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Some people find it hard to sort through all the different options for the best camping cookware sets. This definition of “cookware” includes a lot of different things, from plates and cooking tools to camping stoves, griddles, pot holders, and grills. Out of all these options, one stands out as the most important part of any camping cookware set: the pot. I looked into these camping cookware sets on my own and started a series of reviews, with the pots getting the most attention. To see how well they did, I started by timing how long it took each pot to boil two cups of water, which is an important thing to do for people who are concerned about fuel use.
At the same time, I watched how much each pot vibrated while it was boiling. This is something that is affected by the weight of the pot’s bottom. As part of the test, the ease of draining water from each pot was also looked at. This is especially important when cooking things like pasta. The goal of this real-life test was to find out how well and easily these camping cookware sets work in real life.
After judging how well the pots handled water, I looked at how well they handled real food. For a cooking experiment, I mixed together one egg, half a cup of white rice, and half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese. After pouring this mixture into the pan, I turned the heat up to medium-high and watched it cook until the top of the mixture hardened. After that, I took the pot off the heat and carefully looked at how well it worked for making a simple but difficult meal.
Best Camping Cookware Comparison Table
Over the last ten years, our camping experts have looked at more than of the best camping cookware sets. We bought two of the best models on the market right now to compare side by side for our most recent review. We tested each of these sets by taking them on hikes, backpacking trips, and just plain camping weekends in our cars. We’ve boiled water, seared meats, sautéed vegetables, looked at the craftsmanship, and thought about the features.
| Feature | Stanley Adventure Camp Cook Set | GSI Outdoors Bugaboo Camper | MSR Ceramic 2-Pot Set | Lodge Dutch Oven 2 Qt | GSI Escape HS 2L Pot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Nesting pots & pan set | Nesting pots & pan set | 2-pot set | Cast iron Dutch Oven | Single pot |
| Material | Stainless steel | Anodized aluminum | Ceramic | Cast iron | Hard-anodized aluminum |
| Pieces | 4 (2 pots, 1 pan, 1 lid) | 3 (2 pots, 1 lid) | 2 (pot with lid) | 1 | 1 |
| Capacity | 1.5L pot, 2.5L pot, 1L pan | 1.2L pot, 1.8L pot, 1 lid | 1.3L pot, 1.9L pot, 1 lid | 2 qt | 2L |
| Weight | 2.3 lbs | 1.2 lbs | 1.6 lbs | 5.5 lbs | 12 oz |
| Features | Insulated mug lids, folding sporks, mesh carrying bag | Pivot-lock nesting cups, strainer lids, silicone grippers | Non-stick interior, foldable handles | Heats evenly, retains heat well | Lightweight, durable, bail handle |
| Best for | Car camping, group trips | Backpacking, solo travelers | Backpacking, lightweight enthusiasts | Campfire cooking, stews, baking | Lightweight, backpacking, day trips |
| Check Deal | Check Deal | Check Deal | Check Deal | Check Deal | Check Deal |
Best Camping Cookware
There’s no denying that having a great set of camping cookware is fun. When you’re in the woods and not near a microwave or takeaway, you realise how much fun it is to cook for your family. But you’ll need the right tools to make a great meal that’s fit for the great outdoors. I tested sets from seven different companies to find the best camping cookware on the market right now. The four best choices were then chosen.
Stanley Adventure Camp Cook Set
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Pieces | 24-piece set |
| Weight | 3.5 pounds |
| Nesting Design | Compact and easy to store |
| Versatile | Suitable for camping, hiking, and outdoor cooking |
| Check Price |
Get ready to embark on a journey of camping? You need not look any further than the Stanley Adventure Camp Cook Set, which is both sturdy and dependable. This stainless steel ensemble, which was crafted with the durability of a tank, is able to effortlessly conquer any culinary challenge that may arise while you are out in the great outdoors.
It doesn’t matter if you’re making pancakes on the sturdy skillet, preparing a flavorful stew in the pot, or brewing a rich cup of coffee with the press; this cook set does not fail to stand the test of time as your reliable companion, ensuring that you will have years of delightful campfire feasts.
The Good
- Durable stainless steel construction
- Comprehensive 24-piece set
- Compact nesting design for easy storage
- Versatile for various outdoor activities
The Bad
- Relatively heavier compared to some alternatives
- Limited pot size for larger groups
GSI Outdoors Bugaboo Camper
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | Non-stick coated aluminum |
| Pieces | 4-person set |
| Weight | 3.2 pounds |
| Folding Gripper Handles | Secure and easy handling |
| Compact Design | Nesting system for efficient storage |
| Check Price |
Looking for a camp stove that is both light and strong? You should get the GSI Outdoors Bugaboo Camper. This stove is a force to be reckoned with. It’s small enough to fit in your backpack and boils water quickly and simmers stews perfectly. Its stable base can hold even the heaviest Dutch oven, which makes it a good choice for any trip. This camp stove can be used with either canisters or wood, so it can go with you wherever your explorations take you.
