Tri-pod Grill Review

The Tri-pod Grill Made a Bold First Impression

The Tri-pod Grill promises a simple, portable, and affordable way to cook over an open fire. For years, I’ve relied on makeshift solutions – balancing rocks and branches, or hauling around bulky, dedicated camping grills. This Tri-pod Grill, with its adjustable height and compact storage, seemed like the answer to streamlining my outdoor cooking setup.

What drew me to it was the promise of convenience and ease of use, something often missing in backcountry cooking. Unboxing the Tri-pod Grill, I was immediately struck by its simplicity. The galvanized steel legs, connected by a shock cord, felt surprisingly sturdy, and the chromed grill looked clean and ready for action.

Compared to carrying a full-sized portable grill, or jury-rigging a cooking surface from found materials, the Tri-pod Grill clearly offered a significant advantage in portability. I briefly considered a heavier-duty stainless steel grill option, but the weight and bulk were deal-breakers for my usual backpacking trips. My initial thought was, “This could be a game-changer for cooking over a fire.”

My first impression was cautiously optimistic; it was more compact than expected, but I was eager to see how it held up in real-world conditions.

Real-World Testing: Putting Tri-pod Grill to the Test

First Use Experience

My first real test of the Tri-pod Grill was on a weekend camping trip in the Appalachian Mountains. The weather was typical for the area: damp and a bit chilly, with a constant threat of rain. Setting it up near the fire pit was easy and fast.

The shock-corded legs quickly snapped into place, and positioning the grill over the flames was a breeze thanks to the adjustable height. I cooked some burgers and vegetables, and the Tri-pod Grill performed admirably, even in the slight drizzle. The ease of adjusting the grill height to control the cooking temperature was a pleasant surprise.

However, the 17-inch diameter grill surface felt a bit small when cooking for a group of four.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Tri-pod Grill has become a staple in my camping gear. Despite its lightweight construction, it’s proven to be surprisingly durable. There are some minor scratches on the chromed grill, and a little bit of surface rust on the galvanized steel legs, but overall it’s held up well.

Cleaning the grill after each use is relatively easy with a wire brush, and storing it back in its compact box is a breeze. Compared to my previous experiences of struggling with bulky grills or unstable makeshift setups, the Tri-pod Grill has been a significant improvement. It hasn’t replaced my home BBQ grill but has become an essential part of camping cookware.

Breaking Down the Features of Tri-pod Grill

Specifications

• The Tri-pod Grill features an adjustable height grill surface, allowing for precise temperature control when cooking over an open flame. This adjustability is crucial for preventing food from burning or undercooking.
• The 17-inch diameter chromed grill provides a cooking surface large enough for a small group, but may be limiting for larger gatherings. Chrome provides a non-stick surface but requires regular cleaning.
• The 4-piece, shock corded, galvanized steel legs make for easy setup and take-down, while providing stable support. Galvanized steel offers decent corrosion resistance.
• The compact storage box, measuring 18″X18″, allows for easy transport and storage in a car trunk or camping gear bag. The small size is a major selling point for those with limited storage space.

Performance & Functionality

The Tri-pod Grill performs its core function – providing a stable and adjustable cooking surface over a fire – exceptionally well. The adjustable height is the standout feature, allowing for fine-tuning the cooking temperature. While the 17-inch diameter grill surface is adequate for cooking for one or two people, it can feel cramped when preparing meals for a larger group.

The Tri-pod Grill’s strength is its simplicity and portability. Its weakness lies in its relatively small cooking surface and potentially limited durability compared to heavier-duty models. It definitely meets my expectations for a portable and convenient grilling solution.

Design & Ergonomics

The Tri-pod Grill’s design is utilitarian, focusing on functionality over aesthetics. The materials used are lightweight and relatively durable, making it easy to carry and transport. There is virtually no learning curve.

The Tri-pod Grill is incredibly easy to set up and use, even for beginners.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Tri-pod Grill should last for several seasons of regular use. Regular cleaning with a wire brush and occasional lubrication of the leg joints will help to extend its lifespan. The galvanized steel legs may eventually succumb to rust, especially in harsh environments.

The maintenance is simple: clean the grill after each use and store it in a dry place.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Tri-pod Grill comes with no additional accessories beyond the grill itself and the storage box. There are no official customization options available. However, users could potentially replace the chromed grill with a stainless steel alternative, though this would require some modification.

The Tri-pod Grill is designed for simplicity, not customization.

Pros and Cons of Tri-pod Grill