Cadac Carri Chef 2 Grill2Braai Top Review: The Ultimate Versatility Upgrade for Your BBQ

There’s a moment every outdoor cooking enthusiast knows well. You’re out in the fresh air, the familiar hiss of the gas burner a comforting sound, the smell of grilling in the air. You’ve perfectly seared the steaks and sausages on the grill, but now it’s time for the sides. The sliced onions, the mushrooms, the asparagus spears—they all play a dangerous game of “fall through the grates.” Or perhaps it’s the morning after a night of camping, and you dream of a full English breakfast, but the thought of balancing a frying pan precariously over the burner, or worse, trying to cook eggs directly on the grill bars, is enough to make you settle for a dry cereal bar. This limitation, this inability to cook delicate or smaller items with the same ease as a robust chop, is a frustration that can take the joy out of an otherwise perfect outdoor culinary experience. It’s the gap between a simple barbecue and a true outdoor kitchen, and it’s a problem we were determined to solve.

What to Consider Before Buying a Griddle Pan for Your Grill

A griddle pan, especially one designed as a BBQ accessory, is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for unlocking true versatility in your outdoor cooking. It transforms a standard grill from a one-trick pony, brilliant for searing and charring, into a multi-functional cooking station. The primary benefit is the solid cooking surface, which opens up a world of possibilities: frying eggs, sizzling bacon, sautéing vegetables, flipping pancakes, or searing delicate fish without fear of it flaking apart and falling into the flames. This single accessory can elevate your camping breakfasts, refine your garden parties, and expand your recipe repertoire beyond the usual burgers and hot dogs. It brings the control and finesse of an indoor kitchen to the rugged, open-air environment we love.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who already owns a compatible BBQ system, like the Cadac Carri Chef 2, and feels constrained by its standard grill grate. They are campers, caravanners, and garden-party hosts who want to cook a wider variety of meals outdoors. They value convenience, versatility, and easy cleanup. On the other hand, this specific type of accessory might not be suitable for those who don’t own the corresponding BBQ base unit, or for individuals who prefer the heavyweight heat retention of traditional cast iron for all their cooking. Someone who only ever grills thick steaks and burgers might not see the immediate need, though we’d argue they’re missing out on incredible flavour opportunities. For those without a compatible system, a standalone stovetop griddle or a larger, universal-fit cast iron plate would be a better alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Is the accessory specifically designed to fit your BBQ model? The Cadac Carri Chef 2 Grill2Braai Top has a 45 cm diameter, perfectly engineered for the Carri Chef 2. A poor fit can lead to instability and uneven heating, which is both dangerous and frustrating. Ensure the cooking surface is large enough for the number of people you typically cook for.
• Capacity/Performance: Think about what you want to cook. A dual-surface design, like the half-ribbed, half-smooth plate on this Cadac model, offers maximum versatility. The ribbed side creates beautiful sear marks on meat and vegetables, while the flat side is perfect for eggs, pancakes, and delicate items. The material’s ability to heat quickly and distribute that heat evenly is paramount for performance.
• Materials & Durability: Griddle pans come in various materials. Cast iron is beloved for its heat retention but is extremely heavy and requires seasoning. Carbon steel is a great alternative, but can also be heavy. The Cadac Carri Chef 2 Grill2Braai Top is made from lightweight Aluminium with a ceramic non-stick coating. This makes it incredibly portable and easy to handle, a huge plus for camping, while the modern coating offers excellent food release and simple cleanup.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: How much effort are you willing to put into cleanup? A non-stick, dishwasher-safe surface significantly reduces post-meal chores. Look for features like a carry bag for transport and storage, which protects the surface from scratches and damage, ensuring it’s always ready for your next adventure. Long-term care for ceramic coatings involves avoiding metal utensils and harsh abrasive cleaners to preserve the non-stick properties.

Understanding these factors will ensure you choose a griddle plate that not only fits your grill but also perfectly matches your outdoor cooking style and aspirations.

While the Cadac Carri Chef 2 Grill2Braai Top is an excellent choice for owners of the system, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing the Cadac Carri Chef 2 Grill2Braai Top

Upon receiving the Cadac Carri Chef 2 Grill2Braai Top, the first thing we noticed was its surprising lack of heft. Weighing in at a mere 0.5 kilograms, the lightweight aluminium construction is immediately apparent and a welcome feature for anyone used to lugging heavy cast iron accessories. It arrived neatly packed in its own durable carry and storage bag, a thoughtful inclusion that speaks to the product’s intended use for travel and camping. Unzipping the bag revealed the 45 cm round plate, its matte black finish looking sleek and professional. The cooking surface is split perfectly down the middle. One half features prominent grill ribs, promising deep, dark sear marks. The other half is perfectly smooth, glistening slightly under the light—we could already envision glistening eggs sliding right off. We were particularly impressed with the feel of the GreenGrill ceramic coating; it felt robust and silky, a clear indicator of quality that suggests it can withstand the rigours of outdoor use. Compared to generic, third-party grill toppers, the custom-fit design and premium finish of the Cadac Carri Chef 2 Grill2Braai Top immediately set it apart as a purpose-built, high-performance accessory rather than a mere afterthought.

