BajaNomad - Portable BBQ needed.....

Portable BBQ needed.....

surfer jim - 4-17-2007 at 08:36 PM

I need to get a portable BBQ for BAJA camping....charcole (not propane).....

A friend has one that I want but can't find....looks like a SMOKEY JOE....but better....about the same size...the bottom has a round base about 4 " high and inside the base are 3 legs that pull out to raise it up......the top has a large handle that snaps over the top to hold it closed....my friend doesn't remember where he got it....but thinks it was COSTCO.... there is no name on his unit ....

Got any ideas?....What do you use?

How old is he?

Dave - 4-17-2007 at 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by surfer jim
my friend doesn't remember where he got it....but thinks it was COSTCO....

I hope he's not still driving.

Phil C - 4-18-2007 at 05:26 AM

I like the small rectangler one that weber makes, closes up well, stores well, and cooks great.

Phil C, one like this?

Pompano - 4-18-2007 at 05:52 AM

We use one like this for camping. It really does a great job with charcoal and stores away in a small space. Cost was around $40 new, but if in San Diego from Thurs - Sunday, walk around Kobey's Swap Meet next to Sports Arena and you'll find a deal.

Weber 121020 Charcoal Go Anywhere: No nuts & bolts - easy assembly. Legs pivot to lock lid for easy carrying. Compact, perfect for rvs. About 14" X 14" X 22" stored. Weighs 13 lbs.

[Edited on 4-18-2007 by Pompano]

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woody with a view - 4-18-2007 at 06:14 AM

got a CHEAP square mode at rite aid for $15.

4baja - 4-18-2007 at 06:39 AM

why not propane? little more costly but simple and instant cooking. no messy charcoal. home depot, 50 bucks. :coolup:

Bob and Susan - 4-18-2007 at 06:43 AM

tastes different....

Alan - 4-18-2007 at 06:44 AM

I use the same one as Pompano. It comes in a charcoal or Propane model. The legs just fold up to secure the lid for packing. I started with the charcoal model but switched to propane. Got tired of trying to find a place to dump the coals. With propane the cylinder and regulator store under the lid. Just turn it off and it is cool enough to pack in 10-15 minutes. Also the square shape lets it pack better than the Smokey Joe I started with. Weber makes the best but there are others with identical design. Can usually find them almost anywhere, Wal-Mart, Target, Big 5 etc.

jimgrms - 4-18-2007 at 06:54 AM

If you like the charcole taste use propane and throw some wood chips in it just a few

Bob and Susan - 4-18-2007 at 06:54 AM

don't forget one of these for potatoes...WOW!!!

they fold flat and fit right on top of the small bbq
cheap :biggrin:

vandenberg - 4-18-2007 at 07:59 AM

Bob,
Hope you don't forget to take your jewelry and other valuables out before you use it :lol:

surfer jim - 4-18-2007 at 08:03 AM

I like the charcole...heat can last for hours so you can also make a late snack on same coals....plus it is sort of like a fireplace at times....I will check out the rectangular design...more space efficient for sure....

wilderone - 4-18-2007 at 08:12 AM

A portable BBQ? Just take a grate.

I've also used several varieties of those portable BBQ's...

Mexray - 4-18-2007 at 09:07 AM

...however they are really messy after you've used them several times, and are a real pain to pack up without messing up other gear when stowing for travel again...who is going to 'swab' down their greasy BBQ each time they use it camping?

I wish some Mfg. would make a custom-sized 'tub' with a lid for their BBQ - so you could pack it up and have a neat container to stow. I use those deep plastic tubs you can pick up at big box stores, but the BBQ never fits just right! It's a bit bulky, but works for now...

Anyone have a better solution?

Portable BBQ

MrBillM - 4-18-2007 at 09:14 AM

I've used a number of the Cheap BBQs pictured, both Charcoal and Propane. Depending on what you've cooked, they can be pretty greasy, but I simply went down to the Sporting goods and bought a nylon utility bag large enough to contain the unit. Before putting it in the Nylon Bag, I would wrap it in a plastic trash bag. Worked fine. No mess.

bancoduo - 4-18-2007 at 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mexray
...however they are really messy after you've used them several times, and are a real pain to pack up without messing up other gear when stowing for travel again...who is going to 'swab' down their greasy BBQ each time they use it camping?

