18-Inch Stainless Drip Pan for Kamado Grills

Ideal for Popular Big & XL Size Kamados

Our 18-inch stainless steel drip pan is the gold standard for XL Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe Big Joe owners looking for maximum grease protection without sacrificing airflow.

From 20 years working with ceramic grills, we've found the 18" pan provides excellent drip coverage while maintaining proper airflow.

• 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 OEM accessories
• Helps prevent burnt grease odors during long cooks

Why Use a Drip Pan in a Kamado

Ceramic deflectors absorb moisture like sponges. Trapped moisture can steam, stress the ceramic, and eventually cause cracks. Adding an 18" stainless drip pan above the deflector helps:

• Protect the deflector — keeps fluids off ceramic surfaces
• Cleaner cooks — reduces burnt-on drippings and off-odors
• Reusable & durable — stainless pan stands up to repeated cooks

Will It Fit My Kamado?

Owners of the Kamado Joe Big Joe and XL Big Green EGG often use an 18" drip pan because it catches grease effectively while maintaining airflow around the heat deflector.

This pan is commonly used in these XL-class 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 while maintaining proper airflow.

18" is the recommended drip pan size for these rack systems:

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

If your rack system is listed on the CGS site, check its product page for additional setup examples and recommended accessories.

If not, use these quick checks before you buy:

• Match sizes — choose a pan that matches or is slightly smaller than your deflector
• Check clearance — confirm the pan fits between the deflector and cooking grid
• Maintain airflow — ensure airflow around the pan isn’t overly restricted

See the Specs section below for exact pan dimensions.

Benefits of an Air Gap

CGS Ceramic Spacers create an air gap between the deflector and drip pan. That gap reduces heat transfer from the deflector to the pan, helping minimize burnt drippings and the off-smells they can create.

Choose spacer height that preserves airflow and clears your grid.

Adjustable Rig Users: The Adjustable Rig naturally creates spacing between the deflector and drip pan. Use a Slide Guide or Crossbars to position the pan at the desired level.

How to Use

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

Should You Add Liquid to the Drip Pan?

At CGS we generally recommend not adding liquid to the drip pan during most BBQ cooks. Kamado grills naturally retain moisture, and additional liquid can increase humidity and reduce bark formation on meats.

Why Stainless Steel

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

Stainless also tolerates higher temperatures without warping and provides a sturdy surface for foil lining during long BBQ sessions.

• Melting point — aluminum melts around 1200°F (reachable in a kamado); stainless melts around 2500°F (not reachable in a kamado)
• Leaching risk — acidic foods or temps above 400°F can leach small amounts of aluminum; this is not an issue with stainless
• Foiling a deflector
  • Minimize foil on the deflector’s bottom side
  • Keep foil loose on top and along edges
  • Avoid excessive cracks and crinkles — they can leak
  • Use a double layer of foil for better protection

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. The pan provides excellent grease coverage while still allowing airflow around the half-moon deflectors or 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. Kamado grills naturally retain moisture, and adding liquid can increase humidity and reduce bark formation on meats.

Is the 1" sidewall too short?

No. During a cook, much of the fluid evaporates from the pan. Because we typically do not add liquid, it is rare for the pan to even be half full. The pan’s purpose is simply to catch and hold drippings. Taller sides generally provide no real benefit and can actually interfere with cooking setups.

How do you stop the foil from leaking?

We recommend using heavy-duty foil and lining the pan with two layers. Start pressing the foil into the center of the pan and work outward. Form the crease and fold the foil over the rim at the same time. Avoid overworking the foil or trying to smooth every wrinkle — it doesn’t need to look perfect.

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. This allows the fats to congeal on the foil so the pan is easier to handle. Simply fold the foil into a ball and discard it. If a small amount 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. The darkened surface is simply the result of smoky cooks and years of great BBQ. Think of it as seasoning — a badge of honor from many good sessions.

18" Drip Pan Specs

• Diameter: 18"
• Sidewall: 1" tapered side
• Edge: rolled top edge for strength
• Material: 200 series stainless steel, no need for 304 stainless here
• Finish: will heat-tarnish with use (foil recommended)

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.