The Good
- Non-stick coated aluminum for easy cleaning
- Ideal for a 4-person camping group
- Folding gripper handles for secure handling
- Compact design for efficient storage
The Bad
- Non-stick coating may wear over time
- Handles can get hot during cooking
MSR Ceramic 2-Pot Set
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | Hard-anodized aluminum with ceramic coating |
| Pieces | 2-pot set |
| Weight | 1.4 pounds |
| Ceramic Non-Stick Coating | Easy food release and cleaning |
| Versatile | Suitable for a range of cooking styles |
| Check Price |
Are you sick of carrying around heavy metal pots and pans? The MSR Ceramic 2-Pot Set is a luxuriously light option. This non-stick set is made from new ceramic materials that make cooking even and cleaning up a breeze. You can use these pots to make everything from delicate omelettes to hearty curries with ease, giving you more time to enjoy the warm glow of the campfire.
The Good
- Hard-anodized aluminum construction for durability
- Ceramic non-stick coating for easy cleaning
- Lightweight at 1.4 pounds
- Versatile for various cooking styles
The Bad
- Limited to a 2-pot set
- May require careful handling to preserve ceramic coating
Lodge Dutch Oven 2 Qt
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | Cast iron |
| Capacity | 2 quarts |
| Pre-Seasoned | Ready for immediate use |
| Versatile | Suitable for baking, frying, and more |
| Check Price |
The famous Lodge Dutch Oven 2 Qt will make your camp kitchen better. Made of cast iron, this culinary masterpiece is the best in the great outdoors. This Dutch oven’s thick walls keep heat in like a champ, whether you’re baking bread, making savoury stews, or roasting a chicken to perfection. Plus, its rustic look gives every meal a touch of campfire magic, making it a must-have for people who love cooking outside.
The Good
- Durable cast iron construction
- Pre-seasoned for immediate use
- Versatile for various cooking methods
- 2-quart capacity ideal for smaller meals
The Bad
- Relatively heavy due to cast iron
- Requires special care to maintain seasoning
GSI Escape HS 2L Pot
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | Hard-anodized aluminum |
| Capacity | 2 liters |
| Heat-Sink Technology | Efficient heat distribution |
| Folding Handles | Compact and easy to transport |
| Check Price |
Get through cold mornings with the GSI Escape HS 2L Pot, which is insulated and keeps your soup and coffee steaming hot. This pot is perfect for trips that take you from one place to another because it has two walls and a lid that won’t leak. Your drink will stay at the perfect temperature no matter where your adventures take you, so you can enjoy every sip while taking in the beauty of nature.
The Good
- Hard-anodized aluminum for durability
- Efficient heat distribution with heat-sink technology
- 2-liter capacity for versatile cooking
- Folding handles for easy transport
The Bad
- Limited to a 2-liter capacity
- May heat up quickly, requiring careful handling
How to Choosing the Right Camping Cookware?
Choosing the appropriate camping cookware is absolutely necessary in order to have a successful experience when cooking outside. When choosing cookware for camping, the following are some considerations to keep in mind:
- Size, weight, and portability: Think about how much the cooking gear will weigh, especially if you’re going to be backpacking. Backpackers should choose materials that are light, like titanium and aluminium. Car campers, on the other hand, may have more options with heavier materials.
- Lasting power: Pick cookware that can stand up to being used outside. Stainless steel and titanium are known for lasting a long time, but how thick the metal is is also important.
- How the heat is spread: To make sure your food cooks evenly, look for cookware that spreads heat well. Bottoms with more than one layer or cladding can help spread heat more evenly.
- Surface for cooking: Think about what kind of cooking surface you like. Some people like the classic feel of stainless steel, while others like the ease of cleaning that comes with nonstick coatings.
- Size and Holding Power: Pick the right size cookware for your camping needs and the number of people in your group. For cooking with a group, you might need a bigger pot, but for trips by yourself, a smaller one might be fine.
- For lids and handles: Look for handles that are strong, stay cool while cooking, and are easy to hold on to. Lids with holes for air flow and handles that can handle heat are also helpful.
- Compatible with: Make sure the cookware works with the stove or way of cooking you use when you go camping. Some pots and pans are made to work only with certain types of stoves, so make sure they will work before you buy them.
- How to Pack and Nest: Choose cooking tools that are simple to store and stack. To make the most of the space in your backpack or camping gear, some sets come with pots that fit inside each other.
Questions and Answers
On an open fire, cast iron is, in my opinion, the best material to use; however, there is the issue of weight. You also have the option of selecting a pan made of cast aluminum, which is more expensive than cast iron but lighter than cast iron. Personally, I would never use a thin aluminum pan, and I never cook anything with teflon. I would never use a pan made of aluminum.
Even though it weighs a little bit more than aluminium and titanium, stainless steel is by far the most scratch-resistant and toughest of the three materials that MSR uses. In the MSR AlpineTM Line of camp cookware, it is utilised in the production of the straightforward and dependable systems.