Outdoor cooking?

[Melanie Day]

I’m thinking of getting a two burner Primus Tupike stove as a complement to the Ocean kitchen. Cooking outside is nice when the weather and mosquitoes permits... do you guys use the table as a base for cooking on or is there any risk of the surface melting or getting damaged?

Not much for grills as there’s usually one or five at your average campsite for when the need sets in.

Love cooking in the Cali though and haven’t found that smells linger and if something sticks it’s a matter of days before it’s gone if you clean the surfaces that’s closest to the cooking area.

We have the Primus tupike it's great, easy to use - quick gas connection, no messing about with matches and has its own wind shield. Folds nice and flat for easy storage.

We used it on the van table outside no problems at all. Also you can keep legs in if it suits better.

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[Elly Swanson]

Wow, totally depends on your ‘camping’ lifestyle, and food preferences. To answer your question, yes cooking on a table is more comfortable. That being said, we tend to use our Campingaz Party BBQ more ofthen than anything, as it is also a good strong burner. Once vegetables are done steaming, we use the grill for meat or fish. If you cook more pasta or other dishes, maybe two burners are necessary, but even though we have four, we have mostly learned that one burner and good planning is very efficient.

We have a fold up cooking stand. Better height than the table for standing at cooking and means the table’s free for prep and eating. It doesn’t matter if it gets splattered with water, fat, charcoal/fire cinders or whatever else. It Also has a windshield that will keep the wind off & you can put hooks on to hang things from &/or Ikea boxes, like Sonnersta containers &/or a variera cutlery box. Thinking of adding an Ikea peg board to the back of it for longer trips when it stays out in the tunnel of the driveaway awning and in the awning if we drive out and it looks like rain. Or it may stay under a tarp if we have one set up.

It packs quite narrow and when the bench seat is forward it will stand upright against the back of the seat back (it fits under our ladder that in its bag hanging from the headrests, down the back).

I don’t know why but don’t have a photo of it in action (probably always too busy cooking) but here is the amazon link https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00AOLGL6C/?tag=vwcalifornia-21

 

[Elly Swanson]

We have the Primus tupike it's great, easy to use - quick gas connection, no messing about with matches and has its own wind shield. Folds nice and flat for easy storage.

We used it on the van table outside no problems at all. Also you can keep legs in if it suits better.

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Like the legs on this as it will sit at a comfortable cooking height if used on the table. Keeps heat away from the table surface too.

 

[altvic]

After 18 months with awkward outside cooking arrangements got this Outwell kitchen. Not used yet and will try the new Cadac on one of the ‘shelves’ next week.

 

[Elly Swanson]

We have a fold up cooking stand. Better height than the table for standing at cooking and means the table’s free for prep and eating. It doesn’t matter if it gets splattered with water, fat, charcoal/fire cinders or whatever else. It Also has a windshield that will keep the wind off & you can put hooks on to hang things from &/or Ikea boxes, like Sonnersta containers &/or a variera cutlery box. Thinking of adding an Ikea peg board to the back of it for longer trips when it stays out in the tunnel of the driveaway awning and in the awning if we drive out and it looks like rain. Or it may stay under a tarp if we have one set up.

It packs quite narrow and when the bench seat is forward it will stand upright against the back of the seat back (it fits under our ladder that in its bag hanging from the headrests, down the back).

I don’t know why but don’t have a photo of it in action (probably always too busy cooking) but here is the amazon link https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00AOLGL6C/?tag=vwcalifornia-21

Have been thinking of making a canvas back, sides and “door” to turn the lower shelf into a “cupboard”.

 

[Elly Swanson]

View attachment 45943
After 18 months with awkward outside cooking arrangements got this Outwell kitchen. Not used yet and will try the new Cadac on one of the ‘shelves’ next week.

Looking forward to hearing how it works out. Looks like a good setup, Altvic

 

[Elly Swanson]

We are Beach users, so no option but to carry our own cooking equipment. I don't think we have ever cooked in the van, but we do sometimes eat in the van.

