What Makes the Best Camping Cookware? One of the best ways to decide is to consider the type of camping that you will be doing. If you will be walking long distances, you’ll want to purchase lightweight and compact cookware.
This will also leave room in your backpack for other items that you will use while camping. If you’re planning on cooking for more than one person, you’ll want to choose a set that has a large capacity.
Best Camping Cookware
Eat a warm meal with the help of compact cookware
One of the most important items that you can pack on your next trip into the great outdoors is your camping cookware. Without a sturdy set of pots and pans (and maybe more), it’s going to be pretty hard to whip up some food while you’re camping. Whether you’re the kind of camper who wants to create elaborate meals or you just need a vessel to boil some water and warm up a few things, there is a camping cookware set out there that will fit your needs and price range.
When shopping for camping cookware, it’s important to consider the weight and size of the set, the materials used, what the set includes, and how easy it is to clean and pack up the set. Consider how many people you are typically cooking for when you set out on an adventure and also factor in if this cookware will be used over an open fire or a camp stove. Once you’ve picked out a tent and a cooler, your cookware set might be the next most important component of your camping toys, so definitely weigh your options before deciding on the one.
Here, the best camping cookware for your next adventure.
Best Overall: GSI Cookware Pinnacle Base Camper Cookset
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GSICookwarePinnacleBaseCamperCookset-caa3162e7d664392834fe3ee89c98d1e.jpg)
What We Like
- Stuff sack can double as a dish sink
- Includes cutting board
- Teflon is triple coated and nonstick
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive
- Doesn’t include utensils or plates
If you’re ready to take your camping cookware setup to the next level, this set is going to get you there. The nonstick coating is perfect for frying eggs and searing steaks, plus you don’t have to worry about a difficult cleanup. The hard-anodized aluminum surface is extremely durable, scratch-resistant, and nonreactive. The set stacks up super easily, making it a compact addition for backpacking or car camping. Not to mention, the sack that it nests in can also double as a sink when it’s time to rinse everything. While it doesn’t include plates, bowls, or utensils, this set has you completely covered in the cookware department, and it can support large groups of people.
Includes: 5-liter pot, 3-liter pot, 9-inch frypan, (2) nylon strainer lids, a cutting board, a folding pot handle, and a waterproof welded stuff sack
Best Stainless Steel: Stanley Adventure Full Kitchen Base Camp Cook Set
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/StanleyAdventureFullKitchenBaseCampCookSet-cf3031af198342d3b6a32271ec95dc46.jpg)
What We Like
- Includes cutlery and other utensils
- Durable and works over an open flame
- Efficient nesting
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive
This stainless steel set for four people has everything you need. Not only does it have a pot and pan, but it includes a cutting board, utensils, bowls, plates, and sporks. A dish drying rack also makes for an organized cleanup station. The 18/8 stainless steel heats evenly, is super durable, and cleans up like a breeze—plus it’s totally fine to use it over an open flame. The efficient nesting makes this set incredibly easy to pack on a trip where you might be a little pressed for space.
This set can easily accommodate four people, though it can support a bigger crowd, if necessary. The pot (which is nearly 4 quarts in volume) is equipped with a vented lid for simmering items. Reviewers love this set for their family camping trips, and many people love the curved handles and how easy and comfortable they are to hold.
Includes: 3.5-liter pot, vented lid, 7-inch 3-ply frying pan, cutting board, spatula, serving spoon, (4) 6-inch plates, (4) 22-ounce bowls, (4) sporks, dish drying rack, heat resistant trivet, locking bungee
Best Splurge: GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Camper Cookset
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/71jZ8KCdiqL._AC_SL1500_-297d1aaa46d54851b8c0067cd79e8ce6.jpg)
What We Like
- Includes mugs, plates, and bowls in a range of colors
- Removable handles store easily
What We Don’t Like
- Too large for backpacking
- Expensive
If you’re planning a handful of upcoming camping trips and want to go all out on your fireside meals, then maybe you’re ready to invest in a top-of-the-line cookware set. Not only does it have you covered in the cooking department, but also the eating department, with insulated mugs (with tops and sleeves!), bowls, and plates. Plus, they all come in a variety of colors, which is not only visually appealing but a great way for everyone to keep track of their own items.
