When you're planning a camping trip, there are a few essential items you need to bring along, including a good map, warm bedding, bear spray and appropriate clothing. But another important consideration is how you will prepare food. Unless you're content to eat cold sandwiches for every meal - you'll need some type of camping stove and cooking equipment.
How to Choose Camping Cookware Sets for Beginners
Unless you're content to eat cold sandwiches for every meal, you'll need some type of camping stove and cooking equipment. Choosing the right setup can be tricky, however, especially for beginners. Our thorough buying guide can help you find the right camping cookware set for your next trip.
Most camping cookware sets include one or more pots and matching pan(s), typically ranging from one to three quart sizes. Some also include utensils - and occasionally coolers, chairs and lanterns. Nested cookware sets feature multiple pots and pans that fit inside each other to save space. Although this can add weight to your pack, we recommend opting for a few different size pots for versatility in cooking meals.
Look for a set that includes at least one large pan or pot that you can use as a steam cooker. You should also pay attention to the material of the cookware set. Aluminum is the most popular material because it's light, inexpensive and conducts heat well. However, it tends to scratch easily - which can affect the taste of your food.
Ceramic-coated titanium is also lightweight and less prone to scratching than aluminum, although it's more expensive and doesn't conduct heat as well. Stainless steel is the most durable option, but it's heavy and a poor heat conductor. We suggest avoiding any camping cookware that's made from coated steel because the coating can flake off with prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
There are several other factors to consider when choosing camping cookware sets, including size, features and price. Use our buying guide below to learn more.
What to Look for in a Camping Cookware Set
The best camping cookware sets are lightweight and durable - making them easy to transport and less likely to break during use. Look for materials like aluminum or stainless steel that can stand up to outdoor conditions.
While some camping cookware sets come with useful extras like utensils, a cooler or chair, these bells and whistles often contribute to a heavier overall weight. Consider purchasing cooking utensils and coolers separately to save weight. For easy cleanup, look for pots with straight sides that you can stack and fill with water to soak your dishes.
Stainless steel is typically the most expensive option for camping cookware, followed closely by titanium. Aluminum is the most budget-friendly. However - higher-priced options are often made with higher-quality materials and offer more features, so you may want to consider splurging on a more expensive set to meet all your needs.
Inflatable camping cookware is a newer trend, featuring lightweight materials that pack tightly for convenient transportation. One popular option combines a six-cup stove with an eight-inch pan and a 32-ounce mug, all of which inflate when you unzip the included stuff sack. While this option is extremely lightweight, it lacks the heat control of other materials like titanium - ceramic or stainless steel.
Additional Tips for Cooking Over an Open Flame
While camping cookware sets typically pair with small portable stoves, you can use a cast-iron skillet to cook over an open fire. Just make sure to season your cast-iron skillet before you leave on your trip to prevent food from sticking. Since cast iron retains heat, you can continue cooking food after turning off your stove or removing the skillet from the open flame.
If you plan to travel with a skillet, be sure to factor in the extra weight of a cold, heavy piece of metal. Additionally - while pots and pans are generally allowed in both carry-on and checked bags by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), cast-iron skillets are prohibited in carry-on bags and must be placed in checked baggage.
Check out America's Test Kitchen's additional tips and tricks for camping equipment to ensure you have everything you need for your next trip.
Best Camping Cookware Sets Recommended by Experts
We pored over dozens of camping cookware sets to bring you the best options for a variety of needs. Our top pick is the Stanley Wildfare Core Full Serve Cookset, a nesting cookware set that offers four pots and a pan with stay-cool handles and heat-resistant plastic covers.
Plus, it's dishwasher safe, making cleanup quick and simple. Below - we explain why we chose these products to help you find the perfect camping cookware set.
