Picture this: you go camping, and something is missing. You thought there would be a grill at your campsite, but you can’t find one anywhere. This would be a huge problem if you aren’t prepared, but you planned ahead.
Why Do You Need Open Fire Cookware?
You brought your favorite open fire cookware set. Now all you need to do is start a fire so you can cook over the open flame. Open fire cookware is essential for outdoor camping for the exact reason that not every campsite has access to a grill, and you will be pleased with the convenience of being able to satisfy your cooking needs regardless.
TLDR; What You Should Buy If Starting Out
Whether you are car camping, a backpacker, or even camping in your backyard with your kids who want an authentic campfire cooking experience, the most essential open fire cookware would be a cast-iron combo cooker.
We recommend the Lodge 3-quart Cast Iron Combo Cooker. The two-piece pot and pan set is extremely reasonably priced at $39.99. The best thing about this set is the ability to be used in an oven, on a stovetop, on the grill, or over an open flame.
Roundup Review Of Essential Open Fire Cookware To Get In 2020
What is the best camping cookware in 2020? What pieces of campfire cookware are essential for making cooking over an open fire easy and tasteful? Let’s take a look at the six most essential cookware sets for cooking on an open fire.
Yodo Anodized Aluminum Camping Cookware Set
Dimensions
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Summary Yodo Aluminum Cookware
The Yodo Aluminum cookware set comes with several pieces that you may need while camping. This set includes one pan, three pots, five bowls, a large plate, two medium plates, a rice handle, and a soup spoon. It is designed to cook for four to five people at a time.
One major benefit of the hard-anodized aluminum is that it allows for these pots and pans to be lightweight and absorb and retain heat, cooking your meals effectively and saves time while doing so.
The handles fold on the pots and pans so all of the pieces can fit together nicely to be put in a small, compact mesh bag for easy transport.
This set is incredibly simple to clean; it even comes with its own loofah sponge that you can carry around with the set in the mesh bag.
Pro’s
- Easy to clean
- Compact carrying system
- Light-weight
- Foldable handles
- Even heat distribution
Con’s
- Handles aren’t very strong.
Primus Camping Cookware Set
Dimensions
4 x 4 x 1 inches; 6.56 Ounces; Primus Brand
Summary Primus Camping Cookware Set
The Primus Campfire Cookware Set includes a stainless steel skillet, frying pan, pot, and two lids with integrated colanders. The covers also feature handles so you can remove the lid while cooking on an open flame, and you won’t burn your fingers. Each piece stacks together for convenient travel in the included storage bag.
This stainless steel cookware is made out of a heavy-duty material that is corrosion-resistant and easy to clean. The thick stainless steel design allows them to conduct heat and distribute it evenly during cooking efficiently.
The large pot has a handle that can fold down when not in use. This handle also allows the pot to be suspended in the air, making cooking over an open fire easy and safe.
Pro’s
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean
- High-quality stainless steel cookware
Con’s
- Pricey
- Handles may slip if not used properly
Winterial Camping Cookware and Pot Set
Dimensions
6.75 x 6.75 x 3.5 inches; 1.5 Pounds; Winterial Brand
Summary Winterial Camping Cookware
The Winterial Camping Cookware for open fire set will make cooking over an open fire easy and enjoyable. This camping cook set includes two large pots, a frying pan, tea kettle, serving ladle, individual bowls, serving spoon, plate, and a cleaning sponge.
The open fire cooking pots, frying pan, and tea kettle are made from solid, lightweight aluminum oxide. This means this cook set is heat resistant to high temperatures. Each piece of this set is equipped with a non-stick Teflon coating that keeps food from sticking to the bottom and makes clean up a breeze.
This set is extremely compact; you can stack all of the pieces together and put everything in the included carrying bag. The price for this set is very reasonable as well, only $49.99 for the ten-piece set.
Pro’s
- Ten pieces included
- Compact and lightweight
- Non-stick
- Firm handles
Con’s
- The smallest pieces are almost too small to cook in
Lodge 3-quart Cast Iron Combo Cooker
Dimensions
15.4 x 10.7 x 3.9 inches; 13.2 pounds; Lodge Brand
Summary Lodge 3-quart Cast Iron Combo Cooker
A cast-iron skillet is essential camping cookware for open flames. This 2-piece cast iron cookware set is versatile and extremely durable. This set can be used as a deep skillet, a fryer, or a Dutch oven. The Lodge Cast Iron Combo Cooker can sear, sauté, simmer, braise, bake, roast, or fry! You can also use this combo cookware at home because it can be used on a stovetop, in an oven, on a grill, or on an open fire.
The quality of this set of cast iron cookware is undeniable. Founded in 1896, Lodge has been making super high-quality cookware for over 100 years. They are pre-seasoned for an easy, non-stick cooking experience. Every meal you cook will be heated evenly throughout, allowing for a perfect cook the first time every time.