Thats what wives and girlfriends are for. :rolleyes:

howat - 4-18-2007 at 09:55 AM

Jim,

Know what you mean about charcoal vs propane. I recently got back from LA Bay. Four of us camped at Daggetts. i brought my 22" Weber grill. I removed the legs, unpinned the wheels (drill holes in wheel shaft and cotter pin) so that all parts fit inside dome. My weber does not get greasy cuz I burn all grease out the last day of cooking. A larger BBQ makes for larger dinners for the guys you came down with and the new friends you meet at the camp site. Dinners I prepared and cooked on the Weber were prime ribeye steaks, crispy skinned Long Island ducklings with Grand Marnier orange sauce (I hung the ducks inside the palapa for 4 hrs before cooking, need high heat to get crispy skin), ginger hawaiian wahoo, local caught YT, wild caught alaskan salmon smoked with applewood, corned beef on St Patrick's Day and prime rib with baked potatoes. The small additional space footprint of a 22" weber is sure worth it for my camping style. I'll post some pics of our trip soon; getting the rest of the pics tonite at our LA Bay picture swapping party.

Dennis

[Edited on 4-18-2007 by howat]

[Edited on 4-18-2007 by howat]

HotSchott - 4-18-2007 at 10:07 AM

I only cook over mesquite charcoal at home and in Baja. I use the empty 40 # heavy duty mesquite bags to put the dirty grill in and it lays flat under my gear in the bed of my truck. No mess at all. I quit trying to haul a grill around many years ago. If there is a fire pit where I am going, I just use my grill. If no pit, then I build one. If I am in sensitive habitat I carry out the ashes in one empty charcoal bag and the grill goes in another and I dismantle the fire area.

After watching some idiots plsslng on a grill in a campground, I have trouble cooking on public grills. I always shovel the debris out of the fire pit before I cook and trash it or bury it. There always seems to be some bozo that thows their plastic and trash in the cooking fire...I prefer to cook on native mesquite if I am remote camping in an area that has dead mesquite. It makes food taste so much better and making the fire is part of what I love about desert camping.

$$

[Edited on 4-18-2007 by HotSchott]

jettygirl - 4-18-2007 at 11:06 AM

check out National Tailgates BBQ Bucket...runs just under $50.
have never used one but they look travel and user friendly.

Mexitron - 4-18-2007 at 11:21 AM

Mesquite is awesome. Fortunately here in Texas its a range weed so is quite available. We just had to cut the Pecan tree in the backyard since it was trying to fall into the neighbor's house--I'm just finding how good that wood is for smoke cookin'...and we've now got us a three year supply!

For Baja we sometimes just bring a grill and build our own firerings for it. But Pappy brings his Keg-a-que which is great for windy evenings and holding the heat in for faster cooking. He built a box to transport it in.
Which style you use sort of depends what your cooking--ie if you're cooking a whole chicken its better to have the BBQ with cover.

wilderone - 4-18-2007 at 11:34 AM

"who is going to 'swab' down their greasy BBQ each time they use it camping?" The same person who will swab down the grill that comes with the Weber. Propane gets just as messy.
I just pack and re-pack a grate in a heavy-duty plastic bag. lays flat underneath other boxes of supplies. Most of the messiness burns to a crisp after cooking. Otherwise, just a scrape with a knife, wipe-down with papertowels and rinse with some water. And as HotSchott says, I too try to find a fire ring already established to use.
And for some recipes, you don't need a grate at all. Make a bed of coals - either from charcoal brought from home or dead matter laying about - and wrap your fish or meat or sliced potatoes or vegetables in heavy duty aluminum foil; place amonst the coals to cook. Turn once.
There are grills with long handles that clamp the food between two grill faces too - good for smaller items like hot dogs and hamburgers. I like those because you can place it over the flame at its optimum position.

