When it comes to camping, there are a few must-haves that you need in order to make the experience more enjoyable. One of those items is definitely a grill table.
Grill tables come in all shapes and sizes, and it isn't too hard to find one that is perfect for your needs, although there may be some tradeoffs when choosing your camping grill table. With so many options available, how do you know which one is right for you?
Read on to learn our top 5 suggestions of things to look for when shopping for a camping grill table.
Five Things to Look for in a Camping Grill Table
Here are some things you need to consider when choosing the right grill table for your needs:
1. Size
Make sure to pick a grill table that is the right size for your situation. Get a table that matches the space available while you're transporting it, and once you're at your awesome camping destination. Also, when thinking about size, consider the food you are going to be cooking and whether or not you the table to have space for prepping.
If your new table is too small it may get overcrowded and you won't necessarily have enough space for all of your needs (such as prepping food, if that's something you need). And, if your table is too large it might be difficult to take with you on the road or take up more space than necessary at your campsite, and just feel cumbersome and be difficult to move around comfortably while cooking.
2. Weight
The weight of your new camping table is an important factor. It needs to be sturdy and secure enough to cope with a little wind, but still light enough to move from place to place without too much difficulty.
Finding the perfect balance between these two is essential for ensuring that your grill table serves its purpose without being too burdensome or precarious.
To get the right weight, check out the material it’s made of and reading product reviews can also be very helpful.
3. Materials
Make sure the materials of your new outdoor camping table are durable and can stand up to outdoor conditions. You need a table that's made of light yet strong materials that can handle outdoor conditions such as getting a little wet, and if the table has fabric on it then something that won't fade in the sun is preferred.
Good quality stainless steel and aluminum table frames are great contenders, as they are often rust and corrosion resistant so can handle the elements, and they typically aren't very heavy. Some tables offer fireproof materials however you usually pay a premium for that and it's not necessarily needed for most camping situations.
Grades of stainless steel do make a difference for how long your new table will last, so check this, and also the thickness of the materials. We recommend you don't leave your new table outside and uncovered for too long if you want it to last for years, and if you're close to the sea, give it a splash of fresh water once in a while!
4. Accessories and features
When you're on the hunt, you'll see tables on the market with a variety of features and options for different accessories.
Some include side tables and chairs all connected to the main table, serving trays, hooks for hanging your favorite utensils, food storage containers, portable lighting, and beverage holders, and the list goes on (some even have sinks!).
Lots of accessories aren't for everybody, however, and there are plenty of very good camping tables on the market without all of the frills.
And of course, remember, the more accessories your table has, the more you'll need to consider the other sections you've just read about in this article including size, weight, and materials!
5. Assembly and setup
Taking a vacation outdoors shouldn't include any anxiety about assembling camping tables.
Things to look for in a camping grill table include easy-to-understand assembly instructions and all the necessary components you need for on-site installation. Make sure that no special tools are required. Most good camping grill tables have foldable legs and lockable hinges so you can set them up quickly, and spend more time enjoying your camping experience rather than enduring the frustration of piecing something together.
To Sum Up
When looking for a new camping grill table, there are many factors to consider. Size, weight, materials and accessories are all important, as is the ease of assembly and setup. Make sure you pick a table that works for how you'll be camping and what you'll be cooking and is easy to use so you can relax and enjoy your outdoor vacation!
Best of luck finding your new table, and thanks for reading!