Petromax Atago

As I’ve mentioned in previous issues, I have far too many BBQs and stoves here at Muddy Towers, but there’s one stove I’ve been itching to try for a long time, and that’s the Petromax Atago.

Over their 100 year plus heritage, Petromax has a worldwide reputation for designing and producing products that are both robust and durable. Made from stainless steel, the Atago is all-in-one tool that can be used as conventional barbecue, stove, oven, and fire bowl using either charcoal briquettes or firewood.

It’s clever, too. Because of its unique extension-retraction mechanism, when you lift it up not only does the top half of its body appear, but its three legs open and slide downwards creating a perfectly steady stove that’s off the ground so not to leave any burnt patches. Folding it back down is as simple as lifting it at the base and the Atago folds back into itself.

Fully erect (snigger), it has a height of 28cm (11”) and when folded it’s only 14 cm (5.5 in), which makes it space-saving in storage. The whole unit measures 48cm (17”) in diameter and weighs in at 6.1kg.

When it comes to producing heat, the Atago incorporates a twin-wall combustion chamber that pre-heats secondary air and introduces it into the flames to create a remarkably clean burn. I have to say that it’s probably the cleanest burning firepit I’ve ever used, even in windy conditions. You can also regulated the burn by the air supply lever in the base.

What I particularly appreciate about the Atago is that it can also be used in combination with a Petromax Dutch Oven or a Griddle and Firebowl.

Whilst both the Griddle and Firebowl are placed on top of the Atago, the Petromax ft3, ft6 or ft9 Dutch Ovens are actually designed to slot inside and rest on the top lip, meaning that the heat yield is very high and efficient.

Is there anything not to love about the Atago? Well, one thing I will recommend is that you buy the carry bag that’s sold separately, otherwise, no matter how well you clean it, you’ll still end up with ash and soot in the back of your car, and it can be a bit awkward to carry without it.

As for the Atago itself, so far I’ve found it to be a fantastic all-rounder, and soon it will feature in a series of cooking videos on our Youtube channel, so don’t forget to subscribe.

price: £229.95 more at » whitbyandco.co.uk price: £29.95 more at » whitbyandco.co.uk

In his first English Petromax cookbook “Outdoor Cooking”, the German campfire pro and author Carsten Bothe shows you everything you need to know about cooking and baking in the great outdoors.

From a German farmer’s breakfast, cheeseburger and tortilla lasagne all the way to cherry bread pudding, this cookbook shows the many possibilities offered by cooking using a Dutch Oven, Fire Skillet and Loaf Pan in the great outdoors.

With over 80 recipes that cover pretty much every taste, Carsten also explains the best way to cook with your chosen cookware, for instance, how much heat you require both underneath and on top of your Dutch Oven to cook thorough and evenly. He also explains a variety of techniques such as how to light the perfect fire and the variables to consider when cooking outside, like the weather, types of charcoal and so on.

Whether it’s a savoury layered meat stew in your Dutch Oven or a fillet béarnaise in a skillet, Outdoor Cooking from Petromax is full of really tasty meal ideas that have the benefit of being prepared quickly and easily. It’s also packed with quality photographs that show you just how your meals are supposed to look when cooked - mine never do!

Of course, the huge collection of recipes aren’t just for outdoor cooking, you can easily adjust and prepare them at home, too, but where’s the fun in that?

This book was developed in close cooperation with Petromax, obviously, and using their high quality camping and outdoor equipment is suggested, but not required.

Overall, I reckon this new cookbook will appeal to everyone who enjoys cooking outdoors as well as those who are keen to learn.