The Big Green Egg has been designed to provide a lifetime of enjoyment. In fact, EGG’s quality of construction and durability are absolutely second to none and are backed by a lifetime warranty! Many people use their EGGs year-round – even through rain, snow, high heat, and extreme cold.
Because it’s well-loved, you really want to take care of it! To keep it performing its best, you want to do some quick and easy regular maintenance as well as some spring cleaning.
Here are six tips for keeping your EGG performing its best.
#1: Cleaning the Ash
The ash in the bottom of the EGG should be cleaned out every three to five 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 airflow through the firebox. Annually, you should remove the internal ceramics and use an ash tool or a shop vac to get any ash behind the firebox on the sides of the EGG.
#2: 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.
Check the band hardware after assembly and again as needed to maintain the dome-to-base alignment. It is highly recommended that the tightness of these fittings be checked after the first few uses and rechecked at least once a year.
#3: Cleaning the Ceramic
The Big Green Egg features a distinctive green exterior with a lifetime glaze that maintains its good looks. It 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.
#4: Cleaning the Cooking Grid
For the best-tasting food, the cooking grid should be cleaned after every cook.
#5: Cleaning the convEGGtor and Baking Stone
The Big Green Egg convEGGtor and Pizza & Baking Stones acquire a natural patina, which is 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 does not affect the flavor of foods.
Do not soak it in water or place it in the dishwasher.
#6: Replacing the Gasket
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.
If you’re looking to replace the old gasket on the Big Green Egg with the rear box hinge assembly, here’s how to install the new one in six easy steps!
Final Thoughts on Big Green Egg Care
As with all of our products, we are always here to answer any of your questions! Call, text, or stop by.
We’d love to talk with a fellow EGGhead!