FireCooker Forums

If you were going to buy one of these grills, what would you choose and why?

I don’t have a BGE,  but I have Bubba Keg which I rarely use. I haven’t mastered keeping the temps low in the keg, so when I’m bbqing, I rely on my WSM.

For grilling and high temp, the Bubba Keg can’t be beat. It’s also unbreakable in comparison to the egg and has a great trailer hitch for portability.

I recently decided to go with the Bubba Keg over a BGE for the reasons listed above (portability and durability).  Price was also a factor, about the only downside is the lack of accessories, especially a plate setter/diffuser.  Low and slow is a challenge; there is a pretty steep learning curve at low temps.  I also will continue to rely on my WSM for long cooks, but the BKCG is quickly replacing my kettles for grilling and high temp cooks (steak, pizza, and bread).

FYI - The folks at Bubba Keg have a diffuser shipping either now, or very soon. I hear they will also have a cover available soon.

John

I can’t speak directly to the Bubba keg although I have heard the side tables will melt .

You can’t beat the BGE for durability, control or versatility. I have had mine for 5+ years and it is as good as new. I have not even had to replace the felt ring. i use it several times a week. It also has a lifetime warranty. Does the Bubba keg? you can also trade in your BGE for a larger size and get credit for the one you turn in. it is expensive upfront, but with the warranty, durability and trade in program, it turns out to be inexpensive.  You may also be able to get a demo Egg that has been only used once or twice from your distributor at a reduced price.

I can easily get a stable fire around 200 degrees. of course, you are going to have to play with your BGE to figure out just where to set the daisy wheel and lower vent, but once you are familiar with your unit, you can smoke at 200 or sear at 700

I wouldn’t even consider getting one of the many BGE imitators that are popping up

I have both a BGE and a Bubba Keg, they are both excellent products, though the Big steel keg is a better value

The keg is significantly more durable than the egg, its made of thick double walled steel with oven insulation in between, there have been no reports of the side tables melting. It comes with a 5 year warranty and has no parts designed to wear out like the felt gasket (it uses a soft metal mesh sealer like your oven), The BGE is fragile and is prone to cracking.

Control wise both grills are near identical, its just as easy to dial in a temperature on both grills using near identical controls.

The point about upgrading is moot, the Bubba Keg comes in only one size, which is the same size as the large Big Green Egg, incidentally all BGE accessories such as pizza stones or heat shields also fit in the Bubba Keg

Lastly the Bubba keg comes with everything you need, stand, cleaning tools, accessories in one package for $599, the same size grill from Big Green Egg costs $749 and doesnt include the stand ($125) or side tables ($60)

As for the plate setter. I made one that works great. I bought a Weber Charcoal Grate from Home Depot. It’s for Weber’s 18.5 grill but the charcoal grate is 13.5. About $9. Also from Home Depot I bought a 3’ x 1” x 1/8” stick of flat steel. About $5. You only need 18”.  I cut three 6” pieces from the flat steel and bent them 1” from the ends. I then had a friend weld the flat steel to the charcoal grate. Then I bent and tweeked the still hangers to fit the lip inside my Bubba Keg. When inserted into the keg the grate hangs down 5”. This depth looks good to me. It could set at any depth depending on how long you cut your flat steel. The kegs cooking grid sets down over the hangers. Up only 1/8”.  Now you can use whatever kind of pan you want. Drip pan, water pan, or just something to defuse the heat like tin foil.