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Item 723285
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REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
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Reviewed by 4 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-4
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Cons
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Comments about Coleman InstaStart Table Top Grill:
I bought this grill after reading some reviews. Didn't think to look inside the packaging before taking it home. Two things that are a turn off. The display model must have been an older unit, it had a great cast iron grill top. Heavy duty - solid grilling surface. I unpacked mine and I got the cheaper lighter cooking surface that another reviewer said they received. I am assuming this was Coleman's switch to make the unit a bit lighter or to save $$. Either way it warped as the other reviewer mentioned on the first cooking session. Another dissappointment, the little legs that attached via a single screw. One has fallen off already. I would have expected better from Coleman. Finally one other point, I have tried several times and unsuccessfully so to toast either a hamburger or hot dog bun on the top. It appears the surface, even on low, is just too hot and instead of toasting the bun it burns it. After several failed attempts if you watch the bun like a hawk you can toast it but you have to be doing nothing else otherwise it goes from nothing to burn in no time. This to me means the grill top is too hot on low. I guess in looking at the design I would assume this has to do with the fact that the grilling surface and the fames are just too close or Coleman needs to make some changes in the dial so one can turn it down more. Either way it's a flop in my book, thus I am returning it and buying a Weber instead.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Coleman InstaStart Table Top Grill:
We've used this for one overnight camp where it was one of two Coleman products churning out burgers and sausage for 7 hungry adults and 8 kids. The cooking quality was excellent on both grills (the other one we were using was the grill stove combo) but ours had a pressed steel grill plate (the bars are diagonal not straight down as shown in the photo on REIs site page) and it warped after one use, our friends had a cast grill which was much more robust. So we'll be returning ours and exchanging it as we're not sure how many trips it will last.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Coleman InstaStart Table Top Grill:
In a hands-on comparison of Coleman's InstaStart Table Top Grill & PerfectFlow™ Propane Camp Grill and noted only three differences:
1. InstaStart has a self-ignitor
2. InstaStart is a different color
3. I'll let you figure it out
If REI chooses to delete the above, please allow the rest of my review to remain. Also, please look into stocking the PerfectFlow™ Propane Camp Grill. I believe it's a much better value, and probably less prone to returns due any ignition problems.
That said, I've been very happy with my grill when car camping. There's not much better than bagging a 14er and having a freshly grilled cheeseburger 15 minutes after getting back to camp. My model has a heavier, cast iron grill surface, but is otherwise the same. Temp control is good, and you'll find Low-Med sufficient for most grilling. Wind protection was good, and for its price/size, it grilled evenly.
I've used it at 10,000 feet with moderate wind without any problems. It's too heavy & bulky to pack very far into a campsite, but it's perfect for car camping, even if you can have an open fire. Don't forget to have a table or truck tailgate on hand. It's relatively stable, but it works best on a flat, level surface, especially when making pancakes and eggs.
It's definitely worthwhile to line the drip tray with aluminum foil. It makes cleanup very simple, and prevents a buildup of grease that can be messy and lead to flareups. It's not recommended, but I found that after removing the grease, I could use a small griddle on low heat for pancakes, eggs, bacon, and sausage. I believe the griddle warning is due to the fire hazard created if a griddle is placed over a grease laden drip tray, as a serious fire is inevitable. With a clean grill, I had no problems using a griddle.
It's an excellent addition to any car camping kitchen. I'd give my version 5 stars, but due to my earlier concerns, this particular model rates a 4.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Coleman InstaStart Table Top Grill:
This grill works great. Solid construction. Easy set-up.
Displaying reviews 1-4
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