Quick Summary
The Cadac Carri Chef 40 has a 39 cm cooking surface and is best for couples or solo campers who value portability. The Carri Chef 50 has a 50 cm surface and is best for families or groups who want more cooking space.
Both are £215. The 40 includes a Paella Pan; the 50 includes a deep non-stick Chef Pan. Both use standard Calor/Campingaz gas cylinders.
If you're looking for a portable gas BBQ for camping, the Cadac Carri Chef range is hard to beat. But which size is right for you — the 40 or the 50? Here's a straightforward comparison to help you decide.
What's the Main Difference Between the Cadac Carri Chef 40 and 50?
The most obvious difference is size. The Carri Chef 40 has a 39 cm cooking surface, while the Carri Chef 50 steps up to a 50 cm cooking surface — that's significantly more room for larger groups or those who like to cook ambitious meals at the campsite.
Cadac Carri Chef 40 BBQ Paella Pan Combo — £215 £250
Best for: couples, solo campers, or those prioritising portability.
- Compact and lightweight at 9.2 kg (packed 11.5 kg)
- Adjustable two-part legs — cook at 70 cm or 93 cm height
- Dome lid doubles as a windshield, with built-in thermometer
- Includes a 36 cm Paella Pan — great for paellas, curries, chilli, and fry-ups
- Ceramic GreenGrill coated 39 cm BBQ grid — quick heat, easy clean
- 2.8 kW output with automatic piezo ignition
- Integrated QR coupling and Flame Failure Device (FFD) for safety
- Packs into a durable storage bag
Cadac Carri Chef 50 Portable Gas BBQ with Chef Pan Combo — £215 £300
Best for: families, groups, or keen camp cooks who want more space.
- Larger 50 cm cooking surface — more room for bigger meals
- Includes a deep non-stick Chef Pan — ideal for frying, sautéing, and one-pot cooking
- Push-button piezo ignition and precise temperature control
- Folds flat for compact storage and transport
- Compatible with all Cadac 50 series accessory cooking tops
- Works with standard Calor, Campingaz, or Cadac gas cylinders
Which Cadac Carri Chef Should You Choose?
Both are priced at £215 right now, so it really comes down to what you need:
- Choose the 40 if you're a couple or solo camper who values portability and a compact pack size
- Choose the 50 if you're cooking for a family or group and want that extra cooking space
Either way, both are part of Cadac's modular system — so you can expand your cooking options with additional accessories down the line.
📖 Related reading: Gas vs Electric Camping Stoves — Which is Best for UK Campers?
Frequently Asked Questions: Cadac Carri Chef 40 vs 50
What's the main difference between the Cadac Carri Chef 40 and 50?
The main difference is the cooking surface size. The Carri Chef 40 has a 39 cm cooking surface, while the Carri Chef 50 has a 50 cm surface. The 50 also comes with a deep non-stick Chef Pan, while the 40 includes a Paella Pan. Both are priced the same at £215, so the choice comes down to cooking capacity and which accessories suit your style.
Which Cadac Carri Chef is best for families?
The Cadac Carri Chef 50 is better for families or groups, as the larger 50 cm cooking surface gives you more room to cook multiple items at once. The included Chef Pan is also great for one-pot family meals like curries, chilli, or stir-fries.
What gas cylinders do Cadac Carri Chef BBQs use?
Both the Carri Chef 40 and 50 work with standard Calor, Campingaz, or Cadac gas cylinders. They feature an integrated QR coupling for easy connection and a Flame Failure Device (FFD) for safety, which cuts the gas supply if the flame goes out.
Can I use Cadac Carri Chef accessories on both models?
The Carri Chef 40 and 50 use different accessory sizes — the 40 uses 40-series accessories and the 50 uses 50-series accessories. They're not interchangeable between sizes, but each size has a wide range of compatible cooking tops including griddles, pizza stones, and BBQ grids.
Are Cadac Carri Chef BBQs easy to clean?
Yes — both models feature GreenGrill ceramic-coated cooking surfaces that are non-stick and easy to clean. The cooking tops are removable for washing, and the compact design means there are fewer nooks and crannies to clean compared to a traditional BBQ.
