MONOLITH OR BIG GREEN EGG - THESE EGGS HAVE IT ALL!

Kamado ceramic grills are the true all-rounders of the grilling universe. Grilling, cooking, baking, and even smoking are all effortlessly possible with them. It's hardly surprising, then, that more than one manufacturer in the highly competitive market of charcoal-fired grilling wonders is fighting for the top position.

If you're now asking yourself which Kamado is the right grill for your garden, we can certainly help you. On this page, we will discuss the features and differences of grills from the renowned brands Monolith and Big Green Egg. Both manufacturers have continuously improved their flagship models over the years and are thus starting the current grilling season with full force.

GERMAN INNOVATION VS. NASA CERAMICS

Monolith, in contrast to Big Green Egg, which refers to itself as the inventor of modern Kamado grills, is a relatively young manufacturer. Almost 10 years ago, the company was founded in Osnabrück by grilling enthusiast Matthias Otto. Since then, the company has developed into the German market leader for Kamado charcoal grills through continuous innovation and product improvement.

In contrast, the internationally successful company Big Green Egg was founded in 1974 by Ed Fisher, a soldier stationed in Japan. During his deployment abroad, he got to know and appreciate Asian Kamado grills and promptly brought them back home. To avoid the cumbersome long transport routes for the ceramic bodies from Asia, he made use of a special NASA manufacturing process. This allowed him to produce highly insulating ceramics in the USA as well.

The manufacturer Monolith relies entirely on tradition, craftsmanship, and the unique raw materials of Asia for the production of its grills. The ceramic for the grills is produced in China. However, one should not be deterred by "Made in China," as ceramic processing there has a millennia-old tradition that has been handed down to modern times. 3000 years ago, techniques for firing and processing ceramics were already being used in the Middle Kingdom that would remain unknown in the West for several thousand more years. This knowledge, firmly rooted in Chinese tradition, is still applied today in Monolith's modern factories.

GERMAN INNOVATION VS. NASA CERAMICS

Monolith, in contrast to Big Green Egg, which refers to itself as the inventor of modern Kamado grills, is a relatively young manufacturer. Almost 10 years ago, the company was founded in Osnabrück by grilling enthusiast Matthias Otto. Since then, the company has developed into the German market leader for Kamado charcoal grills through continuous innovation and product improvement.

In contrast, the internationally successful company Big Green Egg was founded in 1974 by Ed Fisher, a soldier stationed in Japan. During his deployment abroad, he got to know and appreciate Asian Kamado grills and promptly brought them back home. To avoid the cumbersome long transport routes for the ceramic bodies from Asia, he made use of a special NASA manufacturing process. This allowed him to produce highly insulating ceramics in the USA as well.

The manufacturer Monolith relies entirely on tradition, craftsmanship, and the unique raw materials of Asia for the production of its grills. The ceramic for the grills is produced in China. However, one should not be deterred by "Made in China," as ceramic processing there has a millennia-old tradition that has been handed down to modern times. 3000 years ago, techniques for firing and processing ceramics were already being used in the Middle Kingdom that would remain unknown in the West for several thousand more years. This knowledge, firmly rooted in Chinese tradition, is still applied today in Monolith's modern factories.

At first glance, there isn't a significant difference in technical specifications between the Monolith Classic Pro 2.0 and the Big Green Egg Large ceramic grills. The basic grilling surfaces of both grills are similar in size, with the Monolith offering the option of inserting a second grate, thereby providing an effective advantage. This is only possible with the Big Green Egg via a grate extender, which, like the second grate for the Monolith, must be purchased separately.

The maximum possible operating temperature for the new Monolith 2.0 model is stated as 400°C, about 50°C higher than the Big Green Egg. This is due to the Monolith lid's new, more robust fiberglass gasket, which was previously made of thermal felt, as is the case with the current Big Green Egg. While thermal felt is more prone to being affected by intense heat, it can be removed and re-applied much like simple adhesive tape.

The frequently discussed difference between the two grills lies in the ceramic manufacturing process. The fine-pored ceramic wall of the BGE is extremely high-quality and absorbs moisture particularly well. In contrast, the natural ceramic of Monolith Grills appears somewhat coarser, but is in no way inferior to the BGE when it comes to temperature efficiency.

Thanks to their excellent thermal insulation, both grills can easily maintain a constant low-temperature operation for more than 24 hours with little charcoal. For this purpose, both manufacturers offer a WiFi/Bluetooth controlled fan system, such as the EGG-Genius or the BBQ Guru, which measures and analyzes temperature fluctuations and regulates the airflow accordingly.

