When it comes to outdoor cooking, few brands have achieved the level of popularity and reverence as the Big Green Egg.
With its distinctive egg-shaped design and unparalleled cooking performance, this versatile ceramic grill has become a staple in backyards and outdoor kitchens worldwide.
The Big Green Egg has garnered a loyal following of grill enthusiasts who appreciate its ability to deliver mouthwatering flavors across a wide range of cooking styles.
Now, let’s compare two popular models from the Big Green Egg lineup: the Big Green Egg Small vs the Big Green Egg MiniMax.
The Big Green Egg Small and Minimax have a lot of similarities in terms of their compact nature, diameter (13 inches), and cooking area surface (133 square inches). However, the Small Big Green Egg is heavier at 80 lbs and is more sturdy. On top of that, it’s taller than the Minimax at 24 inches.
In this article, we’ll do a deeper comparison of the Big Green Egg Small vs Minimax, paying close attention to the similarities and differences.
Whether you’re a seasoned grilling expert or just starting your journey into outdoor cooking, understanding these two things will help you make an informed decision about which one best suits your needs.
Brief overview of the Big Green Egg brand
The Big Green Egg brand has built an exceptional reputation over its decades-long history.
It all began with Ed Fisher’s vision to create a versatile charcoal grill that could deliver unmatched results for grilling enthusiasts.
Combining ancient Asian ceramic techniques with modern engineering, Fisher introduced the first Big Green Egg in 1974.
Since then, this iconic brand has gained immense popularity among barbecue enthusiasts for several reasons.
Firstly, the unique shape of the grill allows for precise temperature control due to its excellent heat retention properties.
Additionally, the ceramic construction ensures even distribution of heat throughout the cooking process, resulting in consistently delicious meals.
Big Green Egg Small Vs Big Green Egg MiniMax (Brief Introduction)
The Big Green Egg Small is designed for those who desire a compact yet versatile grilling experience.
With dimensions measuring 13 inches, this model offers a cooking area of 133 square inches, providing ample space to grill, smoke, bake, or roast various types of food.
Its smaller size makes it ideal for those with limited outdoor space or for individuals who value portability.
On the other hand, the Big Green Egg MiniMax is even more compact than its Small counterpart.
However, it has the same dimensions as the Small with 13 inches diameter and 133 square inches.
The Big Green Egg MiniMax is perfect for outdoor adventures like camping trips or tailgating parties.
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Big Green Egg Small
Let’s dive deeper into the features of the small Big Green Egg
1.Size and Capacity
When it comes to the Big Green Egg Small, don’t let its name deceive you – it may be small in name, but it certainly packs a punch in terms of size and capacity.
With dimensions of 13 inches in diameter, this compact grill weighs approximately 80 pounds.
Its modest footprint makes it perfect for small outdoor spaces or for those who want a portable option.
Despite its smaller size, the Big Green Egg Small offers an impressive cooking area of 133 square inches that can accommodate various types of food.
The grill has enough space to comfortably fit up to 6 burgers or chicken breasts at a time.
Additionally, with the addition of a tiered cooking system or additional accessories like a pizza stone or baking pan, you can easily expand its cooking capabilities to create delicious pizzas, bread, or even succulent roasts.
2.Features and Design
One of the standout features of the Big Green Egg Small is its ceramic construction.
The grill is made from high-quality ceramics that not only ensure excellent heat retention but also provide even heat distribution throughout the cooking surface.
This means that your food will cook evenly with no hot spots or cold areas.
The stainless steel cooking grid is another noteworthy feature of this model.
It boasts adjustable height options, allowing you to customize your grilling experience based on the specific requirements of each dish.
Whether you want a high sear for those perfect grill marks on your steaks or a lower setting for slower cooking, this feature provides flexibility in achieving your desired results.
Furthermore, the dual-function metal top deserves recognition as well.
It enables precise control over airflow and temperature regulation inside the grill.
By adjusting the top vent and bottom draft door accordingly, you can fine-tune the heat levels to suit different cooking techniques and dishes.
3.Versatility in Cooking Options
The Big Green Egg Small is a true culinary chameleon, excelling in a multitude of cooking methods.
Whether you’re in the mood for grilling, smoking, baking, roasting, or searing, this compact powerhouse can handle it all with ease.
Its ability to reach and maintain high temperatures makes it fantastic for searing steaks or achieving that perfect char on vegetables.
Additionally, the Big Green Egg Small is remarkably versatile when it comes to accessories.
From plate setters and baking stones to rotisserie kits and pizza peels, there’s an array of optional extras available that can enhance your cooking experience even further.
With these tools at your disposal, you can explore a wide range of recipes and experiment with different culinary techniques to become the ultimate outdoor chef.
The Big Green Egg Small may be small in size but is big on performance.
With its compact design and impressive features like ceramic construction for excellent heat retention and distribution, a stainless steel cooking grid with adjustable height options, and a dual-function metal top for precise temperature control – this grill offers exceptional versatility in cooking options.
So whether you’re grilling up burgers for a small gathering or tackling more elaborate culinary endeavors like smoking ribs or baking pizzas – the Big Green Egg Small is up to the task!
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Big Green Egg MiniMax
Next, let’s take a look at the features of the Big Green Egg Minimax.
1.Compact Size and Portability
When it comes to outdoor cooking, convenience is key.
The Big Green Egg MiniMax delivers exactly that with its compact size and portability.
This model is designed to be the perfect companion for those who love to grill on the go or have limited space in their outdoor setup.
With dimensions of 13 inches in diameter and 19.5 inches in height, the MiniMax is smaller than its counterpart, the Big Green Egg Small.
It weighs in at 76 lbs / 35 kgs, making it incredibly easy to transport and handle.
To further enhance its portability, the MiniMax features convenient handles that are strategically placed for easy carrying.
