Let’s start with the good news. Your Big Green Egg isn’t built like an average barbecue. It is engineered to last, so replacing parts is generally not something owners need to worry about often.
In fact, many customers pass their EGGs down through generations without replacing much at all, which is one of the many reasons people become so EGG obsessed.
The Big Green Egg also comes with a robust warranty, which we’ll cover later, so you’re in safe hands if something does need attention.
The only real danger? That heart stopping moment when a ceramic part slips during a clean out – so handle those precious parts like your fine china… or your first born!
Let’s take a look at the parts that might need your attention after a few years of feasting.
Big Green Egg gasket replacement
If there’s one item that shows wear first, it’s the gasket. (That’s the felt layer that sits between the body and the dome of your EGG.)
Over time, it can flatten, fray, or start peeling away, leading to heat escaping when it really shouldn’t. Not ideal when you’re aiming for precision cooking.
A replacement every couple of years is a sensible guideline… although, between us, we’ve seen EGGs go far longer without needing one.
When the time comes, grab the correct size high-temperature gasket and set aside half an hour. It’s a straightforward DIY job - no engineering degree required.
Top tip:
Don’t stretch the gasket too tightly when fitting it. It needs a little slack to cope with heat expansion (think waistband after a big Sunday roast).
Here are the official Big Green Egg gasket replacement instructions.
- Remove the rEGGulator or the dual function metal top from the EGG. Use the wrench to loosen the nuts on the topmost black band, lift the ceramic lid off carefully and place it upside down on a protective surface. Make sure that the lid can’t fall!
- Loosen the bottom black band from the ceramic base and leave the base in place.
- Use the utility knife and/or putty knife to remove as much of the old felt from the ceramic base and ceramic lid as possible. Scrape the underlying ceramic clean using a sharp knife or putty knife and remove any residue using 80-grit sandpaper. Finally, wipe clean with a kitchen towel.
- Carefully glue/apply the (self-adhesive) felt to the rims of the ceramic base and ceramic lid. Ensure that the seams of the felt on the base and the lid are not in exactly the same place. It is better to allow the felt to overhang slightly on the outside than on the inside (where it will burn the minute you start using your EGG). Try not to glue the felt tightly but allow some slack, as it may shrink further when heated. Cut off the felt neatly at the seam.
- Re-assemble the Big Green Egg. Hold the band on the ceramic base and tighten the nuts, leaving a little slack. Place the lid carefully in the upper band and tighten the nuts, leaving a little slack here as well. Make sure the lid and the bands are perfectly straight. Carefully straighten them if necessary, then firmly tighten all the nuts.
Big Green Egg dome thermometer replacement and calibration
If your thermometer keeps misting up, it’s time to replace it. If you think the temperature reading is inaccurate, it’s worth recalibrating it first before replacing, as this may well fix the issue. Read on for recalibration instructions.
How to recalibrate a Big Green Egg thermometer:
- Prepare a pan with boiling water and a cup of water with ice cubes
- Remove the thermometer from the dome by opening up the dome and detaching it from the inside.
- Place two skewers over the pan of boiling water so they rest on top of the pan and use them to balance the thermometer above the water with the actual thermometer sticking into the water.
- Check that it reads 100 degrees. If it doesn’t, just use the adjusting nut on the back to set it to 100 degrees.
- Then hang the thermometer in the cup of iced water before returning to the boiling water. If it now reads 100 degrees it has been successfully calibrated.
Big Green Egg fire ring or fire box replacement
These ceramic workhorses are built to handle extreme heat, and we mean extreme. Under normal use, they should last for years without issue.
Occasionally, after repeated high-temperature cooks, you might notice a crack. Before you panic: this is exactly what the warranty is for.
Don’t worry the Big Green Egg ceramic parts are covered by a whopping lifetime warranty – so just give us a call, we can send out the replacement within a few days and have you fired up again in no time.
How to maintain your Big Green EGG
The EGGs are built to last and really are low maintenance – but there are a few simple steps you can take to ensure that your EGG stays looking and functioning its best for years to come.
Cover Up
The EGGS really are designed to withstand any weather, but a cover is still a great idea to protect the metal parts from rusting. We have all the shapes and sizes to accommodate whichever set up you’ve opted for.
Check your nuts and bolts
Every so often check your nuts and bolts are holding nice and tight, and tighten up if necessary.
Lube up the moving parts
A spray of WD40 on the hinge and draft door will keep everything moving smoothly.
REGGulator
We’ll level with you. Our rEGGulator is quite often pretty greasy, adorned with remnants of many delicious family cooks. However, it’s super simple to clean. You can just remove the cast iron cap by pulling it off gently, give it a little scrub in soapy water to get rid of the grime and dry with a tea towel.
The Hinge
The hinge is made of steel which means it can expand and contract with the heat meaning it sometimes needs tightening up. Give it a check, a tighten up and a spray with WD40 if necessary.
Give your EGG a spruce up
If you find yourself with nothing else to do on a sunny Sunday morning, why not give your EGG a little bath with some soapy warm water. She’ll come up looking all sparkling.
You can browse our full range of Big Green Egg accessories, including covers, tools, replacement parts and maintenance essentials to help keep your EGG looking and working like new.
Here’s a summary of the Warranty on all your EGG parts – just give us a call, we know how frustrating it is if you can’t cook al fresco, so we will always do our best to help.
Big Green Egg warranty coverage overview
Core Ceramic Components
Big Green Egg ceramic parts are covered by a limited lifetime warranty against materials and workmanship, valid for as long as the original purchaser owns the EGG.
Other Ceramic Products
The ConvEGGtor and Ceramic Baking Stone are covered by a limited three-year warranty. Damage caused by dropping or misuse is not covered.
Metal Components
Stainless steel, cast iron and other metal components (including bands, hinges, fire grate, cooking grid, rEGGulator and draft door) are covered by a limited five-year warranty.
Note: Rust, fading or cosmetic blemishes are not covered unless they result in structural failure. Exposure to chemicals, salt, or industrial fumes can affect protective coatings.
Wood Components
Wooden items such as Shelves and Tables carry a limited one-year warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship. Natural weathering, fading or surface cracks are not covered unless they compromise structural integrity.
Temperature Gauge & Gasket
Gaskets and the dome Temperature Gauge are covered by a limited one-year warranty.
Accessories
Most Big Green Egg accessories carry a limited one-year warranty, unless otherwise stated on the product page.
Chiminea
Big Green Egg branded chimineas carry a limited two-year warranty on ceramic components (residential use only). Damage from dropping, improper use or storage is not covered.
Final thoughts
The reality is, most Big Green Egg owners don’t spend much time replacing parts, they spend it cooking.
Look after your EGG, keep it clean, tighten the odd bolt, and it’ll reward you with years (if not decades) of incredible food.
And if something does need replacing? That’s what we’re here for.
For useful add-ons, tools and care essentials, read our essential Big Green Egg accessories guide.