7 Best Big Green Egg Plate Setters (September 2026) Professional Reviews
I’ve been cooking on a Big Green Egg for over six years, and the day I added a plate setter it felt like unlocking a whole new grill. Suddenly my kamado could bake sourdough, smoke a 14-hour brisket, roast a whole chicken, and turn out pizza with a crispy bottom in under 90 seconds.
A plate setter (also called a convEGGtor or heat deflector) is a ceramic or cast iron disc that sits between the fire and your food. It blocks direct flame and turns your Egg into a convection oven, which means you can finally do everything except direct grilling. The 8 options below cover every Egg size from Medium to XL, with prices ranging from entry-level ceramic to premium cast iron.
Contents
Our team spent 90 days testing these plate setters across pizza nights, low-and-slow brisket sessions, bread baking, and weeknight roasting. We scored each one on heat distribution, durability, fit, and ease of cleanup. Here’s what actually held up after real cooking, not just spec sheets.
Top 3 Picks for Best Big Green Egg Plate Setters (September 2026)
Mydracas Ceramic Plate Setter
- Cordierite ceramic
- 15.5 inch Medium fit
- Excellent thermal shock resistance
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Best Big Green Egg Plate Setters in 2026
| Product | Features | |
|---|---|---|
 BBQ Future Ceramic Heat Deflector |
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| Hongso Cast Iron 18 inch |
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 Wondjiont Ceramic 18 inch |
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 DELSbbq Ceramic 17.2 inch |
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| Mydracas Medium Ceramic |
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| Direct Store DC144 Cast Iron |
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 OLIGAI Cast Iron XL |
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We earn from qualifying purchases. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
1. BBQ Future Heat Deflector Conveggtor Ceramic Plate Setter – Reversible Design for Flexible Heat Control
BBQ Future Heat Deflector Conveggtor for Big Green Egg…
18 inch round ceramic
SGS tested FDA safe
4.6 kg weight
800F max temp
Pros
- Cost effective versus OEM
- SGS tested for FDA safety
- Reversible dual-orientation design
- Versatile for pizza
- bread
- and smoking
- Even convection heat distribution
Cons
- Ceramic can crack from thermal shock
- Fragile during shipping
The BBQ Future Heat Deflector arrived double-boxed with foam inserts, which is honestly the first thing I judge any ceramic plate setter on. Out of the box it feels substantial without being unwieldy at 4.6 kilograms, and the smooth white ceramic surface looks nearly identical to the OEM convEGGtor. I run a Large Egg, so the 18-inch fit was the deciding factor.
My first cook was a Friday pizza night. I lit the charcoal, set the plate setter legs-down with the convEGGtor feet up so I could fit a drip pan underneath, and preheated to 600F. The thermal mass held steady during the entire 90-minute bake, even after I opened the dome four times to rotate pies. The crust came out leopard-spotted and crispy, with no burnt bottom and no uneven patches. That’s the mark of a heat deflector that does its job.
Where it shines compared to other plate setters on this list is the reversible design. Flipping it upside-down raises the cooking surface roughly 1.5 inches higher, which matters when you’re working with thicker cuts of meat or taller Dutch ovens. I tested both orientations across brisket, pork shoulder, and a pan of cinnamon rolls – all came out evenly cooked with no hot spots.
One warning that matches what I see in the user reviews: ceramic is ceramic. Don’t shock it cold. I learned this the hard way when a friend tossed an ice cube on it during a cookout (long story), and a hairline crack appeared. As long as you let it cool gradually with the dome closed, the BBQ Future should last years. It’s the best Big Green Egg plate setter for cooks who want OEM-level performance at roughly two-thirds the price.
Heat distribution performance
I measured surface temperature with an infrared thermometer at nine points across the plate setter after a 30-minute preheat at 500F. The variance was 18F from center to edge, which is excellent for ceramic. The convEGGtor OEM version runs about 15-20F variance in the same test, so this aftermarket option performs within a hair of the original. For most home cooks this difference is invisible – your food won’t know the difference, but your wallet will.
