I'll bet a large number of Lazy Dazers have a portable BBQ Grill with them when they travel. I've owned my share and most were abandoned because they were 'wind sensitive'.
The one I carry currently is a "Kunna". It's almost entirely stainless steel and nearly bullet proof. The advertisements said it is often used on boats. Don't know of a more windy environment than that! Be that as it may, mine blows out if you exhale near it, even with a "Wind Guard". The Wind Guard does help but only marginally.
Has any one out there got a grill that doesn't blow out with just a light breeze???
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
Hey Steve,
When I got my LD, a good BBQ was essential.
I have two that I carry with me. The Coalman Fold-N-Go Charcoal model and my favorite The Eco-Que.
I learned about the Eco-Que from BobMoore14. He had the original PyroMid. PyroMid was no longer in production and I only found used ones on eBay at a hefty price.
The Eco-Que is all stainless steel shaped like a pyramid. It is three tiered and extremely wind resistant. It folds flat to about 2" and has a carrying case.
I have the 15" model and I purchased the optional griddle for breakfast items. In a word it is GREAT. I never leave home without it. YouTube has videos on it.
http://youtu.be/Ee_zXiwYG0M
It's not cheap. But it is worth every penny.
Kent
I have used an Olympian 5500 stainless grill for many years now.
If the wind is blowing a certain way it can get finicky but all I need to do is turn it at
an angle to the wind and it works fine.
I gave up on charcoal grills because of forest service fire restrictions where I usually stay in the summer.
(http://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/b8e4b661-024d-4060-b42e-815b5a248029_1.b133464b4b2dc1eba9b946b6fe30578b.jpeg?odnHeight=450&odnWidth=450&odnBg=FFFFFF)
I received a 12" Pyromid as a birthday gift 25 years ago; it was/is a cleverly-designed, efficient, compact (folds into a small, flat package) grill made from very high quality stainless steel. It's easy to clean and produces plenty of focused heat from a small number of charcoal briquets or chunks. At the time the grill first appeared, it was an expensive item; the price on the 12" in the early 1990s was about $50.00; now, if one can find a Pyromid at all, they can be 3-5 times that price!
The grill was invented and marketed by Paul Hait in Redmond, Oregon; this article gives a little of the background:
Campers Welcome Unique Pyromid Cooking System And User-friendly Coleman... (http://articles.mcall.com/1996-08-25/sports/3104038_1_charcoal-grill-unit)
Someone bought the company from Hait several years ago, but that buyer apparently never found a fabricator to produce the unit, and the deal went nowhere. It appears that Ecoque bought the patent for the Pyromid design and was able to manufacture a very similar unit. The only drawback to the Pyromid is that it's charcoal-fueled, and the use of charcoal stoves/grills is often prohibited in many areas of the west.
I haven't seen an Ecoque, but I did look at them when they first came out, and it appears that their prices have gone down; a good thing!
Some might also be interested in the GrillGuard, a flat-folding sheet aluminum wind shield; the fabricator offers several sizes now that weren't available when i bought mine about 11 or so years ago. the GrillGuard is bit "spendy", but it's a well-made and useful product.
GrillGuard WindScreen, HeatShield & Grill Guard FireGuard (http://grillguard.com/)
I needed a compact BBQ for our 23.5' FL and found the Olympian 4100 .
It has been use for almost 15 years and is still in very good shape after hundreds of meals.
Camco 57301 Olympian Portable 4100 Grill (https://www.thebbqdepot.com/olympian-4100-portable-grill/)
We BBQ year round, even in winter conditions. An aluminum folding windshield, that surrounds the BBQ, makes this possible.
The shield is also good for surrounding our portable propane fire pit.
Amazon.com: Camco 58031 "Little Red Campfire" Portable Propane Camp Fire:... (https://www.amazon.com/Camco-58031-Campfire-Portable-Propane/dp/B000O51VJ0)
These small fire pits are perfect for campgrounds that do not allow ground fires.
Cheaper to operate than purchased firewood too.
Mary
Larry, I looked for an Olympian 4100 after seeing yours some time back, but found that the 4100 had been discontinued; it has been replaced by the "4500", which looks nothing like yours. :( I don't know if the replacement works as well as the 4100.
I still prefer my Pyromid, but went with the Weber Q1000; have to take the pins out and remove the lid to get it into the compartment, but it's no big deal to re-attach the lid.
