To Cadac or not to Cadac

[GaryB]

Was the Rainbow trout tasty

From memory, yes! That was at Charmouth back in 2016 and we found a fantastic fishmonger in Lyme Regis who we went to every day. Living in the Midlands we're about as far away from the coast as it gets so tend to make the most of fresh fish when we're near the coast.

 

[GaryB]

Was the Rainbow trout tasty

I think it might actually have been red snapper?

 

[Christhecaravanner84]

I love fresh fish bought at the coast, so much nicer than the supermarket tackle (pun intended).

 

[Christhecaravanner84]

Still not sure if I want one or not. I use a charcoal firepit-come-bbq , which is great if you're on a site where fires are allowed. Once you've cooked dinner just chuck a few logs on. I wouldn't mind a separate BBQ, either charcoal or gas, one which I can stand up and use.

 

[Mr Grumpy]

We also caught the CADAC obsession and have several different plates etc, but to be honest, since we bought an electric hot-plate a couple of years ago the CADAC hasn't been used. The hot plates are just a lot easier to use and considerably lighter.

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Don't seem to work very well during power cuts or when off-grid though 🙄

 

[GaryB]

Don't seem to work very well during power cuts or when off-grid though 🙄

A dozen tea-lights placed underneath should see it warm enough to melt butter after a few hours.

 

[Christhecaravanner84]

Daft question but do they generally come with with all the different cooking trays?

 

[otherclive]

Daft question but do they generally come with with all the different cooking trays?

Not always. When we bought ours the camping store had two or three options with different mixes of parts. Prices reflected the equipment level included.

 

[GaryB]

Daft question but do they generally come with with all the different cooking trays?

That’s where they make their money! Once you buy one you get convinced you need 101 of their accessories to go with it…. I think we ended up with four different cooking plates, each with their own storage bag. If buying one secondhand just check the date on the gas hose as they perish over time.

 

[littlebasher]

I bought a Cadac simply because everyone on the CAMC sites seem to be using them. I was worried we'd be chased off with torches and pitchforks if we dared to use anything else!

On the plus side, i was able to buy a nearly new and pristine Carri Chef 2 with loads of accessories for £50 😉

 

[Hutch]

Chris, a few years ago I noticed someone using one of these, a lot cheaper and lighter than a Cadac. Might even get one myself.

Campingaz Party Grill 600 Camping BBQ & Stove

The Campingaz Party Grill® 600 Camping & Stove is the camping companion essential with endless cooking options! The compact, portable stove offers a wide range of cooking options; stove top, grill and a reversible griddle/plancha. Its detachable legs and lockable lid make it easy to transport...

www.gasproducts.co.uk

 

[Raywood]

We have the Grillo Chef bought after the CAMH club shop had an unbeatable offer on it a few years back. We are happy with it and we have cooked enough for six at a time. We do have plenty of weight capacity to spare when towing so its weight is not a problem for us but it might be for some people and it does take up a fair bit of room but it is efficient and easy enough to clean so works well for us. As jccloughie says it is not a proper barbeque, so you do have to weigh up the ease of use and cleaning against a charcoal model and the barbeque taste and whatever you go for is probably the right one for you. It is a personal choice.

 

[Ferrodo]

I love all types of barbecue gas or charcoal. I have a choice at home of smokers and fire pit plus the conventional Weber kettle. But when we are in the van we only take the CADAC and it is our preferred cooking method. Barbecue in the Uk or fish in France does a great job of all. It also has the advantage of being cleaner to use and store and exceptionally versatile. It also doesn’t cover your neighbours in wood smoke. On the minus side you won’t get the smoky taste of a charcoal grill but CADAC do have a small smoking box you can use if that’s your thing. I’ve not tried it so not able to comment. All really comes down to your own preference but I could mention that some campsite will hire charcoal barbecues so you could take your choice.

