Pop Up, Transportable Side Table

[JohnJoeIII]

Does anyone have recommendations for a sturdy, reliable pop-up and down prep table for grilling at picnics. In general, the table would be used for food prep, tools, etc., and usually not to support a grill. However, we do have an Ooni Pizza Oven that we use sometimes, so the surface would need to be big enough to support that. I’ve found several metal folding tables on Amazon and elsewhere but all of them seem to have substantial negatives…like being flimsy, breaking after a few months, etc. Does anyone have an enthusiastic recommendation for a table that’s well-made, is easy to transport, and pops up and down quickly and easily? Thanks. -- JJM

[Michael_in_TX]

I have been eyeing this one for some time. I've picked it up and examined it a few times at Target and it appears study, although I have not unfolded it of course. I wouldn't sit on it nor put an Ooni on it, given that it is plastic. They also make a 6' version.

https://www.target.com/p/4-folding-banquet-table-off-white-plastic-dev-group/-/A-15127167

[Duanessmokedmeats]

I have one of these, and it is a little wobbly at full height.
But the 6 footers that fold, same company I believe, are sturdy.

[Mosca]

We have two of these. They fold flat and fit between the BGE and deck rail. We use them both inside and out, as a side table or for seating large groups.

[RonB]

I can't help, but welcome to The Pit.

[RhodeHog]

The one Michael_in_TX recommended is like (maybe exactly) the one I use. Portable for easy storage. Enough space for supporting my prep, wrap, and tools.

[Spinaker]

These Lifetime tables from Costco are pretty much invincible. I have had mine for years through out many BBQ episodes and a few tailgates. It is still going strong. There are a few burn marks on the surface, it got ran over too, no worse for wear. LOL.

[realdocBBQ]

Ditto for me - the one he linked is exactly like what we use to haul around for various things, and when we have extra family and friends over, etc.

[Dan Deter]

We've got a couple like the one above. We also have some camping foldable prep/wash tables that also work well, depending on what you specifically need at the time.

[MBMorgan]

I got this one for prep and to support various portable burners. It’s not exactly a “pop-up and down” but it’s easy to set up and break down … and it’s metal.

[JohnJoeIII]

MB: About how long does it take to pop that table up or down? I love the Ooni -- which I've got away with using on wooden picnic tables -- but at 900-degrees and foldable legs that could buckle, I'd feel more comfortable on metal....

[MBMorgan]

JohnJoeIII - It's pretty quick ... no more than a minute or two. You just expand the base/legs, pivot and snap 3 cross-bars into place, unroll the tabletop (it's a bunch of metal slats) onto the base and snap it into place.

There's also a mesh thingy that you can add under the tabletop but I never use mine (it looks flammable )

Be aware that while the legs, base, and tabletop are all metal, the hinges, pivots, and snaps are some sort of plastic.

[klflowers]

I have this one on my RV. I've had it for several years now. It is light, easy to fold up. I have cooked on my jumbo joe on it

https://www.amazon.com/stores/GCIOUTDOOR/page/9FF0FF54-DA01-499A-81E1-99D2AA23D677?lp_context_asin=B00U9BHKM6&store_ref=bl_ast_dp_brandLogo_sto&ref_=cm_sw_r_apann_ast_store_WV9NJ4M8BDHZ72XZB7VP

[Dan Deter]

The larger one on that page is what we have for camping. We also used it for a wash station when the kitchen was deconstructed.

[Jfrosty27]

I have that exact 4’ table from Target. I bought it in about 2012 or so. I only use it 2-3 times a year but it’s held up well for me.

[Maxriptin]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BZ52B2L...d_asin_title_1 II was looking for a while to find a smaller square one. I don't really use it for active prep work. Just as a spot to put stuff while cooking (or loading and unloading the grill). I've never tested its weight or heat capacity.

[JohnJoeIII]

Thanks for all the great recs. I'll grab one of these in the coming days.

[surfdog]

These are great. Heavy duty…and not prone to wobbling. Granted,I’ve only ever used one on a patio…

https://www.amazon.com/Origami-Foldable-Kitchen-Island-Black/dp/B006Z9W3JQ/ref=sr_1_7?crid=UD7NRLHEHJJG&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.UQBTn_3K19Y-EdeqzE1FZTWUUeSvXjrTYPBnvZntdqzjhMRjAUrWWvxMeD024Nui4Wllb1PZAe57VBtOMQ2UHjFfYPt-62Ecvh2Wac0G_pl3dCcENWi8P4_v2EqiE_HOr2uHdWj8CWgPKkdqyfOeX9PpVCt5G8kf3AKO63mjOg7o3horaZNYRYYIF4Zp0eZXIfzCIyD0LNjlr0IVq0nSZTMqdn9CBLJoTCvMsE-xvnCNf2bNt7Cue8Ygx7LL_xYn4W_4pNgWFKcinzJ_Sx4Buzn6x3x231rGYVqQasEeunA.MXKXcJgmBhC_B8nKP6dXcuCxR19TWZ9K_RNOSu1ApjM&dib_tag=se&keywords=Origami%2Bportable%2Btable&qid=1752173866&sprefix=origami%2Bportable%2Btable%2Caps%2C178&sr=8-7&th=1