XL Big Green EGG Fixed Grid & Expander Guide
Understanding Fixed Grid Rack Systems
Getting the most out of your XL Big Green EGG starts with making better use of the 3 to 4 inches of vertical space between the fire ring and the top of the ceramic base (felt line). A fixed-grid expander puts this space to work, raising the cooking grid while creating room below for heat deflectors, drip pans, and other cooking accessories.
For the XL EGG, there are two options: the CGS XL Woo and the Big Green EGG Dual-Zone System (formerly the EGGspander). Both use a similar two-ring design that sits directly on the fire ring. The upper ring raises the XL cooking grid near the felt line, while the lower ring supports half-moon heat deflectors, drip pans, cooking grids, or specialty accessories like a wok.
Both expanders also serve as a foundation for adding a second cooking level. Depending on the rack and accessories you choose, you can increase cooking capacity and create different cooking configurations. We'll cover those options in more detail in the Multi-Rack section.
What Makes a Good Grid Expander?
Although the XL Woo and Dual-Zone System share a similar design, there are important details to consider when choosing an expander. Stability, handling, component support, and the ability to expand your cooking setup all affect how practical the system will be over time.
Based on our experience cooking with and developing rack systems for ceramic grills, here are seven considerations worth understanding before making your choice.
1. Stable Support
Everything starts with a stable foundation. Three properly positioned legs or a continuous lower ring allow the expander to sit flat on the fire ring without wobbling.
Structural strength is equally important. Heavy-gauge stainless steel and quality welds help the rack support the weight of cooking grids, heat deflectors, and large cuts of meat.
2. Easy Handling
Built-in handles make it easier to lift the expander in and out of the EGG, especially when changing cooking setups, removing heat deflectors, or accessing the charcoal during a cook.
It's a simple feature, but one you'll appreciate when handling a rack loaded with cooking accessories. You shouldn't have to awkwardly remove the cooking grid just to handle the expander.
3. Full-Size Cooking Grid Support
The upper ring should be large enough to securely support the XL cooking grid. For everyday grilling and smoking, we prefer one full-size cooking grid over two half-moon grids. It's easier to manage and provides a solid continuous cooking surface.
Keep in mind that creating direct and indirect cooking zones doesn't necessarily require half-moon cooking grids. A full-size grid paired with a half-moon heat deflector below can accomplish the same goal.
4. Flexible Heat Deflector Support
The lower ring should accommodate different heat deflector sizes, giving you more options when setting up for indirect cooking.
Bigger isn't always better when it comes to heat deflectors. The goal is to provide enough protection for the food while maintaining good airflow around the ceramic stone. We've found that an 18-inch deflector comfortably handles briskets, multiple pork butts & ribs while maintaining excellent airflow through the XL EGG.
5. Drip Pan Clearance
Another advantage of raising the cooking grid is creating room for a drip pan between the heat deflector and the food. A well-designed expander should provide enough clearance for the pan without crowding the cooking setup.
When space allows, we also recommend using spacers to elevate the drip pan slightly above the hot ceramic stone. This reduces direct heat transfer to the drippings and makes cleanup easier.
6. Room to Expand Your Cooking Capabilities
While raised-grid cooking may be your immediate goal, a good expander should also provide a foundation for additional cooking configurations as your needs change.
Depending on the rack system and compatible accessories, these options can include:
- Second-Level Cooking: Add cooking grids to increase usable cooking space.
- Dual-Zone Cooking: Create direct and indirect cooking areas during the same cook.
- Double-Indirect Cooking: Use multiple heat barriers for additional protection from direct radiant heat during low-and-slow cooks.
- Specialty Cooking: Support woks and other cooking surfaces for specialized setups.
Not every configuration requires the same accessories, which is why it's worth considering how you expect to use the XL EGG before investing in additional components.
7. Choosing Practical Split-Zone Setups
Having the ability to create different cooking configurations is useful, but not every arrangement is equally practical. One example is split-level grilling with half-moon grids positioned on both the upper and lower rings of an XL expander.
Although this arrangement is possible, it isn't our preferred approach. The lower half-moon grid moves the cooking area away from the center of the charcoal fire, where temperatures tend to be most consistent. Reaching over the upper ring to flip or move food on the lower grid can also be awkward.
For a more practical dual-zone setup, we prefer placing a full-size cooking grid directly on the fire ring for high-heat grilling, then adding a second-level rack with a half-moon grid positioned toward the back. This keeps the lower cooking surface open and centered over the charcoal while providing an elevated cooking area toward the rear of the dome.
Choosing Between the XL Woo and Dual-Zone
Both the CGS XL Woo and Big Green EGG Dual-Zone System offer a practical foundation for raised-grid cooking, indirect setups, and additional cooking levels. The better choice comes down to the components you plan to use and how you want to expand your cooking capabilities.
While the two systems look remarkably similar, there's some history worth knowing. The CGS Woo came first. Developed by Ceramic Grill Store as an early solution for raised-grid cooking, the Woo helped establish the simple two-ring expander concept that has become a familiar part of ceramic grilling.
With either system, we recommend starting with the cooking configurations you'll use most often, then selecting compatible accessories as your needs grow. You don't need every option on day one, but choosing the right foundation now can help you avoid replacing components later.