Let’s Talk About Camp Chef Mountain Man Grill
The Camp Chef Mountain Man Grill promises a return to simpler times, allowing you to cook over an open flame with a complete cooking package. Manufactured by Camp Chef, this portable grill boasts a grill, griddle, charcoal box, and two-piece steel stake, all ready to use right out of the box. This seems like a dream come true for the outdoor enthusiast wanting versatility.
I was searching for a portable cooking solution that could handle diverse meals during extended camping trips. I needed something that could grill burgers one night and cook pancakes the next morning. This grill seemed to offer both options, plus the ability to use charcoal for a smoky flavor.
Upon unboxing, the immediate impression was the weight; 36 lbs is substantial for something marketed as “portable.” The steel components seemed sturdy, but the two-piece stake raised concerns about stability. The black finish looked durable enough, but I questioned how well it would hold up against high heat.
Compared to other portable grills like the Coleman RoadTrip 285 or even smaller backpacking grills, the Camp Chef Mountain Man Grill aimed for a different niche. The Coleman is undeniably more versatile and convenient for car camping. However, this one promised a more “authentic” open-fire cooking experience, appealing to a different type of user. I chose this one hoping to recreate the campfire cooking experience with more control.
Initial excitement was quickly tempered by the heft and complexity of the system. I was eager to test its stability and cooking performance in a real-world scenario.
Real-World Testing: Putting Camp Chef Mountain Man Grill to the Test
First Use Experience
The first test run was during a weekend camping trip in the Angeles National Forest. We planned to grill steaks and vegetables for dinner and bacon and eggs for breakfast. The terrain was slightly uneven, requiring some effort to drive the stake securely into the ground.
The Camp Chef Mountain Man Grill struggled immediately. While the grill and griddle performed adequately, the entire setup felt unstable, especially when placing heavier items on one side. The advertised versatility was overshadowed by the precariousness of the design.
Ease of use was surprisingly poor. The height adjustment was clunky, and the charcoal box felt like an afterthought, adding to the instability. I spent more time worrying about the whole thing tipping over than actually enjoying the cooking process.
The biggest issue after the first use was the bending of the steel stake. The heat from the fire caused some warping, making it even harder to level the cooking surfaces. I was left with a very poor first impression.
Extended Use & Reliability
After only two camping trips, the Camp Chef Mountain Man Grill shows significant wear and tear. The black finish is peeling in several spots near the fire. This reveals the bare metal underneath, which is already showing signs of rust.
Durability is a major concern. The stake has bent further. The welding point that holds the adjustable nut together, as the user feedback described, is a serious point of failure.
Maintenance is relatively simple, requiring only wiping down the grill and griddle after use. However, cleaning the charcoal box is messy. The rust issue demands immediate attention to prevent further degradation.
This product fails to live up to my expectations based on previous experience with Camp Chef products. It’s outperformed by simpler, more robust cooking setups. The Camp Chef Mountain Man Grill is disappointing in terms of both stability and durability.
Breaking Down the Features of Camp Chef Mountain Man Grill
Specifications
- Cooking Areas: 16″ x 18″ grill and 16″ x 20″ griddle, totaling 576 sq. in.
This provides a decent amount of cooking space, suitable for a family of four or a small group. - Includes: Grill, griddle, charcoal box, two-piece steel stake, and carry bag.
This provides a complete cooking package, covering grilling, griddling, and charcoal cooking. - Material: Heavy gauge steel grill and griddle; steel charcoal box and stake.
The use of steel ensures decent heat retention and even cooking but introduces weight and potential for rust. - Central Post: 41″
This allows for adjustable cooking height over the fire. - Size: 3.25 x 20.25 x 24 in (packed dimensions).
Fairly compact for transport, considering the components included. - Weight: 36 lb.
Heavy for a “portable” grill. This limits its suitability for backpacking or situations where weight is a major concern. - Application: Cooking, camping, outdoor.
Designed for open-fire cooking during outdoor adventures. - Ready to Cook: Ready to cook in seconds right out of the box.
This promises a quick and easy setup process.
Performance & Functionality
The Camp Chef Mountain Man Grill aims to provide a versatile outdoor cooking experience. The interchangeable grill and griddle surfaces offer flexibility. However, its performance suffers from its unstable design.
The biggest strength is the ability to cook over an open fire, achieving a smoky flavor. The weaknesses include the difficult height adjustment and the potential for tipping. I would rate its functionality as below average.
The product fails to meet my expectations. The instability issues significantly detract from its usability.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is mediocre. The steel components seem robust initially, but the bending and warping indicate a lack of heat resistance. The 36lb weight makes it cumbersome.
The ergonomic design is poor. The height adjustment mechanism is clunky and the two-piece stake design fails to provide adequate stability. There is a learning curve to setting it up safely and effectively.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the rust and bending issues, I don’t expect the Camp Chef Mountain Man Grill to last more than a few seasons of moderate use. The steel stake is a weak point. The black finish is prone to peeling, further reducing its lifespan.
Maintenance is simple, but preventing rust requires diligent cleaning and oiling. Repairing the bent stake or broken welds is difficult.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Camp Chef Mountain Man Grill comes with a grill, griddle, charcoal box, two-piece steel stake, and a carry bag. There are limited customization options.
You could potentially add a more robust stake system for increased stability. However, there is no official support for accessories from other brands. I recommend purchasing a heavier duty stake at a minimum.
Pros and Cons of Camp Chef Mountain Man Grill
Pros
- Ability to cook over an open fire for a smoky flavor.
- Includes both a grill and a griddle for versatile cooking options.
- Decent cooking surface area for small groups.
- Relatively compact for transport in the included carry bag.
- Ready to cook out of the box with minimal setup required.
Cons
- Unstable design with a weak two-piece steel stake prone to bending.
- Heavy weight limits its portability, unsuitable for backpacking.
- Poor heat resistance, causing warping and peeling of the finish.
- Difficult height adjustment mechanism makes it hard to control cooking temperature.
- Poor user feedback regarding weld points and overall durability.
Who Should Buy Camp Chef Mountain Man Grill?
The Camp Chef Mountain Man Grill is perfect for casual campers who want to experience open-fire cooking without building a traditional fire pit. It might appeal to those who prioritize the novelty of the experience over practicality.
Those who value stability, durability, and lightweight portability should skip this product. Anyone planning on camping in rugged terrain or expecting heavy use should look elsewhere.
A must-have accessory would be a sturdier, single-piece steel stake or a tripod stand for increased stability. Consider also a high-temperature paint to protect from rust.
Conclusion on Camp Chef Mountain Man Grill
The Camp Chef Mountain Man Grill promises an enticing return to classic campfire cooking. However, it ultimately falls short due to its unstable design and questionable durability. The price of $159.99 is not justified given these shortcomings.
I would not personally recommend this product. The potential for tipping, bending, and rusting outweighs the benefits of open-fire cooking.
The Camp Chef Mountain Man Grill is a disappointment. It’s a classic example of style over substance. Save your money and invest in a more reliable and durable cooking solution for your outdoor adventures.