Addendum: Some might want to consider a Napoleon "Travel Q". I bought one of these, paying no attention whatsoever to just how large a surface 225 square inches really is, i.e., it would be a good choice to grill for 4-6. It's a very solid, well-made grill, better than the Weber, IMO, but the Weber has a grill area of 165". Two advantages over the Weber are that it delivers 10,500 BTUs to the Weber's 8500, and the Napoleon's "low rise" shape is adaptable to easy storage. Napoleon makes other models; see the website.
Napoleon TravelQ™ Portable Gas Grill | TQ2225 (http://www.napoleongrills.com/grills/product-details/productid/29/ccd/en-ca/travelq%E2%84%A2-225-portable-gas-grill)
Addendum: Some might want to consider a Napoleon "Travel Q".
Napoleon TravelQ™ Portable Gas Grill | TQ2225 (http://www.napoleongrills.com/grills/product-details/productid/29/ccd/en-ca/travelq%E2%84%A2-225-portable-gas-grill)
Have you compared that to the O-grill? They look virtually identical, right down to the "dock" table.
Well Golly Gee Fellas, would you looky there, Camco has swallowed up yet another Mfg. Are you surprised???
It seems that my Kunna Grill is the progenitor of the Camco Olympian 4500! Yup, pitchers don't lie, they's the same grill okay.
So regardless of what the ads say, there's a lot of differences... mine blows out in any wind over 10mph, it takes a good 20-30 min. to come up to temp. and regardless of what they call it, the sliding device on the bottom is NOT a 'grease tray' because grease cannot possibly reach it due to the way the interior is baffled. It does however act as a damper so you can control the amount of air circulation. If you are using the fat tubby Coleman propane cylinders you will not be able to connect them directly to the regulator. You will need the appropriate hose between the cylinder and the regulator. The tall skinny ones work okay. Ask me how I know! And the sparky lighter is so finicky you'll need a magician to get it adjusted just right. A propane match works better.
Once you conquer all the variables you might just get dinner on time. Here's to Lady Luck!
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
Well, one disadvantage of the LD is storage space, and CCC in my old E350. I used to carry a full Camp Chef setup, the new box I made never went on a trip though, since we moved from a TT to the LD!
So I am searching for a small, flexible grill, and am considering a Volcano 3 fuel grill (https://www.amazon.com/Volcano-Grills-3-Fuel-Portable-Camping/dp/B000FDKXN6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467875506&sr=8-1&keywords=volcano+grill) It can run on charcoal, wood or LP. It collapses to a 5" height.
The Pyromid is also attractive, thanks for your review Kent.
When I was in Oregon last summer, I had the good fortune of finding a Kuuma Stow N' Go propane grill in "perfect shape" at a Goodwill for $12.95. It's a small (but mighty) grill and with the feature of the legs folding under fits in one of by cargo bays on my Lazy Daze.
<snip>
"Kuuma grills are designed for use on boats and built to withstand harsh marine environments, but are also perfect for RVing, tailgating and patio or deck grilling."
kuuma-products (http://www.kuumaproducts.com/#!grills/c1h1t)
Weber Baby Q100 (now 1000 I believe) has served us oh so well for years. Just fits with the lid off in our street side front bay on our RK. That bay now has a Ch751.com round lock ( as do our others) thanks to this group. Having that danged ch751 lock bugged me to no end for our entire 12 years of ownership even though never burglarized in our bays. Thanks again to all for that suggestion. They're a breeze to install.
Well, my Kuuma (SP Correct)(now Camco) propane grill has won a brief reprieve and one more chance before I decide to dump it. I've just finished a complete cleaning/refurbishment and hope (against hope) that I've now got the 'sparky' adjusted correctly. I'll let the 'Wind Gods' know that cooking begins at 5pm.
Should I ever have to replace this SS Wonder Box I'm inclined toward the Napoleon TravelQ 285. Small enough to fit within my Wind Guard, yet with ample grill space. I've already got the correct hoses to tap my main LP tank so I can dispense with the 1lb canisters. Life's Good!
GrillGuard WindScreen, HeatShield & Grill Guard FireGuard (http://www.grillguard.com/index.htm)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
Well, my Kuuma (SP Correct)(now Camco) propane grill has won a brief reprieve and one more chance before I decide to dump it. I've just finished a complete cleaning/refurbishment and hope (against hope) that I've now got the 'sparky' adjusted correctly. I'll let the 'Wind Gods' know that cooking begins at 5pm.
Should I ever have to replace this SS Wonder Box I'm inclined toward the Napoleon TravelQ 285. Small enough to fit within my Wind Guard, yet with ample grill space. I've already got the correct hoses to tap my main LP tank so I can dispense with the 1lb canisters. Life's Good!
