Meet the Ultimate Camping Companion: The Ridgemonkey Connect Sandwich Toaster ST - Granite with Tools Review
"If space or weight is a premium (when isn't it?) this is our top recommendation for a versatile, quality, well thought out toaster/pan."
Hello, fellow outdoors enthusiasts. Geoff K. here—lover of free-spirited roving, and definite connoisseur of the 'great canvas ceiling'. With a lovely trail companion named Jess (a rather adventurous canine, if I may say so myself), I've spent four decades reveling in all that Mother Nature offers, rambling from the craggy heights of the Scottish Highlands, to the sun-dappled olive groves in sunny Spain. The essence of my excursions, though, is the grub, the all-important fuel that keeps an old roamer like me ticking along.
Now, imagine my intrigue when I got my hands on the rather snappily named 'Ridgemonkey Connect Sandwich Toaster ST’ in Granite, with its own set of Integrated Tools. You might chuckle, but, by Jove, doesn't it feel just right to have access to a hot, tasty sandwich amidst the wilds? It's certainly not the Holy Grail of camping, but possibly holds the title for being the Most Coveted. The aim, with this piece, is to see whether this contraption truly lives up to its promise. Ready for the 'grilled' details? Onward, then.
Features
The RidgeMonkey Sandwich Maker for Anglers is a product which weighs 670g, inclusive of handles and cooking utensils. Its dimensions are 180 x 295 (with handles) x 155 x 40 mm. The product features two flat-bottomed frying pans and a non-stick coating. In addition, there is a set of heat-resistant utensils, which include a magnetically cool touch and a thermosetting plastic handle. A pan protective bag is also part of the package. This sandwich maker has a removable hinge system and is built from lightweight aluminum. The product's exterior is ribbed to ensure even heat distribution and can be utilized with all conventional stoves and direct heat sources, excluding induction hobs. The color of the product is grey and it is composed of aluminum and plastic materials.
Weight 0.670 kgs Material Aluminium Dimensions 15.5 x 18 x 4 cm Good For Toasties, pies, slices, naans, wraps, omelettes, cinnamon swirls
Highlights
A sublime addition to my camping kit, the RidgeMonkey Connect Sandwich Toaster ST has proven to be not just exceptional but proving to be an essential tool. Having a lightweight, sleek design, it doesn't take up much space in the camper van, which is always a bonus. The two flat-bottom frying pans, along with the included utensils, are a thoughtful touch. Undeniably, the highlight is the non-stick coating, which far surpasses any other product I've used effectively, making the clean-up process an absolute breeze. Moreover, the pans offer versatility not commonly seen among their contemporaries, allowing me to experiment with various meals, keeping things spontaneous and less predictable.
The swift cooking time is inconspicuous but certainly a pleasurable surprise, which is a relief, especially after a long day's adventure. I’ve had a positive experience cooking everything from bacon to a square sausage on this RidgeMonkey. Furthermore, the low cooking temperature minimises steam, ensuring comfort. Additionally, I can vouch for its durableness as it withstood many uses and less-than-careful cleaning.
Certainly, as a camper who enjoys the thrill of uncharted paths, the convenience and efficiency of this kitchen gadget elevate my outdoor experience. It has proved to be the perfect companion for camper van travel and caravan. It is the ideal tool for the adventurous palates of campers who desire a connection to the natural world, fulfilling not just the practical need of cooking but also keeping the environment clean with its amazing non-stick properties, enabling easy cleaning. This versatile, efficient, user-friendly sandwich toaster is a boon to my outdoor wanders. The RidgeMonkey Connect Sandwich Toaster ST doesn't merely get the job done - it enhances it significantly, making every camping trip a little more special.
Is this the best Grill/Pan/Toaster for you?
Check out our full roundup: Best Versatile Grill & Toaster for Camp Fires, Gas Hobs and Induction
Concerns
Despite its promising features, the Ridgemonkey Connect Sandwich Toaster ST, Granite with Integrated Tools, has some significant drawbacks. The most glaring issue is that some users have complained about the strong, unpleasant smell that seems to emanate from the plastic components - but this didn't affect my unit.
Another issue is with the design of the handles. On two separate occasions, the handles got stuck and were no longer removable, making it impossible to pack the pans away as intended. The mechanism to lock the handles onto the body of the pans is not reliable and seems prone to failure. Additionally, the included tools are not very useful, and I found it better to use full-sized utensils instead.
Should You Buy?
My foray into the outdoor world has seen me test a treasure trove of kitchen tools, each with its unique merits and demerits, and the RidgeMonkey Connect Sandwich Toaster ST is no exception. This product shines bright with its lightweight design, superior non-stick capability, swift cooking time, and unanticipated resilience against challenging conditions. Its versatility makes it a stimulating addition to my camping escapades, removing the monotony and injecting a delightful unpredictability into my meals.
However, the fiddly handles sour this otherwise brilliant piece of kit.
