UCO Flatpack Grill And Firepit | My Thoughts After 3 Months

[@chapter4travels]

I made a 2" wide grate in the bottom of the "V" to get air under the coals and it improved the performance tremendously. It started much faster and got up to temperature faster as well.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

That is a great suggestion. I'll try that. Thank you!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

BTW THANK YOU!!! I tried your trick last night and it made a HUGE improvement. Thank You!

[@chapter4travels]

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle I also made a lid to hold heat in for indirect cooking from a deep 10" x 13" aluminum roasting pan similar to this and this also helped performance. I just screwed a wooden handle/knob to the top. Of course, it does not fold flat, but I use mine for car camping and handle the extra size. ecoqualityinc.com/products/10-pack-9-x-13-disposable-aluminum-foil-steam-table-deep-pans

[@bobabooey4537]

Great idea.... but shouldn't have to.

[@BillyHannon14]

What did you use for the grate?

[@juliandorrell2079]

Add industrial screen to bottom (along V ) to create flat area to even out some of the heat distribution and give better air flow. Also think about metal hanger to stretch out to width of grill and add to ends to shore up ends and it’s flat enough to add to pouch, both ideas here. It’s mods to increase effectiveness of use. Been eyeing this and these are mods I am going to do to mine out of the gate and a metal four outlet flat cover as a scraper for grill and grate and a half a green pad. All should fit in pouch with grill as I have seem multiple videos on this grill.

[@JollyPeanut]

I just ordered the small version "its tiny"if i like it i will probably get this one also. Great review & the steak looks awesome Thanks brother🔥👍

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks, it works great in our van. Hope you like yours.

[@JarheadAndGingersJourney]

Hello from Okinawa, Japan. That’s an interesting grill. Great idea to throw the used charcoal in to start a fire.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Wow, Japan! That is awesome. The grill works great for 2 people. Thanks so much for watching. Good luck with your retirement.

[@pjcd7016]

When ever I use charcoal, I let the coals ash over before I put the meat on.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you for the information. We appreciate you watching.

[@bobabooey4537]

Ys... thats how you use charcoal lol.

[@HDvroom10]

Nice! Put coal om just one side and it is easier to control the temperature.👍

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks again for the information.

[@greatday2224]

I loved this video all the way from Cape Town, South Africa..

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you. We appreciate you watching.

[@Belgarathe]

Why not use a chimney starter instead? You get a nice sear with heat over 600 then you can dump it into fire pit. Added bonus you can transport charcoal inside of it when not in use.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Great idea, thanks for sharing.

[@jcro2066]

Well I will have to check this one out . I have seen people using them....like the idea of using it as a fire starter ...Thank you for a great review

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Hey Joe! Yes, once you get used to letting it heat up it’s a great choice. Can’t beat how little room it takes to store this thing!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

What do you use now? I’ve used a 17” Blackstone and a small Komodo grill in a camper too but this one just gets the job done and gets out of the way.

[@jcro2066]

We have a Coleman fold and go grill works great but I like the taste of charcoal so yours maybe the way to go. And BTW that steak looked so yummy :)

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Man, it was! You can spend a lot of money on a good steak when you don’t have to buy any “sticking vegetables” :-)

[@jcro2066]

LOL ya those dang green things keep getting in the way LOL

[@gud2go50]

I just ordered one. Thanks for this video. It was very helpful. You might want to buy some heavy-duty welders gloves for moving the grate. I think that's what I will do. Cheers!

[@michele2017promastertravel]

I was wondering if you are still using this grill. Have you moved onto something else/better?

[@mtnbound2764]

nice simple review, thanks!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you.

[@matthewmorrone883]

Love my UCO grill. I got the mini also

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We do too!

[@matthewmorrone883]

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle have you tried charcoal as well? I usually light the stove on softwood or dry hardwood is ideal. Get a bed of coals then put the charcoal on. Heat lasts long enough for cooking then I go back to burning wood. I also build little wood stoves for hot tents.

[@HDvroom10]

Put the grate sideways and you can feed the fire with more fuel as needed. (when used as a fire pit)

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks for the info, we will try that.

[@robv.s.9503]

I have one for hiking 🥾 I used foil to cover the holes to control the air intake

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Great idea!

[@offcityhike]

Doppest review production ever !

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you.

[@bookooc5605]

Good god man, have you ever heard of bbq gloves or oven mitts? Pot holder? I'm amazed you still have hands.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

👍

[@sherriweber7105]

Hi Owen! Where was Lynn in this video? Nice steak! She missed out on a nice steak. It looked good. Nice cute grill Owen never saw one like that before. Thank you for this video.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I was on a trip with my girlfriends, so Owen decided to go camping on his own. The griddle has taken the place of the grill, but it was very convenient. Thanks for watching.

