Cobb BBQ outdoor cooking is a whole different level of delicious, fuss-free, adventure-friendly grilling, roasting, and baking. Bringing the oven feature into mix is a total game changer! For the first time we’ve been able to cook over gas even when it is windy!
We’ve put the Cobb Gas and Cobb Charcoal models through their paces—from wild camping to van-side feasts—and honestly, we’re in love. This little beauty is compact, cool to the touch (you never know when you get asked to move on), ridiculously versatile, and comes in a handy carry case. It’s our go-to for festivals, road trips, and those “let’s cook something fancy in the middle of nowhere” moments.
But is it better than the CADAC range or other trending portable cookers? We think so. And here’s why…
What Makes the Cobb BBQ So Good?
If you’ve never met a Cobb before, let’s introduce you. Imagine a portable, smokeless, and fuel-efficient outdoor oven that can grill, bake, roast, and fry—without burning your fingers when you move it. Yep, it stays cool on the outside.
Cobb BBQ Highlights:
✅ Gas & Charcoal Models – Plug into your camper’s gas outlet or go old-school with coals.
✅ Compact & Lightweight – Easy to store in a van. The carry case is awesome!
✅ Multi-Cooking System – Roast a whole chicken, sear a steak, bake bread, or fry an egg—all in one.
✅ Stay-Cool Exterior – No burnt hands or melted table surfaces.
✅ Fuel-Efficient – Uses minimal gas or just a handful of charcoal.
✅ Easy to Clean – Non-stick surfaces make washing up bearable (or at least not rage-inducing).
✅ Protected Flame – Windy outside? No problem! The flame is protected by its casing.
We’ve used both the Cobb Gas and Cobb Charcoal, depending on the adventure. The gas model is perfect when we’re hooked up to our van’s gas outlet, while the charcoal Cobb comes along when we’re off-grid. Both are absolute workhorses.
We are oftne parked up in a scenic area with our pull out table down and the Cobb simmering away. This is our happy place! We have been asked to move on before too and as the exterior of the Cobb remain cool at all times it was easy to pick up the Cobb and pack away quickly.
Cobb vs. CADAC – Let’s compare
The CADAC range is often seen as Cobb’s biggest rival in the portable BBQ world. So, lets compare the CADAC with the Cobb.
| Feature | Cobb BBQ (Gas & Charcoal) | CADAC Range |
|---|---|---|
| Portability | Super compact, lightweight, comes with a carry case | Bulkier, some models quite heavy |
| Fuel Options | Gas & charcoal options available | Mostly gas |
| Heat Distribution | Even and efficient | Good but can have hotspots |
| Cooking Options | Oven, grill, roast, bake, fry | Primarily a gas BBQ/grill |
| Exterior Coolness | Stays cool for easy moving | Can get hot on the outside |
| Fuel Efficiency | Very fuel-efficient | Uses more gas |
| Cleaning | Non-stick, easy to clean | Can be trickier to clean |
Why We Prefer the Cobb
The CADAC is a solid choice, but it’s more of a traditional BBQ setup—great for grilling but not quite as versatile as the Cobb. With the Cobb, we can roast a whole chicken, bake a loaf of bread, and sear a steak. It also wins on portability, which is crucial when space in the van is as limited and precious.
What can you cook on the Cobb
We don’t just talk about it, we cook on the Cobb a lot. At festivals, road trips, and impromptu beach cook-ups, you’ll always spot us firing up the Cobb for a cooking demo at events.
Some of Our Favourite Cobb Creations:
🔥 Whole Roast Chicken – The Cobb makes chicken so golden and juicy with crispy skin.
🔥 Sourdough Bread – Yes, you can bake in in the Cobb!
🔥 Smoky BBQ Ribs – Low and slow on the Cobb.
🔥 Pizzas – Crispy base, gooey top, and no need for a full-size oven.
🔥 Breakfast – Eggs, bacon, tomatoes, and toast—all on one plate.
Food just tastes better on the Cobb. The heat is evenly distributed, and the enclosed design makes outdoor cooking anywhere.
Is the Cobb Worth Buying?
100%. If you want a compact, versatile, and portable cooking system that does more than just grill burgers, the Cobb is the one to get. It’s our go-to outdoor oven for a reason.
Who Should Buy a Cobb?
✅ Vanlifers – Small, portable, and gas-compatible = a dream for tiny kitchens.
✅ Wild Campers – The charcoal version is perfect for off-grid cooking.
✅ BBQ Enthusiasts – Love cooking with different techniques? The Cobb does it all.
✅ Festival-Goers – Easy to carry, quick to set up, and a total conversation starter.
Who Might Prefer CADAC?
❌ If you only want a traditional gas BBQ and don’t need to bake or roast, CADAC might suit you better.
❌ If you don’t mind bulkier gear and have loads of storage space.
At the end of the day, the Cobb wins on versatility, portability, and ease of use. it’s an outdoor oven, roaster, smoker, and all-in-one cooking system that makes food genuinely delicious.
So, if you see us at a festival, you already know what we’ll be cooking on.
Want to grab a Cobb? Check out their range at www.cobb-bbq.co.uk. Use the code VanlifeEats15 to get a huge discount!
Got a Cobb already? What’s your go-to Cobb meal? Share your recipe here at Vanlife Eats 🔥
