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GCI Outdoor Slim-Fold Cook Station Review

This table closely resembles a standard outdoor barbeque grill; it's stout, stands tall and has tons of counter space
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gci outdoor slim-fold cook station camping table review
Credit: GCI Outdoor
Price:  $110 List
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Manufacturer:   GCI Outdoor
By Jason Wanlass ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Jul 25, 2019
62
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#9 of 14
  • Stability and Strength - 30% 6.0
  • Portability - 30% 4.0
  • Durability - 20% 9.0
  • Ease of Setup - 20% 7.0

Our Verdict

When you belly up to the GCI Outdoor Slim-Fold Cook Station, you may forget you're using a fold-up camping cook station. It's a brute of a cook station camping table. The Slim-Fold's all-steel, powder-coated frame creates an incredibly strong table that could last for years. This table is wide and stacked with tons of shelf space. Its fold-up design and ample shelving make it perfect for the woods, beach, or tailgate party. Its one major drawback is it can become unstable.
REASONS TO BUY
Strong steel design
Good height
Lots of space
Folds up nicely
Value
REASONS TO AVOID
Narrow
Needs flat ground
Unstable if weighted unevenly

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Price $110 List
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Pros Strong steel design, good height, lots of space, folds up nicely, valueSolid plastic table top, quick set up, durable, large but portable, steel legs and baseCompact storage, durable, solid-surface table top, easy to clean, base and table top store together nicelyLightweight, relatively strong, metalEasy to set up, sturdy, metal top isn't susceptible to sparks or flames, cool colors
Cons Narrow, needs flat ground, unstable if weighted unevenlyA little heavy, more difficult to carry than collapsible aluminum tables, difficult for one person to adjust leg heightCan be wobbly, setup requires top of table to face down, hands get dirty during set upA little wobbly, can't place knees underneathSmall, heavy for backpacking, colored table top shows scratches
Bottom Line This table closely resembles a standard outdoor barbeque grill; it's stout, stands tall and has tons of counter spaceThis is a sturdy and spacious folding table that can provide years of use at everything from BBQs and camping to tailgating, birthday parties, and bake salesThis long-time classic table with a vinyl cover is easy to clean, has a straightforward setup, and packs up nicelyRigorous daily use isn't this table's gig, but it can hold its own in basic situations and compares well against similar lightweight modelsA fine end table for any camping chair, its aluminum table top also makes it one of the smallest tables you can cook on
Rating Categories GCI Outdoor Slim-Fo... Lifetime 4428 Heigh... Camp Time Roll-A-Table Portal Outdoor Ligh... Trekology TAO
Stability and Strength (30%)
6.0
9.0
7.0
6.0
3.0
Portability (30%)
4.0
5.0
7.0
7.0
8.0
Durability (20%)
9.0
9.0
8.0
6.0
3.0
Ease of Setup (20%)
7.0
9.0
6.0
6.0
8.0
Specs GCI Outdoor Slim-Fo... Lifetime 4428 Heigh... Camp Time Roll-A-Table Portal Outdoor Ligh... Trekology TAO
Measured Weight 18.2 lbs 18.1 lbs 10.1 lbs 8.9 lbs 2.7 lbs
Unfolded Dimensions 20.9 x 52 x 32.3 in 48 x 24 x 24/29/36 in 32.3 x 32.3 x 28 in 27. 5 x 27. 5 x 26 in 15.6 x 13.6 x 15 in
Folded Dimensions 20.9 x 3.7 x 34.6 in 24 x 23.5 x 3 in 32.3 x 6.5 x 4.5 in 28 x 7. 5 x 2. 2 in 23 x 4 x 4 in
Table Height 32.3 in 24, 29, or 36 in 28 in 26 in 16 in
Table Top Material Aluminium Injection molded plastic Wood and poly-vinyl Aluminum Aluminium
Claimed Max Support Weight 48 lbs Not stated 100 lbs 60 lbs 50 lbs

Our Analysis and Test Results

Boasting four fold-out shelves, the Slim-Fold Cook Station features a one-piece design and weighs just under 20 pounds. It stands approximately 32 inches tall, one of the tallest cook stations we've studied. This unit is self-contained and has a simple, easy-to-use design. It comes with several convenient extras from cup holders to paper towel and garbage bag anchors. Its stowed dimensions (35 inches long by 21 inches wide by 4 inches thick) make it portable and allow it to slide into a vehicle upright or down flat.

