Which is better big green egg or Traeger?
Believe it or not, but some people still wonder what the difference between Big green egg vs Traeger. Well, in this article we will show you what is the difference between these two great grills. The big green egg Vs Traeger debate can become heated in many forums and BBQ websites around the internet, so when you read the rest of this article (which includes evidence like scientific tests and real user reviews), make sure to keep an open mind because both grills are fantastic even though they differ in quite a few ways.
Table of Contents
What is the big green egg?
If you have never heard of big green eggs, then I’m pretty sure that you have been living under a rock for the past 20 years. Big green egg is one of the pioneers when it comes to Kamado grills and smokers. It has a unique design because it’s made from cement with steel or cast-iron parts. Big green egg was originally designed as a patio heater but after Gyros’ party used it for his legendary lamb barbecue, word got out and now this is one of the most well-known smokers/grillers in the world. Many competitors have tried to imitate their design but none of them managed to do what big green egg did – they managed to create a fantastic product that produces some amazing results even though it costs a bit more than most grills. In the upcoming paragraphs, we will show you some of the main reasons why it’s so hard to imitate big green eggs and why this is one of my favorite types of grills.
What is Traeger?
Traeger is a company that was founded in 2009. They were born into the wild world of barbecue, and they are still doing great. Their grills have some unique features, but those features come at a price – I’m guessing that you don’t want to spend $1600 for your grill so we decided to show you what the difference between Traeger Grills vs Big green egg grills is. To be honest with you, there aren’t many differences between those two brands because both use almost identical designs and materials. The main difference can be seen on their websites – big green egg seems to focus more on the quality of their products while Traeger’s website doesn’t seem as well made as BGE’s. However, don’t let this fool you – they have a great design, and their products are wonderful!
Big Green Egg’s Most Popular Product
Big Green Egg Small Tabletop Grill SG18-S Review
If you are looking for AEGER Kamado Grill deals, I suggest that you click on the link above where you will find the best deals. Also, don’t forget to look at our big green egg vs AEGER Kamado article where we explain which one of these grills is better and why. Most popular models of this brand & model are reviewed on Amazon so if you want to learn more about it before making your purchase then click on the link above or read some amazing Traeger kamado grill reviews. If pellet grills seem like something you need then check out our Traeger TFB29LZA review. It’s an amazing grill that uses pellets to cook.
Best Big Green Egg Alternative?
We have also prepared the best big green egg alternative for those who are interested in buying the product that we reviewed above but still not sure if they should buy it or not. So, for your convenience, we created a table with 2 of our most popular grill alternatives from Amazon based on their ratings and price which might help you make a better decision before making a purchase. However, all things considered, Big Green Egg is still the best product that exists on the market at this moment.
Big Green Egg or Traeger? We hope you liked our article and found it helpful, if so, please share it with your friends. If you have any questions or concerns about this topic then leave them in the comment section below so we can help you out.
Traeger’s Most Popular Product
Traeger TFB42LZBC Review
Read our latest review of the Traeger TFB42LZBC model on Amazon. Also, look at our article about the best pellet grills under $1000. This grill has one of the best prices to quality ratios so it’s worth checking out. There are more than 550 reviews and 75% of them rated this product with 4 or 5 stars. If you want to learn more about this grill, then we recommend that you check out the link provided above where we explain in detail what makes this unit different from others and why it’s such a good buy for your money.
What is the difference between big green egg and Traeger?
The reason why I decided to write this article is that many people don’t know what is better – Big green egg or Traeger. To be honest with you, there isn’t a big difference between those two grills and even though some people say that Traeger is just a copy of BGE, we all know that the only thing that they copied was their design and shape while most of their parts are different. In the upcoming paragraphs, I will show you what are the main differences between these two grills so without further ado let’s begin!
#1. Dimension
As you can see in the picture above, Traeger’s dimensions are quite like BGE’s but both brands use slightly different materials when it comes to building them which makes them weigh differently. Both grills are very easy to carry around, but you have to understand that BGE can’t be carried by one person all too easily because it’s quite heavy especially if you decide to buy an XL Kamado grill like me (it weighs almost 300 pounds). Even though both brands offer different dimensions, I believe that Traeger offers a slightly bigger overall cooking surface compared to Big green egg because their grills are round whereas big green eggs are rectangular.
