With seven different sizes available—from the ultra-portable Mini to the massive 2XL—choosing the right model depends on several factors, including your cooking style, space, budget, and how many people you typically cook for. In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through each size, who it’s best suited for, and what you need to consider before buying.
Why size matters when choosing a Green Egg
Choosing the right size impacts not just how much food you can cook, but also how convenient and efficient your grilling experience will be. A grill that’s too small might limit your meal options, while one that’s too large could waste fuel and take up unnecessary space.
Let’s break down what you should consider before we dive into each model.
Key factors to consider:
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How many people do you usually cook for?
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What types of meals do you make? (Quick burgers vs. low-and-slow brisket)
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Do you entertain guests often?
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How much space do you have? (Backyard vs. balcony)
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Do you want portability for camping or tailgating?
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What’s your budget?
Now, let’s explore the Big Green Egg lineup in our store in Ireland.
1. Mini Green Egg: small but mighty
The Mini is the smallest Egg available, with a 10-inch cooking grid and about 79 square inches of cooking space. It’s ultra-portable and ideal for camping, tailgating, or grilling for one or two people.
Best for:
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Small balconies or limited space
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Solo grillers or couples
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Camping and travel
Limitations:
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Not ideal for larger meals
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Limited cooking surface
2. MiniMax Green Egg: portable power with a big punch
The MiniMax features the same 13-inch grid as the Small Egg (133 square inches of cooking space) but stands much shorter, making it easier to transport. It comes with a sturdy carrier for on-the-go grilling.
Best for:
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Portable grilling without sacrificing capacity
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Tailgating and picnics
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Apartment dwellers with limited storage
Limitations:
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Lower cooking height can be less ergonomic
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Best for small groups
3. Small Green Egg: compact and capable
With a 13-inch grid and 133 square inches of cooking area, the Small Egg is perfect for small households. It can fit on a patio or balcony and handles everyday grilling with ease.
Best for:
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Couples and small families
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Limited outdoor space
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Weeknight grilling
Limitations:
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Not suitable for entertaining large groups
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May struggle with multiple large cuts of meat
4. Medium Green Egg: the ideal middle ground
The Medium Egg offers a 15-inch grid and 177 square inches of cooking space. It’s big enough to handle meals for a family of four, while still being compact enough for smaller patios.
Best for:
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Families of 3–4
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Occasional entertaining
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Balanced performance and size
Limitations:
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Not ideal for very large gatherings
5. Large Green Egg: the crowd favorite
The Big Green Egg Large is the most popular model in the lineup, featuring an 18-inch cooking grid and 262 square inches of space. It’s perfect for families, weekend warriors, and entertainers. Most accessories are designed to fit this size.
Best for:
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Families of 4 or more
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Entertaining guests
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Versatile grilling and smoking
Limitations:
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Slightly heavier and bulkier than smaller models
6. XL Green Egg: serious cooking power
The Big Green Extra Large Egg has a 24-inch cooking grid and 452 square inches of cooking surface. It’s ideal for large families or frequent hosts who love to prepare multiple dishes at once.
Best for:
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Big families and gatherings
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Smoking multiple large cuts
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Serious grilling enthusiasts
Limitations:
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Requires more space
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Higher charcoal usage
7. 2XL Green Egg: the ultimate backyard beast
With a massive 29-inch grid and 672 square inches of cooking area, the 2XL is a showstopper. It can cook a whole hog, multiple briskets, or dozens of burgers at once.
Best for:
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Restaurants or caterers
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Large parties and cookouts
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Grillers who go big
Limitations:
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Expensive and very heavy
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Requires significant space and setup
Side-by-side comparison chart
| Model | Cooking Grid | Cooking Area (sq in) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini | 10 inches | 79 | Solo grillers, camping |
| MiniMax | 13 inches | 133 | Portability with capacity |
| Small | 13 inches | 133 | Couples, small spaces |
| Medium | 15 inches | 177 | Families of 3–4 |
| Large | 18 inches | 262 | Most popular, all-round use |
| XL | 24 inches | 452 | Large families, entertaining |
| 2XL | 29 inches | 672 | Caterers, big events |
Tips for making the final decision
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If you're unsure, the Large Green Egg is a safe and versatile choice.
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If portability is key, go for the MiniMax.
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For frequent large gatherings, consider the XL or 2XL.
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Don’t forget to factor in accessories and available space.
Final thoughts
Choosing the right Green Egg BBQ size can make all the difference in your outdoor cooking experience. From solo chefs to seasoned entertainers, there’s a model tailored to every need.
Use this guide to assess your cooking habits, outdoor space, and long-term goals. The Green Egg is an investment that pays off in performance, flavor, and durability—so choose wisely, and get ready to elevate your grilling game.
