How to Keep Your EGG Performing at its Best
The Big Green Egg has been designed to provide a lifetime of enjoyment. The EGG’s quality of construction and durability are absolutely second to none and are backed by a lifetime warranty! In fact, many EGG owners use their EGG year-round, through rain, snow, extreme cold, and high heat. In order to keep your EGG performing at its absolute best, it is recommended that you perform some basic maintenance plus an annual “Spring Cleaning.” It’s quick and easy and will have you back to cooking in no time.
Cleaning the Ash
The ash in the bottom of the EGG should be cleaned out every 3-5 cooks. You can do this by first making sure the charcoal is fully extinguished and the EGG is cold. Using your ash tool and inserting it into the draft door, pull old ash out into an ash pan or metal container. Clearing ash build-up maintains optimal air flow through the fire box. Annually you should remove the internal ceramics and use an ash tool or a shop vac to get any ash behind the fire box on the sides of the EGG.
EGG Tip
Using a Big Green Egg Stainless Steel Fire Bowl is a convenient way to lift charcoal out of the EGG to allow for easy cleanup. Using the Ash Tool, you can easily pull out the ash onto the Ash Removal Pan.
Tightening the Band and Nest Bolts
Check the nuts and bolts for tightness and alignment. If you roll or move your EGG frequently, check the casters, nest and handler bolts more often to maintain proper performance and alignment.
The band hardware should be checked after assembly, and again as needed to maintain the dome-to-base alignment. Checking the tightness of these fittings after the first few uses is highly recommended, along with a rechecking at least once a year.
EGG Tip
Keep 7/16 inch and ½ inch wrenches handy so the band and hinge bolts can be checked regularly for proper operation and tightness.
Cleaning the Ceramic
The Big Green Egg features a distinctive green exterior with a lifetime glaze that maintains its good looks and wipes clean easily with mild detergent and damp, non-abrasive cloth. Inside, residual heat burns off any grease build-up – just like a self-cleaning oven.
Cleaning the Cooking Grid
For the best tasting food, the cooking grid should be cleaned after every cook.
EGG Tip
With the Diamond-Coated Nylon Bristle Grid Scrubber, even the messiest cooking grids are easily cleaned.
Cleaning the convEGGtor and Baking Stone
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 have cooled completely, scrape off any baked-on food with a stiff, dry brush or a plastic scraper and wipe with a damp cloth. Over time they 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.
EGG Tip
The SpeediClean™ Palmyra Bristle Long-Handle Grid Scrapper and the SpeediClean™ Palmyra Bristle Dual Brush Grid and Pizza Stone Scrubber are the perfect tools to use.
Replacing the Gasket
It’s recommended to check the gasket annually. If smoke is leaking from the seam where the base and dome meet, or if the gasket shows signs of excessive wear or deterioration, it can easily be replaced using the High-Performance Gasket Kit.
EGG Tip
Our Gasket Replacement Video shows how to replace the gasket EGGspertly.