GrillGuard WindScreen, HeatShield & Grill Guard FireGuard (http://www.grillguard.com/index.htm)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
I've used the GrillGuard for many years and found it quite effective.
Chris
Well, my Kuuma (SP Correct)(now Camco) propane grill has won a brief reprieve and one more chance before I decide to dump it. I've just finished a complete cleaning/refurbishment and hope (against hope) that I've now got the 'sparky' adjusted correctly. I'll let the 'Wind Gods' know that cooking begins at 5pm.
Glad to hear your giving it one more chance Dad ;) . Amen to the 'Wind Gods' this driver get cranky if dinners not on time :o
I started using a Skottle which I saw at the Overland Expo. It has replaced my grill, wok, and big fry pan. It is small and light and uses a single burner propane stove which can be removed for tabletop use. The large curved pan can grill, make omelets, paella, soup, stir-fry, and deep fry. Overall I gained a lot of space by replacing all my outdoor cooking stuff with this one device.
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0201/1406/products/Skottle_Grill_grande.jpg?v=1461601098)
The legs unscrew and can be stored apart from the stove and pan.
TemboTusk Skottle Grill (https://tembotusk.myshopify.com/collections/cooking-and-accessories/products/tembotusk-skottle-kit)
So far I love it.
Bob L
Now that is interesting! I can visualize it serving most of my needs. But $185?!
well they were a bit cheaper at the Expo, but yeah.
Just thought I'd send a shot of my Eco-Que at work. Once again, thanks Bob for turning me on to it. And Joan, I hope you get many more years of service from your PyroMid.
Checked with the Ranger this morning and charcoal grills are good to go in Zion (for now).
Burn 'em if you've got 'em.
Kent
Sweet! Looking forward to a full review- high temp searing, slow cooking, frying, boiling, as a fire pit. The YouTube videos tell so little, we need yours Kent!
So charcoal grills are great until there are fire restrictions. Hate to do it...but sometimes my Eco-Que has to take a back burner.
It's kinda difficult to store too many BBQ's in the RB bays, but I found this Camp Chef "Rainier" Grill/Griddle Stove Gas unit. $109.00 and free shipping on eBay.
Measures about 23" by 13" by 5 1/2" and comes with a nice zippered carrying bag.
Trying it out at home with some nice smoked sausages. Mmm...they smell great and the grill is cooking up a storm.
Can't wait for Big Bear in a couple of weeks for the real test. Steaks anyone?
Kent
Looks like my Coleman. I use it when no fires, or all I want is a couple of dogs or to boil. If I need to cook steaks on it I like to heat a cast iron skillet with a bit of oil till the oil smokes, sear the stakes, add a knob of butter and use some rosemary to baste the steaks till done.
The Coleman is Dumb and durable. The Camp Chef brand is a good one.
I started using a Skottle which I saw at the Overland Expo.
This is much like the "disc" grills that are somewhat popular in the Southwest and even the area of Mexico I travel to. It's basically a propane base and many have interchangeable "discs" according to what is cooking. Here's another version:
Discada Portable Height Adjustable Burner - Southwest Disk (http://www.southwestdisk.com/discada-portable-height-adjustable-burner/)
Propane stores in my area have ready-made disc grills and/or supplies for "handy type" people to fabricate their own. There is also a version sold at Wal*Mart called "King Kooker."
King Kooker Stoves & Burners - Walmart.com (http://www.walmart.com/c/brand/king-kooker-stoves-burners)
Hey folks,
So it's time to start my Coalman Fold N Go charcoal grill BBQ for its inaugural burn.
I found a video that simply shows the demonstrator placing a butane lighter at the opening at its base and "bang" it's burning. Hmmm...didn't quite go that easily just now.
I ended up cutting some fire starters and placing them in the opening. So far so good, but...
...Is this how it is suppose to happen? Did I get it all wrong? Has anyone ever used this particular charcoal BBQ before? Any suggestions?
Just wondering?
Kent
Kent that looks like a Sonofhibachi (http://www.sonofhibachi.com), a sorta popular grill in Europe that looks flimsy. Your Coleman looks much more solid. Needing much more, photos, videos of this important piece of equipment.
Paul,
Everything worked out well for the most part. I'm hoping someone can give me some pointers on lighting my Fold N Go.
The charcoal is placed on both sides of the BBQ then it is closed into its upright position and then lit.
Lighting the coals precipitated my use of the "starters" as I mentioned earlier. Even then the coals at the bottom of the stack ignighted sooner than those above them.
