Product Review · Grills & Griddles · #2 Ranked
Big Green Egg
Charcoal kamado · Reviewed by Katie · biggreenegg.com, Sept 2026
Why it scored a 86
262 sq in cooking area (serves 4-6); Ceramic kamado; Wide temp range for low-and-slow to high-heat searing. Warranty is the standout at 100; Value trails at 68.
What you're getting
- 262 sq in cooking area, serves 4-6
- 18.25 in grid diameter; about 162 lb, a two-person move
- Thick-walled ceramic kamado body
- Wide temperature range from low-and-slow smoking to high-heat searing
- Thick ceramic walls hold heat and are extremely fuel-efficient
- Lifetime limited warranty on ceramic components
- Base price excludes the nest stand; sold via authorized dealers
ViperScore breakdown
At a glance
- 262 sq in cooking area (serves 4-6)
- Ceramic kamado
- Wide temp range for low-and-slow to high-heat searing
- PriceFrom $1,199.99
- TierCharcoal kamado
- Category rank#2 of 8
Should you buy the Big Green Egg?
The Big Green Egg is for the cook who wants one charcoal cooker that can smoke at 225°F on Sunday and sear at 700°F on Tuesday, and expects it to last decades. It's the ceramic kamado that started the category, and the Large is the size most families buy.
Where it earns its score
- Thick ceramic walls. They hold heat and moisture, so long cooks are stable and steady on very little charcoal.
- Huge temperature range. Low-and-slow smoking, roasting, baking pizza, and high-heat searing, all from one cooker by adjusting the vents.
- Dealer network and accessory ecosystem. The EGGcessory range is enormous and local dealers handle service.
- Long warranty on ceramics. Big Green Egg backs the ceramic components with a limited lifetime warranty for original owners.
What to know first
- Sold through dealers, not Amazon. Our link goes to Big Green Egg's site; you'll buy from a local dealer, which also means no free two-day shipping.
- The base price is the Egg only. The nest (stand), side tables and a plate setter for indirect cooking are all extra, and you'll want them.
- Heavy and fragile in the wrong way. Ceramic is durable in use but cracks if dropped; it isn't portable.
- Learning curve. Vent control takes a few cooks to learn.
Our verdict
The Large Egg scores 86, a Strong Buy. It ties the Kamado Joe Classic III on score; the Joe includes more in the box, the Egg has the wider dealer network. Both are buy-once cookers.
Kamado Joe Classic III
Questions buyers ask
Big Green Egg or Kamado Joe?
They score the same (86). The Kamado Joe Classic III ships with a stand, side shelves and a divided cooking system; the Egg sells those separately but has more dealers and the longest track record.
Which size Big Green Egg should I buy?
The Large is the standard family size and the one we scored. Go XL if you regularly cook for more than eight.
Can you buy a Big Green Egg on Amazon?
No. Big Green Egg sells through authorized dealers only, so our link goes to the company's own site.
Ready to check it out?
Big Green Egg · ViperScore 86 · Strong Buy · From $1,199.99
How the other 7 grills & griddles scored
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