Camp Kitchen question and show me your set up

[Nature Mom]

Hello fellow campers. Not sure if this should go here or the camping community board, so please move if needed.

I am writing to ask about camp kitchens. For years my family has had a travel trailer that supplied all my kitchen needs, plus the grill and camp cooking gear that I have acquired over the years for simple tent trips that we would set up outside under the canopy area. I have never needed a camp kitchen and if I was only tent camping, I would make do with what I had.

A few years ago our TT suffered a devastating accident (pine trees are BAD), and while insurance paid to have it repaired, it hasn't been the same since. It doesn't pull the same, etc. (not that it mattered, my DH wouldn't let me pull it anyway ) My DFIL has now taken the TT and set it up as a 'guest suite' at his home and it will more than likely stay there for good.

While someday we may get a new TT, I am just fine being back to a tent only kind of gal. I hated being in a camper anyway and only did it because DH hates tent camping. Marriage= compromise.

Because I am the main camper in my family, and my kids go with me while DH is working, I am thinking of making my life a little easier with a camp kitchen set up instead of numerous little tables and such. Today, I have found a Coleman's camp kitchen, older model with checkerboard/chess/backgammon boards but still in great condition for less than $40. It looks nice, but my ideal kitchen is this http://www.cabelas.com/camp-kitchens-cabelas-deluxe-campers-kitchen-1.shtml?WT.tsrc=CSE&WT.mc_id=GoogleBaseUSA&WT.z_mc_id1=715223&rid=40&mr:trackingCode=25C362CB-958E-DF11-A0C8-002219318F67&mr:referralID=NA at Cabela's...and it is on sale!!! I really LOVE this kitchen set up, but is it really worth $80 more? Anyone have reviews on either of these two kitchens? Or another one that is great too? Since we will be at the Fort for 2 weeks this upcoming trip, I want to be even more organized and set up for comfort than last year and I think a kitchen is where I need to improve (inside the tent is organized and neat, I want the eating canopy the same).

Sorry for writing an essay for one simple question. I am a rambler.

 

[mouse2mouse]

That set up ROCKS! I am in the market for one as well! Thanks for the link.

 

[Nature Mom]

That set up ROCKS! I am in the market for one as well! Thanks for the link.

Doesn't it?! It sooo ROCKS! One review said it is VERY heavy though when moving, so something to consider. I do have a small folding two wheel cart that would probably work for me to move it, though.

 

[MICKEYLOVINMOMOF5]

I have that one and it rocks! Super sturdy, adustable legs (if your not exactly on a even surface) I spent a week last year at FW with my 4 kids and this was a life saver. My only problem was one of the canvas shelves damaged by a overly zealous squirrel.. my trip report is in here somewhere if you want to look it up, you can see it in action! It is heavy, but I carried alone and it only folds down into about the size of a card table so it takes up a good amount of space, but again, with kids, for a extended peirod of time, it was a life saver

 

[KristinU]

I can tell you that size-wise the two you're comparing are appleas and oranges. The Cabela's one that you linked is reeeeally big and pretty heavy. After shopping for quite a while a couple of years ago we bought the smaller of the two that Cabela's offers. It works really well for us, and I modded the drain in the sink to make it more useful. My review and details of my mod are here: http://rvitch.com/forum/index.php?topic=79901.0

I have the benefit of having a Cabela's close by, so I was able to go see in person (several times) before pulling the trigger...actually DH did for Christmas I believe there is a video on the Cabela's site of a guy setting up the big one...you'll get a feeling for the size of it from that video (if it is still linked there.) One thing I really like is the hanging green bags. We organize ours with plastic shoeboxes and it works well. Nice to have enerything handy and not have to dig around big bins.

 

[dudelydude]

Wow, that thing's pretty sweet. Thumbs down to Cabela's for not giving the model number, huh?...or you may be able to find more descriptions, more reviews, specs, etc. And they couldn't list the weight of the thing? Well look, if you're never camping alone, you'll always have someone to help you off load it. If you can part with the extra loot, I'd definitely go for it.