The cleanup of the Lodge cast iron cooker is super simple. Wash the cookware by hand with minimal mild soap or no soap at all. Dry immediately after you wash with a paper towel, then rub with a very thin layer of vegetable oil.
Pro’s
- Durable
- Versatile
- Even heating
- Oven safe
Con’s
- The coating can peel off if not cared for properly.
Bisgear Camping Stove Cookware Set
Dimensions
7.1 x 5.1 x 5 inches; 1.34 Pounds; Bisgear Brand
Summary Bisgear Camping Stove Cookware Set
This Bisgear outdoor cooking set is another aluminum camping cookware set. This set is designed to be high-quality cookware for open fire cooking. The pieces of this set fit together nicely to be stored in the included mesh bag to save space and make transport convenient.
This 12-piece set includes a frying pan, stainless steel fork and spoon, mini-stove with a Piezo ignition, and medium and small aluminum pots. Some other accessories included are a canister stand, wine bottle opener, dishcloth, and the mesh carrying bag.
This set is the best camping cookware for those trying to buy everything they might need in one set, including any item they may forget while packing (like that wine opener).
The Bisgear cooking set is NOT dishwasher safe. You will want to be gentle when cleaning this camping cookware because they feature a non-stick coating that can be ruined when too much pressure is applied.
Pro’s
- Durable pieces
- Reasonable price
- Fast and even heat conduction
- Ignition mini-stove is convenient
Con’s
- Not dishwasher safe
- Too much heat can cause discoloration on the bottom of the set
Lodge 8-quart Dutch Oven
Dimensions
12 x 12 x 5.5 inches; 20 pounds; Lodge Brand
Summary Lodge 8-quart Dutch Oven
A cast-iron Dutch oven is one of the best camping cookware pieces that you can add to your collection and use while cooking over an open fire. You can cook pretty much anything any way you like, from pizza to pancakes to French fries.
The Lodge cast iron Dutch oven comes pre-seasoned and ready to use with a non-stick cooking surface. Three sturdy legs make it easy to use over hot coals or an open fire.
Before use, rinse the Dutch oven quickly with hot water and make sure you dry it completely. After it is dry, add a thin layer of vegetable oil to increase the non-stick ability. To clean, use a stiff brush and hot water, no soap. If you happen to have food stuck on the bottom, boil some water in the cast iron for a few minutes to help loosen it up.
Pro’s
- Versatile and durable
- Easy to use and clean
- Sturdy legs
Con’s
- Very heavy
Things To Consider Before Buying Open Fire Cookware
Coating
Teflon and non-ceramic coatings are the most common for a cook set used for cooking over an open flame. Teflon cleans easier, but the non-ceramic coating is more durable.
Cleaning
The ease of cleaning is a very important thing to consider when looking for the best camping cookware. Most camping cook set pieces are very easy to clean and rarely even require soap.
Weight/Portability
If you are looking for something easy to transport and carry with you, the product’s weight will matter more than anything else. You will want cookware that is lightweight and preferably comes with a carrying bag to make things easier for you. The lighter the product is, the easier it will be to transport.
Heat Resistance
If you are going to invest in some of the best camping cookware for open fire cooking, you will want to make sure that the material can handle the fire’s heat and won’t burn on the bottom. Make sure you pick products that are heavy duty and durable to heat.
Material
The three most common materials that camping cookware is made out of are cast iron, aluminum, and stainless steel. Cast iron will last forever, aluminum heats up quickly and evenly, and stainless steel is durable and affordable.
FAQs
What Is A Camping Mess Kit?
A camping mess kit is a collection of all cookware and utensil needed for camping. In other words, a mess kit is a tiny portable kitchen that can be used for cooking over an open flame.
Can you put stainless steel on an open fire?
It is not recommended to put stainless steel camping cookware directly on an open fire. If you do, the color of the stainless steel pot can change color over time. Steel metal also has a heat limit, meaning if it gets too hot, it will start to melt. However, if you season your pots/cast iron pan properly, they can sit over an open fire for a short period of time.
Should I Get A Complete Cooking Set Or Just A Few Pieces?
If you buy the right pieces, you can manage with just a few items. It is highly recommended to purchase pieces that can be versatile and used for different types of cooking. For example, if you want to buy minimal camping cookware, you should buy pieces that can cook hot dogs and pancakes in the same pan (not at the same time, of course).
What types of metals can be used for open fire cooking?
The best cookware metal for open fire cooking is cast iron camping cookware. This is because cast iron is extremely durable and can handle a lot of heat. Aluminum is another great type of camping cookware for an open fire. Stainless steel can be used for an open fire, but it is not recommended unless seasoned correctly.
Wrapping Up
The best camping cookware will provide a means to cook over a campfire if your campground doesn’t have grill access like you thought it would. Camping cookware for open fire can make each meal taste incredible if you pick cookware that is durable, versatile, lightweight, and easy to clean. The best camping cookware that every person should have in their collection is cast iron cookware.