[@NoName-t7e]

Thanks bud. Still hoping to see somebody using one of these as a fire pit one day. Cheers for the cooking vid though.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Wow! Thanks for chiming in with real world experience with it.

[@NoName-t7e]

@Pacific Standard Time Thanks Pacific Standard Time!

[@carmenmartinez2882]

Native Europe I agree with the other comment, I’ve used it exclusively as a fire pit in many trips. The pros: you use less wood and it radiates a considerable amount of heat, very portable. The cons: wood needs to be very smal (only 13” long and 10” wide) which allows you only for 3 logs maximum with a little kindling, there’s not a lot of room for air flow, your best bet is to use a mouth bellow, I’ve found out that even with seasoned wood if there is a little humidity in the air you have to keep it working with the bellow. Mine has warped with time but still folds into the cover, but I’ve used it a lot. All around is not a bad product but I’m ready to try one of the ones with metal mesh because at times is hard to keep it going or find wood that’ll fit, unless you buy the crappy stuff they sell you on the campground. I bring my own which is anything from pinion pine, avocado, citrus and a few pieces of oak, all seasoned. Hope this helps.

[@NoName-t7e]

@@carmenmartinez2882 Thank you, thats awesome. When you cant actually see them in the shops and you have to order stuff online there is a lot of guess work involved sometimes! Thinking the bigger one would be the better choice.

[@carmenmartinez2882]

Native Europe yes, the bigger one is what I have. Definitely durable.

[@jamestennimon9974]

A collapsible charcoal chimney works great for starting briquets. Takes no time at all

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you. We have one and have used it with our grills at home a lot. The thing about little vans... you can’t take everything you want to take or think you need. I wish I could because it sure makes that an easier task. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@putzaround3171]

Solution - put the right amount of coals! Also you put on the steak before the coals were ready. I love using this thing but you seem to be complaining things that have nothing to do with the product but with "user error. Look at the amount of coals you have left. Less coals will also mean you won't have to wait so long for the coals to be ready. The V design helps you radiate heat with a minimum amount of fuel.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I love using it too. Thanks for the suggestion. I did rush putting steak on for sure. I have also found that hardwood cubes work better for me than the irregular lump charcoal. It’s been doing great for the last few months and I love it even more.

[@sodatato]

the grill bend because it was overheated by putting it on a roaring fire. you must always wait for the fire to die down before putting it on.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I’m a lot of things but patient is not one of them. I do need to be more patient with the coals though. I now wait even longer but still have flare ups if there’s any fat. Thanks for the advice and for watching.

[@jaspersureshot]

Thinkin im gonna have to get one of these

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

You already know we love our Travato. There are things that we wish were different but it has been the best purchase we’ve made in a long time.

[@douglastoney2843]

I've thought about something like this. It seems redundant when there is already a grill at many of the campsites.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

It often is redundant but takes much less charcoal to cook a meal because it is so small. And you're cooking on something you know is clean.... hopefully 😂👍

[@whitewolf4016]

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle I'm like you I don't trust those campsite grills

[@JK-ok8zv]

Which size did you buy, mini or the regular?

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We bought the mini version of it. It has worked out really well for two or three people.

[@visualoverland8345]

Moral of the story: leave the veggies at home! Great review friend! I just ordered mine! Can’t wait to grill with It! Thank you!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I’m really glad it helped. Hope you love yours as much as I love mine. Safe journeys!

[@surfthestreets86]

What is the best way to clean the stainless steel on this grill?

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I wish I knew. I tried really hard to keep it clean while using but that’s hard to do when you’re out on the road. I usually just scrape the sides down and wash it out with water and Dawn.

[@The-Light1]

fine wire wool or a brillo pad

[@deador9192]

Who needs guiness Stout, when the steak comes with all the bitter taste on its own? Haha. Thanks for the video.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We appreciate you watching and the comment.

[@bradthurkle7217]

She’s a beauty mate 👍

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Yes, she is.

[@percules4420]

you have to put the grill after it gets hot , a tip i was told

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks for sharing.

[@ralphwatten2426]

Start coals in one side of grill and cook steak on the other side, kind of like an indirect method.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks for the advice. We will try that.

[@GunNut37086]

Great video, sir. You do good work with that camera. Shame what you did to that poor steak though, LOL. Just teasing, I like mine nearly still mooing.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

👍 Thanks for watching.