#2. Construction
If we talk about construction, then there is a significant difference between those two grills – Big green egg uses cement and steel/iron parts while Traeger uses metal for their products which makes them lighter than BGE products. However, this doesn’t mean that they are made poorly because both brands offer amazing quality.
#3. What’s inside?
The overall construction of those two grills is very similar but the parts are what differentiates them from each other quite a lot – for example, BGE uses cast iron burners whereas Traeger offers stainless steel ones. We all know that stainless steel is not as good as cast iron when it comes to heat retention, however, this doesn’t make it worse because you can always upgrade your burners if you want to have better heat retention. The major difference between those two products is in their insides – the big green egg has an egg-shaped inner body which makes its grill zone shaped like an egg hence the name. On the other hand, Traeger is a simple grill made in a round shape.
#4. Heat Retention
As we all know, big green egg offers more value and better heat retention than Traeger (most of their parts are made using high-quality materials) but on the other hand, some people say that this is not true and they claim that Traeger’s stainless steel burners offer more even distribution of heat across the entire cook surface. However, as I previously pointed out – BGE has a cement body which makes their grills heavier and more durable than those which are made from metal.
#5. Warranty and Customer Support
Big Green Egg or Traeger? Talking about warranty and customer support – both brands offer great customer service because they both have a lot of experience in that department and they will always be there to help you with any issues. But as I already mentioned – BGE offers more warranty than Traeger does because it has a cement body which is less durable than steel.
#6. Heat Distribution
As we all know, the big green egg’s main selling point is its heat distribution because its grill zones are shaped like an egg hence the name. This design allows for even cooking temperature across the entire cook surface which makes life easier if you want delicious BBQ every time. The only downside regarding this matter is a high price tag but since you get what you pay for – it’s okay to make such a choice. On the other hand, Traeger uses the same round shape for their grills which makes them way cheaper than Big green egg.
#7. Size
Big green eggs are much larger than Traeger’s because they offer different sizes – the smallest model is made in only 12-inch size while you can choose between 18, 22, and 24 inches on Traeger’s side which are all great for cooking your meat to perfection. However, I believe that bigger isn’t always better so if you’re looking for a small grill then a big green egg won’t be my first option (unless of course, you want delicious BBQ without having to worry about anything).
#8. Cooking Area
Both brands offer very different sizes when it comes to the cooking area – Big green egg offers more space because they have two legs on the side opposite to the grill, this allows for a better cooking experience because you can make larger amounts of food at once. On the other hand, there are only two legs on Traeger which doesn’t offer much room for making your favorite BBQ stuff.
#9. Design
Big Green Egg or Traeger? If you’re into modern look then Big green egg will be my first choice since their grills are made in round shape with a lot of different colors to choose from. However, if you’re looking for something classic and timeless – Traeger will probably be your best choice because it offers a more traditional look which is great for anyone who wants simple design but still want something decent enough to serve its purpose.
#10. Overall Value
Overall value differs greatly depending on what kind of model you’re looking at. For example, Traeger’s classic model is great for anyone who wants to have ribs cooked to perfection regularly but since it offers fewer features than a big green egg – the latter wins this segment. However, if you want a premium or similar model then I believe that both of these brands are equally good because they offer a great cooking experience, high-grade materials, and most importantly – delicious results.
#11. Warranty
Trying to pick between two different models? Then warranty might be what you need since big green egg offers 5 years of warranty against any manufacturing defects while Traeger only offers one year which is limiting itself greatly against other grills out there. So even though BGE is more expensive – it has a better warranty which makes it a better choice than Traeger.
#12. Overall Brand
Big green egg is a much more established brand than Traeger because they have been in the market for a longer period and their experience helps them to produce better grills. On the other hand, Traeger has only been around for a few years which means that it’s not as a reputable company as BGE but if you’re looking for a grill with a better warranty then I believe that this will be your first choice.
#13. Budget
Big Green Egg or Traeger? If you want to stay under $500 then Traeger can become your best option since their classic models are priced very low even at the time, I’m writing this review. However, on the BGE site, there are different models so if you want something bigger than the basic 12-inch model – you need to shell out $1,000 which is more than what you will pay on Traeger if you want a similar model.
#14. Weight
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty grill then Big green egg will be my first choice since they are made of better materials which makes them 3 times heavier than Traeger models. If weight doesn’t matter at all for you then it’s time to choose between two grills – but if it does then I believe that BGE might be your best choice because of its sturdiness and durability.
