Frequently Asked Questions

The convEGGtor is used for indirect cooking on the Big Green Egg, providing a barrier between the food and the flame and turning your EGG into an outdoor convection oven. The design of the convEGGtor allows heat to radiate within the dome while preventing the direct heat of the fire from reaching the food. Nothing will contribute greater versatility to your outdoor cooking than adding aconvEGGtor to your EGGcessories collection.

In simple terms, the volume of air flowing into and out of the EGG controls the temperature. By adjusting the patented lower draft door and the top vent cap, you are able to precisely regulate the flow of air – an increase in either or both openings will increase air flow and raise the temperature. See How the EGG Works for more information. Some common reasons that a Big Green Egg will not get up to temperature are:

• Not using enough charcoal. We recommend filling the EGG with natural lump charcoal to the top of the fire box. The Lighting Your EGG video on this website will show you the proper amount of charcoal to use as well as the recommended lighting procedures.
• Using damp charcoal. Charcoal will retain moisture if it has been exposed to water, such as rain or humidity, even if the charcoal appears dry. Always store your Big Green Egg Natural Lump Charcoal away from the elements or in a sealed bin.
• Air flow is reduced by the round air holes in the fire box becoming clogged with ash, or excessive ash accumulation in the base of the EGG. Simply clean out ash using the Ash Tool and clear the holes in fire box to maximize air flow inside the EGG; check the openings occasionally and clean as needed. The Maintaining Your EGG video on this site will show you how to clean and maintain your EGG.
• Temperature Gauge is not reading correct temperature. See question #20 in the Parts and Service Section below to learn how to calibrate the gauge.

If you think your external temperature gauge is reading incorrectly, first make sure the holes in the Fire Box are clear and that there is a proper load of charcoal in place; reduced air flow or not enough charcoal can lead to low temperatures. To calibrate the gauge, carefully place the stem of your gauge into a pot of boiling water, being careful to not rest the tip of the gauge against the bottom of the pan. Exercise EXTREME CAUTION as boiling water is very dangerous and can cause burns. We recommend holding the gauge with pliers and wearing a heat proof glove or mitt. After about one minute, your gauge should read 212°F/100°C. If your temperature indicator is not at the 212° F/100°C mark, adjust the indicator by turning the nut on the underside of the gauge using a 7/16″ wrench. Rotate nut in direction needed to align pointer at proper temperature and repeat to check your gauge as instructed above. AGAIN, EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION AT ALL TIMES WHEN BOILING WATER.

DO NOT PLACE AN EGG DIRECTLY ON A WOOD SURFACE OR ON OR NEAR ANY COMBUSTIBLE SURFACE! The bottom of the ceramic does generate significant heat when in use, and may cause combustion if placed directly on or in proximity to any combustible material. The EGG is designed to be used in a metal Nest or with the metal table Nest, allowing for an air gap below the EGG. Alternately, a concrete paver block may be used to support the EGG when used in a table. For maximum heat protection, a paver block and a metal table Nest can be used in combination. Always close both vents fully upon conclusion of cooking.

The bottom of the ceramic does generate significant heat when in use, and may cause combustion if placed directly on or in proximity to any combustible material. Do not leave a lit EGG unattended with the dome open. Be aware of dry leaves, decking and other combustible materials that may be in proximity to an EGG while it is in use, as they may present a fire hazard if any hot charcoal or sparks are allowed to come into contact. Do be aware of your surroundings if using an EGG while camping or on cookouts, as any open flame can present a hazard to people and property. Do be aware that local ordinances may specify distance to place any outdoor cooker from a structure or may limit outdoor flame of any type during drought or fire hazard periods.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO LIGHT OR USE AN EGG INDOORS unless it is an approved commercial installation with venting or fire suppression as may be required by building codes. The EGG must always be placed outdoors, away from structures and NEVER inside or in proximity to an enclosed area. The burning of wood and charcoal products releases carbon monoxide, which can be deadly. DO NOT attempt to light or use an EGG near any storage area or inside a garage or enclosed patio that may contain fumes or combustible materials – if you have any questions about such materials, please contact the manufacturer of the combustible material in question.

We have something even better! We have a full library of recipes and cooking videos – along with cooking tips – in our Recipes section. Big Green Egg Dealers also offer several Big Green Egg Cookbook, with extensive color photography and delicious recipes that will help you fully explore the unique cooking abilities of the EGG.

No, because when you add the convEGGtor for indirect cooking, the EGG acts as a convection oven and a rotisserie isn’t necessary. The natural convection effect due to the ceramic construction and superior performance that the EGG provides eliminates any need for a rotisserie attachment

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DRILL HOLES IN THE EGG; doing so will void your warranty and most likely will damage the EGG

Big Green Egg Acacia Wood Tables are fabricated from all-natural kiln dried solid planks of eco-sustainable hardwood, without pressure treating or other preservatives. They have been lightly treated with a UV-resistant finish. It is important that you take care to protect the finish as any natural wood is going to change appearance when exposed to sun, heat or rain. Keeping the table covered and ventilated when not in use is always recommended. A Big Green Egg Table Cover is the best way to protect the finish.

• Clean the table as needed with a mild detergent and damp, non-abrasive cloth.
• Standing water can seep through the finish and stain the wood. Keep your table covered or wipe away any standing water.
• Place table on a hard surface with adequate drainage. Don’t place legs directly on damp grass or standing water. The adjustable leveling feet included with the table (or the optional Locking Caster set) should be used to keep the bottom of the legs elevated above ground.
• Chemicals, solvents, chlorine and alcoholic beverages can stain wood surfaces. Hot items such as cooking grids, convEGGtors and baking stones can damage the table if placed directly on the wood surface.
• Check and tighten hardware occasionally.