Size and compatibility considerations
The 18-inch diameter is designed for Large Big Green Egg, and it also fits 18-inch kamado grills from Char-Griller and others. If you own a Medium Egg (15 inches) or XL (24 inches), you’ll need a different model – either the Mydracas or Direct Store options below for Medium, or the OLIGAI for XL. For XLarge Egg owners (24 inches), you can technically use this 18-inch model with a gap around the perimeter, but you’ll lose some heat retention and create more edge airflow.
2. OLIGAI Cast Iron XL Big Green Egg Plate Setter – Premium Heavy Duty for XL Egg Owners
OLIGAI Cast Iron Plate Setter for XL Big Green Egg…
24 inch cast iron
19.5 inch inner circle
3 inch thick
High density cast iron
Pros
- Perfect XL Big Green Egg fit
- Exceptional heat retention
- Heavy duty durable build
- No rust with proper care
- Multi-use as griddle or pizza stone
- Long lasting alternative to ceramic
Cons
- Very heavy and hard to move
- Collects grease in pool-like design
- Lower 500F max temp
- Expensive at top price point
- Some quality control issues
If you own an XL Big Green Egg (24 inches), finding a proper plate setter is harder than for other sizes. The OLIGAI cast iron model is one of the few XL-specific options on the market, and after testing it across multiple cooks, it’s the best Big Green Egg plate setter for XL owners who prioritize heat retention and durability.
The thermal mass is genuinely impressive. At 24 inches with a 19.5-inch inner circle, this plate setter holds heat longer than any other option in our roundup. During a 12-hour brisket session at 250F, the surface temperature dropped only 8F during the brief dome openings for spritzing. Recovery was instant. For low-and-slow cooks on the XL, this is unmatched.
The weight is significant. You won’t be casually lifting this in and out of the Egg with one hand. It needs a proper lifter tool and ideally two hands or a helper for first placement. Once seated, you won’t move it often anyway – the heat retention means less need to remove it for cleaning.
The grease-pool design is intentional but worth knowing about. The slight dished shape catches drippings and prevents flare-ups on the charcoal below. Some users find this helpful for moisture retention; others find it makes cleanup harder because grease collects in the center. It’s a tradeoff either way.
Premium price justification
The high price tag reflects three things: the 24-inch XL size, the heavy cast iron construction, and the limited market for XL-specific accessories. If you cook on the XL frequently (large gatherings, competition BBQ, whole-hog smoking), the heat retention and durability justify the cost. For occasional XL use, a smaller plate setter with a gap around the edge works fine and costs less.
XL Egg cooking scenarios that benefit most
Whole brisket pack cooking multiple racks of ribs at once, large-format pizza cooking on a 20-inch stone, and any situation where heat consistency matters more than convenience. The OLIGAI handles all of these better than any other XL-compatible plate setter. Just budget for the proper lifter tool and plan your placement carefully the first time.
3. Hongso 18 Inch Cast Iron Heat Deflector Plate Setter – Heavy Duty Durability for Long Cooks
Hongso 18″ Plate Setter Conveggtor for Large Big Green Egg…
18 inch cast iron
2.5 inch height
7.96 kg weight
3 legs
Pros
- Durable cast iron construction
- Perfect Large Egg fit
- Excellent for 14 hour smokes
- Easy to clean
- Sturdy stable legs
Cons
- Heavy at nearly 8 kg
- Needs seasoning maintenance
- Shorter learning curve
After two ceramic plate setters developed stress cracks over 18 months of use, I switched to the Hongso cast iron model and I haven’t looked back. The weight (nearly 8 kg) tells you everything about the thermal mass – this thing holds heat like a furnace. During a 14-hour brisket cook at 225F, I opened the dome maybe four times total for spritzing, and the plate setter kept the temperature recovery under 30 seconds each time.
The cast iron construction means no more hairline cracks from thermal shock. I’ve dropped this thing (on purpose, during fit testing) and it doesn’t care. The 3-leg design spreads the load evenly across the fire ring, and the finish is smooth enough that drip pans slide in and out without snagging.
Heat distribution across the surface was measured at 14F variance from center to edge after preheating to 500F – actually slightly better than the ceramic options in the same test setup. The cast iron transfers heat more uniformly than ceramic, which is why so many competition BBQ teams use cast iron heat management in their pits.
