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Best Camping Cookware & Utensils Reviewed for Quality
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Materials
The material used to make the cookware is very important. It will decide how durable it is, how lightweight it is, and also how well it can handle the heat. Here are some of the most commonly used material and how they stack up against each other:
Aluminum
The is one of the most popular materials used due to it's lightweight and low cost. It is easy to clean but not as durable as some of the other materials.
Anodized Aluminum
This is just like regular aluminum in that it is lightweight and great for cooking, but it is also more durable. In exchange for the extra strength, it also weighs a little more.
Stainless Steel
This is not only great looking, but it is also very durable and long-lasting. It is heavier than aluminum, but will definitely last longer. One of the drawbacks is that it can get really hot if placed directly on fire so you need to be careful.
Titanium
This is one of the best choices to make when looking for the best material. It is durable and long-lasting, and can also handle the heat better than stainless steel. It is much heavier although, so this would be ideal if you are using a camper or driving to your site.
Use
When you are going camping, you want to make sure that everything you take with you has a use that will make your adventure easier and safer. This also includes cookware. If you want something to make coffee in, make sure you can use that same canister for other purposes as well. The more useful an item is, the better we rated it. There are some items on this list that just adds convenience and may not be very useful, but if you like roughing it out in luxury, then they may be useful after all. Another factor we took into account was ease of use. If an item makes your life harder, then is it really worth it?
Durability
When looking at the different items on our list, you should always keep durability in mind. Remember, you will be using these items outside and will most likely also involve fire. This means that your item not only needs to be prepared to withstand the different challenges Mother Nature may throw at you, but it should also be able to handle extreme heat as well. Make sure the item you choose is made from high-quality material and always check out reviews. Just because a company claims it's products are durable, doesn't make it true. Reviewers can give you first-hand information about the product and how it worked for them.
Portability
Whether you're backpacking or driving the camper to your favorite spot, the items you decide to bring with you need to be portable. Odds are that if you are out camping with family, friends, or even by yourself, you want to relax and enjoy yourself. Bringing too much baggage or items that are heavy or large, will not only make that difficult but if you have to travel by foot to your destination, it will tire you out and make your experience less enjoyable. Obviously, if you are backpacking, look for compact and lightweight products that will do the job you need. If you are driving to your destination, then you have some leeway, but even your vehicle has its limits.
Value
For this criterion, we looked at two things. First of all, is the price to quality ratio good or off? You want to make sure you are getting your money's worth. Read about the brand and check out reviews for the product to get a better idea of what you're buying. We looked at how the cost of a product matched up to a similar product in its class as well. The second factor we took into consideration was how valuable the product is for your safety and enjoyment. Some items, like portable stoves and pots, are obviously more valuable than pot lifter or a lid stand.
BEST CAMPING COOKWARE & UTENSILS REVIEWED FOR QUALITY
1. Stanley Cook + Brew Set
It an all-in-one gear set multifunctional coffee press that brews, boils, and cooks and ideal coffee for every outdoor enthusiast. It is made of stainless Steel thus will not rust and has a nesting design thus saves space when packing and storing. It's vented, melt-resistant nylon lid fits on pot and press for thermal efficiency and is BPA-free. Also, the stainless steel pot of this coffee press can be used to heat water for other uses as well. Not only does the lid help reduce boil time, but it also makes pouring much easier. It has a locking handle that folds flat for easy packing. It can make two cups of coffee.
Quality
Stainless steel is durable and this quality makes it good for outdoors since it will not beak when it falls. Also, stainless steel is usually of great quality and naturally lasts longer. It is also easy to clean and handle because it does not stain easily and does not require specialized care, making it suit outdoor conditions. It is also affordable.
Compact design
This coffee press is multifunctional as can boil, cook and brew. It is also very lightweight and is slim, which makes it easy to handle. It also uses a nested design where everything fits into the other thus great for camping as it saves on space and is compact hence there is no fear of causing damage to it.
Cost and value
Very reasonably priced for such a quality product. It keeps coffee hot, up to six hours and has a big capacity; thus, ideal for two or three people. It has multipurpose use and can be used for heating up canned foods and soups together with all sorts of camping applications. Also, this unit is not hot to the touch or break if dropped as is made of stainless steel.
2. Petforu Ultralight
The Petforu is a 4 piece outdoor camping stove that is nonstick and is easy to clean. It is lightweight and extremely durable, as is made of FDA approved Non Toxic anodized aluminum. Moreover, this equipment is high-temperature resistant as it uses the piezoelectric ignition system, which makes the stove very convenient for outdoor activities. Petforu Ultralight has a collapsible design, combined with the carrying case or bag for enhanced portability and is also collapsible.