Cypress - 4-18-2007 at 11:41 AM

Propane provides just the right flavor, it also burns really well! :bounce:

surfer jim - 4-18-2007 at 12:04 PM

The BBQ I am looking for has a big "latch" that will hold the top lid securely to the bottom part...it goes over the carrying handle and snaps in place....no mess for transport....

pappy - 4-18-2007 at 01:08 PM

Jim- for years now i have used the keg-a-que(as mentioned by mexitron).it is a pony keg cut in half , so it is plenty deep to hold mesquite and not burn the food(as shallower, rectangles ones i've used had a tendancy to do).the lid clasps secure and it only takes a couple chunks of mesquite to cook a tri-tip or chicken, in the wind with lid on.it has cooked for groups of 4 to 8 people no problem.start with some linguice sausage and jalapenos on grill sook and slice, wrap up in tortilla for starters. then throw on whatever ya want-potatoes, onoions chicken whole or parted,tri-tip halibut, sea bass,etc. etc. i paid $55 bucks for it years ago at a local sport chalet.i built a plywood box to hual it around in-carries the keg, spices, bbq tools and lighter fluid.(it originally came as a propane unit but use mesquite only, though kept the propane innards in case we ran out of mesquite).

Packoderm - 4-18-2007 at 01:11 PM

I have both the square propane Weber and the Weber Smokey Joe charcoal with the handle. I like the Smokey Joe better because the food tastes better, and it is more fun to use real coals/mesquite, but I end up using the propane one pretty much exclusively because of the convenience.

Weber Smokey Joe Gold:

jerry - 4-18-2007 at 01:37 PM

i have a BBQ that i have had for years and years it looks like a metal tool box and has 2stainless griles one for the coal or wood to sit on the other to cook on there are 2 tight fitting vents on the sides on bottom i can use coal or wood and when i finished i slam the lid and hasp tighten the vents and it seals up dustless ready for next time i got it from the boyscouts or some organization its a little heavy but has lasted at least 25 years for camping out and moterhoming the decal has long since disapered

Chimney charcoal starter

Pompano - 4-18-2007 at 02:08 PM

One of the more pleasurable aspects of Baja camping is sitting down with friends and family to a barbequed meal...which must be eaten around the campfire.

Ah..the delectable aroma of barbecued chicken, grilled steaks, burgers, hot dogs, fish, shrimp, frogs, lizards, snakes, roadkill, spam..wait, hold the phone...no spam.

If you, too, are a fan of fine-cooked outdoor fare, you might want to put together a homemade charcoal chimney. This handy device, which can easily be made from common household items, will produce a glowing bed of briquettes in about ten minutes ... a definite improvement over the time required to generate embers when using the more conventional "lighter fluid" method. Please, no lighter fluid taste on my food! You can light these chimneys easily with a wad of newspaper...no muss, no fuss.

If you are handy and want your own make one from a 8" scrap of 6"-diameter single-walled stovepipe...

Or...simply buy one for about 10 bucks from your nearest hardware store...like the one below from Weber.

Combine all this gear with your own homemade charcoal and you are good to go.

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soulpatch...let's face it, the old days are gone...sigh.

Pompano - 4-18-2007 at 02:29 PM

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Tomas Tierra - 4-18-2007 at 02:32 PM

smokey joe, chimney starter, wood chips, 20 lbs. of briquets(loose) all in a 60 qt rubber made tub with lid on snapped. self contained, and clean(on the outside anyway).

even the small dome of the smokey joe is far superior to the retcangle rig.
versatility in cooking techniques is key with the dome...

now I'm hungry for some slow smoked something......

Life is too short

craiggers - 4-18-2007 at 02:53 PM

Life is to short to debate the advantages of propane vs charcoal or vis versa. the truth is they both have their place in a proper camp setup. I'll agree that or some or maybe even most food there's nothing that is going to beat the tast of a charcoal BBQ. For this I carry an old round grill out of an old webber, I think. For quick roadside or late night cooking or early morning coffe & breakfast its hard to beat propane. for this I carry one of the little rectangular grills already mentioned. Call me anything but late for dinner.

Pompano - 4-18-2007 at 03:02 PM

You bet, craiggers...I think most of us carry each kind, too. I know we do.

But you are wrong about thinking there is no benefit to discussing the merits of charcoal v.s. propane.

Do the Yankees equal the Mets? Does mustard belong on a hotdog or does ketchup? Crunchy or creamy peanut butter? (creamy) Will a bluegill fight as much as a perch? Do blondes really have more fun than a brunette?

