Has anyone got a "Dock" camping kitchen?

[Borris]

Have a look at the Primus Tupike. I am very happy with both its form and function

It looks like a very nice stove. I will try and find one to examine.

 

[Borris]

We are firm believers in ‘you get what you pay for’ aka ‘buy cheap buy twice’.
Our preference is for quality purchases for which we expect to pay a higher price, we suspect you are out of the same mould Borris.

Yep that's me. Quality first every time.

However I must just say that I usually only buy something following very careful examination. In this case it wasn't possible so this purchase represents a bit of a gamble. If the build and quality is as good as the photos suggest and it doesn't cause too many rattles then I shall be pleased. Having said that I'm not overly bothered about rattles as they can be sorted out with some slight mods and sensible packing. We shall see.

 

[kp64zl]

It looks like a very nice stove. I will try and find one to examine.

I also got the extension hose and a set of gas adapters - so can use just about any cylinder with it.

what I particularly like is it’s ability to simmer gently which my campingaz one couldn’t do

 

[Borris]

I also got the extension hose and a set of gas adapters - so can use just about any cylinder with it.

what I particularly like is it’s ability to simmer gently which my campingaz one couldn’t do

View attachment 62479

I will take a look at this stove.

When I've looked at camping stoves in the past the common denominator has almost always been poorly made nastiness. Unless I can find something that's well made I shall hang onto my cash and make do with what we have already.

Purely for interest here's an example of superb quality. Some years ago prior to Cali ownership, I bought a brand new ex army number 12 field stove which we used regularly and kept in the boot of Mrs B's motorcar. What a fantastic piece of kit. It is beautifully made and built to last. The only trouble is that it runs on paraffin or diesel with methylated spirit required to start it which can all be a bit smelly. Here are some screen shots which I nicked from Ebay.


It has built in wind screens, is robust, contains nothing that is likely to break and comes in a compact bomb proof case. We still have it although we prefer to use cleaner gas these days. So the challenge is to find a twin burner LPG stove with the same quality.

 

[Charlotterobin]

Hello Paul,
The current boot storage will have to be altered. Having played about with various stowage plans before finally ordering, I have found that this system will work best.
View attachment 62453
I intend to remove three existing Euro boxes (previously referred to as kitchen, electrical, and washing up) leaving this configuration. The setup in this photo does have one error though. The deeper of the two larger boxes will be on top. The reason is to give easy access to the gas cylinder. In that respect I will need to change from using a Campingaz 907 cylinder which is too tall, to the dumpier 904 version. The smallest box will become the electrical box containing a 25m hook up cable and the various adaptors. The majority of the stuff previously contained in the "kitchen" box will be relocated to within the Dock kitchen. There will still be a little space in the gas bottle box so if there is anything left over it could go in there. The lower of the two larger boxes (upper in this photo) will become the washing up box plus. In essence I am just rationalising and getting rid of empty space as the capacity I will be losing was there to house groceries and provisions. Since most of it ends up in the fridge and Mrs B doesn't feel comfortable unless the passenger compartment is full up with assorted bags of "essentials" , that loss of space is no real issue.

The new Dock kitchen will involve an adjustment to our current stowage and a further rationalisation of what we actually need to have in the van. There is still scope for a mild cull on that front. Hopefully the new arrangement will be both more practical and more refined.

I do have some reservations though. Firstly, as I haven't been able to see one close up this purchase is an expensive leap of faith. Also, as Tomato has mentioned, it could rattle especially when loaded with kitchen stuff. If it does I will have to modify it as rattles aren't an option.

Finally, I will have to source a suitable two burner camping stove. We have always used a single burner to great effect however since the Dock has a compartment suitable for a twin burner stove it would be rude not to fill it.
I have looked at the Partner 18" twin burner stove (see photo) but they are almost impossible to get at present. The other alternative is the Coleman 424 however I'm not to keen on that. Like the Dock I'm looking for something well made, functional and bomb proof. Most, if not all of the camping stoves that I've seen on the British market appear to be very light weight and built down to a cost. It's quality that I'm primarily after!

View attachment 62455

Watch this space.

Can't believe you went for it - well done! My proposal didn't pass board review. In fact I was rejected only moments in... Hope you enjoy it - looks ACE. I have also been lusting after Cook Partner - looks the biz

 

[HHinds]

Well we have spent over two weeks dithering about this and looking for possible alternatives. Inspired by Borris we’ve also bitten the bullet and ordered a model 2 Dock camp kitchen. Hans is lovely and we are excited to receive our new family member .

On a slightly different note has anyone tried a Jetboil Genesis? Thoughts?

 

[Borris]

Can't believe you went for it - well done! My proposal didn't pass board review. In fact I was rejected only moments in... Hope you enjoy it - looks ACE. I have also been lusting after Cook Partner - looks the biz

Well until it arrives and I've had a chance to examine and test it, I may just have bought a pig in a poke.

 

[kp64zl]

On a slightly different note has anyone tried a Jetboil Genesis? Thoughts?

