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Small but mighty, the Cobb Pro is a compact portable BBQ that can do a whole lot. Its capacity, versatility and simple design are all factors that go hand in hand to transform it into a reputable outdoor cooking option that can be taken on the go - making it a camping travel essential.
Capable of cooking a full meal for two to four people at once, this BBQ is perfect for both people with limited garden space who still want to grill outdoors and adventurers who wish to take it along with them on their travels.
With the Daily Mail team having recently reviewed the Ninja Woodfire BBQ Grill and premium Ninja FlexFlame BBQ, the Cobb Pro's simple setup was quite different - but certainly not a flop in my eyes. Read on to see my full verdict on this handy piece of travel cooking tech.
Cobb Pro travel BBQ
Small but mighty, the Cobb Pro might 'just' be a portable BBQ, but it can do so many things.
Rating: ★★★★★
Price: £165 from Blacks, £165 from Millets
Product Specs
- Capacity: Fits food to feed one to four people
- Size: 33 x 32.5 x 28 cm
- Fuel type: Cobblestone or briquettes
- Weight: 4.4kg
What we love
- Cooking capacity: You can easily prepare a full meal in the Cobb Pro and can cook in a range of different ways
- Design: Small, light and easy to transport and set up
What could be better
- Price: Pricier than other portable BBQs
Our verdict
The Cobb Pro definitely didn't disappoint when it came to performance. I can see why these BBQs are so popular with camping enthusiasts who want something they can easily carry to the beach or park.
Its simple, modern design is really appealing too, consisting of a steel dome lid and black basket. This is also cool to touch, meaning the BBQ can be safely moved around even when hot - again ideal for campers.
Weighing just 4kg, the Cobb is also very portable and won't add loads of extra heavy bulk to your packing, so if you prefer to travel light, it's another big tick.
Portability aside, actually using the grill is simple too - it's really a case of lighting the briquettes and off you go. There are plenty of different ways to cook on this, despite its simple design, and you can easily cook a full meal with all the sides in one go.
If you're a travel enthusiast looking for a lightweight, portable BBQ, I can highly recommend the Cobb Pro. It is quick and easy to set up, and the Cobblestones only took a few minutes to light and be ready for cooking.
How we test
When testing home and garden appliances, I put them through a series of tests to determine whether they live up to their claims.
For BBQs, I consider performance factors including how long it takes to set up, cooking times, how good of a sear meat gets and how much food it can grill at once.
As well as performance and setup, I take into consideration whether any additional tools are included or needed and of course, general value for money compared to similar models.
All of this allows me to provide a well-rounded and honest review to help you make an informed purchasing decision.
With the Cobb Pro, I put it to the test by cooking full BBQ meals for two people, consisting of different meat options - beef burgers and chicken drumsticks, for example, as well as sides like potatoes. I grilled beef burgers and chicken drumsticks on the Cobb Pro, and there was plenty of room for more food if needed.
Cobb Pro travel BBQ review
Size and design
The Cobb Pro comes in just a few parts, making it simple and incredibly easy to set up - I was pleasantly surprised to find it really is as easy as putting some briquettes in the bottom and closing the lid.
It packs away neatly into the provided bag, which also has a handle, making it easy to quickly tidy away and transport to your next BBQ spot.
Due to the size and weight - just 4.4kg - it is supremely easy to carry on the go.
Made of stainless steel, the Cobb Pro was also easy to clean up and wash with soap, water and a sponge after use. The simple design and minimal parts makes the process easy and not too much of a pain after enjoying a good BBQ.
What's more, the base stays cool when cooking, allowing you to safely move it, if necessary.
Accessories and versatility
Despite being small and having such a simple design, the Cobb Pro lends itself to being able to cook a range of things at once.
I grilled beef burgers and chicken drumsticks on the Teflon coated grill plate. The plate produced a good sear, especially on the burgers, and the small air holes allowed the briquettes underneath to add a classic, smoky charred BBQ taste.
The non-stick coating was also handy and not something you might usually get on a typical BBQ.
The versatility of the grill means you can easily cook an entire meal in one go. I foil wrapped some cubed potatoes, seasoned with paprika, herbs and a drizzle of oil, and tucked it down the inside of the Cobb beside the briquette.
They took just under 40 minutes to cook and I timed the meat to finish at around the same time. Being next to the briquettes and encased in the steel dome made the potatoes crispy on the outside and fluffy inside - I wish I had cooked more!
A range of food can be roasted, baked, fried, grilled and smoked on the Cobb Pro, making it a surprising all-round winner. I was also able to prepare a side dish of potato cubes with the Cobb, by wrapping them in foil and placing down the side. Within 40 minutes they were golden and crispy - and left me wanting more!
Performance
The Cobb Pro certainly didn't disappoint with its ability to swiftly serve up a hearty meal of well-cooked food.
Once it was lit, it quickly got up to temperature and was hot enough to cook on. It remained hot for a couple of hours, giving us plenty of time to cook extra bits. I'm sure the heat retention was helped by the Cobb Pro's excellent enclosed design.
As for fuelling the Cobb, it requires just 8-10 briquettes, around 300g of charcoal or a Cobb CobbleStone to light up and get cooking.
The grill can fit a lot more food than I initially tested with, so would be suitable for cooking a large meal or two or a smaller meal for a group of three or four.
It did feel as though things took slightly longer to cook than other BBQs I've tested, which is fine if you've got a couple of hours to spare or if you're someone who often burns food on a normal BBQ.
It's less ideal if you're looking to get a quick grilling session out of the way though. It all depends how you intend to use it.
How does it compare to similar products
Priced at £165 at most retailers, or £160 for Go Outdoors members, the Cobb Pro is on the pricey side compared to some portable BBQs. However, it does have additional features that make it stand out, justifying the higher price point.
For example, Argos's Home Portable Charcoal BBQ costs £15 and is a true budget option for those who need it, but it certainly won't provide you with the same cooking experience as the Cobb. It also doesn't offer the same range of cooking options and it would be fair to say it would be difficult to prepare a full meal on it.
Alternatively, the Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ is another piece of kit that gives you the option to cook several ways on one grill. However, priced at £299.99, it is more expensive than the Cobb and doesn't have quite the same portability.
The Cobb certainly didn't disappoint with its ability to swiftly serve up a hearty meal of well-cooked food.
How does it rate online
The Cobb Pro travel BBQ has several positive reviews online with a score ranging around 4.7 to 4.8 out of 5 depending on where you look. Many praise it for being easy to use, while others comment on how light it is to carry on the go.
Why trust us
At the Daily Mail, our team of expert testers have been researching, reviewing and writing about their respective specialisms for some time. Alesia is a travel reporter who has reviewed and tested a range of products from suitcases and hair dryers to food appliances like this Cobb Pro BBQ.
FAQs
Can the Cobb Pro be used indoors?
No, the Cobb Pro should only be used outdoors in a BBQ-safe environment.
Is the Cobb Pro dishwasher-safe?
Yes, the Cobb's steel bowl, dome and non-stick grill are all safe to put in a dishwasher but I personally found them easy to wash by hand on the go.
What's the difference between the Cobb Pro and Cobb Premier Air?
The main difference is that the Cobb Premier Air (£189) has increased air flow for slightly higher cooking temperatures and adjustability for temperature control. The Cobb Pro air flow is fixed. The Premier Air also has additional cooking options such as boiling and frying, making it even more versatile than the Cobb Pro.