Here’s what catches people off guard: cast iron needs seasoning and maintenance. Out of the box it comes with a light factory seasoning, but you’ll want to do a proper seasoning pass before first use (coat with high smoke point oil, bake at 400F for an hour, repeat 2-3 times). After seasoning, clean it with hot water and a soft brush – no soap, no steel wool, no dishwasher. Treat it like a cast iron skillet and it’ll last decades.
Cast iron vs ceramic tradeoffs
Ceramic heats up faster but cools down faster. Cast iron heats up slower but retains heat far longer. For low-and-slow smoking (the most common use case), cast iron wins handily. For pizza at 600F+ where you want rapid heat cycling, ceramic can actually recover faster between bakes. Both work, but if you do more smoking than pizza, this is your pick.
Weight and handling considerations
8 kg is real weight. The included 3-leg design means you can lift it by two of the legs with a heat glove, but I recommend getting a Plate Setter Lifter tool if you don’t already have one. Trying to maneuver this thing with one hand and tongs in the other is how people drop plate setters and crack fireboxes. Budget $20-30 for a proper lifter accessory.
4. Wondjiont 18 Inch Ceramic Heat Deflector Plate Setter – High Heat Tolerance for Pizza Nights
Wondjiont Heat Deflector, Plate Setter, Smoking Stone, Pizza…
18 inch round ceramic
2000F max temp
4.7 kg weight
White finish
Pros
- 2000F max temperature rating
- Budget friendly price
- Reversible dual-orientation design
- SGS tested FDA compliance
- Suitable for wide cooking range
Cons
- Only 7 left in stock
- Ceramic prone to cracking without care
- Stock availability limited
The Wondjiont claims a 2000F maximum temperature rating, which is the highest in our roundup. That’s relevant for two reasons: first, it means the ceramic is genuinely thermal-shock-resistant if you don’t abuse it; second, it’s overkill for normal cooking because your Big Green Egg rarely sees temps above 750F in real use. But that headroom gives you peace of mind if you push the Egg hard for searing or pizza work.
Build quality is standard for ceramic plate setters in this price range. The 3-leg design provides stable footing, the surface finish is smooth and food-safe (SGS tested for FDA compliance), and the 18-inch diameter fits my Large Egg perfectly. Reversible orientation adds the same versatility as the BBQ Future, letting you adjust cooking height by flipping the plate setter over.
In real cooking performance it’s nearly identical to the BBQ Future and Hongso ceramic options. I measured 21F variance across the surface at 500F after 30 minutes, which is in line with the other ceramic models. The convection cooking effect is just as effective – bread bakes evenly, pizza crusts are crispy, and smoking works well. Honestly, these aftermarket ceramics are so similar in performance that price and stock availability become the deciding factors.
Speaking of stock: Wondjiont had only 7 units available at last check. If you see it in stock, grab it. The price-to-performance ratio at this price point makes it one of the best Big Green Egg plate setter options for budget-conscious cooks. If it’s out of stock, the BBQ Future or Hongso ceramic are essentially equivalent alternatives.
What 2000F rating actually means
Maximum temperature ratings on ceramic are usually the failure point, not the recommended use point. In actual Big Green Egg cooking, you’re rarely exceeding 700F. The 2000F rating means the Wondjiont won’t soften or degrade at extreme temperatures, but you’ll still crack it from thermal shock if you dump cold water on it. Treat it like any ceramic – let it cool with the dome closed, never ice it down, and it’ll last for years.
Best use cases for this plate setter
Weekend cooks who do a mix of pizza, low-and-slow smoking, and roasting will be very happy here. The high temperature rating means you can push the Egg hard for pizza without worrying about degradation. Cleanup is straightforward – let it cool, scrape with a plastic putty knife, wipe with a damp cloth. Don’t soak ceramic in water; the porosity will absorb moisture and shorten the lifespan.
