Another nifty idea is to repurpose your old Weber kettle grill. Either the lid or the bottom can be used as a fire pit liner, or if you have green fingers, it can be made into an attractive planter.
If you are stuck with an old metal grill and don’t know what to do with it, contact your local solid waste authority and inquire about the best option in your area. When disposing of large items, it is always good to consider the environment, so check out recycling options for your old grill on Earth 911.
Final Thoughts
Both the Big Green Egg and Weber are quality outdoor cooking systems that are a pleasure to own and use. They differ considerably in everything from design, uses, and especially, price.
For a longer-term investment, you can’t beat the lifetime warranty of the Big Green Egg. However, if you just need summer grilling and a great relaxed vibe with no fuss, a Weber is excellent.
Ben has a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering. When not constructing or remodeling X-Ray Rooms, Cardiovascular Labs, and Pharmacies, you can find him at home with wife and two daughters. Outside of family, He loves grilling and barbequing on his Big Green Egg and Blackstone Griddle, as well as working on projects around the house.
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