Whether you’re taking it on a camping trip, tailgating event, or simply moving it around your backyard, these handles provide a secure grip without compromising on safety or comfort.
The MiniMax truly shines in terms of its mobility, allowing you to enjoy delicious grilled meals wherever you desire.
2.Features and Design
Similar to the Small model, the Big Green Egg MiniMax boasts an exceptional ceramic construction that offers outstanding heat retention and distribution.
This high-quality ceramic material ensures consistent cooking temperatures and retains heat for extended periods of time, allowing you to cook your favorite dishes with precision.
The stainless steel cooking grid of the MiniMax is thoughtfully designed with adjustable height options.
This allows you to easily regulate the distance between your food and the charcoal fire below for precise control over your cooking process.
Whether you prefer a sear at close proximity or slow smoking from a distance, this feature ensures versatility in achieving various culinary results.
Equipped with a dual-function metal top, which serves as both an air vent and temperature controller, the MiniMax allows you to fine-tune your grilling conditions effortlessly.
By adjusting airflow through the top vent’s precision dials, you can create the ideal cooking environment for anything from a succulent steak to a perfectly baked pizza.
3.Versatility in Cooking Options
Despite its smaller size, the Big Green Egg MiniMax is not one to compromise on versatility when it comes to cooking options.
Just like its larger counterpart, the Small model, the MiniMax is capable of grilling, smoking, baking, roasting or searing your favorite foods to perfection.
Its compact design doesn’t hinder its performance in any way, allowing you to unleash your culinary creativity without limitations.
The MiniMax also maintains compatibility with a wide range of accessories specifically designed for the Big Green Egg series.
From pizza stones and cast iron griddles to rib racks and rotisserie kits, there are numerous add-ons available that allow you to expand your cooking repertoire and explore new flavors.
This means that despite its smaller size compared to the Small model or other larger outdoor cookers, the MiniMax can still accommodate all your cooking needs.
If you prioritize portability and maneuverability without sacrificing functionality and versatility in your outdoor cooking experience, then the Big Green Egg MiniMax is an excellent choice.
Its compact size makes it perfect for those with limited space or those who love taking their grill on adventures outside of their backyard.
With impressive features such as ceramic construction for heat retention, adjustable height stainless steel cooking grid, dual-function metal top for temperature control, and compatibility with various accessories, the MiniMax proves that big things truly come in small packages when it comes to grilling satisfaction.
Comparison between Big Green Egg Small vs MiniMax
When it comes to size, the Big Green Egg Small and the MiniMax are both compact and portable options, but there are some notable differences.
First of all, both the Small model and Minimax measure 13 inches in diameter.
However, with a weight of 80 pounds, it is also heavier than the MiniMax, which weighs in at 76 pounds.
The Minimax is 19.5 inches tall whereas the Small Model is 24 inches tall.
In terms of cooking area, both the Small and Minimax offer a generous 133 square inches of primary cooking space.
Pros and Cons of each size option based on:
One advantage of the Big Green Egg Small is its larger size, which allows for more food to be cooked at once.
This makes it ideal for those who often entertain guests or have large families.
Additionally, its extra weight gives it a sturdier feel and enhances its durability.
On the other hand, the MiniMax’s compact size makes it perfect for those with limited outdoor space or who frequently travel with their grill.
Its smaller dimensions also make it easier to handle and transport when compared to its larger counterpart.
In terms of drawbacks, the Small’s larger size may make it less convenient for those who have limited storage space or prefer a more portable option.
The added weight can also make it more challenging to move around.
For the MiniMax, while its smaller size offers advantages in terms of portability and handling, it does mean that you will have slightly less cooking area compared to the Small model.
This might be a consideration if you regularly cook for larger groups or need more space for certain recipes.
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Big Green Egg Small Vs Minimax (Conclusion)
Both the Big Green Egg Small and MiniMax models offer excellent options in outdoor cooking with their own unique benefits.
The Small provides a sturdier build, making it suitable for those who prioritize capacity and durability.
On the other hand, the MiniMax’s compact size and lighter weight make it an excellent choice for those with limited space or who frequently travel with their grill.
Ultimately, your choice between the Big Green Egg Small and MiniMax will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Regardless of which model you opt for, rest assured that you’ll be investing in a high-quality ceramic grill that will elevate your outdoor cooking experience to new heights.
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FAQs
What is the difference between mini and MiniMax Green Egg?
The Big Green Egg Mini and MiniMax are both small, portable kamado grills, but there are some key differences between the two models. The Mini is the smaller of the two, with a cooking surface of 13.5 square inches. The MiniMax is slightly larger, with a cooking surface of 19 square inches. The MiniMax also has a taller body than the Mini, which gives it a larger capacity. In terms of features, the Mini and MiniMax are very similar. Both models have a ceramic cooking chamber, a cast iron grate, and a stainless steel heat deflector. They also both come with a carrying case and a set of accessories. The main difference between the Mini and MiniMax is their size. If you are looking for the smallest possible Big Green Egg, then the Mini is the way to go. However, if you need a little more cooking space, then the MiniMax is a better option.
Can you smoke on the Big Green Egg MiniMax?
Yes, you can smoke on the Big Green Egg MiniMax. In fact, it is a great smoker for small batches of food. To smoke on the MiniMax, you will need to use indirect heat. This means that you will need to place the food on the opposite side of the grill from the heat source. You can use wood chips or chunks to create smoke.
What can you cook on a MiniMax Big Green Egg?
You can cook a variety of foods on the MiniMax Big Green Egg, including Pizza, Steak, Chicken, Fish, Vegetables, Desserts. The MiniMax is also a great grill for smoking food. You can smoke brisket, ribs, pork shoulder, and other meats on the MiniMax.
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