The stuff sack can double as a washing sink. The anodized aluminum pots are food-safe, durable, and easy to clean—plus they heat evenly and quickly. The folding and removable handles lock easily, and when you’re done using them, you can easily stow them away for easy nesting storage. This set is probably too large and heavy to take backpacking, but it’s a great option for car or RV camping.
Includes: (4) plates, (4) insulated mugs with sip-it tops and sleeves, (4) bowls, 2-liter pot with strainer lid, 3-liter pot with strainer lid, fry pan, folding handle, stuff sack/washbasin
Best Cast Iron: Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Combo Cooker (2-Piece Set)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__serious_eats__static.seriouseats.com__1__dorado__live__images__cast-iron-combo-cooker-80c862bc3b714a5eaf51d1256e7c9c5e.jpg)
What We Like
- Heats extremely well
- Affordable
- Durable
What We Don’t Like
- Large and heavy
- Tough to clean
Cast iron is the heaviest material for any camping cookware item, so if you’re going to bring it on your next adventure, you want to make sure that you can use it for as many tasks as possible. This combo cooker can act as a deep skillet, a fryer, and a Dutch oven, while the lid can also convert to a shallow skillet or griddle. With so many different uses for just a two-piece set, we think it’s definitely worth the extra weight and space.
The enameled cookware is super durable, holds heat evenly, and can withstand the outdoor elements. Cleaning is a bit more involved than an aluminum or steel pot, so definitely make sure to pack some clean rags to wipe it out and maybe a little bit of oil so that you can season after you use it.
Best Budget: Olytamxi Camping Cookware Set
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/71q8PV-E3L._AC_SL1500_-4832487b4a3b424f9a8749a7f4530125.jpg)
What We Like
- Inexpensive
- Includes utensils, bowls, and a loofah for cleaning
What We Don’t Like
- Not suitable for large groups
If you’re not looking to break the bank with your camping cookware set, this baseline set will be exactly what you need for an outdoor adventure. With heat-resistant handles, a sturdy aluminum material, and a compact nesting design, this set is easy to use, durable, and space-efficient. Its lightweight nature and small size make it just as suitable for backpacking as it is for car or RV camping. The food-safe, nonstick coating makes it super easy to clean and you don’t have to worry about any harmful chemicals. The convenient mesh sack protects it while it’s stored and helps to keep track of all of the pieces. This set can feed up to four people comfortably.
Includes: large pot (1.9 liters), large frying pan (1 liter), small pot (1.2 liters), small pan (0.66 liters), (3) bowls, spoon, soup spoon, natural loofah sponge, stainless utensils set (folding fork, knife, and spoon)
Best for Large Groups: Odoland 29-Piece Camping Cookware Mess Kit
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Odoland29-PieceCampingCookwareMessKit-67ce666a993e44d4ac16b577c67fcda0.jpg)
What We Like
- Can feed 4 or more people
- Includes plates, bowls, cutlery, and buckets
What We Don’t Like
- Too large and heavy for backpacking
If you tend to hit the outdoors with a large squad of people, you certainly want camping cookware that can keep up with the crowd. This 29-piece set is sure to feed everyone easily. Though it might be pricier than the average set, because it includes so many pieces, we definitely think this set is worth the extra money. The pots have a huge volume capacity and the collapsible bucket makes for an easy place to clean dishes. The pans are made of anodized aluminum for a hot, even sear and a breezy cleanup.
Additionally, the included cutlery ensures that you don’t need anything else to enjoy your camping meal from start to finish. At 5 pounds, it’s not the lightest cookware set (you probably don’t want to take this backpacking), but for all that it offers, this weight seems reasonable.
Includes: Large pot (2.4 liters), medium pot (1.5 liters), fry pan (1.5 liters), kettle, collapsible container, collapsible bucket, (4) stainless steel cups with silicone protectors, (4) stainless steel plates, (4) sets of dinner cutleries (forks, knives, and spoons with storage bags), (2) cleaning cloths, carrying bag
Best Camping Cookware For Open Fire
When cooking over an open fire, you’ll need the best camping cookware for your needs. You should look for cookware made of stainless steel or cast iron, as they are both durable and heat-resistant. Stainless steel is also ideal because it’s lightweight, and it can handle high heat without rusting. You’ll also need a good quality skillet. Another good choice is anodized aluminum.
