The Review of the Fern & Forge Nomad BBQ Grill
Updated: Oct 6
Fern and forge Nomad BBQ Grill
Quick Summary
After browsing online and on social media, I discovered the charcoal BBQ from Fern & Forge. It immediately caught my attention for a couple of reasons. First, it’s made in Studley, which is close to my home in Birmingham. Second, its flat-pack design saves space in my small campervan. The skewers also seemed perfect for kebabs and tikkas.
I purchased the Nomad specifically for winter trips, intending it to serve as both a BBQ grill and a campfire pit. I recently took it out for its first outing to see if it lives up to the hype. In this review, I’ll share the backstory of Fern & Forge, what comes in the box, and how it performed during my first cook. Expect more cooking pictures and updates later!
Scorecard
Value: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Build Quality: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Cooking Quality & Heat Retention: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Ease of Use: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Portability & Pack-Down: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Would Buy Again: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Who Are Fern & Forge?
Fern & Forge is a small British maker brand based in Studley, Warwickshire. Their mission is simple: create outdoor gear that’s solid and durable, rather than the usual disposable options. If you’ve ever owned a cheap BBQ, you know the struggle of flimsy grills that wobble and fail to heat properly.
The founders have 15 years of product design experience. They used this expertise to develop the Nomad Grill, which is made in the UK and packs down flat without needing any tools. Unlike many barbecues that rely heavily on plastic, this one is built to last, rather than ending up in the bin after a single season.
You can follow their journey on @fernandforgeuk on Instagram to see the grill in action before you buy.
What’s In the Nomad Adventure Bundle
1 × Nomad Grill
2 × Grill Plates for classic BBQ grilling
4 × Kebab Skewers for easy and fast cooking
1 × Flat Grill Plate for searing, smash burgers, fish, and veg
1 × Nomad Bag for easy transport
1 × Grate Key for switching between plates or adding more fuel
The grill consists of four steel pieces that slot together easily, eliminating the need for tools or complicated assembly. Once assembled, you can choose from the grill plate, flat plate, or skewers for cooking.
What I appreciate about it is that it’s more than just a basic charcoal BBQ. After cooking, you can remove the plates, add a log, and use it as a fire pit for the evening. When you’re done, everything packs neatly into the waterproof bag that comes with it.
Tech Specs
Material: 4mm mild steel
Weight: 12kg (with 2 grill plates)
Cooking Surface: 490mm x 280mm
Pack-Down Size: 525mm x 350mm x 24mm
Performance Review of the Charcoal BBQ
The grill arrived about four days after I ordered it, and it was packed well. When I lifted the box, it had a decent weight, which was reassuring. It certainly didn’t feel flimsy.
Putting it together was straightforward. I had it built in a couple of minutes without needing the instructions. Once assembled, it felt solid with no wobble or that thin, tinny feeling you often get with cheaper BBQs.
Using it is simple. Just add charcoal or logs, light it up, and you’re ready to cook.
I seasoned it in two attempts. The first time, I used too much oil, which made it sticky rather than properly seasoned. After wiping off the excess oil, the second attempt worked perfectly.
For my first cook, I used EcoBlaze natural firelighters along with my usual charcoal. It reached cooking temperature quickly and maintained a steady heat throughout, making cooking a breeze.
I cooked rib-eye steaks, aiming for medium rare, with chimichurri, alongside sausages from Soujo in Bristol. Both dishes turned out excellent. The steaks achieved a fantastic char and caramelisation, while the charcoal retained its heat throughout the cooking process.
Next time, I plan to use the skewers. I’m already dreaming of homemade kofta kebabs and chicken tikka wraps.
The grill’s size is also impressive. You won’t struggle for cooking space when feeding a group. Adding the flat plate enhances its versatility, allowing you to cook breakfast items like eggs, vegetables, and burgers.
I believe it will only improve with use. Like any good grill, it will develop a seasoning over time.
It’s not just a stylish addition to the campsite; it cooks exceptionally well. With its various cooking options, it’s far more versatile than your average charcoal BBQ.
I’ll continue using this BBQ and update this review as I experiment with different foods and monitor its performance over time.
Other Products in the Fern & Forge Range
The Adventure Bundle isn’t the only option available. They currently offer eight products on their site, which is worth knowing before you order:
Nomad Grill on its own: £109.95, the same BBQ without the extra plates, skewers, and bag included in the Adventure Bundle. Ideal if you already have tongs and grilling accessories.
Nomad Bag: £24.95, sold separately for storage or transport, available in various colours.
Fern & Forge Skewers: from £14.95, the same skewers included in the bundle, available for separate purchase.
Nomad Flat Plate Add-on: from £14.95, for those who bought the grill without the flat plate and wish to add it later.
Heat Shield: £44.95, an accessory to protect surfaces underneath during use.
Mini Forge: £449.95, a larger option built from 6mm mild steel, designed as a permanent patio fire pit and grill.
The Forge Grill: £1,199.95, their flagship product, significantly larger and pricier than the Nomad range.
It’s essential to note the price difference between the Nomad range and the Mini Forge or Forge Grill. They are not just larger versions; they represent a different tier of product entirely.
Price and Where to Buy This Charcoal BBQ
If you’re looking for a charcoal BBQ that doubles as a fire pit, the Nomad Adventure Bundle is priced at £147.00 directly from fernandforge.co.uk. It’s available in Grey Camo, Orange, or Purple bag colours. The product currently holds a 5.0-star rating from their own reviews. However, as a newer British brand, independent review coverage is limited, so much of the available feedback comes from their testimonials. This is why I wanted to put it through its paces myself instead of relying solely on their claims.
They also offer a 10% discount for signing up on their site.
The Verdict
Do I recommend this? Absolutely, 100%. If you’re searching for the best charcoal BBQ the UK has to offer that isn’t mass-produced, this is it. It’s an artisan product made locally, boasts excellent quality, and looks fantastic. It’s great for cooking and serves as a fire pit once the food is done.
Related Reading
Fire Lighters for BBQ and Camping: What to Know Before You Buy - The fire lighters I actually use for BBQ and camping, plus tips on getting a fire going properly.
Winter Camping in the UK: What Actually Keeps You Warm and Dry - Insights on staying warm and dry while winter camping in the UK, including the condensation nobody warns you about and the gear that genuinely helps.
Thanks, James | Fishing Field Fork
Comments