How hot is a campfire? In this article, we'll explore factors that affect the heat of the campfire, temperature ranges, and safety considerations to follow.
Camping goes with campfires, and the best part about having a campfire going is the cooking!
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Outdoor cooking over an open fire is one of the best experiences when you’re camping. But since campfires can get pretty hot, you need the right cooking equipment to make your meals more enjoyable.
We’ve tested and chosen the 10 best campfire cooking kits for you.
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At a Glance: Best Campfire Cooking Sets
- Most Comprehensive: Stanley Base Camp Cook Set – Adventure Full Kitchen
- Best For Large Groups: GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Troop Cooking Set
- Best Lightweight: Primus Stainless Steel Cookset Small
- Best for Serious Cooking: Stanley Even-Heat Camp Pro
- Snow Peak Al Dente Cookset
- Value For Money: Stanley Adventure All-in-One 2-Bowl Cook Set
- Best For Backpacking: Snow Peak Personal Cooker 3
- MSR Alpine 2-Pot Set
- MSR Alpine 4 Stainless Steel Pot Cookset
- Most Accessories: Quechua Non-Stick Stainless Steel 2-person 14-Piece Camp Cookset 2.1 L
Comparison Table: Best Campfire Cooking Sets
| Model | Specs | Where To Buy |
 Stanley Base Camp Cook Set – Adventure Full Kitchen | Weight: 5.7 lbs Dimensions: 11.06 in x 6.1 in x 10.9 in Servings: 4 persons | Amazon |
 GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Troop Cooking Set | Weight: 8.4 lbs Dimensions: 12.4 in x 11.7 in x 8.6 in Servings: 8-10 persons | Amazon |
 Primus Stainless Steel Cookset Small | Weight: 2.91 lbs Dimensions: – 1.8 L saucepan 6.5 in x 3.75 in – 1.0 L saucepan 5.9 in x 3.75 in – 21 cm frying pan 8.25 in x 2 in Servings: 1-2 persons | Amazon |
 Stanley Even-Heat Camp Pro | Weight: 8.2 lbs Dimensions: 11.6 in x 6.7 in x 10.3 in Servings: 2-4 persons | Stanley |
 Snow Peak Al Dente Cookset | Weight: 4.6 lbs Dimensions: – Pot 1 – 9 in x 6.25 in – Pot 2 – 7.8 in x 5.5 in Servings: 4 persons | Amazon |
 Stanley Adventure All-in-One 2-Bowl Cook Set | Weight: 3.3 lbs Dimensions: 6.5 in x 4.4 in x 6.5 in Servings: 1-2 persons | Stanley |
 Snow Peak Personal Cooker 3 | Weight: 1.3 lbs Dimensions: – Pot 1 – 5.4 in x 3 in – Pot 2 – 4.75 in x 2.75 in – Bowl – 5.9 in Servings: 1 person | Amazon |
 MSR Alpine 2-Pot Set | Weight: 1.62 lbs Dimensions: 7.6 in x 4.4 in x 8.2 in Servings: 2 persons | Amazon |
 MSR Alpine 4 Stainless Steel Pot Cookset | Weight: 3.1 lbs Dimensions: 9 in x 4.7 in x 9.6 in Servings: 3 to 4 persons | Amazon |
 Quechua Non-Stick Stainless Steel 2-person 14-Piece Camp Cookset 2.1 L | Weight: 2.6 lbs (1.2 kg) Servings: 2 persons | Walmart |
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The Best Campfire Cooking Kits
Now that you know how to choose the best campfire cooking kit for your needs, we’ve gathered some of the best campfire cooking kits on the market today.
We’ll take a closer look and explore their features, pros, and cons to help you find the perfect kit for your next outdoor adventure.
Here are the best campfire cooking kits based on thousands of user reviews as well as our personal experience using them!
