Is it worth it to spend the extra $ for a Big Green Egg or can I buy the off brand? I am looking at one that is the "large" size.

I don't know the difference, if any, between the BGE and any other "off brand." I probably would have saved the $ with the other but my wife surprised me several years ago with the medium BGE. Only thing I would change is getting the large. Once you start adding accessories you might find the others are less expensive too. I'm not sure in that but that's what I've been told.

I just got an XL egg less than 2 months ago and love it. Shop around for price. I went to a certified retailer and saved about $250 (Lawn and Land in Denton). I did an amazing prime rib for Christmas and just put my first brisket in 15 minutes ago.
I didn't shop other Kamado smokers

The big three are BGE, Kamado Joe, and Primo. All three offer a phenomenal product. There are nuanced differences between the three, but you cannot legitimately go wrong with any of them. The KJ has a thicker ceramic wall than a BGE. Primo has an oval shape to the grill that gives you more usable space. The BGE has the long proven reputation. I love my Kamado Joe. I have the expanded cooking space which allows for two tiers of grill space. Go with the brand that you have access to and provides you a complete setup out of the gate between those three

Just an idea, bge does a promotional annual cook off called egg fest. I know after the event they sell all of the eggs at a discounted price. You get an almost new demo egg at a used price. Not sure where the events will be held for 2017. I actually bought mine on Craigslist at a really good price, so you may try there. I would definitely recommend at least the large because it can be hard fitting a rack of ribs or brisket.

As an owner of an off brand egg.....

Get one of the BGE, KJ or Primo. I own a Vision which I purchased for dirt cheap on Craigslist and have really enjoyed it, but have cooked on better eggs and have noticed a difference.

The accessories for the main three brands are much better and easier to find. I end up making most of my own for the Vision.

Also, always get a bigger size than you think you need.

Agree. My wife bought mine as a surprise and bought a large. I wish I had an XL

Beesville said:

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Hubbs said:

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Agree. My wife bought mine as a surprise and bought a large. I wish I had an XL

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No matter what, as a man we always want a few more inches...

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Agreed. My 24" is much better than your 18"

Hubbs said:

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Agree. My wife bought mine as a surprise and bought a large. I wish I had an XL

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After owning both, the XL is the way to go.

CTCBear said:

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Also, always get a bigger size than you think you need.

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That's what she said....