Essential
Do's and Don'ts

ALWAYS Cook with the LID CLOSED

Your Big Green Egg is designed to be closed while cooking. Leaving the lid open will accelerate the flame and temperature to points that are counterproductive. When checking or moving food, try to make the process swift, then close the lid. Remember: "If you're looking... you're not cooking!"

YOUR EGG lights DIFFERENTLY to other grills

You must follow the important lighting instructions in order to prevent damage to your EGG and achieve quick lighting results.

NEVER use lighter fluid

It will be absorbed into the ceramics permanently contaminating your EGG with nasty chemicals tainting the flavour of your food. Instead, Use BGE natural fire starters which are odour-free and will be the fastest method of reaching a cooking temperature without any exposure to chemical fumes.

DO NOT cook at high temperatures on your first use

This may damage the felt seal before it can properly season. Keep the temperature on your first few cooks under 350F to allow your seal to harden on to the EGG. If you do melt the glue holding the felt gasket, you can replace it with another one.

Burp your EGG BEFORE opening

When opening your EGG at high temperatures (over 400F), it is essential to lift the lid only slightly, allowing air to safely enter slowly, preventing any backdraft or flare-ups that may burn your hand.

Always use protective heat proof gloves

When handling hot ceramics or cooking surfaces, use appropriate protection to avoid burning injuries. Always use caution when setting hot items on other surfaces.

Keep your charcoal DRY

Damp charcoal will burn, but is often more difficult to light. You can utilise the remaining charcoal from your last cook, but these coals may have absorbed moisture. To remedy this, simply add 50% more dry charcoal to ensure fast lighting. Try to keep your spare charcoal in a dry environment where it won't absorb excess moisture.

Always use Natural Lump Charcoal

Your EGG is designed to cook efficiently for long periods of time at a range of temperatures. This can only be achieved using the correct fuel. Charcoal Briquettes are packed with a fillers to dampen the burn and generate huge amounts of ash, which will block the airflow of the EGG.

DO NOT use water to extinguish the EGG - replace Ceramic Cap when finished cooking

This will snuff out the flame and allow you to reuse the unused charcoal on your next cook. We recommend storing your Dual-Function Metal Cap inside your EGG for safe keeping at this time; this will prevent any unwanted surface rust on the cast iron top.

DO NOT stoke or turn coals once lit

The ceramic firebox is designed to ignite the charcoal uniformly in a way that is best left undisturbed. The coals will burn most efficiently this way and allow you to introduce wood chips for a long consistent smoking period if you choose.

DO NOT use water to clean the inside of your EGG

The ceramics are porous and will absorb the water. Your EGG is self-cleaning. Simply close the lid after a cook allowing any food residue to burn off and carbonise. At the beginning of your next cook, scrape off the carbon remnants with the Ash Tool or using a wire brush on the cooking surface.

YOU CAN cook in the rain

Your EGG will endure extreme temperature differences and can maintain internal temperatures irrespective of the weather. You will find yourself using your EGG in all seasons. Try doing the turkey on Christmas Day!

After first use, INSPECT all fasteners for tightness

The metal band on your EGG is designed to keep the dome of your EGG secure. Due to temperature changes causing expansion and contraction, checking the tightness of these fittings after the first few uses is highly recommended.

SOAK your wood chips or cooking planks in water BEFORE use

This will prolong the smoking value and avoid unwanted flash burning. USE CAUTION when adding wood chips - Very Hot Surfaces.