Cadac is South Africa's leading outdoor cooking brand and one of the most popular portable BBQ ranges in the UK camping market. Their genius is the modular cooking system — one gas unit, multiple interchangeable cooking surfaces, so you can grill, fry, wok cook, and bake pizza on the same stove. If you've ever watched someone pull out a Cadac at a Cornish campsite and start cooking a proper meal, you'll understand why they've become a fixture on UK campsites.

At Newquay Camping Shop we stock the full Cadac range. This guide covers every model we sell, explains how the system works, and helps you choose the right setup for your camping style.

How the Cadac System Works

Every Cadac cooker uses the same principle: a gas burner unit with a standardised top plate that accepts a range of interchangeable cooking accessories. You buy the cooker once, then add cooking surfaces as your needs evolve. The connection is the same across the range, so accessories are fully interchangeable between models.

Cadac cookers connect to standard Campingaz threaded cartridges (EN417) or to a gas cylinder via a regulator and hose. For regular campsite use, a Campingaz 907 cylinder with a Cadac hose and regulator is the most cost-effective setup.

Cadac Models Compared

Cadac Safari Chef 30 HP

The most compact and portable Cadac model — the Safari Chef 30 has a 30cm cooking diameter and runs on a Campingaz threaded cartridge or a small cylinder via adaptor. It's lightweight enough to pack into a rucksack for backpacking or fits easily in a campervan cupboard. Despite its compact size, the Safari Chef 30 delivers serious heat output and genuine cooking performance.

Best for: Solo campers, couples, van lifers, and anyone who needs a compact, lightweight cooking solution.

Cadac Safari Chef 2 Pro 30 HP

The updated Safari Chef 2 Pro adds a more efficient burner, a piezo ignition system, and a windshield ring for better performance in coastal conditions — useful when you're pitched on an exposed Cornish clifftop. Same 30cm cooking diameter as the original, but with improved build quality and ignition reliability.

Best for: Those who want the compact Safari Chef format with improved ignition and wind resistance.

Cadac Carri Chef 2 BBQ Chef Pan 40

The 40cm mid-size Cadac — the sweet spot for most family campers. Large enough to cook a proper meal for four, compact enough to pack without taking over the boot. Includes a BBQ grid and a Chef Pan (non-stick flat griddle) in the box, giving you grilling and frying capability from day one. Runs on threaded cartridges or cylinder.

Best for: Families of 2–4, caravanners, and anyone who wants versatile cooking at a mid-size footprint.

Cadac Carri Chef 2 BBQ Chef Pan 50

The full-size 50cm Cadac — the most popular model we stock. The larger cooking surface makes it genuinely practical for families of 4–6, with enough room to cook a full English, a proper stir-fry, or a complete BBQ spread. Includes the BBQ grid and Chef Pan. More stable base than the 40cm, with the same interchangeable accessory system.

Best for: Larger families, longer stays, and caravanners who want the most versatile Cadac cooking setup.

Cadac Grillo Chef 2

A tabletop gas BBQ rather than a standalone cooker — the Grillo Chef 2 sits flat on a table and uses a contact grill design (the lid closes down to grill from both sides simultaneously). Ideal for those who want a dedicated BBQ rather than a multi-surface cooking system. Runs on threaded cartridges.

Best for: Those who primarily want to BBQ rather than fry or wok cook.

Cadac Cooking Surfaces — What You Can Add

The real value of Cadac comes from the interchangeable cooking accessories. Key surfaces include:

• BBQ Grid — traditional slatted grill for steaks, sausages, and fish. Included with most models.
• Chef Pan — non-stick flat griddle for frying, eggs, pancakes, and stir-fries. Included with Carri Chef models.
• Paella Pan — a wide, shallow pan ideal for paella, risotto, or one-pot camp meals for larger groups.
• Pizza Stone — a ceramic stone that turns your Cadac into a pizza oven. Genuinely impressive results.
• Potjie Pot — a cast-iron pot for slow-cooked stews and braised dishes — South African braai tradition at the campsite.
• Wok — a high-sided wok for stir-fries and Asian-inspired one-pan meals.

Cadac in Cornwall — Gas Connection Tips

Cornwall's campsites range from fully serviced caravan parks with EHU to remote clifftop fields with no facilities whatsoever. Cadac's gas-powered system means it works anywhere — no hook-up required.

For most Cornwall camping trips we recommend:

• Short trips (1–3 nights): Campingaz threaded cartridges (C206 or EN417) — available in our showroom and at most Cornish campsites and outdoor shops
• Longer stays (4+ nights): A Campingaz 907 or Calor Gas 4.5kg propane cylinder with a Cadac hose and regulator — more economical and fewer cartridge changes
• Coastal pitches: Use the windshield ring if available, or position your Cadac in the lee of your awning or windbreak for best performance in Atlantic winds

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Cadac is best for a family of 4?

The Cadac Carri Chef 2 40cm is the most popular choice for families of 3–4, offering a good balance between cooking surface and portability. If you're cooking for 5–6 regularly or want more flexibility, step up to the 50cm Carri Chef 2.

Can I use a Cadac with a gas cylinder?

Yes — all Cadac models can be connected to a gas cylinder using a Cadac hose and regulator adaptor. This is more economical than threaded cartridges for longer trips. We stock Cadac hose and regulator kits in store.

Are Cadac cooking accessories interchangeable between models?

Yes — all Cadac accessories (BBQ grid, Chef Pan, pizza stone, wok, paella pan, etc.) are interchangeable across the full range. Once you have a Cadac cooker, you can add any accessory to expand your cooking options.

Can I use a Cadac on a campsite in Cornwall?

Yes — Cadac gas cookers are permitted on almost all UK campsites. Some sites have restrictions on open fires or charcoal BBQs, but gas cookers like the Cadac are almost universally allowed. Always check your specific site's rules, particularly for any fire restrictions during dry summer periods on Cornwall's clifftop sites.

Where can I buy Campingaz cartridges in Cornwall?

We stock Campingaz threaded cartridges (C206 and EN417) at our showroom at 4 Bamber House, Victoria, PL26 8LQ. Many Cornish campsites and outdoor shops also stock cartridges, though availability varies — we always recommend buying before you head to your site.

How do I clean a Cadac Chef Pan?

The Chef Pan is non-stick coated — wipe clean with a damp cloth or soft sponge after use. Avoid abrasive cleaning pads and metal utensils which will damage the non-stick coating. Don't submerge in water while hot.

Shop Cadac at Newquay Camping Shop

We stock the full Cadac range including the Safari Chef, Carri Chef, and Grillo Chef, plus all Cadac cooking accessories and gas connection kits. Visit our showroom at 4 Bamber House, Victoria, PL26 8LQ, open Monday to Friday — our team can demonstrate the system and help you choose the right model. UK-wide delivery available on all orders.

Browse our full Cadac BBQ range and camping cooking equipment.