Add Upper-Level Indirect Cooking to Your XL Flexible 2nd Grid

Why Go Up with Indirect

Using the Flexible 2nd Grid raises the indirect side toward the back of the EGG, giving you four key advantages:

• Go higher to better manage the typical lower temperatures with indirect cooking
• Open up the entire lower grid and center of the grill without pushing food to the edge
• Move the cook up and down as needed while only handling the food
• Quickly change between direct and indirect cooking by sliding the deflector in and out

Required: You'll need the Flexible 2nd Grid Deflector Bracket to hold the half-moon deflector. See below for more info.

Pro Setup

Our favorite setup pairs the XL Woo under the Flexible 2nd Grid. It opens up access and delivers stable roasting temperatures over the half-moon grid.

We prefer the Large Big Green EGG Cast Iron Grid on the Woo’s lower ring over a pair of XL half-moon grids on the fire ring. The Large grid provides nearly the same cooking area at about half the cost.

In-Cook Flexibility

The 18" deflector slides in and out easily, letting you switch between upper-level direct and indirect cooking during the cook. Use heat-safe gloves or tongs when handling a hot deflector.

Easy Setup for Pizza

Use a pair of 18s atop the XL Flexible 2nd Grid to lift the pizza stone. Again, we like the XL Woo underneath to push the pizza stone higher in the dome. You can add the blocking stone on the Woo, if needed.

Why Choose 18-Inch Half-Moon Deflectors

• Easier to handle and position
• Offer more setup flexibility
• Less expensive to replace if one breaks

18s Integrate with These Rack Systems

We use these same 18s across other CGS and BGE rack systems, so there’s a good chance you already own one:

• CGS XL Adjustable Rig
• CGS XL Woo
• CGS XL Spiders
• CGS XL Flexible 2nd Grid
• Big Green Egg XL EGGspander Basket
• XL Pizza Stone

Note: A similar elevated indirect setup can also be built with the CGS XL Adjustable Rig. This page focuses on the Flexible 2nd Grid setup, which uses the Deflector Bracket to hold one 18" half-moon deflector directly under the 20" half grid.

What’s Included & Needed

• Included: One 18" half-moon ceramic deflector
• Also Required: Flexible 2nd Grid Deflector Bracket
• Optional: Add a second 18" half-moon deflector for pizza setups or other XL cooking configurations

Flexible 2nd Grid Deflector Bracket

The bracket supports the half-moon deflector directly under the 20-inch half-moon grid for precise, upper-level indirect coverage. To install, slide the bracket under the 20-inch grid, attach the back hook, and then attach the two front hooks to the top ring on the Flexible Grid.

Use & Care

• Heat gradually with the grill to help prevent thermal shock
• Do not oil or place in the dishwasher
• Scrape debris and gently burn off residue as needed
• Natural smoke darkening is normal
• Avoid high-heat clean burns

Specs

• High-heat refractory ceramic construction
• True dimensions: approximately 9-1/4" × 18-1/2"
• Thickness: approximately 3/4"
• Weight: approximately 6.75 lbs.
• Deflector will darken with use as it absorbs smoke

Note: CGS Flexible 2nd Grid, XL Woo, Deflector Bracket, cooking grids, pizza stone, and related accessories shown for setup visualization are not included unless specifically included in the selected product option.