For the most basic set, choose an aluminum one. This set includes a frying pan, stainless steel fork, and small aluminum pots. It comes with a canister stand, dishcloth, and mesh carrying bag. The bisgear set is lightweight and has all the necessary accessories for cooking outdoors. You don’t need a lot of additional equipment to cook. In fact, it comes with everything you need for the ultimate camping cooking experience.
If you’re planning to use an open fire to cook, you’ll need an aluminum pan or pot. The GSI Portable Campfire Pot/Mug is a durable choice for your open fire. The lid doubles as a frisbee and is heat-resistant. The Odoland 10pc Camping Cookware Mess Kit includes a knife, fork, and carabineer. The thermally insulated plastic handles are easy to grip and will reduce the risk of burns.
Best Camping Cookware Set
Choosing the Best Camping Cookware Set can be an important step in the planning process. You must take into consideration the type of cooking you will be doing. Some sets are lighter than others, but all will have basic features that will help you make food quickly and easily. Stainless steel cookware is recommended, as it won’t rust and is easy to clean. Other sets may be heavy, but you should be able to pack them easily in your backpack.
Hard-anodized aluminum cookware is a good option for camping. It’s lightweight, durable, and highly thermally conductive. It’s scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant, too, making it ideal for outdoor cooks. Stainless steel can be fragile and prone to hot spots, but hard-anodized aluminum is scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant. If you are looking for a high-quality set, look for a set that is made of hard anodized aluminum.
A quality set will be non-toxic and lightweight, which will allow you to pack the essentials easily and safely. A good set will also include dishes and utensils, a kettle, and a heating source such as a campfire or jet-boil. Another great option is a stainless steel camping mug. It is an excellent choice for camping because it allows you to cook without the hassle of cleaning the pot or pan.
Best Camping Cookware Set 2023
When it comes to camping cookware, the Stanley Glacier Stainless Camper Cookware Set is one of the most popular choices. This versatile set includes a grill, a pot, and a skillet. The hefty cast aluminum construction is heavy-duty but easy to stack, making it ideal for storing and transporting.
The plates and bowls are both small, and the whole set nests in a sack for storage and portability. Despite its lightweight design, this set is highly functional for large groups, as it fits comfortably inside a bag that doubles as a sink.
Its lightweight aluminium design makes it easy to carry and nest with other cookware. The lid and mug can even serve as a secondary pot. The two foldable handles are convenient for carrying around and are easy to wipe clean. The frying pan can be used as a mug or lid, and the set is great for solo cooking. The other two pieces are made of aluminum, making them sturdy.
The 29-piece set from Coleman is made of lightweight aluminum and is easy to transport. It features folding handles, precise measurements, and a convenient lid. It is also compatible with wood and fuel stoves and is ideal for solo camping.
However, it requires a lot of grease to avoid sticking and splattering food. Therefore, a good quality cookware set is essential for outdoor cooking. The best one will be lightweight and portable and can withstand a lot of use.
Best Camping Cookware USA
If you are a camper, the best cooking utensils to bring to your trip are not the ones that are made from stainless steel. It is important to choose a set that is easy to clean, as you will be cooking outdoors for many days. When choosing utensils, you also need to consider what type of food you’re planning on cooking. You need to make sure that the set you choose will not leave any scratches, dents, or other signs of damage.
When it comes to choosing the right camping cookware for your needs, there are a couple of factors to consider. If you’re backpacking, you’ll need lightweight, compact cookware that won’t take up much space in your backpack. You also want a set that will be comfortable to use while carrying it. The best cooking utensils are also durable and made of high-quality materials. They should be lightweight and easy to carry, which will make them more convenient.
When choosing utensils for your trips, you’ll need to think about the number of people you’ll be cooking for. A basic set of utensils for camping can be enough for one person. If you’ll be cooking for a large group, you’ll need more pieces of cookware. If you’re camping alone, you may want to choose a set that has two or three pieces.
