Overland Essentials | Master Cook Station from GCI Outdoor

An Overland Rig is a constantly evolving beast in my opinion. I’ve been trying different things, testing different configurations and adjusting gear for the past 2 years. It seems to never end. But each time I head out to camp for awhile, different scenarios like weather, location, passengers all seem to have me making minor changes. I take notes and adjust fire to make our mobile living space more efficient. One of the last pieces of gear we acquired probably should have been one of the first. An all-in-one camp kitchen. Meet the Master Cook Station from GCI Outdoor.

GCI Master Cookstation Video Review:

GCI has been in the outdoor space for awhile and they offer a huge line of camping related products. Within that line are two variations of Cook Stations. The Slim Fold and the Master Cook Station. I opted for the Master mainly because we have the room to haul it. Plus it offers additional counter space and a collapsible sink on that model. Having a collapsable built-in sink means one less item I need to pack in the gear box. And I can tell you that clean-up was much easier and our plates, utensils and pots were sparkling clean after each use.

A large wire shelf was perfect for placing my 10lb propane tank. Keeping it out of the dirt and within easy reach to operate the valve. Several plastic side shelves were ideal for setting utensils down or for plating food. With our 2 burner Cook Parter stove sitting front and center on the Master Cook Station, we had plenty of room to the right for a cutting board to prepare food for cooking. An additional counter top piece covers the collapsable sink when not in use making for a generous work area. GCI even includes a telescoping pole to mount a lantern. Although lanterns seem a bit dated to me, we did attach a Hard Korr Unilight LED for night time ops.

Master Cook Station Features:

• Folds flat for storage
• One piece, no hassle design
• Powder-coated steel frame
• Heat-resistant aluminum counter tops (weight limit: 48 lb/21.7 kg)
• Storage rack (weight limit: 35 lb/15.9 kg)
• 3 multi-use fold-out side tables – beverage, wine glass, garbage bag, paper towel and utensil holder (weight limit per table: 30 lb/13.6 kg)
• Telescoping lantern pole
• Soft-shell sink with drain
• Open size: 22 x 70 x 68.3 in (55.9 x 178 x 173.5 cm)
• Folded size: 21.7 x 5.9 x 34.8 in (55 x 15 x 88.4 cm)
• Unit weight: 22.7 lb (10.3 kg)
• Limited lifetime warranty (click for details)
• SALE! $99

Final thoughts:

Although this serves as a key piece of our Overland gear, I just wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t air my full opinion. Although I don’t have any major complaints about the product itself, I do have a few tweaks that would make it better. Adjustable legs. Where we camp, nothing is level. So placing rock shims under the various legs became part of our set-up routine. Great for car camping or tailgating, a bit more difficult for Overland camping.

However, the screw on drain for the sink is total weak sauce. The shut-off valve has such a tiny port that any piece of food scrap will prevent the sink from draining. I’ll come up with something more robust from the local hardware store. And finally, either include or make a carry bag available. The unit once packed down has a lot of pointy items that get snagged on cargo. A nice snug bag would make packing and storing the Master Cook Station a bit tidier