The Aroundfire Gatherlite Camp Table offers a unique blend of portability and functionality for campfire cooking enthusiasts. This comprehensive review delves into the design, setup, performance, and durability of this innovative portable grill table, designed to comfortably accommodate 4-6 people. We'll explore its compact storage dimensions, impressive weight capacity, and high-quality construction featuring powder-coated aluminum and steel mesh. We'll also examine the included accessories, such as the stainless steel grill and convenient storage bag, and assess the ease of setup and overall user experience.This review will cover the Gatherlite's performance in real-world scenarios, including a heat test to assess its heat resistance and durability under extreme conditions. We will discuss the optional accessories, such as the light stand, titanium tabletop, and gas burner, and consider their impact on versatility and overall usability. Finally, we'll weigh the pros and cons, considering factors such as cleaning, potential fire hazards, and suitability for different user groups, to help you determine if the Aroundfire Gatherlite is the right portable grill table for your camping adventures.
Pros And Cons
- Well heat-proof
- Compact pack size yields a large table
- Versatile, usable as a normal camping table with optional infill panels
- Elevated fire pit for easy cleanup and complete burn
- Quick cool-down time
- No screws in construction (riveted)
- Replacement fire mesh and grill grate available
- Projects significant downwards heat, potential lawn/ground fire hazard
- Best setup is upside down on the ground, leading to dirt and grime on the tabletop
- Cleaning is labor-intensive due to its complex design and mesh components
- May be too much hassle for solo travelers
Read more: Top 5 Square Camping Tables for Your Next Adventure
Specifications and Dimensions
The Aroundfire Gatherlite is a portable grill table ideal for 4-6 people. Its packed dimensions are 550x420x130 mm, expanding to 810x1080 mm when set up. This makes it relatively compact for transport and storage. The table area surrounding the fire pit is 26.5 cm, sufficient for plates and cutlery.
Weighing 7.4 kg, the Gatherlite features powder-coated aluminum legs and framing, and 1.4 mm steel mesh. The powder coating is high-temperature and food-safe, a key safety feature for cooking. It boasts a weight rating of 150 kg, though even distribution is crucial.
Packaging and Included Accessories
The Gatherlite comes in a high-quality Oxford material storage bag with padded pearl cotton lining, featuring two pockets. The main pocket holds the table, while a smaller front pocket contains accessories like the grill and fire mesh.
Accessories include a 304 stainless steel grill, leveling feet, and optional leg extensions. The quality of the storage bag is surprisingly nice, though care must be taken to avoid ripping it during packing.
Setup and Features
Setting up the Gatherlite is easiest on the ground. It features multiple locking points, ensuring stability. The legs fold up securely thanks to additional latches, preventing accidental collapse. The leg extensions easily snap into place for adjusting the table height.
The fire mesh is slightly tricky to attach by oneself, requiring clipping and locking mechanisms on each corner. The grill sits on risers, adjustable for cooking height and fuel capacity. The design seamlessly integrates a fire pit and grilling surface, offering versatility.
Optional Accessories and Enhancements
Several optional accessories enhance the Gatherlite’s functionality. A light stand provides illumination for evening use. The titanium multi-function tabletop transforms the table into a regular camping table, accommodating plates and serving ware. It also includes a windshield to deflect wind from the fire.
An optional gas burner adds another cooking method. It comes with a gas bottle hanger for convenient attachment and features a side-mounted gas adjustment. The small hole in the tabletop is designed for the gas burner installation.
Real-World Experience and Tips
Real-world use in fire-restricted areas required charcoal, demanding careful planning regarding fire bans and suitable locations. The Gatherlite facilitated a fun Korean BBQ-style cooking experience with friends. The table’s heat output is significant, requiring mindful placement to avoid damaging grass or starting unintended fires.
The fine mesh effectively prevents embers from falling through, but the aluminum sections transfer heat, causing warmth near the fire pit. The lowest height setting is suggested for optimal fire efficiency and heat.
Heat Test and Durability
A heat test revealed that the steel mesh and aluminum frame can withstand high temperatures. The windshield reached 440°C before showing discoloration. The powder coat remains well-bonded even under extreme heat, though some discoloration and peeling occurred. Titanium portions, where powder coat peeled, showed rainbow coloring due to heat exposure.
The heat test demonstrates the table's heat resistance. Maintaining proportionate fire size and avoiding excessive heat are key to prolonging the table's lifespan. While some minor cosmetic damage occurred during testing, the structural integrity remained intact.
Sustainability, Repairability, Pros, and Cons
Aroundfire offers replacement parts, including fire mesh and grill grates, promoting sustainability and repairability. The company also demonstrates a willingness to assist with repairs, sending parts upon request. This proactive approach towards sustainability and repairability is a positive aspect of the product.
Pros include heat resistance, compact size yet large table area, versatility with accessories, easy fire cleanup, and rivet construction. Cons include the risk of scorching grass, potential for dirt buildup on the tabletop from upside-down setup, increased cleaning effort, and less suitability for solo travelers.
Conclusion
The Aroundfire Gatherlite is a versatile and durable camping table offering a unique fire pit and grill integration. While setup might be slightly more involved than typical camp tables, the functionality, especially with optional accessories, is compelling. The heat resistance and repairability features are positive points.
The potential for grass scorching and increased cleaning effort are drawbacks to consider. Whether it's worth the price depends on individual needs and priorities. Solo travelers might find it overly complex, while larger groups or families who enjoy campfire cooking will find it a valuable addition to their camping gear.