Versatile Solution for Double Deflectors for Indirect BBQ in the Large EGG
Popular Spider Upgrade
Grillers often ask how to run a double deflector setup for indirect cooks on the Large EGG. Our classic 3-Leg Spider can support the lower deflector, but it lacks one critical feature: a practical and reliable way to remove hot deflectors mid-cook.
Double deflector cooks are all about fire management — running hotter than normal, adding wood for smoke, and, most importantly, keeping the lump going. Quick and reliable access to the fire is a must.
That’s why we engineered the Twisting Spider — a custom-built solution that not only supports the lower deflector, but also gives you two smart ways to lift and remove deflectors when it’s time to reload or adjust the fire.
Innovative Twisting Spider Design
Building on our popular Large 3-Leg Spider, we've extended each leg and added a curved handle for improved handling and flexibility. These ergonomic handles make it easier than ever to move the Spider and Deflector in and out of a Large EGG.
But that’s not all, the handles also offer a clever connection system. Simply twist them over the ConvEGGtor or Expander metal legs and enjoy seamless double indirect management before, during, and after the cook.
Indirect Compatibility
For your current (top) deflector, the Twisting Spider is compatible with:
Large ConvEGGtor only,
Large CGS PSWoo Expander,
Large EGG EGGspander,
Large CGS 3 or 5 Leg Woo Expander,
Large Adjustable Rig.
Please note that the overall diameter of the bottom deflector should be no bigger than 14 inches. We recommend a pair of CGS 14" half-moon deflectors. You’ll manage this top deflector as you normally would during a barbeque cook.
How to Set Up Your Indirect System
Option 1: Handle Each Deflector Separately
This is our preferred method. Start by placing the Spider with deflector in the EGG using two of the Twisting Spider curved handles. The Spider's 3 legs will sit on the fire ring. Then, set your current (top) deflector as you normally would. Just ensure both assemblies don’t interfere with each other on the fire ring.
Option 2: Handle Both Deflectors Together
With the EGGspander, CGS PSWoo, and CGS 3-Leg Woo, a quick twist of your wrist slides the Spider's curved handles over the ConvEGGtor or the three metal legs extending from the lower center ring. Once securely assembled, you can use the EGGspander handles to lift and move the entire double indirect assembly.
Important Notes
Heavy Lift: If you handle both deflectors as one assembly, be aware that it weighs over 20 lbs., not including the cooking grid or food. For safety, we strongly recommend removing the cooking grid and food first to manage a safer and lighter lift.
Work Zones: However you manage the double indirect process, you'll need two nearby landing zones outside the EGG. Having these spots ready before you start cooking will save you from scrambling should you need to act mid-cook.
Two Grid Cooks: If you plan to cook at two levels, the deflectors will need to be handled separately. The combined height and weight make a multi-stacked setup impractical for lifting in and out of the Large EGG.
Recommended Lower Heat Deflector
Stick with either our 13" or 14" Ceramic Heat Deflector. We recommend a pair of our 14" Half-Moon Deflectors for the Large EGG.
Handy Features Outside the EGG
When outside the EGG, the Twisting Spider can hold the EGGspander or PSWoo. The L-shaped design on the Spider's legs prevents sliding, keeping your double indirect setup organized.
Spacer Set for Half-Moons
Spacers support two half-moon deflectors and protect surfaces from heat. Includes four ½" thick spacers in two sizes: 1.5"x1.5" and 3.0"x1.5".
Best Drip Pans
Our 14-inch diameter drip pan fits without interference from the Twisting Spider, as the pan sits above the top deflector. It matches perfectly with the circular section of the Large ConvEGGtor.
If you're using the EGG EGGspander, or our PSWoo or Adjustable Rig, you can size up to our 16-inch drip pan for greater coverage. The tapered 16-inches extends coverage to just inside the Large ConvEGGtor legs.
A drip pan protects your convEGGtor from drippings and keeps your EGG clean.
Benefits of the Large Adjustable Rig
With the Adjustable Rig, you have built-in double indirect capability. Place the lower deflector on the Rig's lowest level and arrange the upper deflector, drip pan, and cooking grid on the other levels. The Rig accommodates deflectors up to 16 inches in diameter or our 13x17 oval deflector which is ideal for smoking brisket or ribs.
If you prefer keeping the lower deflector closer to the lump, simply use the Twisting Spider under the Rig. Use the Rig's upper three levels to arrange the upper deflector, drip pan, and cooking grid. The Adjustable Rig can sit on the Twisting Spider.
Final Thoughts on Double Indirect
We explored several ways to effectively create a double indirect system in the Large EGG, recognizing that double indirect is a specialty cook and not an everyday setup. Except for the Adjustable Rig, the Twisting Spider stands out as the most practical and cost-effective way to incorporate the Double Indirect method into your Large Big Green EGG BBQ routine.
Update, took some bigger lumps out and back filled with Green Egg smaller chunks, fit fine then. The double indirect was great, no burnt bottom, 275-290 with the egg genius foil boat at 165, had run out of pink butcher paper so foil boat. Moist and nice flop brisket. Highly recommend this double indirect set up. I will try ribs or a pork loin next. Before: Starting a brisket point cook and filled the firebox with FOGO XL premium lump up to the fire ring and when I put in the double indirect set up the pizza stone hit the charcoal. Any less I may not have enough for the cook. Let’s see what happens. Maybe a better set up would have been putting the pizza some on top of the plate setter and spaced it 1/2”-1”.
Howdy Mark,
Thanks for taking the time to write a review! A couple things I’ve learned from cooking on the Large EGG:
I prefer standard-size lump. The XL chunks often leave “dead spots” since they don’t burn evenly, which affects how consistent the heat crosses over the grid. With standard size, I can pack more into the firebox, and the tighter fit creates more points of contact so the fire carries better as it burns. If you’re using Fogo, their black bag works great—it’s essentially the smaller pieces that don’t make it into the premium bags.
On indirect bbq cooks, space is your best friend. You want distance between the deflector & cooking grid. The goal is even heat—where the radiant heat through the deflector(s) and the rising heat around the deflector(s) balance out, giving you consistent temps both above and below to cooking surface. The conveggtor can make this a challenge, as it limits how we can use prime space in the large EGG.
Tom
Ceramic Grill Store
M
Michael P.s.
Terrific product!
I have a large BGE and an XL BGE and have the spider for the XL. Really heavy and hard to manage a cook. However, I used the twisting spider along with double indirect method from smokingdadbbq and had the best spatchcocked whole chicken we have ever eaten! Crispy skin plus tender white and dark meat. The Twisting spider makes it so much easier to manage the several components that are key to smoking chicken and turkey on a BGE without turning out rubbery skin! Good work CGS! Keep 'em coming!