Best Camping Cookware UK
When looking for the best camping cookware UK, the first thing to consider is your budget. Although it may seem a bit expensive at first, reliable cookware is worth every penny. You’ll get a lot of use out of your set, and the price is well worth it for the quality and longevity.
Some of the most popular brands for camping cookware include Primus, MSR, Snow Peak, and Sea to Summit. Each of these brands offers a range of camping cooking hardware to accommodate any budget. Lightweight pan sets are great for family camping, while a heavier pan set is good for solo travellers.
Stainless steel and aluminum are common materials for camping cookware, and more expensive versions have a protective hard-anodised coating. This coating is harder to clean, but is more resistant to acidic foods. Stainless steel is the cheapest option, but is not recommended for cooking over open fires. Stainless steel is also prone to hot spots. The material is a great choice for camp kitchens, but make sure it’s lightweight and suitable for your needs.
Choosing the right cookware for your camping trip is critical. If you don’t have much money, a cheap, inferior piece of camp ware won’t do you any good. If you’re buying a set of camping cookware for one trip, make sure it’s lightweight and can be easily carried from place to place. Then you can use it on multiple trips. It’s essential to consider the size of your cookware before making your final decision.
Best Camping Cookware Brands
The best camping cookware sets are lightweight and durable, and they make dinner taste a lot better. The best sets for a weekend getaway have all the pieces you need, but you might also need some extras. You can buy multipurpose utensils or sporks, which are a great idea if you’re cooking for one or two people. Foldable utensils are even better, because they take up less space when not in use. Look for easy-to-clean cutlery and rust-proof cooking equipment.
The Best Camping Cookware Brands: There are several popular brands that make camping cookware. Choosing a brand that suits your needs is a good idea, as long as you’re planning on using it for multiple purposes. You should also choose the set that’s lightweight enough to travel in a backpack. This way, you’ll be able to take as many of your cooking gear as you need. And don’t forget to check the weight and size of the set.
Stanley: A popular brand with a 100-year history of producing high-quality bottles and cups, Stanley is known for their superior cookware. Their best camping cookware sets include everything you need for cooking a meal. If you’re a backpacker, you’ll want to keep the weight down as much as possible. There are also many other options for the best cookware brands. But, before you make your choice, it’s important to know your needs and find the right one.
Best Camping Cookware Kit
Among the many types of camping cookware available in the market today, a set made by Coleman is one of the most popular. It contains a pot, frying pan, and a teakettle. Each piece is made from solid aluminum oxide and coated with teflon for high temperature and friction resistance. Although it’s lightweight, it can be cumbersome to clean. It’s not ideal for cooking complex meals.
A set with several pieces can help you feed a large group. The MSR Quick 2 system includes a pot with an interchangeable handle, two plates, and two mugs. It comes with volume marks to make measuring easy, and the set is made of anodized aluminum, which makes it light and durable. It’s also ideal for boiling coffee, tea, cocoa, and dehydrated foods. If you plan on using the cookware for long periods of time, you should choose a set with a sturdy base and an aluminum stove.
Another camping cookware set includes 16 pieces. This cookware set comes with a mini stove, mugs, forks, spoons, knives, and a pair of clean-up clothes. This lightweight cookware has an impressive capacity for heating, while the small size allows it to fit into a backpack. The aluminum is nontoxic and conducts heat quickly, and it can even be stored easily. Buying a set with this many pieces is a great idea for those who want to cook meals without worrying about getting burnt.
What to Look for When Buying Camping Cookware
Number of Pieces
Every camping cookware set is different and will offer a different variety of pots, pans, cups, bowls, plates, and utensils. Some include other handy tools like a colander, a cutting board, and even some spatulas or whisks.
If you already have a separate set of cutlery or plate ware for camping, you’re probably better off opting for a set with solely cookware, but if you want to get more bang for your buck, then it’s certainly worth looking into sets that include plates and utensils. Additionally, you should consider how many people you’re typically cooking for on these trips. If it’s for 1-3 people, you probably don’t need as many pots as if you’re cooking for larger groups.
