With its excellent temperature control, extra thick walls, and dual-function metal top, the Big Green Egg takes your barbecue game to the next level.
If you’ve just got your hands on a brand-new Egg, this guide covers tips and tricks that’ll help you grill like a pro in no time.
Ditch the Lighter Fluid
As convenient as it may seem, don’t ever use lighter fluid on your Egg.
Igniting your Egg with lighter fluid isn’t only dangerous (it can lead to flare-ups or even explosions if not used carefully) but also leaves an unpleasant chemical taste on your food.
Stick with the standard method of using a fire starter cube to light up your Egg.
Light the cube with a match stick and place it in the center of the charcoal pile.
Keep the lid and the bottom of the draft door fully open as you wait for your smoker to heat up. After about 10 to 15 minutes, you’ll notice the coals glowing red, indicating that the grill is ready to go. You can then adjust the vents to control the temperature as needed.
Before Opening the Lid, “Burp” Your Egg
Burping is a safety technique that prevents flare-ups and equalizes the internal pressure of the smoker.
It involves slowly raising the lid two to three times for a few inches to allow hot air to escape and cool air to enter.
Once you feel a slight decrease in heat, you can safely lift the lid all the way.
Burping is especially crucial when cooking at temperatures of 400°F (204°C) or greater, as high temperatures are more prone to flare-ups.
Want a Stronger Smokey Flavor? Use Hardwood
If you want to deepen the smokey flavor of your food, toss in a few chunks of hardwood on top of the unlit coals.
You can use any hardwood you have available, but remember that different hardwoods have different flavors.
Hickory, for example, has a strong, sweet flavor ideal for smoking beef, pork, and poultry. Apple has a mild and somewhat fruity flavor, while mesquite is intense and earthy.
Experiment with different types of hardwood to find the flavor profile you enjoy the most.
When using hardwood, a little goes a long way. Use one to two chunks of hardwood as a start and increase the amount as you see fit.
Control the Temperature
Unlike other barbecue cookers, the Egg offers exceptional temperature control. It’s actually one of its biggest selling points.
With precise temperature control, you can smoke brisket low and slow, sear steaks at high heat, and even roast delicate desserts. It covers all your outdoor cooking needs and more.
You can adjust the temperature of your Egg by adjusting the airflow of the top and bottom vents. More air (open vents) equals higher heat, while less air (close vents) equals lower heat.
Here’s a brief guide on ideal cooking temperatures:
| Food | Recommended Temperature (°F) |
| Steak | 450°F – 650°F |
| Pork Chops | 400°F – 450°F |
| Chicken (whole) | 350°F – 400°F |
| Ribs | 225°F – 275°F |
| Brisket | 225°F – 250°F |
| Fish | 250°F – 350°F |
| Pizza | 500°F – 600°F |
| Vegetables | 350°F – 450°F |
Get the EGGsessories — They’re Worth It
While the Egg comes with everything to start grilling straight out of the box, some optional Egg accessories can seriously level up your cooking game.
I’m talking about the convEGGtor for indirect grilling and baking, rEGGulator for precise temperature control, and EGGstander for multi-tier cooking.
You also have cleaning products, cookware, and flavored charcoal like hickory and maple to enhance the flavor of your smoked meats.
Keep the Lid Shut
The occasional peeking is allowed, but ideally, you should keep the Egg’s lid closed for the entire duration of the cooking process.
Opening the lid lets heat and smoke escape, reducing both the flavor impact and fuel efficiency of the Egg.
If necessary, lift the lid no more than three times throughout the cooking process.
Final Thoughts
With the simple tips above, you’ll be on your way to mastering the Big Green Egg. These techniques—from burping your Egg to mastering temperature control—not only guarantee delicious results but also keep you safe while grilling.
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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