Portable
This cook stove is not only portable but also foldable hence compact; making it occupy very little space. It is even more convenient as it comes with a bag, which makes it easy to carry. Both the pot and pan have folding handles for space saving and the canister stand tripod is also collapsible. The pot and frying pan are made of anodized aluminum, which makes it solid and light.
Durable
The body of the equipment is made of non-toxic anodized aluminum and the canister stand tripod made of high-quality ABS. Moreover, its high-energy ceramic piezoelectric ignition system makes the stove convenient for outside camping and all other similar outdoor activities because it is high-temperature resistant.
Cost and Value
It is pricier than others but is durable and very energy efficient, hence saves one on energy costs as well as maintenance. Despite being costly, it is worth every penny because it is made of durable materials designed to last a lifetime.
3. Jetboil Zip Cooking System
This is a cook stove designed to provide hot food and drinks quickly and conveniently when out camping. Its best used to boil water but can be used to cook things like pasta, rice, and soups. It does not require extra cook vessel and comes with a 1-liter cup attached that acts as the cooking pot.
Compact
It is small and generally lightweight, and this eliminates the need for a separate cooking vessel because it comes with a cup that acts as the cooking vessel. If you are backpacking or cooking solo, you don't need a plate or bowl either, just cook and eat right out of the cup. Also, it stores into a smaller package as the fuel canister, stove and stabilizer all nest into the cup.
Convenient
It is easy to set up and easy to use and cooks fast with pretty excellent fuel consumption. One fuel canister is more than enough to cook two meals a day for a 5-day camping trip. It is also durable and lasts several years and the fuel does not leak.
Cost and value
It is cheap and has value for money as comes with a pot and fuel that can boil water for up to 5 days. It can boil up to two liters of water comfortably and quite sturdy thus will not collapse when a heavy pot is placed on it. It boils at fast speeds.
4. Halulite Microdualist
The Halulite Microdualist is an all in one cooking setup, perfect for a day's trip where you need a hot lunch, and also excels on a multi-day trip into the backcountry. It comprises of multiple pieces of cook and dinnerware such as insulated mugs, bowls, pot with strainer lid, a welded sink, which is also the carrying bag. The whole Halulite Microdualist system weighs around 18 ounces and is almost six inches tall making it a lightweight option for a backpacking trip and packable.
Portable
All items nest neatly inside the pot with room to spare for an ultralight backpacking stove and other utensils that may be needed. The mugs nest securely inside Infinity bowls, which in turn nest within the pot. It also only weighs 11 oz and is compact.
Safety
Mugs, bowls, and cutlery are made from BPA-free Infinity polypropylene plastic, which has a high melting temperature, which is dishwasher safe and completely recyclable. The plastic ensure heat temperature is sustained and also makes the items safe to drink or eat from because they do not get affected by the temperature of the food like other materials.
Cost and value
It has a pocket-friendly price and contains all supplies needed for a camping trip i.e. pot and crockery including utensils. The pot evenly distributes the heat for fast cooking. Moreover, the mugs are insulated and include lids which can prevent spills & insulation makes contents stay warm for longer.
5. Texsport
The Texsport Cast Iron Dutch oven is a one-gallon capacity with legs, lid & dual handles, which is great for cooking outdoors over charcoal. The tight-fitting lid keeps foods moist, and its wire handle ensures easy lifting. Moreover, its rugged cast iron has great heat distribution and retention for slow and even cooking. The 4-quart version weighs 13 pounds and is 8 inches across and about 7 inches deep. It is multipurpose and can be used for baking, stewing, and frying.
Durable
This product is handcrafted, hence more durable and long lasting as is made of cast iron which is resistant to chipping and warping. It can be used on an open fire or charcoal grill and has great heat distribution and retention for slow and even cooking. This iron can remain in great condition for years.
Capacity
It has a bigger capacity as can accommodate food enough to feed more than four people easily and is large enough to help you feed a crowd. Moreover, you can absolutely fit a whole chicken in there. It has a tight-fitting lid that keeps flavors intact, which ensures that there are no spillovers. It’s not too big nor bulky hence easy to handle
Cost and value
It is pretty pricey but lasts a lifetime hence worth the cost and also is handmade, making it of very high quality.
6. Stanley 24 Oz
Although a low-end thermos, the Stanley Utility Vacuum Bottle has a rugged, double-wall stainless steel construction, keeping drinks hot or cold for six hours. It uses vacuum insulation, creating an airless space between the walls that limit temperature fluctuation. It is capable of withstanding heavy use and can tolerate impact damage.
Capacity
At 10.3 inches high and 3 inches in diameter, the Stanley Utility Vacuum Bottle is a compact and slimline unit but still holds 24 fluid ounces. It uses vacuum insulation, creating an airless space between the walls that limit temperature fluctuation and the absence of chemical coatings on the interior ensures your beverages are not exposed to potentially harmful substances.
