Big Green Egg MiniMax
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The MiniMax is Big Green Egg's answer to 'I love my Egg but I can't take it anywhere.' It's a fully functional kamado in a portable form factor — complete with the same ceramic construction, precise airflow control, and ridiculous heat retention that made the brand famous.
What We Love
- +Full kamado performance in a portable size
- +Ceramic construction with lifetime warranty on ceramics
- +Carrier nest with handles for transport
- +Same precision airflow as full-size Eggs
- +Temps from 200°F to 700°F+
- +13-inch cooking surface handles surprisingly large cooks
Watch Out For
- −$699 is expensive for a portable grill
- −Still weighs 76 lbs — portable is relative
- −Small cooking area for groups
- −Ceramic is fragile during transport
Specifications
Cooking Area
133 sq in (primary)
Temp Range
200°F - 700°F+
Fuel
Lump charcoal
Weight
76 lbs (with carrier)
Grid Diameter
13 inches
Material
Ceramic
Warranty
Limited lifetime (ceramics)
The Full Review
The MiniMax is not a toy — it's a serious kamado that happens to be small enough to transport. The ceramic walls are the same composition as the Large and XL Eggs, which means the same heat retention, moisture preservation, and fuel efficiency.
I've smoked a 6 lb pork butt, grilled steaks at 700°F, and baked pizza on the MiniMax — all with excellent results. The 13-inch cooking surface is obviously limited, but with creative rack placement (using the MiniMax EGGspander), you can cook for 4 people comfortably.
The carrier nest with fold-out handles is essential. At 76 lbs, the MiniMax isn't something you casually carry to a tailgate — but two people can manage it, and it fits in any vehicle.
Fuel efficiency is remarkable. A full load of lump charcoal lasts 12+ hours at smoking temperatures. For a tailgate grill, that means you light it once and cook all day.
The precision airflow control — top vent and bottom draft door — lets you hold 225°F for smoking or open everything up for 700°F searing. No portable gas or charcoal grill offers this range.
How Does It Compare?
At a glance against its closest portable kamado rivals.
| Grill | Rating | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Green Egg MiniMax (this) | 4.6 | $699 | All the kamado magic in a portable package. |
| Vision Grills Classic B-Series Kamado | 4.3 | $649 | The ceramic kamado that brings Big Green Egg performance to a sub-$700 price point. |
| PK Grills PK360 | 4.5 | $499 | Built like a tank from thick cast aluminum. |
Who Is It For?
Big Green Egg fans who want kamado cooking on the go. Tailgaters who want better food than everyone else in the parking lot. Campers with vehicle access (too heavy for backpacking). Anyone who wants a secondary kamado for travel.
Final Verdict
The MiniMax is the best portable kamado available. At $699, it's not cheap — but it delivers full Egg performance in a package you can actually take places. If you already love kamado cooking, the MiniMax extends that love to tailgates and campsites.
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