Performance Under Fire: A Deep Dive into the Cadac Carri Chef 2 Grill2Braai Top

An accessory can look good out of the box, but its true value is only revealed in the heat of the moment—literally. We put the Cadac Carri Chef 2 Grill2Braai Top through a series of demanding culinary tests, from a full campsite breakfast to a mixed-grill dinner, to see if its performance lived up to its promising first impression. Our goal was to push its versatility, test the durability of its coating, and evaluate its overall user-friendliness in a real-world outdoor setting.

The Dual-Surface Advantage: From Searing Steaks to Flipping Pancakes

The standout feature of this accessory is undoubtedly its split personality. This isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a revolutionary design choice that fundamentally changes what’s possible on a portable BBQ. We started our testing with a classic “braai,” the South African barbecue style that Cadac champions. On the ribbed side, we placed thick-cut rump steaks and traditional boerewors sausage. The plate, sitting atop the Carri Chef 2 burner, heated up remarkably fast. The aluminium body conducted heat far quicker than cast iron would, meaning we were ready to cook in just a few minutes. We achieved a fantastic, deep sear on the steaks, with perfect grill marks that not only looked professional but also added that crucial smoky, caramelised flavour. The fat from the boerewors rendered down and channelled away between the ribs, preventing the sausage from stewing in its own grease.

Simultaneously, on the smooth griddle side, we sautéed sliced onions and peppers. The flat surface provided consistent, even contact, allowing them to soften and sweeten without any risk of falling through the grates. This ability to cook two completely different types of food, requiring two different surfaces, at the same time on one plate is a game-changer. One user perfectly captured this experience, noting they cooked “rump steak, Boerewors, lamb chops and the eggs were pretty easy to do too.” This confirmed our findings precisely. The next morning, we put the flat side to the ultimate test: a full breakfast. Bacon crisped up beautifully, and the non-stick surface was flawless for fried eggs, which slid around with just a nudge from a silicone spatula. The even heating meant no hot spots, so everything cooked at the same rate. This level of control and versatility is something we’ve rarely experienced from a single BBQ accessory, making it an indispensable tool for any Carri Chef 2 owner. You can truly explore its versatile cooking potential online.

GreenGrill Ceramic Coating: A Non-Stick Dream or a Cleaning Nightmare?

A non-stick surface is only as good as its durability and ease of cleaning. Cadac’s GreenGrill ceramic coating is promoted as a healthier, PFOA-free option that offers superior performance, and we were eager to test this claim. Throughout our cooking tests, from sticky marinades on chicken to sugary pancake batter, food release was exceptional. Nothing stuck. We could move food around with ease, and even when we accidentally left some barbecue sauce on for a little too long, it didn’t burn on or weld itself to the plate. This is a crucial point, as one user review astutely pointed out that complaints about food sticking were likely due to excessive heat. They advised, “Read the instructions!” We couldn’t agree more. Like any high-quality non-stick surface, the key is proper heat management. The aluminium plate gets hot fast, so there’s no need to crank the burner to maximum. A medium heat provides more than enough power to sear effectively while protecting the integrity of the coating.

The real magic, however, happened during cleanup. After cooking a large, varied meal, the plate looked like a mess. But once it had cooled down—which also happened quickly—we were stunned by how easy it was to clean. A simple wipe with a paper towel removed the vast majority of the grease and food residue. A quick wash in a basin of warm, soapy water had it looking brand new in under a minute. The fact that it is also dishwasher safe is a massive bonus for those using it at home in the garden. This effortless cleanup transforms the entire outdoor cooking experience. It removes the dreaded final chore of scrubbing a heavy, greasy grill grate, making you far more likely to use it again and again. The convenience offered by this easy-to-clean and high-performance surface cannot be overstated.

Portability and Outdoor Readiness

While performance is key, the Cadac Carri Chef 2 Grill2Braai Top is designed for a life on the move. Its suitability for camping, caravanning, and picnics is central to its appeal, and this is where the design choices truly shine. The 0.5 kg weight is the most significant factor. When you’re trying to minimize weight for a camping trip or are limited by your vehicle’s payload, every kilogram counts. Swapping out a heavy cast iron skillet or griddle for this featherlight plate makes a tangible difference. It’s easy to carry from the car to the campsite, and it doesn’t add significant bulk to your gear.