Performance Comparison


gci outdoor slim-fold cook station camping table review - we loved the slim-fold's unmatched brawn and counter space.
We loved the Slim-Fold's unmatched brawn and counter space.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Stability and Strength


The Slim-Fold's steel, powder-coated X-frame comes complete with several sturdy locking braces. Stout is a good adjective here. Most camping tables have a little wobble once set up — not the Slim-Fold. Once unfolded and locked in, this table doesn't give or sway in any direction. While very impressed with this table's unparalleled sturdiness, we did find one drawback to its stiff design. Some amount of give and sway allows tables to adapt more effectively to uneven ground. The Slim-Fold's unwavering frame did cause it to be unstable on surfaces that weren't relatively flat.

gci outdoor slim-fold cook station camping table review - the slim-fold's powder-coated, steel frame is incredibly strong. did...
The Slim-Fold's Powder-coated, steel frame is incredibly strong. Did we need to prove our point by stacking our dirty feet on top of it? Probably not, but we did anyway.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Additionally, during our stability testing, the Slim-Fold tipped over fairly quickly when we placed uneven amounts of weight on one side of the table. The table's fold-out design is much wider than its base, creating a higher potential for tipping if weight is not distributed evenly throughout the table. Our favorite cook station is the Camp Chef Sherpa Table. We feel the Sherpa is far more stable than the other two cook stations we studied; however, we are very impressed with the Slim-Fold, and its steel frame crushes the competition in terms of pure strength. In fact, it's one of the two strongest tables we studied.

gci outdoor slim-fold cook station camping table review - the slim-fold's top is incredibly wide when compared to its base...
The Slim-Fold's top is incredibly wide when compared to its base, making it important to evenly distribute weight throughout its shelves.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Portability


The Slim-Fold's monster-strong steel frame does have additional drawbacks. One of them is increased weight, and a bulkier feel when transporting and storing. Our reviewers loved the sturdiness of this cook station, but did feel it was a little more difficult to carry from car to camp and equally more difficult to position when storing it away. Despite being heavier, we felt the increased difficulty of transporting the table was minimal and is not a result of the table's stored size, but simply its weight. Heaviness aside, the table comes with an adequate handle for transporting, and when collapsed, it folds up as thin as a briefcase (or a propane camp stove, in our case).


This table's weight may be a factor for potential buyers who prefer or require a lighter cook station. However, overall our testers feel the Slim-Fold is easy enough to carry and stow, especially if you want a table of this size. Additionally, once set up, its also easy to slide, move, and reposition.

This table has many accessories, including hooks for trash bags, drink holders, paper towel holder, and tons of counter space.


Durability


Boasting tank-like construction, the Slim-Fold is one stout hunk of metal. A powder-coated steel frame and a heat-resistant aluminum tabletop give this table the ability to outlast many of its peers. Top-quality riveting allow moving parts to withstand years of use, and a simple, folding design gives the table a turtle-like ability to protect itself when collapsed and stored. In side by side studies with other cook stations, the Slim-Fold is the clear leader when it comes to durability. Both the Camp Chef Sherpa Table and the Mountain Summit Gear Deluxe Roll Top Kitchen are well-built, but neither can compare to craftsmanship of the Slim-Fold. Steel and high density plastic will almost always outlast aluminum and fabric.

gci outdoor slim-fold cook station camping table review - this table is covered with locking braces, steel and quality...
This table is covered with locking braces, steel and quality riveting. We feel it's one of the strongest camp tables we've ever studied.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Throughout all of our testing we saw no break down in function or design, and we feel the Slim-Fold is well-crafted. After nitpicking this table for weeks, the only potential weak spots we could find are the table's four fold-out shelves. Made from reinforced plastic, we feel they could eventually show wear and tear. Overall, though, we are very confident in the longevity of this model when used properly.

gci outdoor slim-fold cook station camping table review - the slim-fold unfolds like a book and locks into place quickly and...
The Slim-Fold unfolds like a book and locks into place quickly and easily.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Ease of Setup


For its width and height, this cook station is amazingly simple to set up and breakdown. It's one the easiest to use of all the tables we've tested, even compared to smaller backpacking tables.

gci outdoor slim-fold cook station camping table review - this table has more counter space and accessories than any cook...
This table has more counter space and accessories than any cook station we've tested, making cooking a breeze.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

The Slim-Fold opens easily, like a book, and then acquires its solid frame by snapping the bottom grill into place and locking in the tabletop and reinforcement braces. Easy-peasy.

gci outdoor slim-fold cook station camping table review - despite its size and relative complexity, the slim-fold sets up in...
Despite its size and relative complexity, the Slim-Fold sets up in less than one minute.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Value


Well-built, sturdy, large, and simple to use, are just a few adjectives that are scattered throughout our review notes for the Slim-Fold. Despite being a little narrow, we have only glowing reports about this table's design and function and feel it is very worthy of its price tag. Hooks for trash bags or utensils, cup holders, stem glass holders, and an anchor for a paper towel roll are just some of the features this table's simple, one-piece design offers. To top it off, this table is built to last. High value.

gci outdoor slim-fold cook station camping table review - we loved the many accessories built into the slim-fold. our favorite...
We loved the many accessories built into the Slim-Fold. Our favorite was the bungee cord paper towel holder. Simple things like this make this table one of our favorites.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Conclusion


The GCI Outdoor Slim-Fold Cook Station is a leader in the cook station variety of camp tables. The easy, fold-up design comes with more accessories than first meets the eye. This table will enhance any on-the-go adventure where cooking is necessary. It's incredibly durable and very strong, but prone to instability on uneven surfaces — almost a guaranteed feature of most campsites. This causes the user to be constantly mindful of weight distribution and ground placement, especially when loaded with heavier items.

gci outdoor slim-fold cook station camping table review - this table is great for larger camping groups where prepping and...
This table is great for larger camping groups where prepping and cooking is a must.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Jason Wanlass
 

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