If you’re in a rush, look no further for your campfire cooking kit than the Stanley Adventure Even-Heat Camp Pro Cookset.
If all you’re doing is roasting marshmallows over the campfire – you need to up your game.
With the right campfire cooking equipment, you can make just about anything.
Whether you want to put together a full-on meal, or just whip up some quick snacks, it can all be done over the fire – as long as you come prepared.
Here are the best campfire cooking kits on the market today:
- Stanley Adventure Even-Heat Camp Pro Cookset (Best Overall Campfire Cooking Kit)
- Bruntmor Pre-Seasoned 7 Piece Cooking Set (Best Cast Iron Campfire Cooking Kit)
- MSR Flex 4 Cooking System (Best Camping Mess Kit)
- Coleman Rugged Series 1-Person Aluminum Mess Kit (Best Budget Campfire Cooking Kit)
- CampMaid Grill And Smoker (Best Camping Grill Kit)
- MSR PocketRocket Stove Kit (Best Campfire Cooking Kit for Backpackers)
Best Campfire Cooking Kit
Stanley Adventure Even-Heat Camp Pro Cookset
Weight (lbs): 8.2 | Includes: 18/8 Stainless steel stock pot 4.75Qt / 4.5L, 18/8 Stainless steel sauce pan 1.9Qt / 1.8L 2 Vented lids, Frying pan 8.5in/21.5cm diameter, Collapsible cutting board, Spatula with 2-piece handle, Spoon with 2-piece handle, Trivets, Locking bungee | Safe To (F): 1,697 Degrees | Materials: Stainless Steel
If you want the best campfire cooking kit, look no further.
Included a full 11 piece cooking kit, you’ll get a full-size pot, pan and sauce pan.
But wait, there’s more. This kit includes a cutting board, spatula, and trivets.
It also collapses up very nicely, with everything going into the stock pot and getting locked in with a locking bungee.
This saves room, and it weighs less than the cast iron sets on this list.
Read our full Stanley Adventure Even-Heat Camp Pro Cookset review here.
Pros:
- Has everything but the heat source to start cooking
- Standard size pots and pans to make cooking for a family, easy peasy
- High quality 18/8 stainless steel
- Safe to 1697 degrees (don’t worry you won’t get there)
Cons:
- Pricier than some of the other lesser quality kits
Best for: Anyone looking for the best camping cooking kit around.
Bruntmor Pre-Seasoned 7 Piece Cooking Set
Weight (lbs): 37.9 | Includes: Pre-Seasoned 12″ Cast Iron Skillet, 4.5qt Dutch Oven Pot, 2.5qt Saucepot, 20″ x 9″ Heavy-duty Reversible Cast Iron Griddle. Also includes 8.6″ Trivet & Dutch Oven Lid Lifter | Safe To: 500 Degrees | Materials: Cast Iron
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty camping set that you can pass down to your kids one day, then you’ll love this kit by Bruntmor.
This 7-piece set contains a skillet, Dutch oven pot, saucepot, griddle, trivet and a lid lifter. It allows you to make practically anything you’d cook at home.
The set also features a wooden vintage carrying box for storing all the pieces. This bulky packaging weighs about 39 pounds, so it might not be suitable for backpacking, but it’s definitely something every car camper needs.
All cookware is made of pre-seasoned cast iron, which is non-stick, scratch-resistant and extremely durable. It’s easily washed, whether by hand or in a dishwasher.
Pros:
- When properly maintained, this set can last you a lifetime
- Non-stick pan requires oil and is easily cleaned
- Cast iron cookware is scratch-resistant and heat safe
- Can be washed in the dishwasher
Cons:
- Very heavy
Best for: RV and car campers.
MSR Flex 4 Cooking System
Weight (lbs): 3.7 | Includes: 3.2L Nonstick hard-anodized aluminum pot, Dual-handle 5.3L hard-anodized aluminum pot, Aluminum Strainer lids, (4) DeepDish™ plates, (4) 10.2 oz. Insulated Mugs, Talon™ pot handle. | Safe To (F): 600 Degrees | Materials: Hard-anodized aluminum (pots), polypropylene (dishes)
I instantly fell in love with this camping cooking set by MSR. It has everything you might need for cooking in nature, and more! The set contains ten pieces, but they all pack compactly, into the largest pot. And the whole thing weighs only 3.7 pounds.
The kit contains two large non-stick and scratch resistant pots with lids. They’re made of hard-anodized aluminum, which means they’re lightweight, durable, corrosion and salt-resistant.
You also get four sets of plates and cups. Each set has a different color, so you can’t accidentally mistake your friend’s bad coffee for your black tea. The plates are made of polypropylene, which means they’re very easy to clean.
I love that cups are insulated, meaning they’ll keep your drink hot for a long time. They also come with lids that feature built-in sipping spouts.
MSR’s Flex Cooking System also comes in sets for 2 and 3, so if you don’t need one for four, its easy to swap out and you’ll save money.