#15. Extras
Both of these brands offer some extras but depending on what you’re looking for – they might not be included in the package. For example, if you want a rotisserie kit then Traeger can become your best option since both of their classic models come with this feature at no extra cost. On the other hand, Big green egg doesn’t have this option built into their grill so the only way to get it is by purchasing the primary model and adding a rotisserie upgrade later (costs $100+).
#16. Cleaning and Maintenance
Big Green Egg or Traeger? Both of these brands offer very easy cleaning and maintenance so there is no difference in this segment. This process shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes which means that if you want to clean your grill after each cooking session then both brands will be equally good for you since they both require only basic cleaning supplies and techniques.
These two brands are clearly at the top of their game since they offer premium options which come with incredible results and most importantly – ease of use. So, if you’re looking for a quality grill then one of these choices can become your best bet but before making a final decision I would recommend checking my big green egg vs Traeger guide to see what models they offer.
If you want a premium model, then it’s time to choose between two great grills so I would suggest looking at the Big green egg classic model or Premier model since both of them are high-quality units that allow you to cook delicious food. On the other hand, if you want something more affordable than this review might help future potential customers because outlines clear differences between Big green egg classic models and Traeger classic models.
If you’re looking for something more affordable then it’s time to discuss between two budget-oriented grills so I would suggest checking out my Traeger vs Green Mountain Grills article where I discussed clear differences between these two options. On the other hand, if you want a grill that can become your best friend for decades then check out Big green egg vs Weber grills since both brands are known for their incredible longevity. My final advice is to read all my articles about grilling devices because they contain lots of useful information which will help you to find the perfect grill according to your needs.
Accessories: in this segment, in my opinion, Big green egg is in a better position since they offer rotisserie kits and other useful extras at affordable costs which means that when you purchase their grill – accessories will have no extra cost. On the other hand, Traeger doesn’t have this feature so if there’s something specific you want to add later then the only way how to do it is by purchasing separate upgrades (costs $100+).
#17. Customer Service:
If you want to get the best customer service then go with Big green egg since they are known for their amazing services and by purchasing their grill you can be sure that you will receive free parts, repairs, or replacement in case your product becomes defective. On the other hand, Traeger grills don’t offer this feature so if there is any problem with your grill then it’s time to send it back and wait until the manufacturer finds a solution (costs days or weeks).
The Winner: Big Green Egg or Traeger? The final verdict to conclude this comparison review, I would like to say that both grills are world-class, and they should be considered if you want to purchase the premium product. However, in my opinion, Big green egg is a better option because it offers more durable construction and superior customer service which means that when you buy their grill – they will support you for years. Traeger on the other hand doesn’t offer this feature so if there’s something wrong with your grill then you need to contact them (costs days). So, if you want the best grilling experience then Big green egg can become the perfect choice but before making a final decision I would recommend checking out other articles from my website because they might have more useful info which will help you to find the perfect grill according to your needs.
We hope that now you have enough information to make the right choice for your grilling needs. Both big green egg vs AEGER Kamado Grill is amazing grills but if we had to choose one it would be Big Green Egg simply because of its warranty, large cooking surface, and slightly better insulation than AEGER’s model. We selected the best deals for these two products below. If you want to learn more about these grills before making a purchase, read some big green egg grill reviews or anger kamado grill reviews. Also, don’t forget to check other customers’ opinions about these products on Amazon where you can find the best discounts too.
Best Big Green Egg Deal Best AEGER Kamado Grill deal.
If you want to learn more about big green eggs before making a purchase, read some Big Green Egg grill reviews or check the most popular models on Amazon. Also, don’t forget to also look at customer opinions about this brand & model on Amazon. If you are looking for another type of grill, then I suggest that you read our best gas grills under $500 article or if wood pellet grills are what you are after then I recommend that you read our Traeger TFB29LZA review which will give you all the information that you need.
See more: Top 3 best pellet grills for searing – Reviews, Tips, and Guides in 2022
FAQs on big green egg or Traeger?
1. What is a Big Green Egg?
The Big Green Egg is a brand of Kamado-style cooking grills. These ceramic cooking vessels are made from ceramics that hold heat well and distribute it evenly. They were invented by Pete Winkler, the founder of the Big Green Egg company. In addition to cooking equipment, they also offer accessories such as covers and fire pits.