You can see where these important questions take you....

comitan - 4-18-2007 at 03:45 PM

I think these guys have what you want.

http://www.cajunoutdoorcooking.com/portable_grill.htm

Packoderm - 4-18-2007 at 06:19 PM

This is a really cool Mexican BBQ. It is made out of a tire rim, re-bar, and some scrap angle iron. When I was in the Yucatan, they were selling these for under $15.00 U.S. I don't see why they couldn't make the same thing in Baja.

AmoPescar - 4-19-2007 at 01:04 AM

Hey Jim,

What about something like the one below. It has it’s own case and is a good size for traveling. Might try shopping at a Barbecues Galore. I think they might have something similar in stock.

IMHO…Propane is the way to go. I own a small Weber Propane and it’s easy to use and cooks everything well.

Check it out at…http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=333477

Here's more info. on it...http://www.cobbq.com/

Good luck in your search!
Miguelamo

[Edited on 4-19-2007 by AmoPescar]

Charcoal v.s. Propane

Pompano - 4-19-2007 at 08:08 AM

What is your preference?

Flavor I sure can't deny that charcoal delivers fantastic flavor, but I believe that you can do just as well with gas by using a medium to low heat. Our own taste tests with other campers in Baja using both gas and charcoal have shown no difference between the two. This might be due to improper lime/beer ratios, though.

Convenience In this, gas grills are the clear winner.

Style & Fun Of course, the important thing is to have fun cooking and prepare great tasting food. Are you a traditionalist who loves to watch those briquettes get white hot.. or a fan of convenient modern technology? I have to admit, I become a “Keeper of the Fire” holy man using charcoal. But if it's not a matter of superior taste, (and I am not saying yea or nay) why would anyone fool with charcoal? Admit it, you love being Master and Commander of the Coals. On the other hand, a gas grill lets you spend more time correctly adjusting the lime/Pacifico ratio.

Cost Charcoal is the clear winner here. Charcoal grills are simpler and less expensive.

Which one do you prefer? Hey, it's all good!

We do a lot of offroad camping, but also like to boatcamp wherever we can. For this, we stow aboard a compact folding gas grill in a compartment with other cookware...works great for a shore lunch with no danger of starting a forest fire up north..or scrounging for firewood on a bare Baja beach!

[Edited on 4-19-2007 by Pompano]

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Paulina - 4-19-2007 at 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by soulpatch
Pre-woman in my life and me getting soft period all I ever brought down was a grill and charcoal...... rocks for a nice deep fire ring was all it took for days of fish cooking, pancakes etc. Whatever meal it was was cooked that way.

That's how we still do it. After dinner the bbq pit becomes the campfire pit. We have different sized grills depending on who's invited to dinner.

P<*)))><

Tomas Tierra - 4-19-2007 at 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pompano

Admit it, you love being Master and Commander of the Coals. On the other hand, a gas grill lets you spend more time correctly adjusting the lime/Pacifico ratio.

[Edited on 4-19-2007 by Pompano]

definately admited.....and charcoal/wood fires all the way

but true master and commander of the coals will have a beer fetcher/ lime ratio expert waiting close by in hopes of a tid bit of wood smoked wonder.... :yes:

Hook - 4-19-2007 at 11:31 AM

I've owned all of the smaller Webers in all forms of combustion. The Smokey Joe is the most versatile, as you can build coals up close to the food or create enough distance. The rectangles dont have as much latitude on that.

The maintenance of propane units sucks; it's the bottom grate that needs constant replacement.

Any unit must have a lid, so you can go "indirect", if need be.

I saw a newer Smokey Joe (mines a few years old) and it looked like they had eliminated the aeration holes below the coals and just had ones on the sides and lid. That would be a bad decision on their part, IMO.

I use a chimney at home but for reduced space of camping, I buy bags of Matchlight and mix it about 25-75 with either regular briquets or the mesquite charcoal. Works fine. Actually use this mix at home, too. One sheet of newspaper is all you ever need whereas most chimney owners know that they can be temperamental in low wind sitchs.

I have also used the cubes of flammable starter by Weber to great advantage for avoiding bringing the chimney, even without using the Matchlights..