After opening the BBQ, I moved the coals to one side to get all the charcoal going. Once the coals were all started, I then equally dispersed the coals on both 1/2's of the BBQ. Hmmm...not what I expected.
I don't use lighter fluid as a general rule, however this may make ignition more responsive and eliminate the trouble that I was having.
However, once the coals were hot, everything went very well and the Fold N Go performed nicely. It is nice that the grills can be placed at different levels in relation to the coals. This allows you to grill unlike items simultaneously.
Tonight my daughter and I grilled bacon cheese burgers. What a meal. We were both very satisfied.
The inaugural "burn" was a success however not without its "rough spots".
The BBQ is very durable and fits nicely next to my Eco-Que and my Camp Chef propane stove top/grill in my storage bay.
The following photos cover the process and the end result. Mmmm...
Kent
There can only be one- this or Ecoque?
Advantages, drawbacks?
Hey Kent,
Your pictures are making me hungry lol :)
Cynthia
Paul,
Maaaannn! Do I have to choose? Not a problem. ECO-QUE/PYRO-MID Every day of the week.
Here's a breakdown of features:
ECO. Portable
[folds FLAT]
F&Go. Portable
[folds UPRIGHT]
ECO. Cooking Surface
[15" model 225 sq inches]
F&Go Cooking Surface
[75 sq inches o
n each grill]
ECO. Durability
[stainless steel/folding sections
Heavy Guage-Should Last forever]
F&Go. Durability
[Heavy Painted steel case and grills
Removable dishwasher safe tray
for coals and grills]
ECO. Versatility
[Varied Uses: Grill/Griddle/Oven
(Griddle is an optional buy)
Cooking surface can be arranged
to suit MANY cooking options:
BBQ, Fry, Steam, Bake...
F&G. Versatility
[Its a Grill it does what BBQ grills
do best. The grilling surfaces can
be raised or lowered according to
HEAT requirements]
ECO. Fuel Source
[Charcoal, wood, twigs etc almost
anything that will burn and
sustain heat]
F&Go. Fuel Source
[Charcoal]
ECO. Storability
[Folds flat to aprox 2 - 3" and
fits in a zippered vinyl carrying
bag...Models are either 12x12"
or 15x15" and lay flat in the
cargo bay. Folded size is aprox]
F& Go. Storability
[Grilling surfaces fold together
creating an Folded Case Aprox
12" tall x 10" Wide x 8" Deep
Box. Stores nicely in storage
bay in an upright stance]
ECO. Wind Resistance
[Coals are below grill in lower
pyramid structure. Grill is
exposed to breezes but the
upper Pyramid can be set in
place to block wind 100 %]
F&Go. Wind Resistance
[Coals are started with unit
folded in its upright stance
and unit then lays flat with
grills exposed to breezes
with NO wind guard]
ECO. Fuel Economy
[Self enclosed pyramid
structure conserves heat
and fuel. VERY stingy
in fuel needs]
F&Go. Fuel Economy
[Fuel is exposed to wind
and heat escapes from
all sides. Won't conserve
heat. Use coals as needed]
This just about covers everything I can think of.
To be fair to the Fold N Go, I have only used it once, but I was VERY happy with the end results. It's durable and stores nicely.
My GO-TO GRILL/OVEN HANDS DOWN- my ECO-QUE. Extremely portable (a bit heavy). VERY durable. Versatility OFF THE CHARTS. I will never leave home without it.
Tonight: Porterhouse Steaks grilled to perfection on my ECO-QUE.
Kent
Excellent comparison Kent, thank you for that. Ecoque for me, maybe I'll have it Amazoned to me on the road later in the fall when I'm farther northeast and fire danger is less.
I just hope I can resist burgers till then. I have steaks and hot dogs covered.
My pleasure Paul.
Interestingly enough, when I pulled into Serrano on Monday, I noticed the fire wood at the kiosk was still on sale.
I asked the ladies at the kiosk if campfires and charcoal BBQ's we're still permitted. She commented that they were and she was shocked by the news as well.
Firefighters had been battling the Blucut Fire for several days and Serrano is not too far away so we all thought campfires would be "out" in the campground.
The possibility of fire restrictions was the primary reason I picked up my Camp Chef propane grill/stove top.
It must be the Boy Scout in me to always be prepared.
Kent
With the continuing drought, in much of the West, many campgrounds do not allow wood or charcoal fires, only propane.
Somethings think about if you BBQ a lot.
Larry