Material
The material of your camping cookware will indicate how durable it is, how easy it is to clean, and how well it performs over a camp stove or open fire. Cast iron is super durable and heats evenly, but it’s extremely bulky and heavy. Anodized aluminum and nonstick are both lightweight and great options when it comes to cleanup. Silicone and rubber handles are also something to look out for as it’s not a good idea to place these over an open fire.
Weight and Size
Whether you plan to take this set car or RV camping versus backpacking is another consideration. If this is for a solo backpacking trip, you definitely want something light, compact, and small so that you have room for all of your things. If you’re in a car or RV and you’re not as pressed for space, you can likely size up to bigger, heavier sets. Cast iron is a great material for the great outdoors, but it’s far too heavy to carry by hand, so definitely keep that to car or RV excursions.
Ease of Cleaning
Owning a set of cookware that cleans up quickly and easily will make your cooking in the great outdoors much more enjoyable. Cookware with a nonstick coating is typically much easier to clean off with limited water because the stuck-on food bits come off easily. If a pot requires an excessive amount of scrubbing or cleaning product, this is probably not the best investment for your camping cookware inventory.
FAQs
Is enamel camping cookware safe?
Enameled cooking is typically a cast iron material with an enamel coating. This material is known for distributing heat well and cleaning up easily, and it’s non-reactive, so it’s safe to cook any food on it. This material is highly durable and it is fine to use metal utensils on it.
Is aluminum camping cookware safe?
As long as the aluminum cookware that you’re using is anodized, then it’s safe to use. Without this coating, it can be reactive with highly acidic foods, so make sure you confirm that the aluminum cookware is anodized. This coating does not make the cookware completely nonstick, but it certainly helps, so if you want nonstick aluminum pans, make sure there is also a nonstick coating.
How do you clean camping cookware?
In order to clean camping cookware, you definitely want warm water. You can heat water in a kettle over the fire, and if it starts to boil, you can cut the heat with some room-temperature water.
Create a small camping sink (you can use a small cooler) and handwash all of your items with warm, soapy water. It’s always helpful to start with the cleaner items first and then move to the dirtiest. Separately, it’s helpful to create an additional sanitizing sink where dishes can soak. Towel dry the plates and then either dispose of the dirty water at any nearby facilities (if your campsite has them) or distribute it among the soil far away from any water sources.
What are the best cooking pots for camping?
The Sea to Summit Alpha Pot Set 2.2 has the most features for a relatively affordable price and is one of the most popular sets for camping. The set includes a large and small pot, two bowls, and a lid for cooking. Unlike other cookware sets, it is not necessary to bring plates and utensils if you are cooking for only two people. The set also comes in solo and four-person versions.
Is stainless steel cookware good for camping?
Stainless steel cookware can withstand camping’s tough conditions. Most pieces of stainless steel cookware are dishwasher safe. They are strong enough to withstand hot, liquid food and water. But the downside is that they can easily scratch or discolor with the use of abrasive materials. To avoid this, it is important to season the cooking utensils before using them. Fortunately, most stainless steel pieces are dishwasher safe.
What pans to use on a camp stove?
What pans to use on a camp cooker? Cast-iron dutch ovens are the perfect choice for camping. These pans are large enough to hold larger meals. These are also excellent for desserts. They are very durable and will hold up well to cook over the fire. Stainless steel pots should be seasoned before using them over the fire. It is important to stir the food constantly to avoid sticking. Stainless steel pots are also easy to clean and safe to use over an open flame.
What is the best hiking cookware?
If you’re an occasional backpacker and are looking for a good set of pots and pans to bring on your hiking trips, then you’ll want to check out GSI’s Glacier 1-person cook set. This stainless steel set includes a pot, pan, bowl, and cup. It has a lid and works well for a solo hiker and boils water quickly. It is a great value for the price, too.
Final Thoughts
The Coleman 3-piece cookware set is the best camping cookware you can buy. It is made of lightweight aluminum and weighs only 160 grams. It comes with a lid and mug, and also a secondary pot.
The lightweight aluminium pieces are designed to be compact and easy to store. They also have handles around the sides, which makes them convenient to carry around. They are ideal for solo cooking. The set includes everything you need for your next trip.