Most Comprehensive : Stanley Base Camp Cook Set – Adventure Full Kitchen
Weight: 5.7 lbs (2.6 kg)
Material: Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 11.06 in x 6.1 in x 10.9 in (28 x 15.5 x 27.7 cm)
Servings: 4 persons
Washing: dishwasher safe
This cook set is an all-in-one solution for campers who want a complete cooking setup.
The set includes 21 pieces nested in a 3.7 quart (3.5 l) stainless steel pot and held together with a bungee. You get everything you need to cook and eat, including plates, bowls, sporks, and even a dish drying rack (how cool is that!)
The 32 oz. frying pan has a triple-layer base to distribute the heat evenly. There is no non-stick coating so you’ll need to keep a close eye on your food as you cook.
The entire kit is dishwasher safe, so it’s easy to clean once you get home after a camping trip.
One downside is it’s quite heavy at 5.7 pounds, so it’s best suited for car camping.
Also, there is no storage bag, which I found a bit of a bummer as the pot can get sooty from a campfire and get your other gear dirty.
Overall, it’s a high-quality and comprehensive campfire cooking solution for outdoor enthusiasts.
Set includes:
- 18/8 stainless steel pot (3.7 QT / 3.5 L)
- Vented lid
- 32 OZ / .94 L 3-ply frying pan
- Cutting board
- Spatula with extending handle
- Serving spoon with extending handle
- Plates (6 in / 15.2 cm diameter)
- Bowls (22 OZ / .65 L)
- Sporks
- Dish drying rack
- Trivet
- Locking bungee
Best For Large Groups: GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Troop Cooking Set
Weight: 8.4 lbs (3.8 kg)
Material: Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 12.4 in x 11.7 in x 8.6 in (31.5 x 29.7 x 21.8 cm)
Servings: 8-10 persons
Washing: dishwasher safe
This campfire cooking kit is another excellent example if you want a durable and versatile option for your camping trip. The set is simple, yet it can serve up to 8 to 10 people thanks to its jumbo size. So this is perfect if you are traveling with larger groups.
The set is made out of stainless steel, so it’s robust and won’t be easily scratched even when used on an open flame. There’s also a multi-layer base that evenly distributes the heat and cooks numerous dishes very well.
The set features two pots with double bail handles of 8.5 liters and 5 liters as well as a 10-inch frying pan. The whole setup fits neatly into a 12.4 x 11.7 x 8.6 inch stuff sack.
Some downsides to this campfire cooking set are its price, weight, and lack of additional accessories. The price is a bit higher than others in the market, and it weighs more at 8.4 pounds. There are also no eating utensils included, and the silicone handle on the frying pan means it will melt in a campfire.
But if you’re after a high-quality no-nonsense campfire cooking kit, this is an excellent choice. Moreover, since you’re camping in groups, you can distribute some weight and let others bring all the utensils instead!
Set includes:
- 8.5 L Pot
- 5 L Pot
- 2 Lids
- 10” Jumbo Frying Pan
Best Lightweight: Primus Stainless Steel Cookset Small
Weight: 2.91 lbs (1.3 kg)
Material: Stainless Steel
Dimensions:
– 1.8 L saucepan 6.5 in x 3.75 in (16.5 x 9.5 cm)
– 1.0 L saucepan 5.9 in x 3.75 in (15 x 9.5 cm)
– 21 cm frying pan 8.25 in x 2 in (21 x 5 cm)
Servings: 1-2 persons
Washing: recommended to be hand washed with dish soap
If you like your campfire cooking equipment to be relatively portable and light, you can’t go wrong with the Primus Stainless Steel Cookset Small.
This set is amazing for campers who want portability during their outings. With just three simple pieces of outdoor cooking equipment, you can get a set that gives you numerous options.
This campfire cooking kit is made of high-quality stainless steel designed to be lightweight, which is why it seems more expensive than it should be. But this allows you to carry a small load, and all the open-fire cooking equipment can be stacked together to create a compact set that easily fits in a cotton storage sack.
It’s great for cooking small meals or heating water or hot drinks. Another highlight is the collapsible handles on its camping pots and pans, creating a sleek design and an easier-to-pack set.
