Gain Better Control Over Grids & Griddles on or Inside the XL’s Fire Ring

Dial in your searing game with the CGS XL Spiders and the right cooking grids. Use the Spider 2.0’s top ring to easily lift XL Big Green EGG grids in and out. Use either Spider 1.0 or 2.0 to drop a grid or griddle lower for serious high-heat action closer to the coals.

Cooking Atop the Fire Ring

XL Round Stainless Grid

This 24-inch diameter cooking grid came with your XL EGG. Both Spiders can sit under the grid and hold a CGS 18" half-moon deflector to create a direct/indirect setup.

Why Spider 2.0 here? The handles are a game-changer — easy in, easy out, fast access to the fire.

XL Half-Moon Grid

Want half-moon capability directly on the fire ring? Go with a 24" XL stainless grid cut in half. To our knowledge, we’re the only ones offering the actual 24" grid pre-cut.

Note: XL EGGspander half-moon grids will not fit the XL Spider 2.0 — diameter is too small.

XL Half-Moon Cast Iron Grids

Chasing max sear? Grab the XL cast iron half-moon grid. Drop a CGS 18" half-moon deflector underneath for indirect work — and keep easy access to the fire.

Pro Tip — Reverse Sear with Spider 2.0: Build your fire on one side. Start opposite the fire for the roast, then spin the Spider 180° to move the grid over the coals for the finish. Gloves on.

Note: XL half-moon cast iron griddles do not fit the XL Spider 2.0 — the short diameter can fall through the upper ring (same issue reported with EGGspander).

XL Half-Moon Perforated Grid

Great to control veggies when hot-and-fast. Whether you set it high or low, it needs a grid underneath for proper support.

Cooking Inside the Fire Ring

The Spider’s small ring drops roughly halfway into the fire ring — prime territory for intense grilling, searing, or blackening. This “drop zone” gets you closer to the lump for higher temps with less fuel.

Why You’ll Love Dropping Down

• Closer to the Fire: Higher heat, faster sear, better fuel efficiency.
• Open Upper Zones: Free space above for grids, stones, or racks.
• Flexible Options: Run full-round or half-moon pieces to fine-tune your setup.
• Budget-Friendly: Smaller grids and griddles cost less than XL counterparts.

Fitment Inside the Fire Ring

Pieces that fit on top of the fire ring won’t fit inside it. For inside placement, stay under 21" diameter. Round grids seat best; square/rectangular pieces can be fussy — classic square-peg, round-hole.

Support Tip: On smaller or round griddles, place a grid underneath for stability. The Spider’s inside diameter is ~14.5".

Best Stainless Grid (Inside)

The go-to is the CGS 20" Stainless Grid — it nearly fills the ~21" fire ring for max cooking area. You can go as small as 15", but 18–20" is the sweet spot.

Bonus: The same 20" grid also fits the XL Adjustable Rig and XL Woo — one grid, three systems.

Best Cast Iron Grid (Inside)

Top pick is the 18" Large Big Green EGG cast iron grid. It pairs perfectly with the 17.5 inch XL lump grate for even heat and serious sear. We prefer this over two XL half-moon CI grids on the fire ring.

Cast Iron Griddles (Inside)

True blackening fans, here are easy-to-find Lodge options (there’s no perfect 18" round CI griddle):

• LDP3: 16.75" × 9.5" Reversible Griddle

• LJSCP3: 15" × 12" Rectangular Griddle

• L15RCGT: 15" × 12" Grill Topper (perforated)

Support Tip: For smaller or round griddles/skillets, set a larger grid underneath for extra support.

Go Down and Up for a Killer Grilling Setup

Dropping your high-heat surface lower opens valuable space above for grids, stones, or racks. It’s the easiest way to add vertical flexibility and better manage your XL EGG setup.