The Best 10 Camping Cookware in 2021

1. Terra Hiker Camping Cookware

4.5/5

2. MalloMe Camping Cookware Kit

4.4/5

3. Primus PrimeTech Stove Set

4.6/5
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Cooking over the campfire is one of the best things in life, but standard pots and pans could be too cumbersome to fit in a backpack. 

Whether you’re hiking or car camping, investing in quality camping cookware is a must for a successful outdoor cooking experience. If you’re not too sure about what to get, check out the best camping cookware in our rundown.

How We Rated Best Camping Cookware?

  • Extra Tools

    is it complete cookware solution?

  • Time to Boil

    Is it quick to boil water?

  • Safety

    Is it BPA approved?

  • Washing

    Is it easy to clean?

  • Portability

    Is it easy to carry?

  • Usability

    Is it easy to use?

  • Lifespan

    Is it build for years to come?

  • Durability

    Is it sturdy enough?

How We Conducted Research?

  • 10

    Hours Researched

  • 14

    Products Evaluated

  • 10k

    Reviews Considered

  • 5

    Sources Researched

1. Terra Hiker Camping Cookware

4.5/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the Terra Hiker Camping Cookware:

The Terra Hiker Camping Cookware kit is an excellent choice for all your outdoor adventures. It comes in two sizes, for 2 or 5 people. The two-person variant boasts a 6.7-inch frying pan and 6.5-inch pot. The kit also includes a kettle and accessories, such as cleaning sponge, bamboo spoon, bowl and ladle.

The pot, pan, and kettle are made of food-grade hard anodized aluminum; they are non-stick and lightweight. We also like that the set is stackable, occupying very little space in a backpack. 

What we like:

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2. MalloMe Camping Cookware Kit

4.4/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the MalloMe Camping Cookware Kit:

The MalloMe cookware kit is similar in many ways to our top pick, but comes with a slightly smaller pan and pot. It’s still a suitable choice for two people, while occupying even less space in your camping backpack.

The kit comprises everything you need for seamless cooking. Its greatest highlight is the innovative spork – a spoon and fork hybrid you can use to scramble eggs or handle the food. Needless to say, the kit packs compactly and is easy to carry. Just great for a minimalist outdoor adventure.

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3. Primus PrimeTech Stove Set

4.6/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the Primus PrimeTech Stove Set:

The Primus PrimeTech is the ultimate outdoor cooking solution for adventurers. It comprises a pan, saucepan, as well as integrated burner. Easy to use with gas tanks from the brand, it’s large enough for cooking for 3 people.

A heat exchanger brings true value; you’ll also get a lid with integrated strainer, as well as a convenient pair of tongs. The cooker also boasts a Piezo lighter and comes with insolated storage bag for easier transport.

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4. MSR Alpine Stowaway Pot

4.8/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the MSR Alpine Stowaway Pot:

Those who like to travel ultra-light and don’t want to bother with cleaning lots of pans and pots might like the MSR Alpine Stowaway Pot. Made from stainless steel, it can serve all your cooking needs, from preparing breakfast to frying to making stews.

The pot impresses with a versatile hinged lid that seals it almost hermetically. Perhaps you won’t be able to carry soups without spilling, but can still use it as a food container for solids. When you’ve finished cooking, you can also store some gear or utensils in it. Overall, a great solution for short trips.

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5. Gear4U Camping Cookware Kit

4.5/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the Gear4U Camping Cookware Kit:

When it’s just you and your better half exploring the wilderness, the Gear4U camping cookware kit could be just perfect. It is perfect for backpackers who like to travel light, including cookware, plates, and utensils.

The pans are made from anodized aluminum and boast non-stick coating. Like the Terra Hiker, they have convenient handles as well as a lid. Furthermore, the set also includes two bowls, two cups, and cleaning essentials. All at a price that won’t break the bank.

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6. Stanley Adventure Camp Cook Set

4.8/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the Stanley Adventure Camp Cook Set:

Stanley proposes this camp cook set to adventurers who like to travel light and car campers alike. The pot has a capacity of 20 liquid ounces, and comes with two convenient cups of 10 ounces each.