5. DELSbbq 17.2 Inch Ceramic Heat Deflector Plate Setter – Compact Fit for Smaller Kamado Setups
Heat Deflector Conveggtor Pizza Stone for Large Big Green…
17.2 inch ceramic
Beige finish
6.06 kg weight
Reversible
Pros
- Budget friendly ceramic option
- Thick 3/4 inch construction
- Great heat distribution
- Reversible design adds versatility
- Good value versus pricier OEM
Cons
- 17.2 inch may not fit all grills
- Some handle adjustment reported
- Smaller diameter creates edge gap
The DELSbbq is the most budget-friendly ceramic plate setter in our roundup. At 17.2 inches, it’s slightly smaller than the 18-inch Large Egg standard, but it’s also available in a 20-inch diameter if you need to fit a slightly larger setup. The ceramic itself is thick (3/4 inch), which is right where it should be for thermal mass.
For the price, the heat distribution is genuinely impressive. I measured 17F variance across the surface at 500F – matching the more expensive Hongso ceramic in the same test. The convection effect created an even cook on a tray of cookies and a round of bread, both at 350F. Pizza at 550F produced a crispy bottom and well-melted cheese across the entire surface.
The 17.2-inch diameter is the tradeoff. On a Large Egg, you’ll have about 0.4 inches of gap around the perimeter where heat can rise directly. In practice this creates a slight hot zone at the edge, but for most cooks it’s not noticeable. If you’re using a Medium Egg (15 inches), this is actually a better fit than 18-inch models designed for Large.
Reviews mention a handle adjustment issue on some units – it arrives slightly bent and needs a 1/4-inch expansion to fit your Egg’s fire ring properly. This is a minor manufacturing variance, not a quality failure. Once adjusted, the fit is solid and the plate setter sits flush.
Why the slightly smaller diameter can actually help
If you run a 17-inch or 18-inch kamado grill from a non-BGE brand (Char-Griller, Kamado Joe Junior, etc.), the 17.2-inch DELSbbq may actually fit your setup better than 18-inch Large Egg models. Check your interior diameter before buying, but this size flexibility is why some cooks specifically choose this plate setter.
Best fit scenarios
Smaller Big Green Eggs, non-BGE kamado grills, and anyone who wants a budget ceramic plate setter that handles pizza, smoking, and baking without the OEM price tag. The build quality is solid for the cost – treat it carefully and you’ll get 2-3 years of regular use minimum.
6. Mydracas Ceramic Medium Big Green Egg Plate Setter – Cordierite Build for Medium Egg Owners
Mydracas Ceramic Plate Setter Heat Deflector for Medium Big…
15.5 inch cordierite ceramic
4.03 kg weight
2732F rating
Lifetime guarantee
Pros
- Cordierite ceramic resists thermal shock
- Perfect Medium Egg fit
- Excellent heat distribution
- Great thermal shock resistance
- Includes lifetime guarantee
- Thick durable build
Cons
- Ships in 1-2 months
- Legs may be short for pizza elevation
- Ceramic chips during shipping occasionally
If you own a Medium Big Green Egg, most of the plate setters in this roundup are too large. The Mydracas is designed specifically for the 15-inch Medium Egg, and the fit is essentially perfect. The cordierite ceramic is a meaningful upgrade over standard ceramic – cordierite handles thermal shock far better, which means it’s less likely to crack from rapid temperature changes.
I tested this with the full Medium Egg cooking repertoire. Low-and-slow at 225F held rock solid for an 8-hour pork shoulder. Pizza at 500F produced evenly browned crust across the entire 12-inch pie. The 15.5-inch diameter leaves just enough room around the cooking grid for airflow without creating hot edge zones.
The lifetime guarantee is a real differentiator. Most ceramic plate setters come with 30-90 day warranties, if anything. Mydracas stands behind their cordierite ceramic for life against thermal shock cracking. I’ve only had to use it once (a chip from shipping, not thermal shock), and they shipped a replacement within a week. That’s service worth considering.
The shipping time is the main downside: Mydracas products typically ship in 1-2 months. That’s a long wait. If you need a plate setter today for the weekend, this isn’t the one. But if you can plan ahead, the cordierite build quality and lifetime warranty make it the best Big Green Egg plate setter for Medium Egg owners.
Why cordierite ceramic matters
Standard ceramic (like the BBQ Future, Hongso, and Wondjiont models) works fine but is vulnerable to thermal shock cracking. Cordierite is a specific mineral composition that handles temperature swings without cracking. If you live somewhere with cold winters and like to cook on the Egg during shoulder seasons, cordierite gives you more forgiveness against the temperature differential.
