Cooking is one of the great joys you experience when camping. Preparing a meal in the great outdoors over a campfire not only gives the food a different taste, but it is also an excellent experience for people of all ages. Who doesn’t love the idea of sitting around a campfire roasting hot dogs or marshmallows during their camping adventure?
If you are headed out on a camping trip, and you want to be able to prepare food that’s a little more sophisticated than campfire hot dogs. For that, you’ll need to bring along the proper equipment. Most people can make do with a single pot and pan. It’s a simple set up that still gives them plenty of variety when it comes to preparing meals over the campfire. And those who want to “rough it” doesn’t feel as though they are cheating by bringing one too many creature comforts of home along when it’s just a pan.
What are the Most Important Considerations When Choosing a Pan for Campfire Cooking?
Make sure you choose a pan that is right for cooking over a campfire. Some of the pots that might work great at home aren’t ideal for campfire cooking.
- Avoid pans that feature rubber-coated handles. Unprotected metal handles tend to get hotter, though, so make sure you bring along at least one high-quality pot holder.
- Make sure you know how you’ll be cooking over the campfire when you’re investing in equipment. It’s simple enough to hang a pot over the fire, boil water, and toss your food into the boiling water, but that’s not your only option.
- You can use skewers, fry, stir-fry, and even bake over a campfire. The key is having the right food items and the right tools.
- If you want to bake over a campfire, choose a pan that features a tight-sealing lid. If you intend to stir fry, pick a container that’s a little deeper than the norm.
Knowing what you’ll be cooking is as important as knowing what type of food to avoid.
- Stay away from foods that are extra greasy unless you have a lot of experience cooking over an open flame.
- Most beginning campfire cooks won’t want to fry their food, but if you’ve been doing this for a while, you can choose just about any method as long as you are safe when cooking.
Finally, it’s important to consider food safety when choosing a pan for cooking over the campfire.
- The best pan in the world will do you no good if you haven’t stored your food properly or if you cook it incorrectly.
- Though most people prefer the idea of roughing it, it’s probably a good idea to bring along a meat thermometer so you can test the internal temperature of food before serving it. Even experienced cooks might not be used to campfire cooking, so it’s essential to make sure the food is safely prepared.
- The last thing you want is to make everyone in your group of campers sick during your adventure.
What are Our Picks for Best Pan for Campfire Cooking?
GSI Pinnacle Camper
This is a set that not only includes a pan, but also everything you need for preparing meals when camping. It’s made of aluminum and features a non-stick coating. The pot handles do tend to heat up when cooking, so make sure you pack a potholder.
We love the set for smaller groups, and most users were able to easily prepare meals large enough for four campers with this pan. The Teflon coating works great, so you don’t’ need to bring along non-stick cooking spray, but we know it’s a health concern for some people, so keep it in mind if you are worried about chemical issues.
Check it out on AMAZON.
Winterial Camping Set
This pan comes in a set with ten other pieces that include a lid. This means it’s not only great for open-flame cooking; you can also use it for baking over the campfire. The pan is made from aluminum and features firm handles. You’ll also get a kettle and some small bowls and utensils for serving food with this set, so it’s comprehensive. It comes at a great value and should be considered as an option if you are just getting started with camping and campfire cooking.
Check it out on AMAZON.
G4Free
This pan comes in a set with three other cooking pots. It features a tall profile and integrated handles that make cooking safe and comfortable. This is a durable set that is great for beginners and experienced campers. You’ll also get lids that allow you to cook plenty of great dishes. Best of all, this kit is available for a high price.
Check it out on AMAZON.
Sea to Summit X
We love this pan because it’s durable and easy to carry along with you when camping. It does feature silicone handles, so you’ll need to be very careful when cooking over an open flame. It’ tends to be on the heavier side, but nothing you can’t handle if you are driving to your campsite. In addition to the pan, you can also get a pot and kettle in a set that all of it nestles together for secure storage.
Check it out on AMAZON.
Stanley’s Adventure Series Base Camp
This pan comes in a comprehensive cook set that features every single thing you need for preparing and eating meals while camping. This set consists of a pot, frying pan (with a lid that works on both), and service for four people. It also nests together, so it’s easy to pack up and carry along with your other gear. It tends to be on the heavier side, so you won’t want to use this set if you have a long hike to your campsite. The service pieces are also on the smaller side, so plan if you prefer to serve up massive plates of food.
Check it out on AMAZON.
Campfire cooking is one of the best parts of being in the outdoors. These pans and other accessories make it easy to prepare meals over an open flame when cooking.