A major advantage of the Monolith Classic Pro 2.0 is its pre-installed side tables and included frame. Both must be purchased separately for the premium Big Green Egg product. To help you choose the right BGE accessories, Kitchenland offers practical complete sets that allow you to start grilling right away. Our conclusion: whether green or black, NASA or Chinese ceramic, both grills deserve their place among the top models of Kamado grills and are an excellent addition for any grilling enthusiast.

THE KITCHENAID ARTISAN 125 - THE MORE AFFORDABLE ALTERNATIVE

In a direct comparison of their technical specifications, there appears to be no significant difference between the Monolith Classic Pro 2.0 and the Big Green Egg Large ceramic grills at first glance. The basic grilling surfaces of both grills are similarly sized, though the Monolith offers the option of inserting a second grate, thereby gaining an effective advantage. With Big Green Egg, this is only possible with a grate extender, which, like the second grate for the Monolith, must be purchased separately.

The maximum possible operating temperature for the new Monolith 2.0 model is stated as 400°C, about 50°C higher than the Big Green Egg. This is due to the new, more resilient fiberglass gasket on the Monolith lid, which was previously made of thermo-felt, similar to the current Big Green Egg. Although thermo-felt is more prone to being affected by intense heat, it can be removed and re-applied much like simple adhesive tape.

The frequently discussed difference between the two grills lies in the ceramic manufacturing process. The fine-pored ceramic wall of the BGE is extremely high-quality and absorbs moisture particularly well. In contrast, the natural ceramic of Monolith Grills appears somewhat coarser but is in no way inferior to the BGE when it comes to temperature efficiency.

Thanks to their exceptionally good thermal insulation, both grills can easily maintain a constant low-temperature operation for more than 24 hours with little charcoal. For this purpose, both manufacturers offer a Wifi/Bluetooth-controlled fan system with the EGG-Genius or the BBQ Guru, which measures and analyzes temperature fluctuations and regulates the air supply accordingly.

A major advantage of the Monolith Classic Pro 2.0 is the already attached side tables and the included frame. Both must be purchased separately for the premium Big Green Egg product. To make it easier for you to choose the right BGE accessories, Kitchenland offers practical complete sets that allow you to start grilling right away. Our conclusion: whether green or black, NASA or Chinese ceramic, both grills deserve their place among the top models of Kamado grills and are an excellent enrichment for any grilling enthusiast.

A detailed practical review – including assembly, use, and everyday experiences with the Big Green Egg XLarge – can be found on vonausbbqblog.com

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MONOLITH CLASSIC PRO 2.0

In 2021, Monolith reached another milestone in its product history with the release of the new Pro 2.0 models. Based on customer suggestions, improved seals between the lid and the cube were developed, a new lid hinge was implemented, more comfortable exhaust air regulators were installed, and a permanent connection for automated ventilation by the "BBQ-Guru" was created. In addition, Monolith grills are produced in Germany, which significantly simplifies communication for product questions. To ensure you enjoy your Monolith grill for a long time, the proximity to the manufacturer in Osnabrück allows for quick remedies in case of damage to the grill. All this demonstrates how customer-focused Monolith works and the potential for innovation in Monolith's Kamado grills.

Monolith Classic Pro 2.0 at a glance:

  • Smart Grid System with divided grill surfaces (SGS grill grate system)
  • Temperature range of approx. 70°C-400°C
  • Consumption: 2.5-3 kg charcoal for low-temperature cooking up to 24 hours
  • Multi-part firebox with integrated ash collection system made of stainless steel
  • Ash scoop included
  • "Guru ready" BBQ-Guru adapter permanently installed
  • Stainless steel-fiberglass lid gasket
  • New lid hinge for smooth opening and closing
  • Cast iron lid vent with slide system for easy operation and more stability
  • Chip Feeder System smoking rail made of stainless steel for smoking material
  • High-quality sturdy base frame made of powder-coated steel
  • Bamboo lid handle
  • Bamboo side tables
  • With 4 swivel castors (2 of which are lockable)

Monolith Classic Pro 2.0 at a glance:

  • Smart Grid System with divided grill surfaces (SGS grill grate system)
  • Temperature range of approx. 70°C-400°C
  • Consumption: 2.5-3 kg charcoal for low-temperature cooking up to 24 hours
  • Multi-part firebox with integrated ash collection system made of stainless steel
  • Ash scoop included
  • "Guru ready" BBQ-Guru adapter permanently installed
  • Stainless steel-fiberglass lid gasket
  • New lid hinge for smooth opening and closing
  • Cast iron lid vent with slide system for easy operation and more stability
  • Chip Feeder System smoking rail made of stainless steel for smoking material
  • High-quality sturdy base frame made of powder-coated steel
  • Bamboo lid handle
  • Bamboo side tables
  • With 4 swivel castors (2 of which are lockable)

