Safari chef or Cobb BBQ

[HolyDrinker]

Which would mumsnet recommend? They both look ace. I prefer the idea of coals, but is the Cobb a total faff? Do things take ages to cook? Will I bankrupt myself buying a million different accessories for the Cobb?

[Jins]

We have a Cobb and a Safari Chef. We got the Safari Chef first but it hasn't been used since I got the Cobb. I'm really unimpressed with the Safari Chef whereas the Cobb is the best cooking gadget I've ever had- and I've had a few.

The Cobb heats up perfectly well if you use Australian Heatbeads or Weber briquettes and stays hot for ages. I also use a chimney starter if we're in a hurry.

[Milliways]

We inherited a Cadac safari chef or Cadac something (Came in the Motorhome boot!) but have never played with it as DH loves our lotusgrill and using charcoal.
we used to have a small cheap gas BBQ and this seems huge - Is it worth a go?

[profpoopsnagle]

Cobb.

[DavidBrainsSuit]

We have a Cobb and love it.
We do only use the cobblestones though and if you get a duff one it can be a a palaver.

Off to google safari chefs

[HolyDrinker]

Argh. My worn down DH has just walked in waving a fiver-off at Lakeland voucher and said "come on, let's go get your cobb". Now this thread is making me hesitate...

[MyUserNameIsWhat]

We bought a Cobb in the end but I wish I'd bought a Safari Chef. The Cobb just takes forever to heat up unless you use the Cobblestones. And they are expensive to get hold of. I wouldn't go for the a Cobb if you have 2 toddlers....

[bedhaven]

I love our safari chef, it's small enough for the car but big enough for cooking - did 2 packs bacon and a pack of chipolatas in one go last weekend. It's really multipurpose although I fear the pizza stone may not get enough use to justify it's weight. We cooked using only the safari chef for two weeks for 2 adults and 2 small children with ease and only one of those sets of camping saucepans and kettle. The lid is great for stir fries, boiling water, grill plate for pancakes or the other side for perfect griddle lines on veg and meat, barbecue for fattier stuff and burner for kettle or pans. I put it up on a table as I'd rather not kneel and the legs are long enough not to let the table singe. I use it as a barbecue at home too now as so much quicker than waiting for charcoal. I didn't imagine I would like it as much as I do, we only got it as the French campsite we stayed on didn't allow charcoal and it was cheaper than hiring for the time we were there! Best tip if you get one is fairy power spray, otherwise it's difficult to clean.

[HolyDrinker]

Hmm, slow is not useful when feeding two toddlers. Thanks.

[NonnyMuss]

Cobb = slow as hell.

Not got a Cadac so not qualified to answer, thinking about a Carri Chef for next year for reliability and ease of use (large family so Safari Chef ruled out)