 

[Johnb]

I love all types of barbecue gas or charcoal. I have a choice at home of smokers and fire pit plus the conventional Weber kettle. But when we are in the van we only take the CADAC and it is our preferred cooking method. Barbecue in the Uk or fish in France does a great job of all. It also has the advantage of being cleaner to use and store and exceptionally versatile. It also doesn’t cover your neighbours in wood smoke. On the minus side you won’t get the smoky taste of a charcoal grill but CADAC do have a small smoking box you can use if that’s your thing. I’ve not tried it so not able to comment. All really comes down to your own preference but I could mention that some campsite will hire charcoal barbecues so you could take your choice.

Not a Cadac owner myself (have a dirty old gas BBQ covered in burnt fat and rather rusty inside in spite of that covering. Scrub important bits with wire brush before first use each year. Been considering replacing but really want a BBQ and not a Cadac or similar.

What we do, want, like or dislike is completely irrelevant to everyone else so apologies for falling into the trap of writing it down!

The motivation for this post is simply to say that your photo sums up what is an important element of caravan holidays for myself and my wife.

In no particular order: sun, warmth, good quality food, wine, satisfaction and discovery. The European jaunt has been part of our life for around 50 years and we never tire of it.

Travelling all over Europe and experiencing the different "ways of life" is always a joy if somewhat marred by events of a few years ago.

 

[Mr Plodd]

Don't look like Trout to me, more like Gurnard

 

[Christhecaravanner84]

I'm loving all these replies. I think I'm going to get a get a Grillo 40 at some point, I see they are going for £120 on Ebay. If I don't get on with it I can alway sell it.

 

[GaryB]

Don't look like Trout to me, more like Gurnard

It was red snapper according to The Chef

 

[Beachball]

I love fresh fish bought at the coast, so much nicer than the supermarket tackle (pun intended).

i use to go sea fishing with my brother often at Bridlington those were the days catching the fish which i have caught .😀

 

[Ferrodo]

Absolutely nothing like a couple of plump blue black shiny fresh mackerel sizzling away on a barbecue grill. Partnered by a chill glass of your favourite tipple and accompanied by a crisp salad. Oh where’s the passport and sun…….

 

[otherclive]

i use to go sea fishing with my brother often at Bridlington those were the days catching the fish which i have caught .😀

Once on a beach near Rame Head in Cornwall a shoal of Sea Bass drove a shoal of mackerel inshore and some were flapping in the shallows. Easy pickings for that nights supper and a goodly number went in the freezer too. That’s my kind of fishing 😂

 

[Dustydog]

Once on a beach near Rame Head in Cornwall a shoal of Sea Bass drove a shoal of mackerel inshore and some were flapping in the shallows. Easy pickings for that nights supper and a goodly number went in the freezer too. That’s my kind of fishing 😂

Rame Head beach and nearby Cawsand were once great places for spider crabs.An old friend of mine is buried in the church yard at Rame Head.Also there is an excellent CL at the top near the church. Spectacular views

 

[otherclive]

Rame Head beach and nearby Cawsand were once great places for spider crabs.An old friend of mine is buried in the church yard at Rame Head.Also there is an excellent CL at the top near the church. Spectacular views

Lovely area, Whitsands was one of our favoured spots when taking the kids out. But not in summer !

 

[Buckman]

Absolutely nothing like a couple of plump blue black shiny fresh mackerel sizzling away on a barbecue grill. Partnered by a chill glass of your favourite tipple and accompanied by a crisp salad. Oh where’s the passport and sun…….

After gutting the fish we would fill the insides with tomato, peppers onion etc and then wrap the fish in wet newspaper and chuck it straight on the hot charcoal. When done and unwrapping, the skin and scales stuck to the paper and lovely juicy meat inside. 👍 😀

 

[Beachball]

Once on a beach near Rame Head in Cornwall a shoal of Sea Bass drove a shoal of mackerel inshore and some were flapping in the shallows. Easy pickings for that nights supper and a goodly number went in the freezer too. That’s my kind of fishing 😂

i use to go on the rocks at Pwllheli and often caught fish with my hand lines and enjoyed the sport ..

 

[Grumpy]

I've had one for 6 years and think they are OK
We use it for breakfast when we go away. and that's all.
I wouldn't say they are an expensive toy but they are rather pricey, then everything in Rip Off Britain seems expensive to me, could be I'm just tight!