Looked at this but mixed reviews and wasn’t available in UK at the time

 

[HHinds]

Well until it arrives and I've had a chance to examine and test it, I may just have bought a pig in a poke.

I really hope not!!

 

[Borris]

I really hope not!!

Oh I don't think we need to worry. You've seen the photos, read the blurb and talked to Hans like I have. I'm sure his products are superb. It's just slightly worrying when you are the first to buy and haven't yet seen the product "in the flesh".

 

[westfalia]

Oh I don't thing we need to worry. You've seen the photos, read the blurb and talked to Hans like I have. I'm sure his products are superb. It's just slightly worrying when you are the first to buy and haven't yet seen the product "in the flesh".

Looks a quality bit of kit Borris, im sure you will be raving about it
for years to come.
Im glad you got one, i would've done the same if i had a beach - not wanting to
stir up the nest-

 

[tuono001]

On a slightly different note has anyone tried a Jetboil Genesis? Thoughts?
[/QUOTE]
It's not available in the UK and it can't use European cylinders. They were supposedly getting them tested, for Europe, a few years ago but nothing has happened. There are loads discounted on US sites at the mo.

 

[paul_f]

Actually I have already spoken to them. They haven't got the 18" twin burner in stock at present. Covid has caused supply issues. Anyway I'm not feeling the love at that price. Also their versions use the larger (5 - 10kgs) LPG cylinders. They don't usually run from Campingaz cylinders. However their guy Franz has said he cannot see why it wouldn't be possible and is going to do a test to see if it will be OK.

From what I can see I don't think you will be able to run them from campingaz, the campinggaz regulators are all 28mBar . It seems the partner stoves are all high pressure ( Working pressure: 1.9 bar from https://www.shop.campchamp.at/product/expedition-stove-2-burner/) - so would need to be run from the disposable screw on cylinders ( a bit like jetboil etc)

 

[Borris]

From what I can see I don't think you will be able to run them from campingaz, the campinggaz regulators are all 28mBar . It seems the partner stoves are all high pressure ( Working pressure: 1.9 bar from https://www.shop.campchamp.at/product/expedition-stove-2-burner/) - so would need to be run from the disposable screw on cylinders ( a bit like jetboil etc)

Thanks Paul,
This issue does concern me. Obviously the primary role of any stove is to be able to cook well. If using Campingaz from a 907 cylinder would cause this stove to give less than optimum performance then there is little point in buying one however well made it is. However Franz from Champcamp did a test for me last night and assures me it will be OK. I'm not entirely convinced though. What to do?

I'll probably wait and take a look at the Dock version when it's launched. Whilst I haven't asked Hans from Dock yet, I assume that his version will almost certainly be designed primarily for the European market and therefore should be more suited to be run on Campingaz. Having said that, I always used to think that Campingaz was the most widely used LPG Supplier in Europe. I'm not so sure any more. Reading @Amarillo blog it would appear not.

 

[BeagleMum]

Well we have spent over two weeks dithering about this and looking for possible alternatives. Inspired by Borris we’ve also bitten the bullet and ordered a model 2 Dock camp kitchen. Hans is lovely and we are excited to receive our new family member .

On a slightly different note has anyone tried a Jetboil Genesis? Thoughts?

Nice one, looking forward to your review

 

[Amarillo]

Having said that, I always used to think that Campingaz was the most widely used LPG Supplier in Europe. I'm not so sure any more. Reading @Amarillo blog it would appear not.

It is probably the brand available in more European countries than any other, but it is hard or impossible to find exchange 907s in vast swathes of the continent including the Nordic countries and the Balkans. Off season key stockists don't hold it. We diverted to a main chandlery in Catania (Sicily) in late January, and they don't carry exchange cylinders off season and couldn't let us know of somewhere that would. We did find exchange cylinders in Brindisi but had to exchange one of our empty 907 cylinders for a giant 909 cylinder.

 

[kp64zl]

Here are the different gas adapters for the tupike:

from left to right

1) calor butane type- aparrently fits German and Spanish cylinders too
2) Calor propane type
3) for the small screw on cylinders
4) this one is for some Scandinavian cylinders
5) for the USA small cylinders e.g coleman
6) not illustrated - campingaz


with these 1-5 you can then find adapters on internet to Connect to other cylinders- if necessary - e.g. to a clip on cylinder that seems to be more common these days. Chandlery shops seem to sell adapters- this non compatibility an issue for sailors

i have searched but never found adapters for campingaz male threads

Adapter Guide

Welcome to enjoy your stove all around the world! Read the Primus adapter guide to make sure you use the correct adapter.

www.primus.eu

 

[Borris]

It is probably the brand available in more European countries than any other, but it is hard or impossible to find exchange 907s in vast swathes of the continent including the Nordic countries and the Balkans. Off season key stockists don't hold it. We diverted to a main chandlery in Catania (Sicily) in late January, and they don't carry exchange cylinders off season and couldn't let us know of somewhere that would. We did find exchange cylinders in Brindisi but had to exchange one of our empty 907 cylinders for a giant 909 cylinder.

