Outdoor Sports

What You Should Consider Before Buying Camping Cookware

Strong, tough and versatile are the three key ingredients when choosing camping cookware.  Two materials seem to stand the test of time better than home cookware are stainless steel and enamel camping cookware.  The durable material of steel and enamel stand up to the rigors of outdoor cooking and will outlast any typical kitchen cookware.  The worst thing that can happen is that you damage your kitchen cookware and have to eat cold food combinations the rest of your camping trip.

Non-stick coatings are also a big no-no when choosing cookware for camping purposes, as camping stoves do not cook the same as your kitchen range.  Once burnt the coating and the pan are no longer usable and quite possibly adds toxins to any food cooked in them.

The Design Of Camping Cookware Is Essential

Tight fitting lids and the ability to nest inside each other are important factors when selecting camping cookware.  Lids help reduce cooking time and nesting saves on packing space.  Our advice is to look for good quality stainless steel or enamel camping cookware that includes lids in the set and also can nest.  This may seem to be a tall order to fill, but you’d be surprised how creative and thoughtful manufacturers of cookware for camping already are!

Materials Choice In Camping Cookware

Stainless Steel and Titanium

Both these materials are strong and durable plus they tend to clean-up easily.  The disadvantages to both of these materials is that heat does not distribute evenly over the pan, plus they tend to heat rapidly causing food to burn or cook to quickly and unevenly.  Of the two stainless steel cookware for camping is a better choice, as it’s readily available, very durable and if watched closely, burning food can be avoided.

Cast Iron Camping Cookware

Cast Iron heats evenly and slower than other materials, allowing for food to cook thoroughly.  The disadvantages of cast iron are of course its weight, but if you are family camping in one spot – then weight is not that big of a deal.  When well maintained, cast iron camping cookware can last a lifetime!

Enamel Camping Cookware

Enamel cookware provides an inherently nonstick surface, great for outdoor cooking.  Because enamel does not react with food, it is considered a very safe cooking material.  Enamel camping cookware, plates and bowls that have an inner aluminum core need to be handled with more care than traditionally manufactured enamel cookware as to not dent, chip or crack the enamel surface.  Exposing the aluminum core will damage the cookware beyond safe use – see Aluminum Cookware For Camping.

Aluminum Cookware For Camping

Aluminum should be your last choice as it heats quickly, unevenly and it’s hard to clean.  Aluminum is the most lightweight choice, but you give up durability for weight. Many agencies (both government and independent) have cautioned against using aluminum for cooking purposes as it is more reactive to food and can possibly be linked to several health issues.

Final Thoughts On Camping Cookware

Depending on your camping cooking style and individual tastes (lots of stews, soups or pan frying), you can find camping cookware that is suited to you, as there are many choices, styles and manufacturers.  Yet take in to consideration – a combination of cookware materials maybe the best choice depending upon what’s on the menu!

Lodge Logic Skillet $59.99 The Lodge 10 1/4-inch Skillet was rated as one of the two dozen essential tools in the home and kitchen (Martha Stewart Living February 2008). We have a size and shape to meet any of your cooking needs, with assist handles for ease of movement on the stove top, in the oven or on the campfire. There are more expensive skillets on the market, but none can match the versatility, durability, and value…

Lodge Max Temp Handle Mitt, Black $3.81 The Lodge Logic Max Temp Handle Mitt lets you concentrate in comfort on your culinary art of creating delectable cast iron dishes. The heavy-duty outer Pyrotex fabric resists scorching and burning. Steam barrier, heavy cotton batting and thick terry lining combine for the ultimate heat protection up to 450° F. Features: Durable handle mitt protects hands from hot handles Resists scorching and bur…

Lodge Logic L5SK3 Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron 8-Inch Skillet $9.98 The one thing that probably discourages more people from purchasing and using cast iron is maintenance. Like carbon steel woks, cast iron cooking pieces require “seasoning.” To many this is a mysterious or overly time-consuming process. Even if you treasure fond memories of eggs and pancakes cooked in grandmother’s ancient, blackened skillet, you might have no idea how to turn your new pan into su…

Trangia Multi-Disc 25 Series $7.99 The Trangia Multi-Disc has an opening to fit over the handle for easy straining and works with non-Trangia pots of similar diameter as well. The Trangia Multi-Disc offers several functions: StrainerCutting boardBase for use on snow and more!…

Koolatron – Koolatron Voyager Cooler $103.50 The Koolatron Voyager 29 quart 12 Volt cooler is ruggedly designed with plenty of room to store and cool all your favorite travel snacks and beverages. Your family will no longer need to stop for food or soda while on the road. The time and money saved by eliminating stops at the convenience store while on trips will more than pay for the Voyager over time. A 12 Volt plug is included with your Vo…

Coghlan’s 9670 Telescoping Fork $1.41 Chrome plated shaft with wood handle extends to 34″for cooking over an open flame….

Mountain House Beef Stroganoff Freeze Dried Food (4 Servings) $10.80 Mountain House Beef Stroganoff 4 Person 10 Oz Servings Features: 0g Trans Fat Except For Item #290044. This Item Is In Category: Food & Cookware > Mountain House Brand: Mountain House…

11 Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set – Pots, Pans, Lids, Strainer & Utensils $21.95 11-piece stainless steel set includes a 4″ diameter stock pot, two pans, three lids, 4 1/2″ long slotted spoon, ladle, spaghetti fork, spatula and strainer. Everything child sized for hours of pretend play fun. Packaged in a window box. Ages 4 & up….

Maxam 14oz Stainless Steel Travel Mug $2.52 With an insulated plastic liner and double wall system that will keep liquids hot or cold. Tapered at the bottom, it fits most cup holders. Stands 6 tall….

Coleman Pack-Away Kitchen $65.76 Tired of prepping food on your lap, the cooler top, or a nearby log when camping? Turn to the Coleman Pack-Away kitchen, a full-size kitchen stand that stores in a compact carrying case. The kitchen–which measures 32 by 4 by 11 inches (W x H x D) when packed–includes a stable The Pack-Away kitchen includes a prep area and an adjustable stand for your stove or cooler.32-by-24-inch countertop for…