We make our own table from storage crates.
View attachment 45941

The setup is perfect for our needs. Food storage in the drawers one side, kitchen and dining utensils the other side. 2 x 907 bottles and a fridge in the middle. We rarely use the grill on the outwell cooker, but the Cadac is well used. When the van is packed, the kitchen table top is used as an extension to the multiflex board, making a 1.5m x 1.0m surface area which can be used as a double bed for sub 5' children if stopping overnight only.

Nice setup, Amarillo. Very organised and tidy .

 

[Elly Swanson]

SAfires are great I got one from Olpro really cheap (shame they don’t do all the accessories). I was so impressed I bought 3 more for Xmas & housewarming pressies.

I also have a Cobb, with most of the pans/racks and absolutely love it. The only things I don’t need are the kettle, as I use my Kelly kettle on ot, or the lid holder. Have just bought the pizza stone and stainless steel grill plate.

I got a Cobb compact extension ring for the SAfire which allows the Cobb stuff to be used on it.

The pros for the SAfire are: much easier to clean and you can go a lot hotter without fear of melting any plastic bits.

Since this post l purchased the new Cobb Premierre Air (charcoal). All the older pans/racks/accessories fit. The improvements in heat draw, temperature control and ease of cleaning were worth the cost.

 

[BayCatOne]

We have the Primus tupike it's great, easy to use - quick gas connection, no messing about with matches and has its own wind shield. Folds nice and flat for easy storage.

We used it on the van table outside no problems at all. Also you can keep legs in if it suits better.

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So how is it in windy conditions? As the windscreens sits so high above the burners, does it actually work properly?

 

[Melanie Day]

So how is it in windy conditions? As the windscreens sits so high above the burners, does it actually work properly?

We used it bank holiday weekend and super strong wind can blow the shield in but it worked good enough to do a brew and cook sausages in the pan (too rainy for BBQ)

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[kp64zl]

Thanks everyone for the recommendation of the Primus Tupike. Looks like an excellent piece of kit especially as you can use it on any kind of gas cylinder with the various adapters that are available.

I've ordered one!

 

[DavidofHook]

I’m thinking of getting a two burner Primus Tupike stove as a complement to the Ocean kitchen. Cooking outside is nice when the weather and mosquitoes permits... do you guys use the table as a base for cooking on or is there any risk of the surface melting or getting damaged?

Not much for grills as there’s usually one or five at your average campsite for when the need sets in.

Love cooking in the Cali though and haven’t found that smells linger and if something sticks it’s a matter of days before it’s gone if you clean the surfaces that’s closest to the cooking area.

I’m thinking of getting a two burner Primus Tupike stove as a complement to the Ocean kitchen. Cooking outside is nice when the weather and mosquitoes permits... do you guys use the table as a base for cooking on or is there any risk of the surface melting or getting damaged?

Not much for grills as there’s usually one or five at your average campsite for when the need sets in.

Love cooking in the Cali though and haven’t found that smells linger and if something sticks it’s a matter of days before it’s gone if you clean the surfaces that’s closest to the cooking area.

We use a Morphy Richards two ring electric hob plugged into a socket at the back of the mains plug where it goes into the socket on side of the van. You can only get the sockets in The EU I think. We almost always cook outside, either on the VW table or on a second table we take for the purpose. It's fine if the weather is Er... fine. But today here on the Loire it is cold, windy and wet and we used it indoors for the first time. As long as you plug into the mains when camping it works well and it doesn't cost anything!

 

[HamishEeyore]

Trangia is rarely mentioned as a means of cooking outdoors. We use one and are very pleased with it. We use the one with the gas burner as it doesn’t soot at all (this can be a messy issue with the meths burner). It is very controllable, is excellent in windy conditions, is easy to clean (we have the non-stick pan option) and it fits comfortably on one of the shelves in the rear Ocean cupboard along with spare cylinders. I can see why it is less popular and less well known than other outdoor cooking options - you don’t tend to see them in caravan/campervan accessory shops and they aren’t immediately intuitive compared to more conventional systems. Using one is certainly a different experience to using the Cadac etc and I can see that if you enjoy cooking on something like a Cadac the Trangia may be a bit basic and functional, but worth considering if you want a compact, robust, all-in-one, outdoor stove which can be used in all weathers. We genuinely like ours and feel that it has been a really good decision, despite being swayed, initially, by the lovely Cadac.

