
Buying Guide for Camping Cookware Sets

Why buy a camping cookware set?
Planning meals during each day of a camping trip is only half the challenge; you’ll also need the necessities to actually prepare and cook your meals. With a camping cookware set, you will most likely have all the supplies you need within the set. Having all the essentials will allow you to put your mind at ease, prepare your food easily, and enjoy the rest of your trip.
What should you look for in a camping cookware set?
- Items Included: It might seem like a no-brainer, but you will want to ensure the set you purchase includes everything you might need, if not more, for your trip. Since you can’t take a kitchen with you into the woods, think about the little things like utensils or even salt and pepper.
- Packaging: Consider how the cookware is set and if it will make transporting it to your campsite easy. Many sets include storage and features like collapsibility that help save you space – since every inch of space will matter, especially if you have to walk or hike to the campsite.
- Sizing: This element is important if you’re cooking for just yourself or a group of people. It’s best if you have large enough cookware to prepare meals in one fell shot instead of making multiple batches. It will save you time and effort.
What other camping cooking necessities should you consider?
Just as important as the food and cookware, you will need something to actually cook your food! Some cookware, like cast iron skillets, can go right over a firepit, but others should be used on portable stoves. Some sets even come with the mini stoves needed, but those stoves might require butane gas canisters. Just think about the heat source you’ll need to provide. If your campsite has grills you want to use, you may need to bring charcoal and matches to light them. You’ll also want to make sure you have trash bags and a way to dispose of the food, keep away unwanted pests, and keep your campsite clean.
Our Picks for the Best Camping Cookware Sets
Odoland Camping Cookware Stove
This nine-piece camping cookware set is convenient for adventurers.
Pros: This camping cookware set features nine pieces, including a mini stove, two aluminum non-stick pots, a spoon, fork, knife, stainless steel cup (16 ounces), and a silicone insulated cup protector, all nestled in a mesh carrying bag. The pot handles feature anti-slip technology, can fold to save space, and will protect your hands from burns. The mini stove folds to save space, as do the handles on the pots, so you can’t beat the portable convenience of this set. Plus, the pots are made with non-toxic aluminum and conduct heat quickly.
Cons: This set is typically best for solo adventurers. Otherwise, you may be making your food in batches. Users should be careful with the small stove’s burner, as some reviewers mentioned they had difficulty extinguishing the flame.
Bottom Line: You can enjoy this cookware set in the beautiful outdoors. It’s a fantastic, compact set of essentials for single adventurers.
Stanley Stainless Steel Cook Set
This stainless steel, nine-piece cook set is designed to serve two.
Pros: Designed to serve two, this cooking mess kit includes a three-ply frying pan that holds 32 ounces, one cutting board, two plates, two sporks, a spatula with handle extension, a trivet, and a cover. It neatly nestles together with a locking handle on the pot to keep everything in place as you hit the trails. The BPA-free stainless steel ensures your pot set will not rust and is easy to clean.
Cons: This set is not a non-stick pan, so it’s a good idea to bring some cooking oil with you.
Bottom Line: This unique set provides kitchen quality while on the go. It makes a great gift for the active outdoorsy couples in your life.
GSI Outdoors Destination Kitchen Set
Have a stress-free adventure with this set of cooking tools.
Pros: Prepare for fine dining in the woods with this destination kitchen set. It features tools to cook and prep for any gourmet adventure; it includes four of each type of utensil (spoons, knives, and forks), as well as a collapsible whisk, a pivot spoon, a pivot spatula, a utility knife, a spice shaker, two condiment containers, a cutting board, a scrubber, a camp towel, and a ballistic outer case.
Cons: While this set includes many great cooking implements, it doesn’t include pots, pans, and plates to eat on, so this set is better for those who already have those on hand or who want to buy them separately.
Bottom Line: This is the set you need if you want to make sure you have everything you need to prepare a tasty meal in the woods. They even thought of a salt and pepper shaker, a collapsible whisk, a knife, a cutting board, and more, all in a convenient and easy-to-zip-up storage case.
Alocs Camping Cookware, Compact/Lightweight/Durable Camping Pots and Pans Set, Camping Cooking Set for Outdoor Backpacking Camping Hiking Picnic, Included Mesh Carry Bag
This camping cookware set is compact, made of eco-friendly silicone, and ultra-light to carry.
Pros: This eco-friendly camping cookware set includes three different-sized pots and a frying pan. Each piece is made with ultra-light hard aluminum and food-grade silicone materials that make it high-temperature-resistant, scratch-resistant, and oxidation-resistant. Each pot and pan has thermally insulated plastic handles to keep your fingers safe from heat and an anti-slip design. This bundle is compact and easy to carry in its mesh bag.
Cons: While this set is a great option for campers who plan to cook larger meals, it doesn’t come with any plates or silverware.
Bottom Line: It’s super easy to cook with and clean this camping cookware set. It’s made well, so it should last through many camping trips.
Wealers Camping Cookware Set
These vertical and lightweight stacking pots are high-quality and ready for your trek.
Pros: This ultra-lightweight four-piece cookware set will help you save on valuable storage space when you need it the most. This combo set features four different stainless steel pots, perfect for cooking your favorite dishes away from home. The pots stack vertically in a travel bag for easy transport and packing with other camping gear. It’s easy to clean these pots and have handles with perforation for hanging and suspending over open fires.
Cons: Some reviewers mention these pots heat up quickly, and users must be mindful of that when cooking. Others mentioned the handles are not durable and can be prone to breakage.
Bottom Line: This set is a great all-in-one option for someone with existing cookware and utensils. It makes a great gift set for loved ones who love to adventure in the great outdoors.
Final Thoughts
Having a great camping cookware set will make your trip much easier and perhaps even more memorable. These sets should serve you well on your next excursion.