CAMP COOKING
A SUITCASE-STYLE GRILL
By Bruce W. Smith
The smell of food being grilled outdoors soothes the soul. And when it comes to cooking outside an RV, my wife and I discovered a small, portable combo grill and smoker that opens with the release of a latch, offers plenty of cooking space, and stores much easier than more traditional grills.
The Expert Grill Portable Charcoal Grill & Smoker, a Walmart private-label product manufactured by Nexgrill, is the size of a small suitcase — and looks like one when it’s closed.
The compact grill features porcelain-coated grates and interior.
The Expert Grill brand addresses a wide range of grilling needs and preferences with its charcoal, propane, and pellet-style outdoor cooking systems and related products.
This model impressed us with its price, its compact size when closed compared to a traditional kettle-style grill, and its large cooking area when opened. As a camping couple, we use half of the cooking surface to grill and leave the other half of the grill box to hold plates, seasonings, or other grilling accessories. And the grill’s folding design transforms it into a slow smoker if desired.
The 17-pound grill features a steel body and a porcelain-coated interior, including its two grates. The grates are held tightly in place by wire clips in the lids, which prevents annoying rattles when in transit. Sliding vents at each end help control the cooking and smoking temperatures. A durable nylon handle makes it easy to carry.
We used the Expert Grill a dozen times last summer. Our only complaint is that the “heavy-duty” porcelain coating in the bottom of the charcoal box has burned off in several areas. That has not affected the way it grills, however.
Pros:
- Compact size
(21.1” L x 16.3” W x 9.6” H) - Lightweight (17 lbs.)
- Affordable ($49)
- Fast, easy setup
- Large cooking surface
(442 sq. in.) - Adjustable air vents
in both halves
Cons:
- Porcelain in charcoal pan box; not durable
- One-year warranty (if you keep the original box)
APP FILE
WHEN SAFETY COUNTS
Suggestions to protect loved ones while traveling, along with trusted first-aid advice.
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First Aid – American Red Cross: Accidents happen. People get sick. This app puts advice for everyday emergencies in the palm of your hand. Simple step-by-step instructions help guide you through first-aid scenarios. Its preloaded content gives you access to safety info anytime, even without reception or an internet connection. And because it’s fully integrated with 9-1-1, emergency services can be called directly from the app. Free on iOS and Android. Or text “getfirst” to 90999. bit.ly/3YVrCuf
BOOKSHELF
EXPLORING THE MUSIC OF NORTH AMERICA
In the opening page of their new book,
The Music Lover’s Guide to North America: Museums, Historical Sites, and Other Points of Interest (Backbeat Books), Josephine Matyas and Craig Jones ask readers to remember just two words.
Even if.
“Even if you think you don’t like bluegrass, visit the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum in Owensboro, Kentucky,” they write. “Even if Bob Dylan’s voice grates on you, make time to explore the Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to learn about how he crafted his lyrical masterpieces. Even if you know nothing about the great jazz pianist Nina Simone, sit quietly in front of her majestic statue on the main street of Tryon, North Carolina.”
They say the stops in their book could fill a lifetime of travel for those who cherish music.
These FRVA members traveled countless miles in their Class B motorhome as they spent months researching all things music. The result: a comprehensive guidebook that spotlights music museums, historic sites, and exhibits across the U.S. and Canada. They also cover festivals, noteworthy instrument shops, driving and walking tours, legendary recording studios, and more.
But Josephine and Craig dive even deeper as they weave history, culture, and geography into the discussion. They examine how monumental shifts in mass communication have impacted the radio, records, TV, and internet we consume, and how the various musical genres have changed and intermingled as a result. Many of these changes are reflected in the museums and exhibits they feature.
Armchair travelers and road warriors alike who appreciate the powerful pull of music will want to make this a companion on their journeys.