 

[Nature Mom]

It is heavy, but I carried alone and it only folds down into about the size of a card table so it takes up a good amount of space, but again, with kids, for a extended peirod of time, it was a life saver

My thoughts too, camping with kids I need all the organization I can get so I am not doing so much work. It is supposed to be a vacation after all.

I can tell you that size-wise the two you're comparing are appleas and oranges. The Cabela's one that you linked is reeeeally big and pretty heavy. After shopping for quite a while a couple of years ago we bought the smaller of the two that Cabela's offers. It works really well for us, and I modded the drain in the sink to make it more useful. My review and details of my mod are here: http://rvitch.com/forum/index.php?topic=79901.0

I agree; apples and oranges, and I am sorry I wasn't more clear in my question. Would you spend $30 for the older used Coleman and modify for my needs, or go ahead and bite the bullet for the new Cabela's that has everything? I like the standard Cabela's too, it could be an option. Thanks for mentioning that one.

I have the benefit of having a Cabela's close by, so I was able to go see in person (several times) before pulling the trigger...actually DH did for Christmas I believe there is a video on the Cabela's site of a guy setting up the big one...you'll get a feeling for the size of it from that video (if it is still linked there.) One thing I really like is the hanging green bags. We organize ours with plastic shoeboxes and it works well. Nice to have enerything handy and not have to dig around big bins.[/QUOTE]

I want away from the big bins. That is such a nightmare when the kids go digging, throwing everything on the ground. I like the hanging shelves so much in this. I will look for the video, thanks!

Wow, that thing's pretty sweet. Thumbs down to Cabela's for not giving the model number, huh?...or you may be able to find more descriptions, more reviews, specs, etc. And they couldn't list the weight of the thing? Well look, if you're never camping alone, you'll always have someone to help you off load it. If you can part with the extra loot, I'd definitely go for it.

I read through about 400 reviews spread across the internet, it seems the weight is around 70-75 lbs but that is really the only complaint people have. One guy attached wheels to the bag, so that is an option, another review said theirs came with a wheeled bag. My alone camping trips are usually backpacking trips, so I wouldn't need it then.

 

[sweet maxine]

I don't have a camp kitchen, but the one you linked looks very nice. That said, I would spend $30 for the older Coleman and modify it for my needs. I doubt you'd spend $80 more in bits of modification. Just my opinion though. (I would be thrilled to find the older version for the price you mentioned. I'll be on the lookout for something like that too.)

 

[Nature Mom]

I don't have a camp kitchen, but the one you linked looks very nice. That said, I would spend $30 for the older Coleman and modify it for my needs. I doubt you'd spend $80 more in bits of modification. Just my opinion though. (I would be thrilled to find the older version for the price you mentioned. I'll be on the lookout for something like that too.)

My DH agrees with your assessment, and because it is such a great deal, I just called to tell the person I want to buy it (and had to leave a VM). DH said if I get it and see that I can't add or modify to suit my needs, I can look at getting the Cabela's then, but to get it and see if I can 'work my magic' (brownie points for him, lol) before I spend so much more for the other one. If it doesn't work for me, I can always re-sell it.

I hope the guy hasn't sold it in the hours I have waffled back and forth. Now that I want it and have started thinking on how to improve upon it, watch it be gone.

 

[sweet maxine]

I hope the guy hasn't sold it in the hours I have waffled back and forth. Now that I want it and have started thinking on how to improve upon it, watch it be gone.

That's about my luck too. Hope you were able to buy it after all. I think you will be happy with spending less, and you can always shop the thrift stores for things to add onto it to make the modifications you have in mind.

 

[soccerbabies]

That set up is AWESOME!!!! I am going to try to convince DH to get this!

 

[Nature Mom]

That's about my luck too. Hope you were able to buy it after all. I think you will be happy with spending less, and you can always shop the thrift stores for things to add onto it to make the modifications you have in mind.

Just spoke to the owner, still has it and by tomorrow it will be mine. I'm hitting Target, Big Lots, and even my garage (closets, attic, lol) today to start scouting out things to add to this set up. I even printed a picture of the Cabela's one to help me remember the things I like about it so much so I can duplicate it if possible. He also accepted less than asking, so for $25 I am getting a deal!

