Big Green Egg vs. Wood fired oven

[achilles007]

Hello, all.

I have been racking my brains over tis current issue. hopefully some of you guys can help me.

I am... no, scratch that... WAS looking for a grill that could fulfill my needs-- my needs WERE.

A) That it could get up to 800 degrees plus in order for me to sear steaks perfectly and bake bread, pizza, bagels-- etc.

If I make a wood-fired oven and want to put a cast iron grill in it-- will that impede wit the temperature? I would like to sear at 700 degrees-- i was wondering if this was possible with the WFO like it is with the BGE

[achilles007]

Re: Big Green Egg vs. Wood fired oven

Oops!!! wrong thread. moderator do you mind moving this to the newcomer/beginner forums?

[james]

Re: Big Green Egg vs. Wood fired oven

Done!
James

[Xabia Jim]

Re: Big Green Egg vs. Wood fired oven

I would think you can sear at 700 degrees in the wfo if that's what you want. I have not used the BGE but would think they are two different beasts.

[pwcoppard]

Re: Big Green Egg vs. Wood fired oven

I have a wood-fired oven, and my neighbour has a big green egg. We use a small Tuscan (Cast-iron) grill inside, it is about 4 inches high. i will bank the fire to the side, and rake some coals underneath. this allows us to grill at about 650. it is fabulous. Steaks have never tasted so good.

The BGE is better at low temperatures, and uses less fuel, but it is nowhere near as cool.

I would go for the oven.

[Frances]

Re: Big Green Egg vs. Wood fired oven

I would go for the oven.

...and if you want to hear any differing opinion, you'd better go look on a BGE forum...

[Ken524]

Re: Big Green Egg vs. Wood fired oven

...and if you want to hear any differing opinion, you'd better go look on a BGE forum...

THAT was funny Frances.

BGE's are really pricey. I have a Pompeii pizza oven, a gas grill for quick dinners and a low budget Weber Smokey Mountain smoker. I think it's the perfect combination for outdoor cookery. In fact, I'm going to smoke a pork shoulder and a couple of chickens Easter morning!

[70chevelle]

Re: Big Green Egg vs. Wood fired oven

I've got a large BGE and a Wood Fired Oven. You can "smoke" in a WFO, but it won't be as good as the BGE. You can cook pizza and bake bread on a BGE, it will be good, but it won't be as effective or efficient as a WFO. They both have a variety of uses, but they are best at their specialties. Help out the economy, buy a BGE and build your WFO.

[Ken524]

Re: Big Green Egg vs. Wood fired oven

Help out the economy, buy a BGE and build your WFO.

There you go! Those Eggs look pretty cool.

[james]

Re: Big Green Egg vs. Wood fired oven

Help out the economy, buy a BGE and build your WFO.

That's right. Everybody has to do their part!
James

[fatdog]

Re: Big Green Egg vs. Wood fired oven

Help out the economy, buy a BGE and build your WFO.

I agree! I have two BGEs (had to have the small to tailgate at NCSU football games) and am about to build a brick oven. As has been said before, each has its use so it would seem good to have both.

[texassourdough]

Re: Big Green Egg vs. Wood fired oven

I am late getting into this because I was in England last week but...

I would rather cook a steak on my Tuscan Grill in my WFO than on any grill I have ever experienced. And...while 750 is probably a fine temperature, I think I do mine closer to 950 to 1100. I use fresh coals and strive to have a fire IN the oven (pizza style) so the top is really hot.

I have nothing against BGEs and I understand they are very nice grills/smokers, but...I will take my approach.

Good Luck!
Jay

[Ken524]

Re: Big Green Egg vs. Wood fired oven

Sourdough,

I received a Tuscan Grill as a gift and haven't tried it yet. We want to do steaks with it. It appears to be unseasoned cast-iron. Do I need to season it? Is it ready to cook with? I thought about seasoning, but it seems like 800+ degrees would obliterate any seasoning.

[achilles007]

Re: Big Green Egg vs. Wood fired oven

THIS is perfect, guys! thanks.

So a good smoker to smoke, and the WFO basically does everything else. Perfect guys! thanks!

[achilles007]

Re: Big Green Egg vs. Wood fired oven

Now if only there was a way to speed up the heating process. lol