Having to divert long distances to find gas must have been a pain. I'm suprised that Campingaz isn't more widely available or that there isn't a common standard for gas containers in Europe at least by now. I suppose Campingaz isn't popular due to it's cost, especially when other suppliers sell it in bigger containers at much reduced rates.

From reading your blog it seemed to me that the gas issue was a not infrequent concern. So if you were doing the same extended trip again how would you tackle the cooking question? Under those circumstances wouldn't something that runs on non liquefied petroleum gas fuels such as diesel or paraffin be a more practical solution? After all, you can get those at any any petrol station and many hardware stores. There are of course downsides such as it can be both messy and smelly and it isn't as instantaneous as gas to fire up but never the less the fuel is always available.

Re LPG, the range of necessary adaptors and cylinder types seems crazy. It brings to mind the system that operated in the UK fire services before the second world war. Fire services often had different hose fittings to their neighbours. Not a good system if you needed help.

 

[Borris]

Here are the different gas adapters for the tupike:

from left to right

1) calor butane type- aparrently fits German and Spanish cylinders too
2) Calor propane type
3) for the small screw on cylinders
4) this one is for some Scandinavian cylinders
5) for the USA small cylinders e.g coleman
6) not illustrated - campingaz


with these 1-5 you can then find adapters on internet to Connect to other cylinders- if necessary - e.g. to a clip on cylinder that seems to be more common these days. Chandlery shops seem to sell adapters- this non compatibility an issue for sailors

i have searched but never found adapters for campingaz male threads

View attachment 62554

Adapter Guide

Welcome to enjoy your stove all around the world! Read the Primus adapter guide to make sure you use the correct adapter.

www.primus.eu

Sorry I'm getting rather confused. Do they come with the stove or have you purchased them separately?

 

[HHinds]

Oh I don't think we need to worry. You've seen the photos, read the blurb and talked to Hans like I have. I'm sure his products are superb. It's just slightly worrying when you are the first to buy and haven't yet seen the product "in the flesh".

We’ve had an email from Hans to say he will be packing and shipping our Dock today. We are very excited

 

[Borris]

We’ve had an email from Hans to say he will be packing and shipping our Dock today. We are very excited

Apparently ours is out for delivery today. So it will soon be playtime.

 

[Amarillo]

Having to divert long distances to find gas must have been a pain. I'm suprised that Campingaz isn't more widely available or that there isn't a common standard for gas containers in Europe at least by now. I suppose Campingaz isn't popular due to it's cost, especially when other suppliers sell it in bigger containers at much reduced rates.

From reading your blog it seemed to me that the gas issue was a not infrequent concern. So if you were doing the same extended trip again how would you tackle the cooking question? Under those circumstances wouldn't something that runs on non liquefied petroleum gas fuels such as diesel or paraffin be a more practical solution? After all, you can get those at any any petrol station and many hardware stores. There are of course downsides such as it can be both messy and smelly and it isn't as instantaneous as gas to fire up but never the less the fuel is always available.

Re LPG, the range of necessary adaptors and cylinder types seems crazy. It brings to mind the system that operated in the UK fire services before the second world war. Fire services often had different hose fittings to their neighbours. Not a good system if you needed help.

We weren’t exactly diverting long distances, but going on wild goose chases.

We first ran out of gas in Poland, and tried Decathlon Krakow, but they only had HP gas. We ended up eating out a lot (which is very cheap in Poland). We exchanged two bottles of gas in Germany.

Our next exchange was straightforward in Valencia towards the end of our visit to Iberia.

After zig-zagging down Italy we tried a single bottle exchange in Naples, but even in that major city couldn’t find a stockist with some from the list on the Campingaz website.

We bought an electric hob in a crumpled box at Carrefour Pompeii as a back up for a bargain price. (On the way to buy it, I had Meg with me to tie up outside the shop, one of a group of long-legged girls in a nearby lay-by shouted “buona carne” [nice meat] at me which made me come over all coy, I later worked out that she had shouted, “buon cane” [nice dog] at Meg which made me feel rather stupid).

For much of late December and January we stayed in houses, and still had some gas, but wanted to stock up before entering the Balkans.

Leaving Sicily the motorway bypassed Catania, we came off and drove the costal road to find the Chandlery. No gas off season.

Brindisi was our final hope before entering the Balkans, and ended up with the equivalent of four 907 bottles on 6 February. This lasted us until 15 May when we exchanged 2 907 bottles in Chur, Switzerland at a huge stockist/distributor preparing for the summer season. We are currently have one empty bottle from that exchange.

 

[Amarillo]

[waffle deleted - I didn’t answer your question

If doing it again I’d take a propane bottle and brass adaptors to refill cheaply at petrol stations.

In some countries this is not legal unless the tank is fixed to the van, but usually they let you refill even if not legal.

We also now have a £10 cartridge stove in one of the three compartments under the bench seat (with the tray removed).

 

[Borris]

Refilling cylinders is one solution if not a rather dodgy one. It's probably common practice in some countries though.

Had you thought of using other types of energy?

 

[kp64zl]

Sorry I'm getting rather confused. Do they come with the stove or have you purchased them separately?

Purchase separately from Primus