 

[Elly Swanson]

Trangia is rarely mentioned as a means of cooking outdoors. We use one and are very pleased with it. We use the one with the gas burner as it doesn’t soot at all (this can be a messy issue with the meths burner). It is very controllable, is excellent in windy conditions, is easy to clean (we have the non-stick pan option) and it fits comfortably on one of the shelves in the rear Ocean cupboard along with spare cylinders. I can see why it is less popular and less well known than other outdoor cooking options - you don’t tend to see them in caravan/campervan accessory shops and they aren’t immediately intuitive compared to more conventional systems. Using one is certainly a different experience to using the Cadac etc and I can see that if you enjoy cooking on something like a Cadac the Trangia may be a bit basic and functional, but worth considering if you want a compact, robust, all-in-one, outdoor stove which can be used in all weathers. We genuinely like ours and feel that it has been a really good decision, despite being swayed, initially, by the lovely Cadac.

In my Firebox stove I can clip in a trangia gas burner. I have an adapter so I can use the tall 220-270g gas canisters as well as the EN417 canisters. It makes it really versatile and the burner is small and light to carry. The stove packs flat to 7x5inches.

Photo is from one of Steve’s videos (guy who came up with the firebox stove).

 

[DavidofHook]

We use a Morphy Richards two ring electric hob plugged into a socket at the back of the mains plug where it goes into the socket on side of the van. You can only get the sockets in The EU I think. We almost always cook outside, either on the VW table or on a second table we take for the purpose. It's fine if the weather is Er... fine. But today here on the Loire it is cold, windy and wet and we used it indoors for the first time. As long as you plug into the mains when camping it works well and it doesn't cost anything!

Er... problem to report. Our brilliant (cough) electric Murphy richards hob has just failed with the large ring not heating. We have got by ok just using the small ring but not ideal. The only bright side is that I rang The company In Manchester & a replacement has arrived at our house in the U.K. Not a great help with us being in France but they have clearly had problems with this unit. It looks so lovely and bright and shiny too.....

 

[cpjb@btinternet.com]

This looks like a very practical, stable and versatile gas option:
https://www.cadacinternational.com/uk/products/portable-bbq/2-cook/?variant=deluxe

Anyone had any experience with this Cadac model?

 

[Italiahorse]

We cook outside whenever we can using a Cadac Safari Chef 2.
I have yet to get my head round travelling with 240V equipment like kettle, electric hob or microwave.
Surely the Beauty of the California is that you can park it anywhere and not rely on a hook up.

 

[DavidofHook]

We cook outside whenever we can using a Cadac Safari Chef 2.
I have yet to get my head round travelling with 240V equipment like kettle, electric hob or microwave.
Surely the Beauty of the California is that you can park it anywhere and not rely on a hook up.

I understand what you mean but we've had 3 trailer tents (with kids) a small Kyham dome tent (when the job was at risk although we did it for 6 years in the end,), an Eriba caravan and two Calis so we sort of feel that we've done our adventurous bit and we just go to regular sites, keep it as simple as possible and less is more. Hence, electric hook up, electric kettle for tea in the morning and an electric hob for simplicity and ease.. But I agree, it’s a great vehicle for wild camping etc.... no, it’s just a great vehicle!!

 

[Italiahorse]

I understand what you mean but we've had 3 trailer tents (with kids) a small Kyham dome tent (when the job was at risk although we did it for 6 years in the end,), an Eriba caravan and two Calis so we sort of feel that we've done our adventurous bit and we just go to regular sites, keep it as simple as possible and less is more. Hence, electric hook up, electric kettle for tea in the morning and an electric hob for simplicity and ease.. But I agree, it’s a great vehicle for wild camping etc.... no, it’s just a great vehicle!!

Yes we go to all the main sites as well and we find that you get better pitches if you don't hook up.
Eg. St Neots C&C non electric pitches are by the river bank.