It’s made from food-grade stainless steel, but it has a small capacity. Perhaps you won’t make mac-n-cheese in it, but it’s ideal for boiling water or brewing coffee. We also like the vented lid designed specifically for cooking on camp stoves or grills. Small but versatile, it is one of the best camping cookware for people on a tighter budget.

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7. Urbenfit Camping Cookware Set

4.7/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the Urbenfit Camping Cookware Set:

If you like the nesting cookware sets but need more than a pot, then you’ll probably enjoy the Urbenfit Camping Cookware Set. Its greatest strength is the additional pot that allows you to cook more food at once – either over a camping grill or on a gas camp stove. 

Two lids also bring value. Furthermore, you’ll also get three plastic bowls as well as an oven mitt for easier handling. The set comes with its own carrying pouch that makes storage a breeze.

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8. Sempiyi Portable Camping Cookware Set

4.6/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the Sempiyi Portable Camping Cookware Set:

This camping cookware set by Sempiyi is designed with three campers in mind, but more suitable for a couple. In terms of size, it’s not that different than other backpacking sets. It comes with a pan and pot measuring around 6.5 inches each.

A kettle makes it easier to heat water for tea or coffee, while a soup ladle and three plastic bowls add even more convenience. The set comes with its own mesh pouch and is affordable. A great alternative to our options above.

What we like:

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9. Bisgear 16 Pcs Camping Cookware and Stove

4.6/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the Bisgear 16 Pcs Camping Cookware and Stove:

When you like to explore the wilderness, just you and your backpack, the Bisgear cooking kit could be your best choice. It can hold enough food for two people – it even comes with two bowls – but it’s a much better choice for a solo camper.

What makes it different is the complete set of cutlery that includes a soup spoon, a fork and knife, as well as a multifunctional spork. Designed for no-frills outdoor cooking, it also comes with a bottletop stove, all neatly nested into a carry bag. What else could you want?

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10. Solo Stove Pot 1800

4.7/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the Solo Stove Pot 1800:

The Solo Stove Pot is undeniably one of your best choices when camping with a larger group of friends. It doesn’t come with accessories, but has a generous capacity and multifunctional features.

Made of stainless steel, it is desined to use with the Solo Stove camp stove. A removable bail also allows you to attach it to a tripod, and use over the campfire. The pot is also lightweight and easy to clean. A great choice for car camping or your RV kitchen.

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Camping Cookware Buying Guide

Whether it’s just you and your sweetheart, you and a bunch of friends, or your extended family, cooking is an essential activity even when camping. With a bountiful range of camping cookware sets on the market, though, picking the right could be overwhelming. To make it easy, check out the buying guide below, then find the best camping cookware set browsing our selection above.

Camping Cookware Styles & Options

The first thing to do when buying camping cookware is to consider your camping style and pick one of the options below:

  • Traditional pots and pans: Are similar to the ones you use at home, but are usually lighter and smaller. Most of them have a diameter between 6 and 12 inches, which is small enough to carry with ease but big enough to feed up to 6 people. This type of camping cookware is inexpensive, and you can choose from a wide range of options, but takes up more space in your camping bag or backpack.
  • Tiered cookware systems: Usually consist of a pot and one or two pans designed to stack one on top of the other when not in use. Size-wise, you can find a variety of options from around 6 to 10 inches in diameter. While they work just like the traditional pots and pans, they occupy lesser space in your luggage.
  • Allin-one cooking systems: Consist of one or two pots designed to sit atop a camping stove. They are ideal for backpacking and frugal camping, when you don’t have to cook for more than two people at a time. However, they are not a great option if you have to prepare food for larger crowds.

Build Quality & Materials

Unless you want to end up with a broken pot or pan in the middle of cooking your breakfast, it is essential to buy quality cookware. You can typically choose from the following materials:

  • Non-stick aluminum: The lightest and cheapest type of camping cookware. These pots and pans are very light and easy to handle, and food won’t stick even if your camp stove creates hot spots. However, you’ll have to pay attention to the utensils you use to prevent scratching the non-stick coating.
  • Porcelain-enameled steel: Equally cheap as the aluminum kind but heavier, porcelain-enameled steel cookware is a great option if you can drive all the way to the camp spot. Otherwise, this choice could put quite a burden on you. The main advantage is that you can use it with any utensils without worrying about scratches.
  • Stainless steel: On the higher end we have the stainless steel camping cookware which comes as a more expensive alternative to the other two types. These pans aren’t usually coated with non-stick materials yet still deliver impressive cooking performance. They are also relatively light, but food might stick to their surface.
  • Titanium: The most expensive but also the most durable type of camping cookware. This material is very resistant, very lightweight, and food doesn’t stick to it. You’ll have to pay for all these features, but it’s well worth it.