[@raoulp.9302]

It is so easy to mount the grill. Your just thinking it too hard. Load the box, weight will force sides to open, light your charcoal and then... then clip the grill to the holder and there it is so magnificently easy to mount without any hassle whatsoever. I don't understand your complain. Mind over matter. For firepit, it works just fine.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Forgot to answer this one... thanks for the insight. I have gotten better at it... and I’ve oiled all the joints making it much, much easier to load.

[@fantela01]

Can u use this safely without the grill on it? I’m looking for something that the kids can roast marshmallows with.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

+fantela01 Yes I would think so. The market it as a fire pit. We have done that a few times and as long as it’s on solid ground it is pretty good. Some actually cook on it with just sticks and firewood.

[@fantela01]

VAN TREKKING lifestyle thanks! ☺️

[@carmenmartinez2882]

I use it exclusively as a fire pit, I use my Firebox for cooking, have used it many times and has held very good, warms you up pretty good. I own 2 .

[@fantela01]

carmen martinez thanks! This is very encouraging, as I just bought one today! ☺️

[@carmenmartinez2882]

fantela01, I really like mine, I camp several times a year and use it every time, take the grill out and you’ll be able to roast marshmallows and keep warm. I’ve used it in Yosemite several times, Zion, Joshua Tree, Big Bear, Sedona, Baja, with temperatures as low as mid 30s with no issues.

[@Francois_Dupont]

is this rust inside or only discoloration?

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Actually it’s a little of both. It is starting to rust a little but most of it is just discoloration from the heating and cooling process. Since we’re usually out and about when we use it it does not get cleaned as well as it should, which is my fault. I think that adds to both the rust and coloration.

[@vaninmotion6040]

I have been looking to trade my instantpot for a portable grill.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Van In Motion We’d say don’t do that. We use the Instatpot 3-4 times a week. Just tonight Lynn made homemade veggie soup in it and it was great. We have the 3 quart Instantpot and it fits in the overhead cabinet easily, a lot more than the bigger one did. There’s room for both the grill and the pot. :-)

[@carmenmartinez2882]

We’re comparing apples with pears, this is great for camping, real camping, where electricity is not available.

[@vaninmotion6040]

Since space is limited in our van I can't have both instantpot and grill. We are also living in it fulltime (not always in an RV park) and I find that running the generator to use my instantpot is not practical. We have decided to the the Coleman fold and go. We love the size and it will fit where the I.P. used to be

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Understand completely. We are dry camping for the next week and I am outside grilling right joe as the sun is setting. Hope it finishes :-)

[@OverlandUnderground]

It seems like if you used 1/3 of the coals it would have been perfect.

[@Grond605]

What the fuck were you burning in there? Are you telling me that after a few regular fire uses it looks all charred and rusted? I would’ve thought that UCO would’ve made it out of better resilient steel, THX for the product review!!!! I think i’ll stick with my homemade twig stove.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I've only burned Royal Oak Charcoal in it. I'm confused as to why it's rusting too.

[@The.Alabama.Woodsman]

Hot, then cold, then hot, then cold.... not gonna last forever folks; not meant to be eternal. I use mine in my get home bag. I also use it when it's too windy for a ground fire. I don't use it every time I go out. For me, about the only survival situation I will get into is stranded on the interstate in a snow storm. Its perfect for what I need.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks for your comment. We appreciate your thoughts.

[@truth959]

Is that the mini?

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Yes. Thanks for watching and commenting and beng connected with us. it means a lot to us!

[@jshirks]

I think he likes it?!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Yes… he does.

[@hardtrooth1776]

Use less coals so you can gripe less

[@stevej.6674]

By the look of it: Pro: convenient, packs small, lite for backpackers. Cons: the meat is way to close to the coals, flimsy and adding more fuel would be a pain in the @ss.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Good observations. Seems flimsy but in reality once you put it together it’s pretty firm. Adding more charcoal would be difficult but we just grill out what we know we can cook with one quart sized bag of lump charcoal. When you’re in a small van it’s like backpacking on the road so small wins for us. Bringing something bigger means making the van longer or leaving something else at home. If you have more room I agree with you that there are much better options. :-). Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@stevej.6674]

VAN TREKKING lifestyle Yes, your points are very true...i should have stressed the “convenient” point, as that is a BIG PLUS, which pretty much out weigh’s all the “cons”!!! P.S. I forgot to note how AWESOME the location you were at while doing the vid...what a little piece of paradise!

[@pjcd7016]

All true, but size matters. for what it is, it works fine, with use, you can figure out the amount of charcoal that works best for the heat you want. I know with dutch ovens its 25 degree's for every charcoal briquette, I don't know it that formula applies to grilling.

[@savagewolf1966]

To much charcoal 😬, could have cooker a half cow with what you had.😅🤘

[@williamkeil8414]

Hi Van Trekking, use knapp gas to heat the coals, faster results.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you for the the information, we will try that.