This table is an all-natural wood product – with proper care it will exhibit its beauty and functionality for years to come!

The ash should be removed regularly to keep the fire box flowing air properly. Other than that, the Big Green Egg features a distinctive green exterior with a lifetime glaze that maintains its good looks and wipes clean easily without chemical cleaners. Inside, residual heat burns off any grease build-up – just like a self-cleaning oven. Other than removing ash, wiping the outside and brushing the cooking grid, regular cleaning is not necessary. As part of annual maintenance, removal and brushing off the internal parts is recommended for optimal function of the EGG. DO NOT USE ANY CHEMICAL CLEANERS IN THE EGG.

The Big Green Egg convEGGtor and Pizza & Baking Stones acquire a natural patina – the mark of their effectiveness and continued use. For regular care, once the convEGGtor and Pizza & Baking Stones has cooled completely, scrape off any baked-on food with a stiff, dry brush or a plastic scraper; wipe with a damp cloth. Over time the convEGGtor and Pizza & Baking Stones will darken and possibly show stains – this is normal and will not affect the flavor of foods. Do not soak in water or place in dishwasher.

If you experience adhesion issues with the gasket, please contact your local Big Green Egg dealer for a warranty replacement. Minor separations on portions of the gasket can easily be reattached by using an adhesive such as 3M Super 77 or similar hi-temp adhesive.
Also watch our Gasket Replacement Video Click Here

Big Green Egg Touch-Up Paint can be provided by your Authorized Big Green Egg Dealer

If you have just assembled a new EGG, please check your bands and make sure you have everything in alignment. Please CLICK HERE to watch the band alignment and adjustment video, and if the problem persists please email info@biggreenegg.ca

On rare occasions, your EGG could seal itself shut due to inactivity or ambient temperature fluctuations. If there is charcoal in the Fire Box, and if you can safely attempt to light it through the draft door, warming the EGG slightly will often release the dome. You can light the charcoal through the draft door by lighting a charcoal starter or newspaper in the bottom of the EGG, which will in turn ignite the charcoal, which will then heat the EGG and allow the dome to open.
Otherwise, to open the EGG – ONLY WHEN IT IS COOL – carefully insert a flat object such as a putty knife between the dome and base gasket and slowly work the flat edge around the circumference of the base. This should loosen the seal enough for you to be able to open the EGG.
CAUTION: TO AVOID A WARRANTY ISSUE, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FORCE, LEVER OR FORCIBLY PRY OPEN THE EGG AS THIS MAY CRACK OR CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE CERAMIC! Once the EGG is open, inspect the gasket for damage and replace if necessary. Your Authorized Dealer can provide a new gasket.

If this happens it usually means that your hinge bolts are too tight and need to be adjusted. Loosen the bolts slightly to solve the problem. You may also occasionally lubricate the hinge itself with a dry lubricant, particularly if the EGG is stored outside without a cover. If this problem persists, please email info@biggreenegg.ca

First, check to make sure you have purchased the correct size Nest and that the EGG is aligned correctly facing the front of the Nest and has been placed squarely in the Nest with the vinyl pads in place. If so, make sure all of the internal components of the EGG are installed as the weight should naturally push the EGG down into the Nest. You may apply slight pressure to seat the EGG in the Nest, but do not attempt to force it. Never stand inside an EGG to attempt to seat it in a Nest. If this problem persists, please email info@biggreenegg.ca

All components of the Big Green Egg are available and can be purchased from your Authorized Big Green Egg Dealer.

Our current band and hinge configuration fits on EGGs that were made in 1998 or later. For older model (pre-1998) EGGs please email info@biggreenegg.ca

When you purchase an EGG, your investment in this amazing product is protected by a successful company with a reputation for manufacturing excellence, and we are committed to supporting our products with the original limited lifetime warranty and best-in-class customer service and dealer support. Please see our Warranty page for complete information. When you invest in a Big Green Egg you are protected by a company with over forty years of success making the finest product of its type in the world today.

Big Green Egg Hardwood tables come with a one year warranty. If your table has experienced what you believe to be a manufacturer defect, please email info@biggreenegg.ca

All Big Green Egg Fire Boxes are manufactured with a vertical cut that runs straight up from the draft opening – this is not a crack. This cut allows for repeated heat expansion and contraction without putting stress on the ceramics. If your EGG develops a crack other than this cut, you may continue using the Fire Box as long as it supports the Fire Ring. If you are the original owner of your Big Green Egg, and the EGG was purchased from an Authorized Dealer, and you have completed the required warranty registration, then the Fire Box is covered under warranty and can be replaced through your local Big Green Egg dealer.

The Temperature Gauge comes with a one year warranty. Replacement gauges are available at your Authorized Dealer. If the gauge has been exposed to heavy rain or humidity, or stored in a damp environment, this fogging often clears up after exposure to the sun or in drier weather.

Depending on the reason or source of the crack it may be covered under warranty, if it is a structural crack and not from dropping or accidental breakage. Big Green Egg is unable to provide warranty coverage on damage caused by accidental dropping or other similar situations as outlined within the Warranty. The dome releasing from the band can occur due to loose nuts or bolts on the band, or any other number of reasons beyond our control. All hardware on the EGG should be checked and tightened every 30 days, and more frequently if it is used or moved often. An Authorized Dealer may be able to examine the crack and determine the cause, and if not you can a manufacturer defect, please email click here to send a photo and message to Customer Service.