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Important note on the lead image: It's not easy to buy the right thing if you want to go to the barbecue by bike. This article shows some products that make it easier. Here is the Knistergrill ( Image source: Knister-Grill, Julian Lösch)
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When the leaves sprout and the spring sun warms the cold planet, many Central Europeans feel the desire to eat a meal over an open fire in the countryside. This is also called barbecuing and is deeply rooted in the genes of our species. It can be done on the balcony or in your own garden, but is much more exciting if it takes place in the great outdoors. But to prepare the food successfully, you need the right equipment.
Let's start with the grill. Of course, you can strap your balcony grill to the luggage rack. However, it is bulky and will rattle quite a bit during transport. So we need a device that can be folded up somehow and is not too heavy. The best thing to do is ask Carolin Kunert from Munich. She founded a start-up in 2017 that deals with folding grills.
The thing is called "Knister-Grill". And it is the ultimate product when it comes to a barbecue trip by bike. The grill can be folded up small and a bike mount is included. The grill costs around 100 euros, the mount another 25 euros. Also available in a gas-powered version. You can see everything at knister-grill.com.
If you want something cheaper, go for the Activa folding grill. It only costs around 30 euros. However, it is made of cheap sheet metal, which doesn't last long and rusts easily. It folds up, but there is no holder. But it only costs 25 euros at activa-grills.de or at Obi. It gives the impression of being a disposable product.
The foldable grill made of stainless steel from Arbo-Inox lasts longer. Stainless steel means that it won't rust, unlike the Activa folding grill. A bag is included with the purchase, which we think is good. The solid device costs 75 euros directly from the manufacturer, www.arboshop.de.
Another stainless steel part: The Fennek grill, which can be put together and costs 100 euros. When folded up, it is a flat box. The only grill on our list that has a so-called charcoal chimney, which means it is built a little higher, the air draws better and the operating temperature is reached more quickly. Unfortunately, there is no bike mount, but it can be easily stored in a pannier bag. Available at www.fennek-grill.de.
There is also a well thought-out product at esbit.de. The foldable charcoal grill BBQ300S costs 80 euros. It comes with a bag for the charcoal, which can be stored in the folded-up grill. And the bag for the grill itself. The only device where the manufacturer has not only thought about the charcoal itself, but also the charcoal. And it has to be taken with you, with the other grills this is only possible with a bag at the back.
So, we've taken care of the grill. We've also thought about the coal. What's missing? The tools. The drinks. The blanket. As for the tools: we need cutlery, cups or glasses and plates. You can pack these from home. It's easier, although more expensive, to buy a picnic case. We've mounted the crackling grill on the front of the handlebars. The case goes on the back of the luggage rack. Disposable dishes and plastic are out of the question; porcelain is better. It's heavy, but it's sustainable.
For example, the Smak luxury picnic basket with ceramic crockery for 6 people. Weighs 7 kg and costs 124 euros. Made of wickerwork, 53 x 38 x 20 cm. It contains everything you need, such as: knives, forks, spoons, salt and pepper shakers, corkscrew, napkins and a wooden cutting board. The basket is also large because it has a thermally insulated compartment for storing drinks and food. Available, for example, at www.bemshop.de.
Red Hamper is a British company that sells a huge range of baskets. They have the largest selection of picnic baskets (and bicycle baskets) anywhere. Not cheap, but good. This basket costs around 130 euros without postage at www.redhamper.co.uk. (
The largest selection of suitcases is available at Red Hamper. Please browse around there yourself. It's unbelievable what they have there. A British website, probably a family business. An order will somehow work out despite the fact that they are British. Prices are at least around 100 euros. The Red Hamper Deluxe Fully Fitted 2 Person Traditional Picnic Basket (that's what it's called) shown in the picture comes with stainless steel dishes and a blanket. Costs 132 euros, don't order from Jeff Bezos, order directly from www.redhamper.co.uk
With table and blanket: Happy Picnic basket. At Amazon for 100 euros. (
For some people, the problem with picnics is crawling around on the floor. Wouldn't you like to have a table? Yes, yes, you would. One is built into the HappyPicknick case. Designed for two people. Also included: the necessary blanket to spread out on. A bit big for the luggage carrier, but it's OK. Costs 100 euros in Jeff Bezos's monopoly store.
The blanket: Model Karo, from www.der-feinschmecker-shop.de for 20 euros. Is mounted under the crackling grill with the straps provided. On the subject of drinks: We have already put a bottle in the picnic case. If you are very thirsty, that won't be enough. For that, there is the wine bottle holder for the cross tube on the bike. Only works if it is a men's bike. Made of leather, from Brave Classic, the bike dealer orders from Hartje under the number 0.319.805/8, costs 35 euros.
Before we start, a few thoughts on the goal. Grilling is not a good idea everywhere. For example, in the forest. Grilling is prohibited there. A minimum distance of around 100 meters must be maintained, otherwise it will easily cost 500 euros. The general rule is: you are only allowed to grill on your property or in designated grilling areas. That's how it is. A fire on the first lawn you come across is absolutely not acceptable. The property owner calls the police. Grilling is sometimes allowed in the city park, please get information online beforehand.
The total cost of the equipment: around 300 euros, without panniers for the luggage carrier and without charcoal. With paper plates, plastic cutlery and a disposable grill, you can do it for a tenth of the price. Unfortunately, when you throw things away, you also throw the future of the planet into the trash, which would probably be an excellent idea to avoid. (Christoph Preussler)
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