Pros:
- Pots are made of aluminum, which makes them lightweight and easy to clean
- Cup lids contain sprouts that allow spill-free drinking
- With 3.7 pounds of weight, this set is extremely lightweight
- A built-in strainer on a pot lid allows you to cook pasta and veggies
Cons:
- Somewhat expensive
Best for: families and groups of four.
Coleman Rugged Series 1-Person Aluminum Mess Kit
Weight (lbs): 0.65 | Includes: 7-in. frying pan, 16-oz. pot with lid, 6.5-in. deep-dish plate and 8-oz. cup | Safe To: 350 Degrees | Materials: Aluminum
A good campfire cooking kit doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Take this one by Coleman for example. For the price it sells at, this is quite a steal!
This kit has everything you need to make a meal for a single person – a frypan, pot with lid, deep-dish plate and a cup. Each piece is made of aluminum, so you can rest assured it’s dirty and easy to clean.
All pieces can be nested together and snap shut for storing. When packed, the kit is 3x9x8 inches in dimensions, meaning it can easily fit into a backpack. With a weight of 9 pounds, it’s a bit heavy for backpacking, but this kit is wonderful for car camping.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable
- Made of aluminum, this set is rather durable and easy to clean
- Large cookware allows you to cook for one to two people
- All pieces can be held together by a collapsible handle
Cons:
- The wide mug is a bit weird to drink from
Best for: campers on a budget.
CampMaid Grill And Smoker
Weight (lbs): 6.35 | Includes: Dutch oven lid lifter, flip grill, and charcoal/wood holder heat source | Safe To: 500 Degrees | Materials: Cast Iron
Here’s a product for all the barbecue fanatics out there. This set allows you to grill, steam or smoke even when camping in the wilderness.
The set comes with a flip grill, charcoal holder and lid holder. The charcoal holder allows you to easily start the fire, thanks to its unique airflow design. You can clip it under the grill or place it directly onto the ground.
I love the lid holder this set comes with. It allows you to safely grab and hold your lid or use it as a serving stand to keep your food warm. What’s more, by flipping the lid holder upside down, you can use the lid as a skillet. Speaking about versatility!
Pros:
- This kit allows you to grill, steam and smoke your food
- The lid holder handle doesn’t get hot when used properly
- It folds down and fits into a 14x11x14 inch carry bag
- Rather lightweight for a grill
Cons:
- Somewhat expensive
Best for: BBQ aficionados.
Check Price at Sportsman's Warehouse
MSR PocketRocket Stove Kit
Weight (lbs): 1.6 | Includes: PocketRocket stove, 2L pot, 2x DeepDish bowls, 2x 12.5oz. double-wall insulated mugs, clear strainer lid, 2x folding sporks | Safe To: 600 Degrees | Materials: Hard anodized aluminum
I was really shocked to see how many pieces of cooking equipment can fit into a 2 quart cooking pot. Well, in the case of this kit by MSR, it holds everything you need to enjoy the best meals while on the trail.
The kit contains a stove, pot, strainer lid and two sets of bowls, mugs and sporks. But not only this kit packs small, it’s also super light. With less than two pounds of weight, this is a perfect set for backpacking and thru-hiking.
The stove is rather fast – it boils a quart of water in about 3.5 minutes. Thanks to the WindClip™ windshield, it works just as well in breezy conditions. It’s fueled by an 8 ounce canister, which has a burn time of approximately an hour.
Pros:
- The set weighs less than two pounds and easily fits into any backpack
- Two color-matching dish sets include mugs, bowls and folding sporks
- Double-walled insulated mugs keep your drink warm for hours
- Comes with a 3-year limited manufacturer warranty
Cons:
- Sporks aren’t strong enough for ingredient mixing
Best for: campers in need of a lightweight cooking set.
What Should You Know Before Buying a Campfire Cooking Kit?
Before you pick your favorite, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Usage
Where do you plan on using the kit? By this, I mean – will you be camping on a regulated campground or out in a dispersed area?
Nowadays, many regulated campgrounds have grilling and cooking stations, so you don’t have to beat your head about what to bring.
However, when you’re out in the wild, things are different.
Without a grill available, for instance, you’ll need additional cooking components to be able to make all the food you plan on cooking.
This brings us to the next point.
Components
So, what will you cook? For soups and stews, you’ll need a pot. For fried food, you’ll need a pan.
And that’s not all. Don’t forget about the accessories, which are just as important.
These include plates, utensils and cutlery. At the very least, make sure to have enough forks, spoons and knives for everyone. Of course, sporks will do as well.
Another important component is tin foil. Basically, it allows you to cook on an open fire without burning your food.
It’s an irreplaceable part of my cooking kit.
Finally, don’t forget the cleaning accessories either.
You won’t be able to make your next meal unless you clean the pot from the previous one, no?
Weight
If you’re car camping, then you can bring your heavy cast iron cookware.
But if you’re backpacking, that’s out of the question.
It’s important to consider weight when choosing the right kit.
Material is one factor that determines how heavy your cooking kit is, and we’ll get into that in a bit.
But another factor is the number of pieces your kit contains.
If you’re going on a short trip and plan on making one-pot meals, then there’s really no need to bring five pots and pans with you, is there?
