Name: Cadac Safari Chef Grill

What it is: About the size of a footstool, this portable gas grill folds into a carrying case and weighs less than 9 pounds.

How it works: Unpack the six pieces from the case, deploy the spring-loaded legs on the base unit and screw on a 1-pound propane cylinder. Assemble as you want, whether to barbecue chicken, grill steaks, stir-fry vegetables, fry burgers or eggs - even boil or roast. The appropriate parts simply fit on top of each other.

The good: The workmanship and the quality lets you know you didn't waste your money. This little stove is incredibly versatile. It's too big for a backpacker unless you are carrying it only a mile or two, but any other camper should tuck it into the trunk. It's a natural for tailgating. And you don't need pots and pans; this provides the vessels you need.

The bad: If you don't have a place to wash the part upon which you cooked, you will need to wrap it in newspaper to keep from sliming the carrying case and the rest of the pieces.

Cost: $99 plus shippingAvailable from: cadacnorthamerica.com

Available from: cadacnorthamerica.com- Ross Werland, Chicago Tribune

- Ross Werland, Chicago Tribune