The Campfire Chef's Guide to Cooking Gear: Enhance Your Outdoor Culinary Adventures
A warm, crackling campfire, a starlit sky and the laughter of friends gathered around; we love the joys of being outdoors! The only way a night like that could get better is by enjoying a great meal.
Cooking while camping doesn’t have to be limited to hot dogs or a can of beanie weenies! With the right campfire gear, you can become an outdoorsy Wolfgang Puck or Julia Child.
Enhance your weekend getaways by becoming the ultimate campfire chef. (And earn bragging rights!) In this guide, we'll unpack the campfire cooking gear that will turn you into a culinary wizard on your next camping trip.
1. The Trusty Campfire Grill
Ah, the grill—the heart and soul of any outdoor kitchen. A trusty campfire grill provides a sturdy platform for cooking great meals.
Whether you're grilling marinated chicken skewers, sizzling vegetables or even toasting marshmallows for s'mores, a campfire grill is an absolute must-have. Look for a portable, foldable grill that is easy to carry and clean.
2. Cast Iron Cookware
If there's one thing every outdoor chef should have in their arsenal, it's a set of trusty camping cast iron cookware. Cast iron cookware is a staple in most households, but unlike nonstick pans, cast iron can handle being outdoors just as well as in.
These rugged, versatile pans are built to withstand the heat of an open fire and distribute it evenly, ensuring that your meals are cooked to perfection. We’re big fans of Field Company’s cast iron cookware line; their pans are lightweight but still sturdy enough for your adventure.
From frying bacon and eggs in the morning to preparing a hearty stew for dinner, cast iron skillets and Dutch ovens will make you feel like a TV chef. Plus, they develop seasoning over time, adding flavor and character to your dishes.
But as anyone’s grandmother will be quick to tell you—don’t use soap and water to clean your cast iron! Use coarse salt and a splash of water to scrub out leftover food, and be sure to thoroughly wipe off any water that’s left. If you want to make cast iron care foolproof, try out this Cast Iron Care Kit from Field Company.
3. Portable Stoves
Cooking over an open flame can be intimidating for newer campers. Having a portable stove is a game-changer when it comes to versatility and convenience. Portable stoves are compact, lightweight and easy to use, allowing you to cook delicious meals regardless of fire restrictions or weather conditions.
They come in various fuel options, such as propane or butane, and can offer more precise temperature control. Whether you're simmering a pot of soup or brewing a piping hot cup of coffee, a portable stove is a reliable campfire kitchen companion.
4. Cooking Utensils
To truly channel your inner campfire chef, don't forget to pack a set of sturdy cooking utensils. Long-handled spatulas, tongs and forks will keep your hands safe from the heat while allowing you to flip, stir and serve your culinary creations with finesse.
Invest in heat-resistant, durable materials like stainless steel or silicone, as they are easy to clean and won't warp under high temperatures. If you want a great starter set, check out this Adventure Full Kitchen base set from Stanley.
5. To-Go Boxes
The great outdoors might lack refrigeration or a microwave, but that doesn’t mean your leftovers should go to waste! By using insulated lunchpails and thermoses, you can keep uneaten food safe for later. Bring your campfire chilis or sandwiches along with you on hikes thanks to simple lunch boxes.
Find Campfire Cooking Gear at Crane’s
It’s time to upgrade your campfire cook set. With these pieces of essential cooking gear, you’ll be ready to show off your outdoor cooking prowess.
Stock up on cookware, and let these tools take your camping experience to new heights. You’ll master the art of cooking over an open flame or become a pro at fixing one-pot wonders. Everyone will want you to cook the food!
At Crane’s Country Store, we’ve been helping people find the right gear for the great outdoors since 1889. Explore the rest of our website or stop by our store near Columbia, MO! You’ll find an extensive collection of Field Co. cast iron and Stanley cookware.
Yes, chef!
Don’t forget to think of us as you enjoy your meal! We’d love to see you cooking in the wild. Tag us on Facebook or Instagram with your campfire meals.