This was the perfect table. Normally I backpack camp or have a table at a state park. We needed a table on an extended canoe trip that allowed us places to put materials down and cook in with ease. The table cleans up easily, folds down into a compact carry. It is well built and everything snaps into place so you can be confident with heave stives, pots, pans, and food without it tipping over. I like the multiple layers so we could really get everything out of our packs and coolers and cook it there. Read more
I'd been wanting a camp kitchens for 20 years, finally bought this one for use camping last weekend, and I LOVE IT!!! I'd been watching Marketplace and Craigslist for a used one until I realized that this one is 3-4" taller and considerably longer than the older models by Cabela's or Coleman...I'm 5'9", so the 32" counter is wonderful. The unit itself is well-constructed, absolutely simple to open and reclose, and much sturdier than I was expecting, especially for the price (I paid $169 for it). Three of the table sections have 2 cup-holders that are designed to hold stem-ware (wine glasses, etc) but I used those to hang coffee cups from by their handles, which really helps for remembering which cup is whose when they're all are the same! There's an abundance of storage-shelf space, it folds compactly and has a carry-handle attached, is as attractive as a camp kitchen could be, and really helps with organization and flow of meal prep and cooking...extremely functional. Although I didn't actually use the sink this trip, I couldn't recommend the GCI Outdoor Master Cook Station | Portable Folding Kitchen more highly.. Read more
We have a smaller couples travel trailer with an outdoor kitchen, and over the years we have assembled a kitchen and patio e with furniture and tables that all fit together to create a compact and efficient kitchen and outdoor living space. The table top for the camp kitchen we have had for over 25 years was warping and needed to be replaced, but for the kitchen and patio ensemble to still fit and work together, we needed to replace it with a camp kitchen that is about the same size as our existing camp kitchen and also has similar underneath storage shelves. Our existing camp kitchen measures 22 x 53, and after a lot of looking, I was excited to find the GCI Master Cook Station that opens very much like our existing camp kitchen and, when partially set up without the end shelves, had measurements described as almost the exact same size. When the table arrived, we set it up right away. It is just as easy to set up as described and we love the fact that each of the snap up supports have a thumb projection to avoid pinching fingers in the hinges. We also love the flexibility of being able to set the station up either partially or fully and that it can be partially collapsed quickly to be put under cover for sudden rain storms. We also love how sturdy it is, that most of the table is level at the same height, and it won't hurt to get it a little wet. The only disappointment is that the table top is much narrower than described, so it is not as close to the size of our existing camp kitchen as we hoped. Our existing camp kitchen is 22 x 53. The dimensions for the Master Cook Station when opened without the side shelves are listed as 22 x 56 - almost the same - but the actual table top is only 15 x 56 inches - about 7 inches narrower than described. Fully opened with the end shelf it is 15 x 70. Our existing camp kitchen has a work area of 7.7 sf. Partially opened to about the same length, the Master Cook Station is 5.8 sf, and fully opened it is 7.3 sf; so it is 17 inches longer than our existing camp kitchen but still has less work space. This isn't really a complaint, but an observation that the width description does not seem to be accurate, and we were surprised to find the actual table depth so much smaller than described. The length and height described are both accurate. One other big plus for the Master Cook Station is the height. I am 5'4" and my husband is 6'4". The Master Cook Station is a comfortable work height for me while also being high enough that my husband doesn't have to bend over. He loves that! Overall, we love how easily the Master Cook Station sets up, the flexibility of being able to set it up in several different configurations, that it is sturdy, and that it can get a bit wet. We can't wait to see how it fits in and functions with the rest of our outdoor kitchen and patio ensemble on our next trip in 2 weeks! If we could change two things, we would. 1. The telescoping pole for hanging a light is a nice feature, but we probably won't use it. The pole is located halfway from each end of the table, and when collapsed, it extends several inches above the table top. That limits the ability to put something right in the middle of the table that might hang over the edge. It would be great if the pole could be collapsed down to table height or even detached. 2. The sink is large and a nice feature, but again, we won't use it. The table top is slatted, so water, spills, or dirt can get down into the sink requiring some extra cleaning. It is a nice, additional storage area, would be great if the sink were removable, too. Read more
Let’s all admit that, at this point, ordering from Amazon is often a gamble when it comes to quality. This product exceeds my expectations in terms of quality and utility. It comes assembled; it takes 30 seconds to unfold or collapse it. You can feel the sturdiness. It’s not heavy, but it’s dense. A small detail that’s usually overlooked, but not here, is a grip for securing/collapsing the supporting hinges. On most folding tables, you have to bash your hand against the cold metal support to secure or loosen it. This table has little grips that save your hand from getting pinched while bashing the metal. The top is perfect for fitting the standard two-burner propane tanks most people use to cook (e.g. Coleman’s two-burner stove). I usually camp with only a 6 foot collapsible table, but by the time you lay out all of the cookware and food, you’re out of space for other stuff. This has enough space for basically all of your cooking items to be organized and placed on, freeing up other table-top real estate for your essentials. This is my first GCI product, and I can see why they have a good reputation. It’s the little things that count. For example, aside from the grips I mentioned above, the table comes with rubber bottoms that prevent slipping and also create a square bottom (as opposed to the rounded bottom the metal naturally has). If you’re looking for a little extra and organization space while camping, get this. You’ll love it. Read more