BIG GREEN EGG - FROM SMALL TO XXL

Big Green Egg is the global market leader for Kamado grills - and for good reason! The company's 40 years of experience are reflected in every intricate detail of the green grill eggs. The accessories from Big Green Egg are numerous, unique, and meet the highest demands for quality and functionality. Those who want the best of the best usually choose a Big Green Egg, as these are considered a premium product of the highest class in the grilling scene.

If you have other preferences regarding the size of an Egg, Kitchenland offers further versions in its online shop. Whether it's a Mini Egg for a camping trip or an XXLarge Egg for a major event - you'll find what you're looking for with us! The Big Green Egg is available in 6 different sizes: Mini (ø 25 cm), Small (ø 33 cm), Medium (ø 38 cm), Large (ø 46 cm), XLarge (ø 61 cm), XXLarge (ø 74 cm).

BIG GREEN EGG - FROM SMALL TO XXL

Big Green Egg is the global market leader for Kamado grills - and for good reason! The company's 40 years of experience are reflected in every intricate detail of the green grill eggs. The accessories from Big Green Egg are numerous, unique, and meet the highest demands for quality and functionality. Those who want the best of the best usually choose a Big Green Egg, as these are considered a premium product of the highest class in the grilling scene.

If you have other preferences regarding the size of an Egg, Kitchenland offers further versions in its online shop. Whether it's a Mini Egg for a camping trip or an XXLarge Egg for a major event - you'll find what you're looking for with us! The Big Green Egg is available in 6 different sizes: Mini (ø 25 cm), Small (ø 33 cm), Medium (ø 38 cm), Large (ø 46 cm), XLarge (ø 61 cm), XXLarge (ø 74 cm).

PREMIUM MODEL OR CHARCOAL GRILL FROM THE DISCOUNT STORE?

A grill is always a piece of lifestyle, with which every person expresses their attitude towards life in a different way. Therefore, the question of the perfect charcoal grill is difficult to answer. Of course, there are also grillers who simply want to put a few sausages on the grill every now and then, relatively unemotionally and without any recipes. Light the charcoal - put the meat on the grill rack and that's it. This is perfectly legitimate and offers the advantage of not having to worry about brands and manufacturers or optional accessories for the grill. A discounter model would certainly be sufficient for these purposes. Everyone else should find out about the most important Kamado grill manufacturers and the typical characteristics of each brand before buying and remember them. In addition to Big Green Egg and Monolith, other providers turn grilling into a premium event. In the Kitchenland Shop, you have the opportunity to discover a new side of grilling!

KAMADO JOE – THE FIERY RED ALTERNATIVE

If you're not keen on a Big Green Egg or a Monolith, you'll be pleased to hear there's an alternative. Kamado Joe ceramic grills shine in striking fire red and also impress technically. Just like the Kamado grills from Big Green Egg and Monolith, the Kamado Joe is based on the principle of heat-insulating ceramic.

The typical egg shape ensures that heat acts absolutely evenly on the food and is maintained for a longer period. Particularly attractive about the Joe is the DIVIDE & CONQUER® FLEXIBLE COOKING SYSTEM, which allows flexible grilling on multiple levels with multiple grill grates. When it comes to the lid hinge, Kamado Joe relies on its premium partner Weber Knapp. They developed a uniquely innovative lid hinge specifically for the Kamado Joe, called the AIR LIFT HINGE. This reduces the lifting weight of the heavy ceramic dome by an astonishing 96%. Just like Monolith, the Kamado Joe also relies on heat-resistant fiberglass for its seal, thus enabling a consistent temperature level.

MONOLITH OR BIG GREEN EGG AT KITCHENLAND

Discover exclusive options for an outdoor kitchen with Big Green Egg. The elegant acacia wood or mahogany tables are the perfect complement for designing your luxurious outdoor area. With Big Green Egg, you'll impress your guests at the next barbecue party! And not just with delicious food, but also with an extraordinary design object that enhances any living space it occupies. Take a look at our range today!

Whether you're an interested beginner or an experienced grill master, Monolith Kamados are suitable for every demand and always deliver excellent results! Their enormous versatility, multifunctionality, and wide selection of accessories make these grills perfect companions for your home terrace and Michelin-starred restaurants! Take a look at our range today!