Here a fire starter for you, Hook.

Pompano - 4-19-2007 at 11:56 AM

CHARCOAL FIRE STARTER

Charcoal briquettes
Cardboard egg carton
Paraffin

Place a charcoal briquette in each compartment of the egg carton. Pour melted paraffin to soak charcoal and carton. Allow to harden. Tear off compartments as needed and place within charcoal or wood to be lit. Light carton to start fire. Simple and easy.

Bob and Susan - 4-19-2007 at 03:14 PM

???they still make cardboard egg cartoons??? :lol:

Hook - 4-19-2007 at 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pompano
CHARCOAL FIRE STARTER

Charcoal briquettes
Cardboard egg carton
Paraffin

Place a charcoal briquette in each compartment of the egg carton. Pour melted paraffin to soak charcoal and carton. Allow to harden. Tear off compartments as needed and place within charcoal or wood to be lit. Light carton to start fire. Simple and easy.

That's a good idea, Roger. Thanks for that.

Hook - 4-19-2007 at 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
???they still make cardboard egg cartoons??? :lol:

Oh yeah.......the cage-free, ground fed growers are all over those. Made from some serious recycled paper products.

DENNIS - 4-19-2007 at 04:14 PM

For sure. The EGG CARTOONS are on the edititoral page.

DENNIS - 4-19-2007 at 04:21 PM

I mean, it is a big yolk, isn't it?

surfer jim - 5-1-2007 at 11:20 PM

OK...time for a follow up....was in WAL-MART the other day looking at plants...but they had a BBQ section in the same area....found "sort of" what I was looking for....$9.92 for either a round or square model....was not as heavy/ good as the one I had seen.... but same style....got it and another bigger one $17.92 for use at home....

By the way...I had to assemble the home unit tonight....72 pieces of hardware and about 10 "other" pieces.....took an HOUR ....by time it was done I decided it was too late and just cooked the burger on the stove.... :lol:

Bob H - 5-2-2007 at 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 4baja
why not propane? little more costly but simple and instant cooking. no messy charcoal. home depot, 50 bucks. :coolup:

If you really like BBQ, then charcoal is a must.... it's also ideal for using different wood smoking chunks...
My 2cents... Bob H

[Edited on 5-2-2007 by Bob H]

Don't forget the WeberQ

ePBWhiz - 5-2-2007 at 11:17 AM

http://www.weber.com/q/100_detail.aspx
We've been boat camping with this one for a while and the convenience of gas+piezo start is sweet. It grills awesome because the heavy cast iron grate holds more heat than the cheaper wire ones.
I know the usual gripes about the gas and weight etc but with the fold-in shelves, vinyl cover and little replaceable grease pan it is a pretty comprehensive little bugger.

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surfer jim - 5-3-2007 at 07:24 AM

That is so advanced it should be part of the space shuttle....website shows it even comes with a GPS unit.... :lol:

AmoPescar - 5-3-2007 at 02:18 PM

SO JIM...Inquiring minds want to know...

Why you would bother to to take the time to solicit information from us about BBQ's...AND THEN GO OUT AND BUY A PIECE (2 pcs.) OF JUNK FROM WAL-MART???? You'll probably be lucky if it makes it through more than a few trips and uses.

Miguelamo :smug:

Cypress - 5-3-2007 at 02:23 PM

Those BBQ's on wheels made from propane tanks are neat, can cook a whole pig and have room for beans, bread etc. :tumble:

surfer jim - 5-3-2007 at 03:42 PM

amo....couldn't find what I wanted anywhere else....

(sure glad I wasn't asking about one of those $250,000 motor homes and had to buy one because I asked about it) :biggrin:

Cypress....

Pompano - 5-3-2007 at 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cypress
Those BBQ's on wheels made from propane tanks are neat, can cook a whole pig and have room for beans, bread etc. :tumble:

We built one almost like you are describing..but just a little bigger. You can roast 20 turkeys on this baby at one time...or a whole elk carcass.

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Cypress - 5-3-2007 at 04:02 PM

Pompano, Yep! That's a first-class cooking-on-wheels machine.

Wood fueled or gas?

Pompano - 5-3-2007 at 04:06 PM

We can use both, Cypress.