Need your Camping griddle thoughts

[Grover]

I posted this on the hunting section but got very little response. Thought those of you that view this section might give us some good ideas.

A friend and I are looking into having a cast iron grill made like the one I have. It is a original WWII Cast Iron field cooking Griddle used to cook for the troops. It is about 34" long by 18" wide and 1" thick. Picture attached. I am asking for opinions on whether or not we should try and market this grill for campers, hunters, etc. Any interest or thought on design or marketing thoughts would be appreciated. The one I have attached a picture of is only one of two that I know exist. They are great to cook on over the fire and produce excellent meals. Thanks in advance.

[mangler]

I'd definately be interested in a quality grill that sized for camping/hunting.

[Small Fry]

If it's under fifty buck id buy one

[Grover]

We have only had one pour by the foundry and it was not successful. Had air pockets on the surface and the mold expanded making it heavier. Second try coming this week to hold better quality. We think our cost on the grill will be in the $200 range from the foundry. So sell could be in the $250 range. Accessories are next with a web site development to follow. PM me if any of you are interested and we will put you on the list as we get closer to production.

[Sndslgr]

I understand what you have is a bit different.... but consider that you could buy a 3 burner cook stove and a big griddle for that price. Tough sale at that price I would think.

[cosmic cowboy]

I'm with sndslgr, plus a lot of 3/8 steel plates for $10 at the scrap yards. Not as nice but ... we had one in elk camp that had a box welded on it to cook bread and we just leave it in the woods all summer so we don't even pack it

[7mmstw]

I posted this on the hunting section but got very little response. Thought those of you that view this section might give us some good ideas.

A friend and I are looking into having a cast iron grill made like the one I have. It is a original WWII Cast Iron field cooking Griddle used to cook for the troops. It is about 34" long by 18" wide and 1" thick. Picture attached. I am asking for opinions on whether or not we should try and market this grill for campers, hunters, etc. Any interest or thought on design or marketing thoughts would be appreciated. The one I have attached a picture of is only one of two that I know exist. They are great to cook on over the fire and produce excellent meals. Thanks in advance.


why are you trying to make it so thick?... i would think 1/2 or even 3/8
thick will still be un godly heavy to transport
any ideas about cast aluminum? probably have trouble with sticking
at $200 and 70lbs i think it would be a tough sell
good luck RT

[Grover]

Thanks for the reply's and helpful suggestions. To answer a few questions: The surface in the cooking area is only about 1/4" thick. The rim is thicker to give strength and allow for a recessed place to send the grease. Our thoughts were that Aluminum would stick and this one has held up well and transfers the heat without warping. Weight is the issue and from the foundry we are now thinking a wooden pattern might be the way to make it slightly smaller and lighter rather than use the original. We have found a company to make us a canvas carry bag which looks like it will work perfectly. Thanks again for the suggestions.

[dubl_t]

Go with the aluminum if foundry costs aren't much more. It works "as good" as cast (regarding dutch ovens), and would be a hit with the rafters and packers (weight), not to mention it might be more durable.

I feel cast iron is better, but I'm very satisfied with my plate steel griddle so I don't see the point in spending $250, when $50 will get you nearly the same thing.

Tom.

[Norski]

I have the same grill you have only 1/2 the size, and for the life of me, I don't remember where I got it at, just washed it up and in the box to go to deer camp, they work grate.