Materials
For cooking on open fire, three materials come out as the best options: aluminum, cast iron and stainless steel.
Of them, aluminum is the lightest option, so it’s great for backpacking.
However, it tends to develop hot spots and it’s not the most durable option out there.
Cast iron is simply enjoyable to cook with. Once hot, it stays hot, so you can rest assured your food will be properly cooked.
Plus, it’s practically indestructible – this thing can last you forever!
On the other hand, it’s quite heavy and not something you want to carry on your back, or you can’t park close to your campsite.
And then we have stainless steel, the middle ground. It’s tougher than aluminum and holds heat almost like cast iron.
But it’s not as durable as cast iron and not as light as aluminum.
Number of People
It goes without saying that you need the right amount of plates and cutlery.
But as far as pots and pans go, it’s also important to take into consideration the number of people you plan on cooking for.
With larger groups, you probably won’t be able to make everything into your favorite camping pot.
For that reason, you should consider both the number of pots and pans you need, as well as how big they are.
On the other hand, you won’t need most of that stuff when you’re camping solo or with a partner.
In fact, in most cases, you can get by with a single pot or pan.
The Best Way To Use Your Fire Cooking Kit
Okay, so you got yourself a nice fire cooking kit. But there are a few things to keep in mind when cooking at the campsite.
First thing is – don’t put your pots and pans right in the flame.
Even though they’re designated for use on a campfire, an open flame is not your cooking surface. First, it’s too hot for your food. And second, it’s also too hot for your cookware.
Instead, a grate makes a safe and stable surface for placing your pot.
If you’re using a pot oven, you can also use a tripod to hold it above the fire. By this, of course, I don’t mean the one you’d use for a camera. Instead, a good ol’ iron tripod designated for cooking over fire.
Also, when frying food, make sure that oil doesn’t splash over the fire. I don’t need to tell you how dangerous that can be. Use a lid whenever possible to prevent that from happening.
FAQ
How Do You Clean Your Fire Cooking Kits Outdoors?
Make sure to clean your cookware right after use. Well, right after it cools down.
And by clean, I mean both the interior and the exterior. Fire leaves soot which builds up if not removed.
Now, there’s an easy trick. You can coat the exterior of your pot by soaking it in soapy water for 5 to 10 minutes.
Then, remove it and let it dry without cleaning. The soapy layer will help you remove the soot after cooking from the pot with nothing more than a dry cloth.
As for the interior, a bit of soap and a scrub pad will be enough. But if you’re using cast iron, you don’t want to clean it with that.
Instead, you should properly season it before each use. That way, you only need a paper towel to clean the residue.
Why Should You Own A Campfire Cooking Kit?
If you enjoy eating granola bars and sandwiches throughout the entire camping trip, then maybe you don’t really need a campfire cooking kit. But if you want to enjoy good meals even on the campsite, then you need a kit that has everything you need to make your favorite dishes.
Sure, you can bring your pots and pans from home. But they’re usually heavy and delicate – and unless you’re RVing or car camping, bringing them is simply not worth it.
Campfire cooking kits are not only lightweight, but they can also be stack-packed, thus taking very little space in your storage. They’re usually made of sturdy materials that can take some beating.
What Can You Cook On A Campfire?
The real answer is – anything you want, as long as you have the proper equipment.
So for instance, a griddle will allow you to make pancakes and eggs for breakfast.
A cast iron pan, on the other hand, can be used to make campfire pizza that tastes just as good as oven-style pizza does.
What Are Average Metal Melting Points?
You may be familiar with what happens to an aluminum beverage container if it gets tossed into a fireplace. It melts down and becomes nearly invisible. but leaves behind some remnants at its base and lid. Be careful, because campfires are extremely hot.
Here are some average melting points of various metals you may have around a campfire:
- Aluminum: 1220°F (660°C)
- Aluminum Alloy: 865-1240°F (463-671°C)
- Cast Iron: 2060°F (1127°C)
- Stainless Steel: 2750°F (1510°C)
A typical fire can be so intense that it melts aluminum cans, but won’t be so hot as to damage tougher materials like cast iron or stainless steel which both have a higher melting point.
How Should Camping Food Be Stored?
In order to enjoy your favorite dishes while camping in the wilderness, you need to prevent the food from going bad by storing it properly.
Obviously, a cooler is the best option for food that spoils quickly, such as meat, eggs and dairy. Make sure meat is stored in double bags, so that it doesn’t leak onto other content of the cooler. Fill it with ice packs to keep your food cool for as long as possible.
You can store fruits and veggies in shady areas around the campsite, as long as they’re stored in proper canisters.
If you’re camping in bear country, a bear-proof container is a must. You don’t want to attract unwanted visitors that will eat everything in the cooler, and possibly anything they find around your campsite.
What’s Next?
Campfire cooking goes so much further than just s’mores and hot dogs.
If you’ve got the right campfire cooking tools, you can cook up a serious feast.
So, pick up a few of these awesome pieces of outdoor cooking equipment to build your ultimate campfire cooking kit and unleash your inner chef. Your camping buddies will love you for it.
For tips on building a great campfire, check out our step by step guide.