Very happy...that extra dough I would have spent can go in the 40th Anniversary Dooney & Burke jar now.

 

[sweet maxine]

Just spoke to the owner, still has it and by tomorrow it will be mine. I'm hitting Target, Big Lots, and even my garage (closets, attic, lol) today to start scouting out things to add to this set up. I even printed a picture of the Cabela's one to help me remember the things I like about it so much so I can duplicate it if possible. He also accepted less than asking, so for $25 I am getting a deal!

Yay!

I think it's a brilliant idea to print the picture of the one you wanted in order to modify yours. Congratulations on a fantastic deal!

 

[heidijanesmith]

We have this one:

http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/prod...9318F67&mr:referralID=NA&WTz_l=YMAL;IK-518749

Very similar to the one that you wanted.
Cons:
1-tables are narrow, much more narrow than the previous version
2-sink works, but you still have to guide the icky water into the opening to go down the tube

Pros:
1-easy set up, I can do it alone, no problem
2-easy storage underneath, great access
3-papertowel holder is awesome
4-love the lantern holder

All in all, sounds like you are set. We really like our kitchen set up.

 

[Nature Mom]

We have this one:

http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/prod...9318F67&mr:referralID=NA&WTz_l=YMAL;IK-518749

Very similar to the one that you wanted.
Cons:
1-tables are narrow, much more narrow than the previous version
2-sink works, but you still have to guide the icky water into the opening to go down the tube

Pros:
1-easy set up, I can do it alone, no problem
2-easy storage underneath, great access
3-papertowel holder is awesome
4-love the lantern holder

All in all, sounds like you are set. We really like our kitchen set up.

I like that one a lot! Your pros are exactly what I am working on adding to my set up, because I think those are the best parts. Definitely the paper towel holder and two posts, one for the lantern, one for a small fan. I'm still pondering over the 'pantry'.

I'll take a picture once I get it and then again after my additions. I think DD11 and I will be trying it out for a few days next week at Desoto Falls near Dahlonega, GA (one of our fave car camping spots) just to make sure it is all in working order.

I'm so excited. Checking stuff off the list gets me a lil closer until FW time!

 

[gillenkl]

We have this one:

http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/prod...9318F67&mr:referralID=NA&WTz_l=YMAL;IK-518749

We have this one too and the one main con is the weight. It's way heavier than I thought it would be. But it's super sturdy and really keeps us organized. As far as the pantry bags - I only use 1 and I don't keep it outside but inside our popup. I have concerns that the bag might get wet or animals might get into it. I have never used the "sink" feature so I can't comment on that. It also comes in a nice carrying bag. I believe it's definately worth the money.

 

[bosuch]

We have this one:

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.htm...u=B000E0G8Z2&LNM=Primary&ref=tgt_adv_XASD0001

I can't seem to find it anywhere else (we bought it from REI originally) so it may be out of production.

I can't get to the Cabela's site here at work (it's blocked because of "weapons", sheesh...) but this one has the dual sinks with the water pump. We wound up taking it on a couple trips then never using it again, it was just more trouble than it was worth, and we wound up never actually using the sinks. But it was only $100...

But on a side note, if anyone lives near Dallas I can make you an awesome deal on one!

Bill

 

[Nature Mom]

Well, I got my originally $40, all the way down to $20 Coleman kitchen and I am so happy I got it! He even threw in an extra sink set up! It is far, far better than he had described and I won't have to do a lot to modify at all. You can tell it was very well taken care of. Plenty of hanging hooks, shelves, nice sink with new drain pipe, etc. Very sturdy and less than 35 pounds!

I am going with the plastic rubbermaid type drawers for my 'pantry' instead of the hanging shelves, because I think it will be harder for the critters to chew through than the hanging ones and I can just pack the food up in my cabinet and load/unload instead of all the Totes I usually use. (And Target had them go on sale Sunday. ) I also repurposed a few things around the house and now it is all set and ready for our first use.

Is it Fort time yet? lol

 

[mouse2mouse]

Nature Mom....glad you got your set up. I am still looking. Saw where its your first year homeschooling...its my 3rd. Good luck!

 

[mouse2mouse]

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