The Thermoworks Billows Big Green Egg is a premium ceramic kamado-style grill designed for precise low-and-slow cooks and high-heat sears. Engineered with superior airflow control and thick insulation, it helps you hold consistent temperatures for hours.
Whether you are smoking brisket, roasting vegetables, or grilling flatbreads, this cooker combines traditional design with modern engineering for reliable performance in demanding backyard cooking sessions.
| Model | Cooking Area | Material & Insulation | Included Accessories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Billows BGE 17 | 17" (366 sq in) | 100% ceramic with plinth and lid seal | Wire cooking grates, ash grate, damper, plinth |
| Billows BGE 22 | 22" (535 sq in) | 100% ceramic with plinth and lid seal | Wire cooking grates, ash grate, damper, plinth |
| Billows BGE 22 Pro Series | 22" (535 sq in) | 100% ceramic with upgraded gasket and hinges | Wire cooking grates, ash grate, damper, plinth, felt gasket kit |
Temperature Control for Consistent Smoke Cooking
The Billows series excels at holding steady temperatures, making it ideal for long smoke sessions and gentle braises. Dual adjustable dampers on the base and lid let you fine-tune oxygen flow and stabilize heat with minimal effort.
Thick ceramic walls buffer rapid temperature swings, so adding food or brief gusts of wind do not immediately crash your setpoint.
Fuel Efficiency and Flavor Management
Because ceramic retains heat so well, the Thermoworks Billows Big Green Egg uses less charcoal and wood compared to thin steel grills. Consistent heat retention enhances smoke penetration and bark formation on meats without constant monitoring.
Clean ash buildup on the ash grate helps protect the lower cooking surface, while the plinth shields the gasket from direct flame, preserving an effective seal over many cooks.
Versatile Cooking Modes and Accessories
With the Billows, you can run a vertical chicken setup with a rib rack, sear steaks over direct coals, or slow smoke whole briskets using the minion method. The included wire cooking grates provide sturdy support and easy cleanup between cooks.
Optional accessories such as a rotisserie, pizza stone, and specialized grates let you expand from traditional barbecue to wood-fired baking without replacing the cooker.
Build Quality, Assembly, and Long-Term Care
Manufactured in the USA with high-fired ceramic and metal components, the Billows resists cracking, fading, and corrosion when stored under a cover or in a dry location. Proper gasket maintenance and hinge checks help retain a tight seal that keeps smoke where you want it.
While the initial investment is significant, the durable construction and lifetime-style design mean many cooks get years of dependable service from a single unit.
Optimizing Your Billows Big Green Egg Workflow
- Start with a minion or snake charcoal arrangement for steady, low-and-slow burns that minimize the need for frequent refueling.
- Use a small experiment log to track damper positions, temperatures, and cook times, so you can replicate successful sessions.
- Inspect and clean the air path and ash grate regularly to prevent restricted airflow and ensure predictable performance.
- Season new gaskets lightly with oil and check alignment after each cook to maintain a tight seal and efficient heat retention.
- Rotate and refresh gaskets annually or when you notice smoke leakage to protect the plinth and keep temperature control precise.
FAQ
Reader questions
How does the dual damper system help maintain steady temperature on the Billows BGE 22 Pro?
The bottom damper controls primary airflow to the coals, while the top damper regulates exhaust, letting you balance oxygen supply and venting to hold consistent cooking temperatures for hours without constant adjustment.
Can I use the Billows for high-heat searing and still keep the gasket life long?
Yes, you can briefly open the draft fully for high-heat searing, but frequent very high temperatures may harden the gasket over time; rotate and replace the gasket as needed and avoid extreme drafts when not necessary.
Is the Billows ceramic body resistant to cracking in cold weather or sudden temperature changes?
The ceramic construction is durable, but to reduce risk, avoid blasting a very cold cooker with hot water or subjecting it to sharp thermal shocks; heat gradually and allow cool-down in moderate conditions when possible.
What cooking accessories are recommended to get the most versatility from the Billows Big Green Egg setup?
A rib rack for vertical chicken, a pizza stone or baking steel for artisan loaves, a rotisserie kit for even poultry rotation, and a cast-iron grate for heavy sears are highly recommended to broaden your cooking techniques.