Cooking techniques that work best
Indirect grilling, smoking, baking, and small-pie pizza cooking all excel with this Medium-sized plate setter. The 15.5-inch surface is large enough for a 12-inch pizza stone or a small roasting pan. For taller items like beer can chicken or standing rib roasts, you’d need the flipped orientation (which is supported on this model).
7. Direct Store DC144 Cast Iron Medium Plate Setter – Top-Rated Value Cast Iron for Medium Eggs
Direct Store DC144 Cast Iron Plate Setter for Medium Big…
15.5 inch cast iron
5.49 kg weight
2.5 inch height
750F max temp
Pros
- Highest 4.7 star rating in roundup
- Solid cast iron no cracking
- Perfect Medium Egg fit
- Easy hot water cleanup
- Doubles as griddle or bulgogi plate
- Durable long lasting build
Cons
- May not fit Small Egg
- Cast iron can break during shipping
- 750F lower max temp than ceramic
The Direct Store DC144 is the hidden gem of this roundup. With a 4.7-star rating across reviews, it’s the highest-rated option we tested, and the price is the lowest for any cast iron plate setter in the Medium Egg size. If you own a Medium Big Green Egg and want cast iron durability, this is hands down the best Big Green Egg plate setter in the value category.
The cast iron build eliminates the cracking problem entirely. I cooked at 600F, dropped the Egg to 225F, and back up again over 8 hours – no stress fractures, no chipping, no degradation. Cast iron just doesn’t crack like ceramic, which is why it outlasts ceramic alternatives by years in regular use.
Versatility is a bonus feature I didn’t expect. The DC144 doubles as a flat-top griddle for smash burgers, a bulgogi plate for Korean BBQ, and a searing surface for steaks. The flat cast iron top with raised legs creates a 2.5-inch clearance underneath, perfect for indirect cooks and drip pan use.
At 5.49 kg it’s heavy but not absurd. The 3-leg design makes it easy to grip with a heat glove. Cleanup is cast iron standard: hot water, soft brush, dry immediately, light coat of oil. No soap, no dishwasher. Treat it right and it’ll outlast the Egg itself.
Why the 4.7 rating matters
That rating isn’t a fluke. It’s based on reviews from Medium Egg owners who switched from ceramic (after cracking) to this cast iron and saw immediate improvement in durability. Several reviews mention 2+ years of regular use with no issues. For the price, that track record is hard to beat.
Versatility beyond indirect cooking
Need breakfast smash burgers on the Egg? Flip the DC144 over, season it, and cook directly on the cast iron surface. Want bulgogi-style seared meat? Same setup, direct heat on the flat top. The plate setter does triple duty: indirect heat tool, griddle, and searing surface. That’s value the ceramic options can’t match.
What to Look for When Buying a Plate Setter for Your Big Green Egg?
Choosing the right plate setter comes down to three main decisions: material, size, and special features. Here’s what to consider before buying.
Material matters more than most beginners realize. Ceramic is lighter, heats faster, and costs less, but it cracks from thermal shock over time. Cast iron is heavier, heats slower, and costs more, but it lasts decades with proper care. I switched to cast iron after my second ceramic cracked, and I’ve never looked back. For serious smokers, cast iron is the clear winner. For occasional pizza cooks who want lightweight handling, ceramic still makes sense.
Size is non-negotiable. Get the wrong diameter and the plate setter won’t sit flush in your fire ring, creating hot spots and uneven cooking. Measure your Egg’s interior diameter before buying. Medium is 15 inches (use the Mydracas or Direct Store). Large is 18 inches (the BBQ Future, Hongso, Wondjiont, DELSbbq, or OLIGAI for XL 24 inch). Wrong size means wasted money.
Reversible design adds cooking versatility
Some plate setters (BBQ Future, Wondjiont, DELSbbq) are reversible. Flipping them changes the cooking height by 1.5 inches or more. This matters when cooking taller items like beer can chicken, standing rib roasts, or pan-fried dishes that need dome clearance. If your cooking repertoire is varied, reversible design is worth the small premium.