Despite these drawbacks, this could be a satisfying investment if you’re the kind of camper who thrives with minimalism, valuing space and weight as higher priorities. Given its unique features, it's a well-designed item with a promising performance if you can surpass the initial hurdles. As such, purchasing the RidgeMonkey Connect Sandwich Toaster ST should hinge solely on your tolerance for its space-saving handles.
(Price When Reviewed: £24.00)
Rating
Co-founder of Destiny River, with over forty years of experience camping throughout Europe, I'm happier sleeping under canvas than sleeping under a roof! I hope to inspire others to appreciate and protect the remarkable landscapes that our planet has to offer.
More posts by Geoff K.Alternatives Products for you to consider:
| # | Image | Name | Summary | Rating | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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FENNEK 4FIRE - Grill plate for the FENNEK Hexagon Fire Pit | Sturdy, portable and would work with most other (low) fire pits or an open fire. Recommended at this price as it should last a lifetime. | See Our Review | |
| 2 |
 |
Ridgemonkey Connect Sandwich Toaster XL, Granite with Integrated Tools | Arguably the gold-standard for versatile, well thought out pans/toastie makers for camping and vanning - but is the XL version worth it? | See Our Review | |
| 3 |
 |
Amazon Basics Heavy Duty Folding Campfire Grill | Sturdy, inexpensive, folds relatively small and doesn't seem prone to rust. Their are lighter alternatives, but value is strong. | See Our Review | |
| 4 |
 |
SQ Professional Die-Cast Aluminium Griddle Pan / Toaster | High quality, traditional product that will last - sturdy and works well with induction hob - but watch for hot handles. | See Our Review |
Top-notch, it's is.
Delivered all the way from UK to Canada... precisely on time. Loving it guys, I is.
Letdown?
All in all, a fantastic gadget to have in our Campervan, however there's one glaring defect. Post receiving the ridgemonkey, a purchase influenced by the positive reviews, we took it along on our camping adventure. A first wash was necessary as it had an unbearable smell, reminiscent of TCP antiseptic - downright unpleasant. When we cooked our first meal in it, the after-taste was so awful that we had to throw the food away. Back home, we tried to eliminate the stench by employing our dishwasher to no avail. Repeated hand washing and couple of more rounds in the dishwasher only led to the residual smell affecting our other dishes. Ultimately, we had to concede defeat, segregating the utensils and plastic holder in a seperate sealed bag, never to be used again. Incongruously, the ridgemonkey appears to be odourless now. Frankly, this is ridiculous. I'm puzzled by what could be used in the plastic
Great Service for Ridgemonkey Toaster
The 'Ridgemoonkey Connect Sandwitch Toaster ST' made of granite stone comes replete with built-in tools. Perfect for use within your caravan.
Probelms in initial buy
The Ridgemonkey Connect Sandwich Toaster ST, Granite with Integrated Tools seems like a good product, but I wasn't impressed initially as the first one I bought had a defect. The handles just wouldn't attach properly to the pan bodies. It left me rather disapointed. The second one I got seems to be fine, but the mechanism used for securing the handles leaves much to be desired. I guess only time can tell if this one holds up.
Excellent Set
Incredible gadget - I even procured the saucepan variant to complement this. It's incredibly convenient and adaptable for use in my campervan.
Loved it so much, we purchased a second.
Our friends suggested the 'Ridgemonkey Connect Sandwich Toaster ST, Granite with Integrated Tools,' and it's been incredible at creating delightful toasties, much to my wife's delight. So thrilled were we with its performance, we purchased another unit to ramp up our toasty production to keep up with the high demand.
Essential Ridgemonkey XL Toaster for Campervan - Love It.
Typically, I don't leave reviews, but for this particular product, I felt compelled to share my satisfaction. After watching several u-tube recommendations, I decided to purchase the Ridgemonkey Connect Sandwich Toaster ST with integrated tools for our camper van. We chose the X-LARGE size, weighing in smaller than anticipated, but after utilizing it, I'v found out it's just the perfect size for a camper.
It's an excellent piece, practically two pans in one - though I've only had the opportunity to use them simultaneously so far. It comes with a nifty little neoprene pouch, making it convenient to securely store all the components. This superb gadget comes with its own unique tools.
Remarkably, the non-stick coating is superior, making it extraordinarily easy to clean. Thus far, we've tested bacon and square sausage, with successful outcomes. Yet, u-tube suggests that the possibilities are infinite. Already, there's a plethora of dishes
Size Not as Anticipated
The 'Ridgemonkey Connect Sandwich Toaster ST, Granite with Integrated Tools' serves its purpose sufficiently.
Neat and tinny
I absolutely adore this product. It's incredibly simple to utilize and maintain, a true testament of a high-quality pan.
Handle Jammed in Toaster
This is my second purchase of the 'Ridgemonkey Connect Sandwich Toaster ST, Granite with Integrated Tools'. Unfortunately, the handle became jammed and wasn't detachable for easy storage within the pans. The included tools didn't prove to be handy, I'd recommend investing in a full-sized set and discarding these.