2. How much does a big green egg cost?
Big Green Egg or Traeger? Big green egg’s price range starts at $300 and goes up depending on the size you choose (up to $2000). However, these grills can be found discounted on various websites including Amazon where you can purchase them using discount codes or read some customer reviews before making your final decision about buying one of these grills.
3. What is the best big green egg?
To be honest, there is no such thing as “the best big green egg” since these grills are different in sizes (diameter), construction, and price. If you want to make an informed decision about which grill to buy, then I suggest that you check out my Big Green Egg vs Kamado Joe comparison review where I go through all the pros & cons of both products. However, if you don’t have much time on your hands but still want some useful info before making a purchase then here’s short summary: The most popular products in this category are Big Green Egg XL (18 inches) and AEGER Large Kamado Grill (24 inches). Although their constructions are a bit different, they have similar cooking capacities and prices. In my opinion, the biggest advantage of the AEGER Kamado Grill is its construction because it has a door that allows smokers to be loaded from the top. Also, this grill comes with wheels that make transportation much easier. However, this grill is not as well-insulated as Big Green Egg so you might have to deal with more cold drafts while grilling on the colder days. As for Big Green Egg XL, it’s usually $150 cheaper than AEGER Kamado Grill but in my opinion, that isn’t worth paying extra money just for a few inches larger cooking area.
4. How do I use a big green egg?
First of all, I suggest reading us how to use big green egg article where we go through the basic cooking techniques. Also, it’s good to check out some customer reviews on Amazon before purchasing in order to learn more about tips and tricks that other people used when cooking with these grills. As for our personal experience, we cooked using this grill various dishes including beef ribs, chicken, pork chops, and even vegetables (Zucchini was very tasty).
5. What is the best big green egg temperature?
To be honest there is no such thing as “the best temperature” since all smokers and grills work in a slightly different way, especially in terms of smoking temperatures. It depends on how much smoke will you get from your wood pellets or hardwoods. If you don’t want any smokey flavor, then try roasting your meat at 250-300 F. Also, make sure to check out our guide for how to use Big Green Egg XL where you can learn more about cooking temperatures and techniques.
6. How much does a big green egg cost?
Big Green Egg or Traeger? To be honest there is no such thing as “the best price” since these grills are different in sizes (diameter), construction, and price. If you want to make an informed decision about which grill to buy, then I suggest that you check out my Big Green Egg pro series vs Kamado Joe comparison review where I go through all the pros & cons of both products. However, if you don’t have much time on your hands but still want some useful info before making a purchase then here’s a summary: The most popular products in this category are Big Green Egg XL (18 inches) and AEGER Large Kamado Grill (24 inches). Although their constructions are a bit different, they have similar cooking capacities and prices. In my opinion, the biggest advantage of the AEGER Kamado Grill is its construction because it has a door that allows smokers to be loaded from the top. Also, this grill comes with wheels that make transportation much easier. However, this grill is not as well-insulated as Big Green Egg so you might have to deal with more cold drafts while grilling on the colder days. As for Big Green Egg XL, it’s usually $150 cheaper than AEGER Kamado Grill but in my opinion, that isn’t worth paying extra money just for a few inches larger cooking area.
7. How long does it take to cook brats?
Bratwurst is a popular German sausage made from pork and veal, coated in a layer of minced onion, and flavored with various spices. These sausages have a tight texture which makes them perfect for grilling. I’ve personally grilled bratwurst on 5 different types of grills including smoker, gas grill, and charcoal grill. Here are our recipes for smoky hot bratwurst that will make you feel like you’re at a beer garden in Germany: Bring the brats to room temperature before starting the grilling process. Set up your grill or smoker to a 250 F heat source and pre-heat it for about ½ – 1 hour (depending on the grill). Always make sure to rub them in vegetable oil before adding them onto the grates. Continue grilling for another 10 minutes (until they reach 160 F internal temperature) and then arrange on a platter covered with paper towels to remove excess grease. Serve hot or cold with sauerkraut, pickled peppers, white vinegar, or mustard.
