Abstract: A portable cooking unit is provided comprising a frame having an open configuration and a closed configuration. The frame comprises legs positioned in a rectangular configuration and sets of hinged and fixed horizontal braces connected between the legs at vertically spaced apart lower and upper locations. The hinged braces comprise first and second sections, both sections having an inner end and an outer end, a hinge joining the first and second sections at their respective inner ends, and pivot brackets at the outer ends connecting the first and second sections to the legs. When the frame is in the open configuration and the hinged braces are lifted at their hinges, the frame moves to the closed configuration. The cooking unit further comprises a firebox removably secured to tops of the legs of the frame when the frame is in the open configuration.