The Best Camping Cookware Sets

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

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.

 

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. Additionally, some users had issues with the handle’s stability or the kit lid attaching firmly. This may be on the heavy side of backpacking.

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.

 

Pros: Sometimes, you need a larger cooking set than one designed for only one to two people, which is where this kit comes in. It features tools to cook and prep for a group of up to four people, as it comes with four bowls, four plates, and four sporks. It also boasts a five-liter pot, vented lid, a three-ply frying pan, cutting board, spatula, serving spoon, dish drying rack, and a heat-resistant trivet, secured in a nesting style with a locking bungee. Overall, it’s a good option for groups looking for a durable and space-saving cookware set for camping or other outdoor activities.

Cons: While this set includes many great cooking implements, the high quantity of said implements means it’s on the heavier side, likely too heavy for backpacking trips. The plates and bowls are also a bit small, which limits meal sizes, as is the pan, which may not prove large enough for a four-person kit.

Bottom Line: If you’re someone who likes to go camping in small groups of friends or family, this camping cookware set has you covered. Whether you and your significant other are going camping with another couple or you’re taking your family of four on a weekend getaway, this set has enough cooking implements and tableware to keep everyone fed.

 

Pros: If you are a hiker or backpacker, this 10-piece camping cookware set is an ideal choice for you. The set is made of high-quality anodized aluminum, which conducts heat quickly and is lightweight. The nontoxic and nonstick surfaces ensure that the food doesn’t stick and makes for easy cleaning. This set includes a pot, pot cover, nonstick pan, two bowls, folding stainless steel spork, soup spoon, wooden spoon spatula, cleaning sponge, and a nylon travel bag drawstring pouch. The entire set collapses into a small bundle, making it easy to store and carry. With this set, you can enjoy worry-free wilderness adventures, knowing that you have everything you need to cook and serve your next meal.

Cons: While the aluminum construct ensures this set is lightweight, the flip side is that it’s not as durable as a stainless-steel set. You may also find that food sticks to the pan easily; consider seasoning it before use to help prevent sticking. There also aren’t any plates included, just bowls.

Bottom Line: This 10-piece camping cookware set is perfect for hikers and backpackers who are trying to save as much space as possible. While camping cookware sets are known for being portable, this kit condenses into an especially small bundle for easy storage and carrying.

 

Pros: This camping cookware set from REDCAMP is designed to be lightweight and take up little space in your backpack, all while giving you a good bang for your buck. The anodized aluminum construction of the pot and frying pan makes them durable, lightweight, and easy to clean, ensuring that you can enjoy your meals without worrying about dirty dishes. The set includes 22 pieces, including pots, pans, bowls, cutlery, and a ladle, providing you with everything you need to cook and eat on your camping trip; a high-quantity set for a very reasonable price. An Oxford storage bag comes included for easy storage and transport—it’s able to hang on your backpack or tuck away into your pack, taking up minimal space and making it even easier to carry.

Cons: The handles of the pots and pans in this set are not especially durable and are often prone to breakage. Alternatively, they may come loose, which can be an annoyance and cause you to drop your food while cooking or serving. There’s also a risk that the silverware might collapse while you’re eating.

Bottom Line: This REDCAMP camping cookware set offers a lightweight, high-quantity, and comprehensive solution for cooking and eating while camping or backpacking, all at a minimal cost. It’s hard to beat getting a high-volume set with an extremely reasonable price tag.

Final Thoughts

Planning out your meals and eating cooked, delicious food is all part of the camping experience. Make it much easier and even more memorable by having a quality camping cookware set for all of your cooking needs. These sets should serve you well on your next excursion.