Durable
It is capable of withstanding heavy use and can tolerate impact damage. The lack of glass makes the thermos shatter-proof & its stainless steel lining is corrosion-resistant
Cost and value
Basic but functional, the Stanley Utility Vacuum Bottle offers good value at a comparatively low price point. Also, it has a five-year manufacturer's warranty and the airtight seal allows you to slip it into a bag for transport.
7. Lodge Stand
This accessory is a sturdy way of resting your lid when you take it off. It keeps the lid out of the dirt and coals and is a big convenience for meals that need constant stirring or need to be added ingredients while cooking. It is made of heavy-duty steel, which has been treated for high temperature and has four legs thus sturdy and can fold up for easy storage.
Strong and durable
It is a very versatile lid stand, which comprises of heavy steel with a high-temperature black finish and will not crack. It has four legs which can sit amid hot coals
Multipurpose use
It can be used in many ways: as a stand for the lid and also can be flipped and used as a griddle. In addition to this, it can also be used to raise Dutch oven when more airflow is needed to be controlled below the cooking surface
Cost and value
This accessory is easy to use, cheap and affordable and makes outside cooking hygienic. It can also help one to raise Dutch oven when more airflow is needed to be controlled below the cooking surface. It is made of temperature resistant steel which does not break upon heavy usage and is easy to store as its foldable.
8. Olicamp Aluminum Pot Lifter
This device will securely grip pretty much any circular or square pot, lid or grate. It is comfortable, has a secure grip and pretty sturdy and has a universal fit. The design of the gripping surface does not dig into nonstick pots. It’s convenient as can be used to easily grabs hold of a simple can of chili or whatever in case you feel like heating up your grub without a pot. It is also packable as weighs next to nothing.
Strong
It can lift larger pots full of water with ease and does not melt or become hot over the fire. It is also very strong and won't bend under heavy weights because it is made of aluminum and has a comfortable and secure grip.
Multipurpose
Ultralight and ultra-small and securely grip pretty much any circular or square pot, lid or grate, metal cans, and square tins as well as a piece of kitchen cook wear that had a handle break off. It can also grasp the edge of nearly any small vessel like metal bottles, cups or plates, and even glass items.
Cost and value
It is reasonably priced as works better than gloves or tongs and definitely more secure. It can also more functions such as cooking over a fire and has many great features such as hot-proof, does not hurt the hand, minimal weight, compact thus saves space and convenient to carry in a backpack or purse.
9. Open Country FD-28SK
This dehydrator has 700 watts of drying power. It comes with a thermostat so you can dry different foods at different temperatures and it’s easy to operate as you just move the dial to the temperature you would like. Great for hunters, campers, and backpackers. The exclusive light blocking feature of the contemporary granite style exterior helps retain more vitamins and nutrients during the drying process.
Granite Exterior
The exterior is made of granite material which ensures that it will not only last longer but also gives it the advantage to retain more heat, which dries food faster. The material also makes it easy to clean and prevents light from outside penetrating into the unit and this retains the food's nutrients.
Manual
It comes with a comprehensive manual and recipe guide and on the top of the dehydrator, there is a guide showing the suggested temperatures required for dehydrating specific types of foodstuff
Cost and value
It is affordable and is said to be a budget dehydrator and very efficient as it has a high wattage hence dries food faster and in shorter time periods.
10. Camp Chef Bag
It is a cook stove that makes great tasting food quickly and easily while outdoors. It comes with 3 burners and provides a cooking area of 608 square inches so you can entertain large parties. It is easy to set up and use, despite being a large standalone camping stove. With a total of 90,000 BTU’s you can multitask cooking a range of different foods, and controlling the flames is easy with the dial style temperature controls
Long lasting
It is made of metal and has no propane, making it strong and stable. The burners are made of aluminum, making them long-lasting and durable. They are also very powerful hence less time is used to cook while the flame stays lit, even in a breeze due to the three-sided inbuilt windshields.
Spacious
It has a large stainless-steel cooking area measuring 16” x 38” that gives the user a generous amount of work space and can have more people using the workspace. The workspace is metal, hence easy to use and will not stain or melt due to heat. This quality also makes the stove light in weight. It also has two side shelves that can be used for spices and utensils while cooking. Moreover, it is sturdy enough not to tip over and can be left assembled overnight while the windscreen can be filled over to cover the stove from rain until morning.
Cost and value
It is a quality, long-lasting, reliable product from one of the top outdoor product manufacturers and will last you years. The price is very reasonable for such a large cook stove with 3 burners while conventional ones have 2 burners. It is also portable and easy to transport & has a 3-sided windscreen to keep the wind away hence maintain efficiency. It has a 31-inches cooking height and the big surface area thus is comfortable to cook from.
Sources
- , Business Insider, Consumer Site
- , Boonie Hicks, Cooking Site