a buddy of mine has 3 different sizes. I think the Large Egg is probably the most useful. The small one is if you just want to do dinner for 2, XL is just too big. Large is good if you want to make a smoked butt or ribs.
I wouldn't go any smaller than the large egg, but if you cook for large gatherings often, the XL is your best bet.
The real key to the BGE is outstanding insulation which leads to outstanding temp control...The Egg has superior branding, but the Kamando Joe is the same concept...slightly lower price, but a lot of the add ons that most people will want come with it vs paying for them with the BGE.
After several weeks of researching. I've cooked on my brother-n-law's BGE a few times. I think I'm finally crossing over to a ceramic grill. Temp control, heat retention, food moisture retention is just too much for my little Weber to compete with.
It comes down the accessories and for me where it's made. The Egg is made in Mexico, Kamando Joe is made in China...I'm supporting the local boys over in Tucker, GA. I'm going Primo.
The XL 400 will go into an island I'm building for the grilling pad.
Hope to have this project finished by March and ready for our 1st gathering...will keep you posted.