Big Green Egg: A Brief History of the Iconic BBQ Grill

by Joost Nusselder | Last Updated:  June 1, 2022

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The big green egg is one of the most popular brands of grills, smokers, and kamado-style ceramic cookers. But what exactly is the big green egg?

The big green egg is a brand of kamado-style ceramic cookers. It’s known for its signature green ceramic egg-shaped design, which allows for indirect cooking. The company was founded by Ed Fisher in Atlanta, Georgia in 1974.

In this article, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about the big green egg brand, from its history to its products and marketing strategy.

Big Green Egg logo

What Makes the Big Green Egg a Must-Have Tool for Enthusiastic Cooks?

The Big Green Egg is a kamado-style ceramic charcoal barbecue cooker (best ones reviewed here) that is designed to create a versatile cooking experience. The egg-shaped design of the cooker creates a large cooking area of up to 24 inches, allowing you to cook a full dinner for your family and friends. The ceramic material of the egg is able to retain heat for a longer time, making it a great tool for slow-cooking pork or other meats (these are the best to smoke).

The Process of Using the Big Green Egg

Using the Big Green Egg involves a simple process of lighting the charcoal, waiting for it to get hot, and then putting the food on the grill. The company recommends using natural lump charcoal (try these top brands) for the best results. Once the charcoal is lit, you can adjust the temperature to your desired level by using the air vents on the top and bottom of the egg. The Big Green Egg also allows for direct and indirect cooking, giving you more options for your cooking needs.

Ed Fisher Big Green Egg Founder and Buckhead’s Unexpected BBQ Icon

Ed Fisher, the founder of the Big Green Egg brand, was a Georgia Tech employee who originally developed machines for the textile industry. But his love for barbecue and grilling led him to start experimenting with a new product that would change the game. One day, while working on a new design, he saw a large, green, ceramic pot outside a shop in Atlanta. The pot was shaped like an egg and Fisher thought it would be the perfect vessel for his new idea.

The Humble Story of the Big Green Egg

Fisher began working on his idea and soon came up with the Big Green Egg, a grill that could control temperature and cook food in a way that was completely different from anything else on the market. He named the product after its shape and color, and began selling it to customers in the Buckhead area of Atlanta. At first, the product was not very popular, but Fisher saw the potential and kept working to improve it.

The Key to Success: Customers and Recipes

How to buy a bbq smoker video
How to buy a bbq smoker video

Fisher knew that the key to success was getting people to try his product and fall in love with it. He began serving food cooked on the Big Green Egg to people outside his shop, including turkey, wings, and even apple pie. People loved the food and began to pick up the product. Fisher also developed a cult following among casual pit masters and international chefs alike. He added recipe books to the product and helped customers learn how to cook the best food possible on the Big Green Egg.

The Big Green Egg Gets Carried Outside Buckhead

As the Big Green Egg became more popular, Fisher began to add new features to the product and expand the company. He hired a CEO to help him run the business and began to sell the product outside of Buckhead. The Big Green Egg was soon seen in restaurants and homes all over the country, and even made its way to Japan, where it became a huge hit.

The Importance of Ed Fisher in the Big Green Egg History

Ed Fisher’s early work on the Big Green Egg put the company on the map and helped it become the popular brand it is today. His dedication to quality and his willingness to help customers learn how to cook the best food possible on the Big Green Egg were key to the company’s success. Today, the Big Green Egg is still one of the best grills on the market, and it owes much of its success to the humble beginnings and hard work of Ed Fisher.

The Big Green Egg: A Brief History of the Ultimate Barbecue Experience

The Big Green Egg company started in 1974 in Atlanta, Georgia, founded by Ed Fisher. The company’s mission was to bring the kamado, a traditional Japanese and Chinese movable cooker, to the American population. The kamado was a ceramic stove that was used for cooking and heating, and it was popular in Japan and China for centuries. Fisher saw the potential of the kamado as a barbecue grill and started importing them to the US.

The Big Green Egg Experience

The Big Green Egg is not just a grill, it’s a lifestyle. It’s a symbol of outdoor cooking, family gatherings, and good times. The company’s motto is “The Ultimate Cooking Experience,” and it’s not just a marketing slogan. The Big Green Egg delivers on its promise by providing a unique and unforgettable cooking experience that combines tradition, innovation, and passion. Here are some of the reasons why the Big Green Egg is the ultimate barbecue experience:

  • The Big Green Egg is made of high-quality ceramics that retain heat and moisture, resulting in juicy and flavorful food.
  • The Big Green Egg has a patented airflow system that allows for precise temperature control and eliminates flare-ups.
  • The Big Green Egg can be used for a variety of cooking techniques, from low-and-slow smoking to high-heat searing.
  • The Big Green Egg is easy to use and maintain, and it comes with a lifetime warranty.
  • The Big Green Egg community is a supportive and enthusiastic group of people who share recipes, tips, and stories.

What Makes the Big Green Egg a Must-Have for Every Outdoor Cooking Enthusiast?

The Big Green Egg is not your regular charcoal grill. Its design and build quality are superior to most grills on the market. The Egg is made from high-quality ceramic, which is known for its ability to maintain temperature and withstand the elements. The ceramic material creates a thick wall that stores more heat than regular charcoal grills, allowing it to radiate around the food as it cooks. The grill also has a heavy-gauge steel finish that adds to its durability and longevity. The Egg’s design allows for excellent airflow, which is essential for maintaining a consistent temperature. The grill’s ability to maintain temperature for a long time means that you can cook items like pizza and other outdoor dinner staples with ease.

Versatility

The Big Green Egg is a versatile outdoor cooking tool that can be used for a variety of cooking methods. It can be used as a smoker, grill, or even as an oven. The Egg’s large cooking area of up to 24 inches allows you to cook plenty of food at once, making it perfect for large gatherings. The Egg’s ability to maintain temperature also means that it can be used for slow cooking, making it perfect for cooking items like brisket (check out this recipe on the pellet smoker) and ribs. The Egg’s versatility is further enhanced by the variety of accessories that come with it. The Egg package includes an ash tool, grill gripper, and a comfortable handle that makes it easy to move the grill around.

Temperature Control

The Big Green Egg’s ability to maintain temperature is one of its most popular features. The grill’s ceramic material and design allow for excellent airflow, which is essential for maintaining a consistent temperature. The Egg’s temperature can be controlled by adjusting the airflow through the bottom vent and the top damper. The grill’s temperature range is between 200 and 700 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the type of cooking you want to do. The Egg’s temperature control allows users to cook a variety of items at different temperatures, making it a great tool for both professional and amateur cooks.

Quality and Price

The Big Green Egg is a high-quality product that is built to last a lifetime. The grill’s ceramic material and heavy-gauge steel finish make it durable and long-lasting. The Egg’s quality and versatility come at a price, however. The grill’s price is higher than most other grills on the market, but it is worth the investment for people who are serious about outdoor cooking. The Egg’s price varies depending on the size and accessories included, but it is generally more expensive than other grills. The Egg’s price is a reflection of its quality and versatility, and it is a great investment for anyone who loves outdoor cooking.

Conclusion

So, that’s the big green egg brand. It’s a brand of cooking equipment, most notably a type of charcoal grill, known for its versatility and ability to cook food using a variety of cooking techniques. 

I hope you’ve learned a lot about the brand and its history. So, go on and get yourself a big green egg of your own and start cooking some delicious food!

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Lakeside Smokers is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with BBQ Smoking (& Japanese food!) at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.