Anyone used a "Portable Notebook Grill BBQ Foldable Folding Charcoal Camping Barbeque Picnic" fire pit from Fire Pits Direct? Love to have some feedback if you have.
I got one off eBay, much cheaper than the one they advertised. I think that I paid around $25.
I have only used it twice. The first time I didn't use enough charcoal & the next time I used too much. We'll see how I go next time.
Obviously I have never used charcoal as a BBQ fuel but I like the idea & will keep trying. I like the idea of steaks done over charcoal & especially with some smoke from Mesquite chips added.
I treat mine as a fun thing but I think that I could get hooked. Perhaps just another gadget.
My SIL uses coals from his camp fire instead of charcoal & does a good job.
We bought a similar one from Anaconda I think it cost $19.00. Great little unit for picnic; chicken wings, sausages, etc.
We also sometimes just use some twigs to boil a billy.
Worth what we paid.
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What's the construction like? From the price it seems a bit fragile when others are over $200. I don't want to have to pay over $200 if the cheapie is okay although I am aware of the adage that "you only get what you pay for" hence the enquiry.
I shall be using charcoal too once I have got a reasonable fire with wood. Much more controlable. If you need to control the flames when fat catches on fire, use a water pistol or a gardening spray container at the fine setting. Fantastic.
They all seem to be made in the same 'factory' or shed in China. $19 is a great price but I would expect to pay from $20 to $30, no more.
The construction is OK .. thinish pressed sheet metal & reasonable quality of 'steel' mesh racks. I put a bit of bird wire around the fire rack on mine to stop the smaller lumps of charcoal falling through.
I reckon that mine will be OK for a few years with its occasional use.
Their light weight & small size is good but then you need to include the charcoal. These days you can buy it almost everywhere & coals from a fire will do the job too. Mine goes into yet another milk crate along with a ground plate to catch any ashes and a pair of cheap multi grips for lifting hot stuff. I can sit on the crate while I watch the fire or ponder the meaning of life armed with a glass of good(ish) red.
It might be OK to use where there are fire restrictions as the fire is off the ground. You'd need to check.
They are adequate for two but you might struggle to cook for a family .. or need to be well organised.
I light three fire starters cut into halves with a 'gas match' to get it going, next fold the charcoal lumps onto the starters & then sit back and wait. Some people use one of those funnel/cylinder like things to start the charcoal & control the amount that is poured into the cooker. Hardly worth the extra expense IMHO.
I'll throw a spray bottle into the crate for next time. Thanks for the tip Tony.
-- Edited by Cupie on Saturday 13th of October 2018 10:17:37 AM