 

[DavidofHook]

Yes we go to all the main sites as well and we find that you get better pitches if you don't hook up.
Eg. St Neots C&C non electric pitches are by the river bank.

Here in France we have been camping by the side of the Rhône with electric hook up. Generally in France it doesn't matter. But, we now where ever we are we go for ease of use and travelling as light as possible .

 

[Ch1pbutty]

Can recommend a Cobb Gas bbq (they also do a charcoal version but not allowed on campsites in SW France). Also comes in handy at Kids Rugby tournaments for making bacon butties etc! Has a lid so great when its windy.

 

[Aidy P]

I’ve travelled 000’s of miles and use one of these to cook for our family of four outside...

Takes up very little space and the canisters are cheap, easy to store and widely available. I use with normal pans that I keep in the van.

I went to Go Outdoors today to have a look at a Cadac Safari Chef 2. Bought one of these instead for about £6 ...


https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/15899693/hi-gear-grill-plate-for-single-burner-stove-15899693

It’s a hot plate that collects the fat as it drains off. Grooves underneath fit to my stove so it’s stable.

I’ve saved myself over £100 and it’s easier to store than the Cadac and the bottle.

The great things with this stove is that it’s ready in seconds. We often just pull over at the side of the road and cook lunch with it.

 

[PAPPA J]

We use ridge monkey can’t fault after three years, quick, small, stable packs away to nothing,
Saying that I’m very interested now in the oz pig

 

[kp64zl]

Notes on Primus Tupike stove

Hi @Elly Swanson --
Thanks for the recommendation of the Primus Tupike stove (pictures below)

I've bought one now and used it several times -- overall I am really pleased with it - it's my main cooker when camping with my Beach.

It is super high quality and importantly I can simmer really well with it which wasn't possible with my Campingaz Campingchef 200s.

What is particularly good is that you can buy an adapter set so that it fits on to 'any' commonly available gas cylinder. (pictures of adapters below)

However the Primus descriptions of which UK gas cylinder the adapters fit onto is somewhat poor, and customer service not particularly helpful either - so I've tested out (thanks to Go Outdoors for letting my test the adapters) and I've added extra info to the figure below (in blue text) -- essentially the standard adapters allow it to work with Campingaz, EN417, and Calor Propane (3.9 kg cylinder) and Butane (tested on the 4.5kg cylinder - the 7kg has a different connector)

I also bought an extension replacement gas hose that's quite a bit longer than the supplied one - which is useful for bigger cylinders or putting the cooker on a higher table. You take the old gas hose off (need size 10 and 11 spanner) and replace - with a bit of PTFE tape at regulator.

 

[Melanie Day]

Notes on Primus Tupike stove

Hi @Elly Swanson --
Thanks for the recommendation of the Primus Tupike stove (pictures below)

I've bought one now and used it several times -- overall I am really pleased with it - it's my main cooker when camping with my Beach.

It is super high quality and importantly I can simmer really well with it which wasn't possible with my Campingaz Campingchef 200s.

What is particularly good is that you can buy an adapter set so that it fits on to 'any' commonly available gas cylinder. (pictures of adapters below)

However the Primus descriptions of which UK gas cylinder the adapters fit onto is somewhat poor, and customer service not particularly helpful either - so I've tested out (thanks to Go Outdoors for letting my test the adapters) and I've added extra info to the figure below (in blue text) -- essentially the standard adapters allow it to work with Campingaz, EN417, and Calor Propane (3.9 kg cylinder) and Butane (tested on the 4.5kg cylinder - the 7kg has a different connector)

I also bought an extension replacement gas hose that's quite a bit longer than the supplied one - which is useful for bigger cylinders or putting the cooker on a higher table. You take the old gas hose off (need size 10 and 11 spanner) and replace - with a bit of PTFE tape at regulator.




View attachment 47334View attachment 47335View attachment 47336

We took our Primus to France and a stock of gas canisters, we use the campinggaz 500 canister.
Go outdoors will price match and give 10% discount so we look out for deals and then buy in bulk.

We didn't just much gas really, probably 3 canisters would be easily enough for us, brews on morning and cooking meals every other night.

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