UCO mini Flatpack Grill & Fire Pit

Wait until you see the size of this BBQ grill, and then you’ll laugh…

… until you cook with it, and then you realize it’s pure genius!

Mini Flatpack portable grill & fire pit

It’s made in the USA, by UCO, who have been making innovative outdoor gear since 1971.

It comes in its own sturdy carry-bag, and immediately you know this is a quality product.

Mini Flatpack portable grill & fire pit

Made to last, made to fit, and made with pride.

weekenduae Mini Flatpack portable grill & fire pit
weekenduae Mini Flatpack portable grill & fire pit

I look for the details right away.

The stainless steel is lightweight but solid – beautifully made. I appreciate the precision in both design and construction.

The grill is packed flat, and so the hinge mechanism is a natural weak spot – but not with this little beauty!

weekenduae Mini Flatpack portable grill & fire pit

The folding legs also could become loose and wobbly over time… but not to worry, the UCO is super solid!

weekenduae Mini Flatpack portable grill & fire pit
weekenduae Mini Flatpack portable grill & fire pit

I move onto the grill – sterling good work, the material is top-notch, and the welds are excellent.

weekenduae Mini Flatpack portable grill & fire pit

Very impressed with this fine piece of kit.

But, how does it cook?

weekenduae Mini Flatpack portable grill & fire pit

First of all, it is petite. Let’s get back to the size, and to the portability.

Weight is 2 pounds and grilling area is 9″ x 6.75″ – that’s 23cm by 18cm.

weekenduae Mini Flatpack portable grill & fire pit

But I learned that it is a superbly competent outdoor grill, and my first mistake was to add too much coal. Not needed – use less than half in the photo below. My grill was burning hot for a full half-hour after finishing cooking thick lamb chops. This is a pro BBQ grill – diminutive, but pro.

weekenduae Mini Flatpack portable grill & fire pit

The key to the great burn is the ventilation holes, punched into each side, which allow for good air flow.

weekenduae Mini Flatpack portable grill & fire pit

Loaded, it looks like this. And you can imagine the fresh oxygen being sucked in from the sides as needed.

weekenduae Mini Flatpack portable grill & fire pit

The grill size actually allowed for three big, juicy chops, without crowding – so that means 3 steaks, 3 burgers, etc. And that’s not bad: how many burgers do you eat solo at each sitting?

And did it cook well?

Exceptional.

weekenduae Mini Flatpack portable grill & fire pit

With a reminder that all this with a grill that is ultra-portable, the size of a medium housecat, without a tail.

weekenduae Mini Flatpack portable grill & fire pit

And which packs completely flat, basically the size of an iPad.

weekenduae Mini Flatpack portable grill & fire pit

For the solo traveler, with possibility for light-eater companion, the UCO mini Flatpack Grill & Fire Pit is quality equipment, which will grill better than many larger portable grills thanks to the clever design and attention to detail – this high quality equipment will provide many years of excellent grilling, and due to its extreme portability I expect it will get much use.