The Ozpig . . . fast becoming my new best friend!
Back in July I was contacted by the team behind Ozpig UK to ask if I was interested in helping generate content around one of their products. I’d seen a few individuals posting cooks on Ozpig’s (mainly the Big Pig) and was definitely up for helping.
After exchanging messages with the team we settled on the standard Ozpig . . . I already had a couple of smokers (ProQ and Bradley) and the versatility of the smaller unit, combined with the fact I could also use as a standard log burner / patio heater on those colder evenings, well, it ticked all the boxes!
The Delivery
A week or so later the delivery arrived . . . oh I tell you . . . it was like Christmas had come early! I received the following:
- Ozpig Series 2
- Ozpig Chargrill and Drip Tray
- Ozpig Rotisserie Kit
- Ozpig Large Warming and Cooking Plate
- Ozpig Diffuser
- Charcoal (Heat Bead) Basket
The Quality
The branding on the boxes was strong . . . the accompanying handbook thorough . . . and as I reached inside to remove the individual components . . . good lord . . . I could instantly tell this thing was built to last! Everything was SOLID!
As you may have read in an earlier review (Love Logs – Planet Friendly Firewood) I’m not very experienced managing real wood fires, but now I had a reason to learn.
The Ozpig Story
Before I continue with my review, it’s probably worth sharing the Ozpig story so you can understand the design of the products . . . here goes:
The Ozpig is a clever Aussie invention created by a family with a love of the great outdoors. Hearty appetites and a passion for travel inspired the Shepherd family to develop a unique, multipurpose cooker that offers convenience and endless cooking options. At the same time, they also wanted the ambience of an open fire and a versatile heater that could be used on their outdoor adventures. The result was the Ozpig.
Named after its solid design and squat shape, Ozpig is robust, ingenious and versatile. Plus its raised, off-the-ground design is a game-changer – allowing it to be used in many locations where an open fire is not permitted. (However, we always recommend you check local regulations.)
Mounted on stable legs, Ozpig lets you cook up a storm without bending over a campfire, while the compact chimney directs smoke away from the chef. Plus Ozpig is much more flexible than a BBQ, enabling you to enjoy baking, chargrilling, deep-frying, wok cooking, rotisserie roasting or just boiling the kettle for a cuppa.
Fire up the fuel-efficient Ozpig using your choice of easy-to-carry fuel including timber, heat beads or volcanic rock. Plus with its Australian heritage, the Ozpig has been built tough to withstand the harshest conditions – with very little maintenance needed. So there’s a good chance your Ozpig will outlast you!
. . . that’s the background . . . now let’s get to what I’ve used the Ozpig for to date:
Scenario 1 – Log Burner / Patio Heater
Oh yes! I’ve enjoyed far too many drinks outside in the evening watching the flames . . . chucking on another log as and when required . . . I tell you . . . the footprint of the Ozpig may not be huge, but it certainly kicks out some heat.
Scenario 2 – Fry up
Sausages, bacon, eggs and even fried bread . . . BOOM! Using the smaller cooking plate for frying and then the larger on the side to keep food warm worked a treat!
Scenario 3 – HUGE Smash Burger
I went for it!
- 1 x Fried egg
- 1 x Handful of cherry smoked pulled pork
- 3 x Maple smoked bacon rashers
- 3 x Steak & brisket smash burgers
- Bed of Welsh Cheddar & Smoked Bacon sausages
Scenario 4 – Reverse Seared Côte De Boeuf
I smoked the steak in the Bradley with Mesquite Bisquettes before searing directly over the flames on the Ozpig . . . let me tell you . . . this was the finest steak I’ve had to date
Scenario 5 – Piri Piri Chicken
Took the Ozpig rotisterie for a spin with a corn fed chicken coated in a Piri Piri rub. Eldest son got a little hungry at half-time so chucked on some hotdogs and toasted brioche buns
So, what do I honestly think of the Ozpig?
. . . I love it and I can see why it’s the product of choice for people who travel and want a portable unit that can deliver time and time again.
The Ozpig is SOLID . . . I know i’ve said this before . . . but it really is built like a tank . . . the Ozpig that is currently sat on my lawn will easily outlive my good self, ha!
The only negative for me is the size at times . . . I’ve got a wife and 3 kids . . . and if I wanted to cook up something for us all, using a few pots / pans . . . well, I’m not sure I could work my magic around such a small footprint. The solution is simple . . . if you need to cook larger meals, grab yourself a ‘Big Pig‘ and you’ll never look back!
For me, I’m hooked . . . I love cooking over a wood fire on the Ozpig Series 2 and will continue to push the unit to see what I can get out of it!
