Big Green Egg Buying Guide: Which Size is Right for You?
Choosing the Perfect Big Green Egg Size for Your Needs
Selecting the right Big Green Egg size is one of the most important decisions you'll make when investing in a ceramic kamado grill. Whether you're cooking for two or hosting garden parties for twenty, there's a Big Green Egg perfectly suited to your needs. This comprehensive buying guide will help you choose the ideal size for your outdoor cooking adventures.
Big Green Egg Sizes at Oaktree Garden Centre
We stock four Big Green Egg sizes, each designed for different cooking capacities and spaces. Here's a breakdown of our available models:
MiniMax - The Portable Powerhouse
The Big Green Egg MiniMax is perfect for balconies, small patios, camping, or as a secondary EGG. Despite its compact size, it delivers the same legendary performance as larger models.
Cooking capacity: 1-4 people
Cooking grid diameter: 33cm (13")
Best for: Couples, small families, portable cooking, side dishes
Space required: Minimal - ideal for apartments and small gardens
Shop MiniMax accessories to maximize your compact kamado.
Large - The Most Popular Choice
The Large Big Green Egg is the bestselling size worldwide, offering the perfect balance of cooking capacity and versatility for most households.
Cooking capacity: 4-8 people
Cooking grid diameter: 46cm (18")
Best for: Families, regular entertainers, serious BBQ enthusiasts
Perfect for: Whole turkeys, multiple racks of ribs, large briskets, pizza parties
This is our most recommended size for UK families who entertain regularly. Explore our complete range of Big Green Egg accessories to enhance your Large EGG.
XLarge - Maximum Capacity
The XLarge Big Green Egg is designed for serious outdoor cooks, caterers, and those who regularly host large gatherings.
Cooking capacity: 6-12+ people
Cooking grid diameter: 61cm (24")
Best for: Large families, frequent entertainers, catering, BBQ competitions
Perfect for: Multiple whole chickens, large briskets, catering events
2XLarge - Professional Grade (Call for Availability)
The 2XLarge Big Green Egg is the ultimate ceramic kamado for commercial use, professional caterers, and serious BBQ competitors.
Cooking capacity: 20+ people
Cooking grid diameter: 66cm (26")
Best for: Commercial kitchens, catering businesses, BBQ competitions, very large events
Perfect for: Multiple briskets simultaneously, whole pigs, large-scale catering
Please contact us for availability and pricing on the 2XLarge model.
How to Choose Your Big Green Egg Size
Consider Your Typical Cooking Needs
How many people do you usually cook for? This is the most important question. If you typically cook for 2-4 people but occasionally host larger gatherings, consider sizing up to a Large rather than buying too small.
What will you cook most often? If you love smoking whole briskets or turkeys, you'll need at least a Large. For everyday grilling and smaller cuts, a MiniMax might suffice for couples.
Think About Your Space
Measure your outdoor area before purchasing. Remember to account for:
- The EGG itself on its nest or table stand
- Working space around the grill (at least 60cm on each side)
- Clearance above for the dome when open
- Storage for charcoal and accessories
Budget Considerations
While larger EGGs cost more initially, they offer better value if you regularly cook for more people. Consider the total investment including:
- The Big Green Egg itself
- Essential accessories like the convEGGtor plate
- A weather-resistant cover
- Premium lump charcoal
- Cookware and tools
Future-Proofing Your Purchase
Many Big Green Egg owners wish they'd bought larger. Consider:
- Will your family grow?
- Do you plan to entertain more as you gain confidence?
- Will you want to cook multiple items simultaneously?
- Are you interested in smoking large cuts that require more space?
If you answered yes to any of these, consider sizing up. The Large is often the sweet spot for most UK households.
Popular Big Green Egg Accessories for Every Size
Whichever size you choose, these accessories will enhance your cooking experience:
- ConvEGGtor Plate - Essential for indirect cooking and smoking
- Pizza Stone - Transform your EGG into a wood-fired pizza oven
- Premium Cover - Protect your investment from British weather
- Rotisserie Kit - Perfect slow-roasted chicken every time
- Cleaning Tools - Keep your EGG in top condition
Frequently Asked Questions About Big Green Egg Sizes
What is the most popular Big Green Egg size?
The Large Big Green Egg is the most popular size worldwide. It offers the perfect balance of cooking capacity (6-8 people) and versatility, making it ideal for families and regular entertainers. The 46cm (18") cooking grid can accommodate whole turkeys, multiple racks of ribs, and large briskets.
Can I cook for more people than the recommended capacity?
Yes, the recommended capacities are conservative estimates. With proper planning and accessories like the EGGspander multi-level rack system, you can cook for more people. For example, a Large EGG can handle 10-12 people with strategic cooking and resting times.
What's the smallest Big Green Egg I can use for smoking brisket?
The Large Big Green Egg is the minimum recommended size for smoking whole briskets. While you can smoke smaller cuts on a MiniMax, a full packer brisket (5-7kg) requires the 46cm cooking grid of the Large model for proper airflow and even cooking.
Do I need different accessories for different Big Green Egg sizes?
Yes, most accessories are size-specific. The convEGGtor plate, cooking grids, pizza stones, and covers are all designed for specific EGG sizes. When shopping for accessories, always check they match your EGG model.
Can I fit a Big Green Egg on my balcony or small patio?
Yes! The MiniMax Big Green Egg is specifically designed for small spaces, balconies, and apartments. It requires minimal space and can be placed on a portable nest or table. Always check your building's regulations regarding outdoor cooking equipment.
Is it better to buy a larger Big Green Egg than I need?
Generally, yes. Many Big Green Egg owners wish they'd sized up. A larger EGG gives you flexibility to cook for more people, smoke larger cuts, and use multi-level cooking accessories. The Large is often recommended even for smaller households because of its versatility. However, consider your space constraints and budget.
How much space do I need around my Big Green Egg?
Allow at least 60cm of working space on each side of your Big Green Egg for safe operation. You'll also need clearance above (at least 1 metre) for the dome when fully open, and space for charcoal storage and accessories nearby.
What's the difference between the XLarge and 2XLarge Big Green Egg?
The XLarge has a 61cm (24") cooking grid and serves 12+ people, making it ideal for large families and frequent entertainers. The 2XLarge has a 66cm (26") grid and is designed for commercial use, catering, and BBQ competitions serving 20+ people. The 2XLarge is available by special order - please contact us for availability.
Expert Advice at Oaktree Garden Centre
Still unsure which Big Green Egg size is right for you? Visit our Berkshire showroom between Bracknell and Ascot to see the full range on display. Our expert team can answer your questions, demonstrate the differences between sizes, and help you choose the perfect Big Green Egg for your needs.
We stock the complete Big Green Egg range including all sizes, accessories, premium charcoal, and recipe books. As an authorised Big Green Egg dealer, we offer competitive prices, expert advice, and fast UK delivery.
Shop our complete Big Green Egg range or visit us in-store to start your kamado cooking journey today.