8. How do you cook brats?
Bratwurst is a popular German sausage made from pork and veal, coated in a layer of minced onion, and flavored with various spices. This sausage has a tight texture which makes them perfect for grilling. I’ve personally grilled bratwurst on 5 different types of grills including smoker, gas grill, and charcoal grill. Here are our recipes for smoky hot bratwurst that will make you feel like you’re at a beer garden in Germany: Bring the brats to room temperature before starting the grilling process. Set up your grill or smoker to a 250 F heat source and pre-heat it for about ½ – 1 hour (depending on the grill). Always make sure to rub them in vegetable oil before adding them onto the grates. Continue grilling for another 10 minutes (until they reach 160 F internal temperature) and then arrange on a platter covered with paper towels to remove excess grease. Serve hot or cold with sauerkraut, pickled peppers, white vinegar, or mustard.
9. How long does it take for beef ribs to cook?
Beef ribs fall under the category of tough meats that need enough time on heat to become edible. Most pieces of meat come from muscles that are not used that much during day-to-day life. This means that cooking them will require low heat for longer periods to make them tender and tasty. It takes at least 2 hours under a 230 F heat source to cook beef ribs thoroughly, but this value might vary depending on your taste preferences (thicker pieces might need more than 4 hours). Luckily, you can use the BBQ sauce while cooking meat so it will also act as a sealant for your ribs. For best results, I would recommend marinating your beef ribs overnight before grilling them the next day. If you’re still unsure about cooking times, then just grab some quality digital thermometer. It’s already proven itself invaluable when barbecuing meats!
10. How to cook a perfect steak?
When cooking steak, the key factor is the doneness of meat. Here’s how you can determine if your beefsteak is perfectly cooked: First, take a good look at your meat – there are only two types of beefsteaks that you might find in stores: Strip Steak and Ribeye Steak. The first one has small fibers on top while the second one looks like it was shaved off a cow’s rib cage. Both have different abilities in regard to cutting, but both taste great when grilled! Before grilling it’s important to know that steak has an outer layer called “bark” which absorbs most flavors out there. The next layer contains lots of connective tissues that are not that tasty at all. This is where the so-called “Doneness” comes into play. Doneness is a term used to describe the internal temperature of beefsteak while shopping in supermarkets or restaurants. There are 3 types of doneness: rare, medium, and well done. Rare steak has an internal temperature of 130 F – 140 F, Medium can have values ranging from 141 F to 160 F while Well Done requires internal temperature over 161 F.
Read more: Top 7 Best 5 Burner Gas Grills You Can Buy in 2022
11. How long do you cook corn on the grill?
Grilling corn is one of the most popular ways to prepare this delicious vegetable on hot summer days. You just need 15 min under a high heat source to get the juicy texture and slightly caramelized flavor (remember about 30% water loss on the first 30 min on the grill). The next step is to cover the corn with aluminum foil and continue cooking for another 25-30 minutes. You must constantly check the internal temperature of vegetables to prevent overcooking them. If you want a hint at how long it takes to cook your favorite veggies, then just grab a good instant-read thermometer. It’s already proven itself invaluable when barbecuing meats!
12. How to Grill Chicken?
Grilling chicken is one of the easiest ways to prepare this tasty meal for your family. It has a soft texture and great taste, but only if cooked properly. Here’s what you need to know about grilling boneless skinless chicken breasts: First, you must separate the tenderloins from bones and skin (this will reduce cooking time). You can then marinate them overnight in any sauce that you like (I would recommend store-bought BBQ sauce or Italian dressing with salt, pepper, and garlic powder). The next day just brushes oil onto the grill grate and place chicken pieces over it. Cook each side of chicken breast on high heat for 2 minutes before flipping it back onto another side. To check if the chicken is cooked properly, you might use a thermometer. It should have an internal temperature of 165 F before removing it from the grill.
>>> See more: How To Use A Big Green Egg | Big green egg or Traeger
Conclusion of big green egg vs Traeger
Big Green Egg or Traeger? The Big green egg Vs Traeger debate will continue to rage on in forums and BBQ websites, but at the end of the day, both are quality grills that have unique pros and cons. If you are a beginner or don’t want to spend time learning about your grill, then we recommend the Traeger pellet grill because it is an easy plug-n-play type of smoker. On the other hand, if you like having almost infinite control over every aspect of your grill and would like to experiment with different types of cookers (e.g., pizza oven), then a big green egg may be a better choice for you.
Why do we choose big green?
Big Green Egg is the best choice for us. We like having all our options open, and with Big Green Egg you can smoke, grill steak, bake pizza, or cook veggies – all on one cooker. The only difference between these grills is that at BGE you need to manage your airflow. You can’t just throw everything on the cooker and hope it will come out well done.
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