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Product Description

Recommended for Large Big Green Egg, Kamado Joe Classic and Other Large Kamado Grills

Our 16-inch stainless steel drip pan is the ideal size for many large-class kamado setups, including the Large Big Green Egg, Kamado Joe Classic, and other grills using 15"–16" ceramic heat deflectors.

From our 20+ years specializing in ceramic cooking systems, we’ve found the 16" drip pan provides an excellent balance of grease-catching coverage while maintaining proper airflow in large kamado setups.

Why This Size Works

  • Excellent coverage for Large-size kamado deflector setups
  • Protects ceramic heat deflectors from grease and drippings
  • Reusable stainless steel built for repeated cooks
  • Works with CGS rack systems and many OEM accessories
  • Provides maximum coverage inside the Large EGG ConvEGGtor
  • Helps reduce burnt grease odors during long cooks

Why Use a Drip Pan in a Kamado?

Ceramic heat deflectors absorb grease and moisture over time. During long cooks, trapped drippings can create unpleasant odors and add mess to your setup.

Placing a 16" stainless drip pan above the deflector helps:

  • Protect the deflector — keeps grease off ceramic surfaces
  • Promote cleaner cooks — reduces burnt drippings and smoke odors
  • Simplify cleanup — stainless is reusable and easy to foil-line

Will It Fit My Kamado?

A 16" drip pan is commonly used in large kamado grills with an 18" cooking grid. It provides excellent grease capture while still leaving room around the edges for proper airflow.

This pan is commonly used above the firebox in:

  • Large Big Green Egg
  • Kamado Joe Classic
  • Primo Large Round

Although some deflectors may be slightly smaller or larger, the 16" diameter typically provides the best combination of grease coverage and airflow for Large-class kamado setups.

16" is commonly used with these rack systems:

  • CGS Large PSWoo & Woo
  • CGS Large Adjustable Rig
  • Large Big Green Egg ConvEGGtor
  • Classic Kamado Joe Divide & Conquer
  • Primo Round Deflector Rack
  • CGS Pit Boss 24 Woo
  • CGS Louisiana Grills 24 Woo

If your setup is not listed, use these quick checks:

  • Match deflector size — best match for your deflector and rack
  • Check vertical clearance — confirm enough space between the grid and deflector
  • Maintain airflow — leave room around the pan edges

See the Specs section below for exact dimensions.


Benefits of the Tapered Edge

When paired with smaller deflectors such as the Large EGG ConvEGGtor or Kamado Joe Classic half-moon deflectors, the tapered sidewall becomes an advantage.

The bottom of the tapered 16" pan is approximately 14", which helps keep the pan base over the deflector while the wider upper rim catches drippings above.

The tapered sides also help guide rising heat outward, which can improve indirect coverage under longer cuts of meat like ribs or brisket.

In short, the deflector protects the base of the pan, the tapered sides help move heat outward, and the 16" rim provides broad drip coverage up top.


Benefits of an Air Gap

Adding a small air gap between the deflector and drip pan helps reduce heat transfer. CGS Ceramic Spacers are an easy way to create this gap.

Classic Kamado Joe Divide and Conquer setup showing ceramic spacers creating an air gap between half moon deflectors and drip pan Large Big Green Egg ConvEGGtor setup using ceramic spacers to create air gap between deflector and 16 inch drip pan

The air gap allows heat to circulate under the pan, helping reduce burnt drippings and the off-odors they can create during long cooks.

CGS offers three sizes of Ceramic Spacers. The 1" and 2" spacers provide dual setup options and can also be placed on their sides.

Measure the space between your deflector and cooking grid to determine which spacer height works best for your setup.

Adjustable Rig users: the Adjustable Rig naturally creates spacing between the deflector and drip pan. Slide Guides or Crossbars can be used to position the pan where desired.

Large Big Green Egg using Ceramic Grill Store's Adjustable Rig to elevate a 16 inch drip pan above the half moon deflector stones and just below the cooking grid.
Large Big Green Egg Adjustable Rig setup using a raised 16 inch drip pan above the deflectors for a double indirect cook

An air gap can help reduce heat transfer and minimize burnt drippings.


How to Use

  • Line with foil — double-layer foil makes cleanup easier
  • Extend coverage — flare foil slightly beyond the pan edge if needed
  • Placement — set directly on the deflector or elevate using spacers

Tip: Crimp the foil around the rim and flare it outward about 1 inch past the edge to catch extra drippings without restricting airflow.


Should You Add Liquid to the Drip Pan?

Most kamado cooks do not require liquid in the drip pan. Kamado grills naturally retain moisture, and adding liquid can increase humidity and reduce bark formation on meat. And the bark is the best part.


Why Stainless Steel over Aluminum?

Unlike disposable aluminum pans, a stainless drip pan is rigid, holds its shape, and can be reused cook after cook.

  • Durable — stainless handles repeated cooks without warping
  • Rigid — easier to handle than disposable pans
  • Reusable — designed for long-term use

It also provides a sturdy surface for foil lining during longer BBQ sessions.


FAQs

Will a 16" drip pan fit my Large Big Green Egg?

Yes. A 16" drip pan is an ideal size for above the fire ring in the Large Big Green Egg, providing excellent grease capture while maintaining airflow.

Will a 16" drip pan fit my Classic Kamado Joe?

Yes. A 16" drip pan is an ideal size for above the firebox in Classic I, II, and III Kamado Joe grills.

Can this pan be used with other kamado grills?

Yes. Many kamado grills with 18" cooking grids use a 16" drip pan, including the Primo Large Round, Pit Boss 24, and Louisiana Grills 24.

Should liquid be added to the drip pan?

Typically no. Kamado grills already retain moisture, and adding liquid can reduce bark formation during long cooks.

My pan turned dark after cooking. Is that normal?

Yes. Stainless drip pans will heat-tarnish over time. The discoloration does not affect performance and is simply a sign of many great cooks.


16" Drip Pan Specifications

  • Diameter: 16"
  • Sidewall: 1" tapered side
  • Edge: Rolled rim for strength
  • Material: 200 series stainless steel
  • Finish: Heat-tarnishes with use (foil recommended)

Final Thought on the Drip Pan

There is no need to spend extra on a 304 stainless drip pan. Drip pans naturally darken with heat and smoke, so higher-grade stainless provides little practical benefit.

This is one place you can save money without sacrificing performance.

If this guide helped, we appreciate you supporting Ceramic Grill Store — it helps us continue producing practical information for ceramic grill owners.


Brand Compatibility & Product Engineering

Ceramic Grill Store is an independent manufacturer and retailer of kamado grill accessories. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by Big Green Egg, Inc. or Kamado Joe Company.

“Big Green Egg,” “EGG,” “ConvEGGtor,” and “EGGspander” are trademarks of Big Green Egg, Inc. “Kamado Joe” and “Divide & Conquer” are trademarks of Kamado Joe Company. All trademarks are used solely to describe compatibility.

Since 2005, CGS has led innovation in kamado grill accessories. Our premium accessories are independently engineered for compatibility with select kamado grills.