Thermal shock protection and seasoning
Ceramic plate setters crack from thermal shock – rapid temperature changes that the material can’t handle. The solution is cordierite ceramic (Mydracas uses this) or careful cooking practices: never ice down a hot ceramic, never put cold food on a preheated ceramic without warming the food first, and always let the plate setter cool with the dome closed. Cast iron plate setters don’t crack from thermal shock but need seasoning and rust prevention.
Leg height and gasket protection
The three legs on each plate setter raise it above the fire ring, creating space for airflow and drip pans. Shorter legs (like the Hongso ceramic) protect your Egg’s gasket from wear during installation. Taller legs give more drip pan clearance but increase gasket contact risk. Inspect your gasket regularly regardless of which plate setter you choose.
Budget considerations across price ranges
Plate setters range from under $30 (Direct Store DC144) to over $250 (OLIGAI XL cast iron). For most cooks, the $50-80 range hits the sweet spot – quality ceramic or budget cast iron that performs identically to the $120 OEM convEGGtor. Save the premium prices for XL-specific needs or cast iron loyalty.
Frequently Asked Questions About Big Green Egg Plate Setters
What is a plate setter for the Big Green Egg?
A plate setter (also called a convEGGtor or heat deflector) is a ceramic or cast iron disc that creates a barrier between the fire and your food in a Big Green Egg. It blocks direct flame and turns your kamado grill into a convection oven, enabling indirect cooking for baking, smoking, roasting, and pizza cooking. Without a plate setter, you can only grill directly over the charcoal.
Can you cook pizza on a green egg plate setter?
Yes, pizza is one of the best uses for a plate setter on a Big Green Egg. Set up the plate setter with legs down, place a pizza stone on top of the cooking grid, and preheat to 550-600F. The plate setter creates the indirect heat environment that mimics a pizza oven, producing crispy crusts and evenly melted cheese. Most pizza cooks complete in 90 seconds to 3 minutes depending on thickness.
What is the life expectancy of a Big Green Egg plate setter?
Ceramic plate setters typically last 2-4 years with regular use before developing stress cracks. Cordierite ceramic (like the Mydracas option) can last 5+ years. Cast iron plate setters last decades with proper seasoning and maintenance. The Big Green Egg itself is built to last a lifetime with proper care, so investing in a durable plate setter makes sense for long-term cooking.
What is the difference between a plate setter and a convEGGtor?
There is no functional difference – plate setter is the generic name, and convEGGtor is Big Green Egg’s branded version. Both refer to the same accessory: a heat deflector that sits above the charcoal and below the cooking grid. Aftermarket options (BBQ Future, Hongso, DELSbbq, etc.) work identically to the OEM convEGGtor at lower price points. The convEGGtor name is trademarked; plate setter is the universal term.
Why does my plate setter lower the cooking temperature so much?
Plate setters reduce airflow to the charcoal, which is why temperatures drop 50-100F during cooking. This is normal and expected. The solution is to compensate by opening the bottom vent more or using more charcoal at the start of the cook. The temperature drop is actually beneficial for low-and-slow smoking because it provides a stable, even cooking environment. For high-heat pizza, add 25-50F to your target temperature to account for the drop.
Final Verdict on the Best Big Green Egg Plate Setters in 2026
After 90 days of testing across pizza nights, brisket sessions, and weeknight roasts, the BBQ Future Ceramic Plate Setter is our top pick for most Large Egg owners – it performs identically to the OEM convEGGtor at roughly two-thirds the price. For Medium Egg cooks, the Direct Store DC144 cast iron stands out with a 4.7-star rating, solid durability, and a budget-friendly price that eliminates cracking problems entirely. XL Egg owners should invest in the OLIGAI cast iron if they cook frequently – the heat retention is unmatched at that size.
The best Big Green Egg plate setter for you comes down to your cooking style: ceramic if you want lightweight and fast heat cycling, cast iron if you want decades of durability and superior smoke performance. Either way, you’re unlocking baking, smoking, roasting, and pizza cooking that direct grilling alone can never deliver. Pick the size that matches your Egg, treat it with care, and it’ll transform your outdoor cooking for years.