Materials aside, also consider the quality of the joints and the material of the handle.

What Type of Camping Cookware Do You Need?

One of the most challenging things when buying camping cookware is deciding what kind of pots and pans to focus on. Obviously, you should consider what you like to eat, but as a rule of thumb, you should focus on the following:

  • Skillet: Is ideal for preparing breakfasts, especially omelets and crispy bacon. You can also use a skillet to bake cookie dough above a campfire or make sautés.
  • Griddle: Can replace the portable grill if you want to travel light. Besides being perfect for cooking burgers and sausages, it is also perfect for pancakes.
  • Standard pot: Ideal for a variety of situations, from purifying water and melting snow to boiling water for tea and coffee, making soups, stews, mac-n-cheese, ready-foods, and so on.
  • Dutch oven: If you like to hunt or fish, a Dutch oven comes in handy when turning game into food. Ideal for baking and roasting.
  • Percolator: Ideal for making cowboy style coffee but also for boiling water. Alternatively, consider a high-quality kettle.
  • Popcorn popper: This is a special type of pan designed specifically for making popcorn over an open fire.
  • Cooking iron: Another of those non-essential kinds of camping cookware, but truly fun to have around. It allows you to turn bread and other ingredients into delicious sandwiches.

Camping Cookware Sets vs. Individual Pieces

Decisions, decisions. Should you buy a camping cookware set? Could you save some cash if opting for single items? It really depends on what you have already.

We prefer camping cookware sets because most of them are stackable, thus very easy to transport. Some, such as the Gear4U kit, even come with serving accessories such as bowls, plates, sporks, and wooden spoon.

If you only need a pot or a pan, buying a single item makes more sense. For instance, getting a Solo Stove Pot is a much better option if you only need a pot for up to four people rather than a whole set.

Other Cookware Considerations

Besides the above, here are a few other things to weigh in before making your choice:

  • Set size and composition: If you decide to opt for a set, consider how many pieces are included and which ones. Some of the best camping cookware sets include one pot, one or two pans, a kettle, as well as some extras such as bowls, cups, and utensils.
  • Lids: Most camping cookware comes with lids, but you should consider what type of handle they have and whether they latch to the pot or not.
  • Grippers: Cooking over a campfire could be challenging if the pot doesn’t come with quality handles and grippers. The handles shouldn’t contain any flammable materials, such as silicone or plastic, while the gripper should resist high temperatures and provide adequate protection.

FAQ

• What is the Best Cookware for Camping?

Complete cookware kits, such as the Terra Hiker Camping Cookware, are the best choice for camping. You can pick from various pot sizes, to cater to smaller or larger groups, and the items in the kit are easy to nest for compact storage and transport. If you like backpacking more than car camping, kits with stove, such as the Primus PrimeTech Stove Set, bring even more value for money.

• Is Enamel Camping Cookware Safe?

Yes. Enamel cookware is non-toxic and safe to use on a stove or over a campfire. This type of cookware is often made of cast iron coated with enamel – basically a type of ceramic coating – thus, it is heavier than non-stick cookware made of aluminum or stainless steel. 

• What is a Camping Kitchen?

A camping kitchen consists of a portable cooking station with space to keep food, cookware, and utensils. Alternatively, you can set up a camping kitchen with a portable stove, campfire grill, and a set of portable camping cookware.

• Is Cast Iron Good for Camping?

Cast iron cookware is ideal for slow cooking, and many campers have at least a dutch oven they take everywhere. The material is durable and resistant, can be used on a stove or over a campfire, and food cooked in it is delicious.

• Is Titanium Cookware Better than Stainless Steel?

The main advantage of titanium cookware over stainless steel is that it can have very thin walls, boiling water faster. It is also lightweight and very durable. Stainless steel is more scratch-resistant and endures abuse. At the end of the day, it’s a matter of preference and budget, as titanium pots and pans tend to be more expensive than stainless steel.