[@felipfelop8220]

😂😂 really,learning to cook at his age

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Really!

[@bobabooey4537]

Nice video....I was disappointed with this grill. In my opinion... overrated compared to others, even ones cheaper. Its nice looking, sleek, nice quality, cant knock the quality of materials, packs nice... but the worst ventilation for air flow, not the best for cooking imo. For an even cook you need coals up high filling the pit... when you do that, now youre cooking an inch away and its just not ideal, way too close, way too hot. Mods, yes... but we shouldn't have to work on something and mod it. I mean the air flow on this one just struggles. Not a fan of the V shape fire pits for cooking, too narrow at the bottom for my liking. I have a few of these grills and my most used grill/pit is also foldable, but more squared at the bottom, huge difference. It was also 12 bucks cheaper than this one. The only problem with that one... is the grill it comes with is cheap, I use another grill on top that I have. Hard to find the perfect complete grill/pit. I need airflow.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

What a great amount of information. We totally agree with you. For airflow we have to put a folded aluminum grate in the bottom of it. Even still we wrestle with exactly what you started. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@mtnbound2764]

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle I have one on its way to me from amazon. I am thinking about drilling a few small holes along the bottom ridge of the V, to allow better airflow into the fire from the bottom. simple and should be effective. maybe not necessary. another idea, use a small metal pipe in the bottom with open ends and holes drilled along the body, this would allow more airflow and not require holes in the bottom.

[@nseight]

Thanks so much for the demo :-) "just pretend it's an egg plant" :-)

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Glad you caught that 😂😂

[@nseight]

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle -made me giggle.Thanks again I really enjoyed your post :-)

[@Alaska-Jack]

I think you might need some help with eating that steak 🥩 let me take it off your hands. 😛

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Wish you could have been there. It sure was good. Thanks for watching and commenting. Hope you’ll subscribe and follow along on the journeys b

[@litahsr.8226]

yeah use one side only

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

👍

[@Sparkjumper59]

I thought they looked crap and you’ve confirmed that feeling. Recently watched another you tuber who seems to be more of a shill ( on purpose) with any item sent to him free for review. He never speaks the truth on the products and they are always the best thing since mankind.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I do try to be honest about how I feel about items I use and show on YT. So this is kind right in the middle. If you let it heat up longer than you think you should it works great. While it is not perfect we are packed up for a 3-month trip in the van and every square inch is used to store something and this grill is going with us. That says a lot to me. It has compromises but being so small kind of out weighs those compromises. If you have room, definitely get something bigger and more robust. But if like us you have just a little space for everything the smallness makes up for the fidliness of it. Thanks for watching and commenting. Good luck with your purchase.

[@Sparkjumper59]

VAN TREKKING lifestyle I have no intention on buy this grill or anything similar.

[@carmenmartinez2882]

Well I own 2 and I use them as fire pits exclusively, have had them for a year now and I’m very happy. I don’t cook on them, I use my Firebox for that purpose. As far as camping, specially for primitive camping where fire pits are just a pile of rocks this keeps you warmer, uses less wood and is durable even with hard wood like oak or eucalyptus. I would not use ironwood in it though.

[@Sparkjumper59]

carmen martinez seems tiny for a fire pit where you’re trying to get or keep warm. On,y small piece of wood will fit in it and the design looks like it’s very likely to fall over with wood o f anything over a twig size. I still feel at best it’s a crappie folding charcoal grill and an even crappier fire pit.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I totally agree with you BTW. If size, bring small, matters then this is hard to Best for cooking or using as a fire pit with scavenged limbs. Have you had to oil your hinges at all? Mine are getting a little “difficult”.

[@Saltfly]

Let the coals get hotter before you put the steak on. Like ya said.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

👍

[@davidlaw233]

Why are you so concerned about time if you're out in the sticks you're there to relax and unwind

[@BricksNJitzz]

Stop flipping the meat! Lol

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

You’re right.

[@harrytraction1380]

It’s NOT that “tricky”.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

👍

[@suecollins3246]

Please will you either talk or play music?

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Learning. Thanks.

[@pablod3734]

Americans cook their steaks over fire, wow, I like the video tho. I will buy one to use it with my kid at the beach

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We do cook our steaks many ways, but cooking them on a grill/over fire is very popular. Thanks for watching.

[@pablod3734]

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle I bought it right after I watched your video (ask them for %) haha. Paid about $50 usd I believe, seem good.

[@carolpeterson3810]

WAY too much charcoal.

[@MonicaHernandez-yn8ct]

Too much charcoal

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Probably so. Thanks for watching.