18-Inch Stainless Drip Pan for Kamado Grills

Recommended for XL Big Green Egg, Kamado Joe Big Joe and Other XL Kamado Grills

Our 18-inch stainless steel drip pan is the ideal size for many XL-class kamado setups, including the XL Big Green Egg, Kamado Joe Big Joe, and other grills using 18"–20" ceramic heat deflectors.

From our over 20 years specializing in ceramic cooking systems, we’ve found using a drip pan results in cleaner cooks, protected ceramic deflectors, and easier cleanup after long BBQ sessions.

Why This Size Works

• Ideal coverage for XL-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
• 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 burn, create unpleasant odors, and add mess to your setup.

Placing an 18" stainless drip pan above the deflector helps:

• Protect the deflector — keeps grease off ceramic surfaces
• Promote cleaner cooks — reduces burnt-on drippings and off-odors
• Simplify cleanup — line the pan with foil and toss the foil after the cook

Typical placement above the deflector for grease control while preserving airflow.

Will It Fit My Kamado?

An 18" drip pan is commonly used in these xl kamado grills:

• XL Big Green EGG
• Kamado Joe Big Joe
• Weber Summit Kamado
• Louisiana Grills 24 — above firebox
• Pit Boss 24 — above firebox

Although these grills can use larger ceramic deflectors, an 18" drip pan is typically the ideal size because it catches grease well without overly restricting airflow.

This size is also commonly used with rack systems such as:

• CGS XL Woo
• CGS XL Adjustable Rig
• XL Big Green EGG ConvEGGtor & EGGspander
• Kamado Joe Big Joe Divide & Conquer System
• Louisiana Grills K24 Adjustable Rig
• Pit Boss 24 Adjustable Rig

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

• Match sizes — choose a pan that matches or is slightly smaller than your deflector
• Check clearance — confirm it fits between your deflector and cooking grid
• Maintain airflow — leave room around the pan so airflow is not overly restricted

See the Specs section below for exact dimensions.

Benefits of an Air Gap

CGS Ceramic Spacers create an air gap between the deflector and drip pan. The gap helps reduce heat transfer from the deflector to the pan, minimizing burnt drippings and related off-smells.

Adjustable Rig users: the Adjustable Rig naturally creates spacing between the deflector and drip pan. A Slide Guide or Crossbars can be used to position the pan where you want it.

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

How to Use

• Double-line with foil — overlap two sheets in a “+” pattern for quick cleanup
• Extend coverage — fold foil up and slightly out over the pan’s rim, if needed
• Placement — set directly on the deflector or elevate with spacers for an air gap

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

Should You Add Liquid to the Drip Pan?

At CGS, we generally recommend not adding liquid to the drip pan. Unlike big metal offset smokers, kamado grills naturally retain moisture. Adding extra liquid to the pan can increase humidity and reduce bark formation on meat. The bark is what everyone loves.

Why Stainless Steel over Aluminum?

Unlike disposable aluminum pans, a stainless steel drip pan is reusable and holds its shape through repeated high-temperature cooks.

• Reusable — built for repeated cooks
• Rigid — sturdier than disposable aluminum pans
• High-temp capable — resists warping better during kamado cooks

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

FAQs

Will an 18" drip pan fit my XL Big Green EGG?

Yes. An 18" drip pan is an ideal match for the XL Big Green EGG. It provides excellent grease coverage while still allowing airflow around half-moon deflectors or the ConvEGGtor.

Can an 18" drip pan be used with other kamado grills?

Yes. Many large kamado grills with 22" cooking grids use an 18" drip pan, including the Kamado Joe Big Joe and Weber Summit Kamado.

Should you add liquid to a drip pan?

In most kamado cooks, it is not necessary. Kamados naturally retain moisture, and adding liquid can increase humidity and reduce bark formation.

Is the 1" sidewall too short?

No. During a cook, much of the fluid evaporates from the pan. Since we typically do not add liquid, it is rare for the pan to even be half full. Taller sides generally provide little real benefit and can interfere with certain setups.

What is the best way to remove and empty the pan?

We typically leave the pan in the kamado for a day or two after cooking so the fats can congeal on the foil. Then simply fold the foil into a ball and discard it. If anything leaked through, wash the pan before the next cook.

My beautiful pan is dark and tarnished. How do I restore its shine?

You don’t. It’s an ever-losing battle. Heat tarnish is normal and does not affect performance. Think of it as a badge of honor from many good BBQ sessions.

18" Drip Pan Specifications

18" stainless drip pan sized for popular XL kamado deflector setups.

• Diameter: 18"
• Sidewall: 1" tapered side
• Edge: Rolled top edge for strength
• Material: 200 series stainless steel
• Finish: Will heat-tarnish with use

Final Thought on the Drip Pan

There’s no need to spend extra on a 304 stainless drip pan. Drip pans naturally become heat-tarnished and stained over time, so using a higher grade steel provides little practical benefit.

This is one place you can save quite a bit of money without sacrificing performance.

If this guide helped, we appreciate you supporting Ceramic Grill Store — it helps us continue creating 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.