Let’s Dive into Camp Chef Double Square Cooking Iron
The Camp Chef Double Square Cooking Iron offers a unique and simple way to cook classic campfire meals. This pre-seasoned cast iron cooker promises perfectly square sandwiches, pies, or even omelets over an open flame. Having spent years refining my outdoor cooking skills, I was eager to see if this tool could truly deliver on the promise of efficient and delicious campfire cuisine.
I was looking for a more convenient way to prepare hot meals for my family during camping trips. Tired of juggling multiple pans and struggling to keep food warm, I sought a single tool that could cook and contain portions easily. The Camp Chef Double Square Cooking Iron appeared to be the solution for mess-free, individually-portioned meals.
Unboxing the iron revealed a hefty, well-constructed piece of cast iron. Its weight spoke of durability, while the pre-seasoned finish gave it a ready-to-use feel. The long handles felt sturdy and offered ample distance from the heat source.
Compared to other pie irons I’ve used in the past, like the Rome Industries 1705 Pie Iron (round) or even trying to hack a skillet for similar cooking, the square shape of the Camp Chef Double Square Cooking Iron seemed more practical for sandwiches and portioning. The Lodge Cast Iron Pie Iron is another competitor, but the double capacity of the Camp Chef was a definite advantage. I was excited to put this iron to the test and create some campfire culinary masterpieces.
Real-World Testing: Putting Camp Chef Double Square Cooking Iron to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Camp Chef Double Square Cooking Iron took place during a weekend camping trip in the Cascade Mountains. I cooked over a bed of hot coals from a roaring fire. The crisp mountain air added to the already exciting anticipation of perfectly cooked campfire sandwiches.
Despite the cold, wet ground, the cooking iron performed admirably. The cast iron distributed heat evenly, resulting in uniformly browned sandwiches. Using the cooking iron felt intuitive, though managing the heat to avoid burning required some practice.
The first use resulted in some minor sticking, even with the pre-seasoned finish, however, the end result was two perfectly cooked square sandwiches. Cleaning the cast iron was a bit challenging due to the sticky residue, but nothing that a good scrub and re-seasoning couldn’t fix.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use on camping trips and even in my backyard fire pit, the Camp Chef Double Square Cooking Iron has become a reliable part of my cooking arsenal. It still feels as solid as it did out of the box.
The cast iron has developed a deeper seasoning with each use. This improved its non-stick properties significantly. Maintaining the iron is simple; I clean it with hot water, scrub away any stubborn residue, and apply a thin coat of oil after each use.
Compared to my old methods of using a skillet or smaller pie irons, the Camp Chef Double Square Cooking Iron offers a significant improvement in convenience and cooking efficiency. It consistently delivers perfectly portioned, evenly cooked meals with minimal fuss. It has exceeded my expectations and made campfire cooking more enjoyable.
Breaking Down the Features of Camp Chef Double Square Cooking Iron
Specifications
The Camp Chef Double Square Cooking Iron boasts the following specifications: The application is for camping and cooking. It is primarily black and silver. The width is 8 inches, length is 28 inches, and height is 4 inches. The material is durable cast iron.
These specifications contribute directly to the user’s experience. The cast iron ensures even heat distribution and excellent heat retention, while the long handles keep hands safely away from the heat. The square shape maximizes the cooking surface and simplifies portioning, making meal preparation efficient and enjoyable.
Performance & Functionality
The Camp Chef Double Square Cooking Iron excels at cooking evenly browned, perfectly sealed sandwiches, pies, and other campfire delicacies. The cast iron efficiently distributes heat, ensuring uniform cooking and delicious results. It features a pre-seasoned finish.
The primary strength lies in its ability to cook two portions at once and its durability, while the primary weakness lies in the cleaning. It needs extra care to keep it seasoned to prevent sticking. Overall, the iron performs exceptionally well and meets expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Camp Chef Double Square Cooking Iron features a robust cast iron construction. This ensures long-lasting durability and even heat distribution. The design is simple and functional, with long handles for safe use over an open fire.
The Camp Chef Double Square Cooking Iron is user-friendly with minimal learning curve. The handles are easy to grip, and the cooking process is straightforward. A little practice is all it takes to master campfire cooking with this iron.
Durability & Maintenance
The cast iron construction of the Camp Chef Double Square Cooking Iron ensures a long lifespan with proper care. Regular seasoning and cleaning will keep it in excellent condition for years to come.
Maintaining the iron is simple. After use, clean it with hot water, scrub away any residue, and apply a thin coat of cooking oil. This routine maintenance will prevent rust and keep the cast iron seasoned for optimal performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Camp Chef Double Square Cooking Iron does not come with any additional accessories. It is a standalone cooking tool that requires no further customization.
While there are no specific accessories designed for this particular model, generic cast iron cleaning tools, such as scrapers and brushes, can enhance the maintenance process. Additionally, using different cooking oils for seasoning can influence the flavor profile of the food cooked in the iron. Experimenting with these oils can allow for some level of personalization in the cooking experience.
Pros and Cons of Camp Chef Double Square Cooking Iron
Pros
- Cooks two items at once, maximizing efficiency. Prepare double the campfire fare in the same amount of time.
- Durable cast iron construction ensures long-lasting performance. This iron is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor cooking.
- Pre-seasoned finish makes it ready to use right out of the box. Start cooking delicious meals immediately.
- Long handles provide a safe distance from the heat source. Protect your hands from burns while cooking over an open fire.
- Square shape allows for perfectly portioned sandwiches and pies. No more unevenly cooked or misshapen meals.
Cons
- Cleaning can be challenging if food sticks. A well-seasoned surface is key to preventing this.
- Heavy, which may not be ideal for backpacking. This iron is best suited for car camping or backyard use.
Who Should Buy Camp Chef Double Square Cooking Iron?
The Camp Chef Double Square Cooking Iron is perfect for families who enjoy camping and want to easily cook hot meals. It is also ideal for those who appreciate the simplicity and taste of campfire cooking, without the hassle of juggling multiple pans. This is a good item for car campers and backyard enthusiasts.
This product might not be the best fit for backpackers due to its weight. Also, those who prefer lightweight cooking solutions or single servings might find this to be overkill.
A long-handled spatula is a must-have accessory for flipping and removing cooked food from the iron. Consider using cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
Conclusion on Camp Chef Double Square Cooking Iron
The Camp Chef Double Square Cooking Iron is a well-made, durable, and convenient tool for campfire cooking. It delivers on its promise of evenly cooked, perfectly portioned meals with minimal effort.
At a price of $29.99, the Camp Chef Double Square Cooking Iron is an excellent value for those who enjoy outdoor cooking. It is a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to elevate their campfire culinary game.
I would highly recommend the Camp Chef Double Square Cooking Iron to anyone seeking a simple and efficient way to cook delicious meals in the great outdoors. Grab one today and start creating campfire culinary masterpieces of your own!