The included carry bag is the second part of this brilliant portability puzzle. It’s not a flimsy afterthought; it’s a well-made, durable bag that protects the ceramic-coated surface from scratches and dings during transit. It keeps the plate clean and contained, so you don’t have to worry about residual grease getting on your car seats or other equipment on the return journey. This integrated storage solution demonstrates that Cadac understands its customers and the practical challenges of outdoor life. The entire package—lightweight plate plus protective bag—is a self-contained, grab-and-go system that encourages spontaneous adventures. You’re no longer just taking a BBQ; you’re taking a complete, versatile outdoor kitchen that packs down into an impressively small and manageable footprint.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our positive experience with the Cadac Carri Chef 2 Grill2Braai Top is strongly mirrored in the feedback from the wider user community. The consensus is overwhelmingly favourable, with many praising it as an essential, transformative accessory for their Carri Chef 2. One user succinctly summarized its broad appeal, stating it “Works amazing for fish and and meatsBreakfast 🍳 perfect for all the fries easy to clean and pack away for nextEnjoy.” This comment perfectly captures the core strengths we identified: its multi-purpose functionality and ultimate convenience.

Another detailed piece of feedback provided a more technical confirmation of our findings, noting, “The grill heated up quickly and evenly and I was able to cook (braai) a variety of items.” This user also addressed a potential negative point they had seen elsewhere regarding food sticking. They correctly diagnosed the problem as user error, stating, “they probably cranked up the heat to a max… Read the instructions!” This is a critical insight that aligns with our expert assessment: the plate’s efficiency means it requires less heat than one might assume, and proper temperature control is key to leveraging the non-stick surface effectively. This feedback reinforces that, when used correctly, the Cadac Carri Chef 2 Grill2Braai Top performs exactly as intended, providing a flawless cooking and cleaning experience.

How Does the Cadac Carri Chef 2 Grill2Braai Top Compare to the Alternatives?

While the Cadac Carri Chef 2 Grill2Braai Top is a purpose-built accessory, it’s helpful to see how it stacks up against other types of griddles on the market. This comparison highlights its unique strengths and helps clarify who it’s best suited for.

1. Prestige Thermo Smart Grill Pan 28cm

The Prestige Thermo Smart Grill Pan is a classic stovetop grill pan designed for indoor kitchen use. At 28cm, it is significantly smaller than the Cadac’s 45cm surface. Its primary advantages are its Thermo Smart heat indicator and its suitability for induction hobs. However, it is not designed for direct use on an outdoor gas BBQ. Someone might prefer the Prestige pan if they are looking for a dedicated indoor grill pan for smaller meals and value the visual heat indicator. It’s a great tool for a home kitchen but lacks the scale, dual-surface versatility, and outdoor-specific design of the Cadac accessory.

2. Made In Carbon Steel Griddle & Grill Press

The Made In Carbon Steel Griddle represents a premium, enthusiast-grade option. Carbon steel, like cast iron, offers phenomenal heat retention and searing capabilities, and it gets better with age as it seasons. This griddle is built to last a lifetime and is aimed at serious home cooks. However, it is considerably heavier than the Cadac’s aluminium plate and requires careful maintenance (seasoning) to prevent rust and maintain its non-stick properties. A culinary enthusiast who prioritizes heirloom quality and superior heat retention for indoor or heavy-duty grilling might prefer the Made In griddle. It is less of a portable, convenient solution and more of a permanent kitchen workhorse.

3. Velaze Cast Iron Griddle Pan with Handles

The Velaze Cast Iron Griddle is a large, heavy-duty, reversible griddle. One side is ribbed, the other is flat, similar in concept to the Cadac. Its main material, cast iron, provides exceptional and even heat, making it fantastic for searing. Its large rectangular shape is designed to fit over two burners on a stove or across a large gas grill. This is an excellent choice for someone who needs to cook for a large crowd and values the unique properties of cast iron. However, its significant weight makes it far less portable than the Cadac, and like all cast iron, it requires seasoning and careful cleaning. It’s ideal for a permanent backyard setup, but not for camping or caravanning where weight and convenience are paramount.

Our Final Verdict: Is the Cadac Carri Chef 2 Grill2Braai Top Worth It?

After extensive testing, we can say with absolute confidence that the Cadac Carri Chef 2 Grill2Braai Top is not just an accessory; it is an essential upgrade that completely unlocks the potential of the Carri Chef 2 BBQ system. Its intelligent dual-surface design offers unparalleled versatility, seamlessly transitioning from searing steaks to frying eggs on a single, convenient plate. The combination of its lightweight aluminium body, fast and even heating, and brilliantly effective GreenGrill non-stick surface makes it a joy to use from start to finish. The easy cleanup and included storage bag are thoughtful, practical features that underscore its suitability for a life of adventure.

While it is only compatible with its specific base unit, for any owner of a Cadac Carri Chef 2, this purchase is a foregone conclusion. It transforms your portable grill into a complete outdoor kitchen, banishing the limitations of a standard grate forever. If you want to elevate your outdoor cooking, expand your menu, and simplify your cleanup, this is the single best investment you can make for your setup. We wholeheartedly recommend it. You can check the latest price and add this incredible versatility to your outdoor kitchen today.