A small downside to this set is that it does not include any utensils, so you’ll need to buy and bring those separately.
The manufacturers also recommended it be washed with hands instead of a dishwasher, so that can be a hassle too.
Set includes:
- 1.8 L Saucepan
- 1.0 L Saucepan
- 21 cm Frying Pan
Best for Serious Cooking: Stanley Even-Heat Camp Pro
Weight: 8.2 lbs (3.7 kg)
Material: Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 11.6 in x 6.7 in x 10.3 in (29.5 x 17 x 26.1 cm)
Servings: 2-4 persons
Washing: dishwasher safe
Here’s a set for those who want a perfectly cooked meal. The Stanley Even-Heat Camp Pro is a versatile and high-quality set that can help you create many dishes that require stable heat.
It’s great for soups as well as stir-fries, thanks to its standout feature – the special bottom that evenly distributes heat which is key to the best campfire cooking kit.
The pots come with vented lids that double as strainers. The set also includes a collapsible cutting board.
It’s a pretty expensive set, even with all the utensils and tools you get for the price. The set is also portable since it has a locking bungee that keeps everything together and locked to carry around. A great feature is that it’s dishwasher safe, so you can easily clean it when you’re home after your camping trip.
One potential downside is its weight, and at 8.2 pounds it can be a heavy load to carry to your campsite. But if you’re camping in groups, it still serves a good purpose and you can divide the load with your companions.
This is truly a great set for people who aspire to be chefs during their camping adventures, complete with thoughtful designs and great accessories.
Set includes:
- 18/8 Stainless steel stock pot 4.75Qt / 4.5L
- 18/8 Stainless steel saucepan 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
Snow Peak Al Dente Cookset
Weight: 4.6 lbs (2 kg)
Material: Polished Stainless Steel
Dimensions:
– Pot 1 – 9 in x 6.25 in (22.9 x 15.9 cm)
– Pot 2 – 7.8 in x 5.5 in (19.8 x 14 cm)
Servings: 4 persons
Washing: recommended to be hand washed with dish soap
Snow Peak Al Dente set was designed in Japan. It has a sleek, polished stainless steel finish with a wooden handle that gives it the rustic and minimalistic look you want for a campfire cooking kit.
Its material makes it lightweight and resistant to wear and tear. The set is perfect for campfire cooking when you go on camping trips with 3 to 4 people.
One of the highlights of this set is the strainer included. This unique strainer is built into the lid of the cooking pot, making it much easier for you when you want to drain pasta or boil some seafood.
Not only that, but this strainer can also be used to wash and prepare your cooking supplies. You might need a lid lifter, though, because the wood gets hot when you’re cooking.
This wonderful set also comes with a mesh storage bag that makes it easy to transport and keep everything organized. The cookware is nesting and compact, and it’s also quite light at 4.6 pounds.
The downside of this set is that it doesn’t have any accessories, particularly eating utensils. For those who want to have a one-stop campfire cooking set, that might be a dealbreaker. Nevertheless, this is still a great choice for those who love to cook outdoors in bigger portions.
Set includes:
- Pot and Lid
- Strainer
- Mesh Bag
Value For Money: Stanley Adventure All-in-One 2-Bowl Cook Set
Weight: 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg)
Material: Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 6.5 in x 4.4 in x 6.5 in (16.5 x 11.1 x 16.5 cm)
Servings: 1-2 persons
Washing: dishwasher safe
If you want something that packs plenty in a small package, consider the Stanley Adventure All-in-One 2 Bowl Cook Set. It includes 8 components at an affordable price of $40, which makes it a great catch. It’s a great set for car camping or quick overnighters.
A brilliant design in this campfire cookware is the built-in strainer on the lid of the pot that can be used to drain liquids. The lids of the bowls are also multi-functional because they can double as cutting boards.
Because of its compact size, they want most of the utensils to have dual functions so you can maximize space. The bowls are also double-walled, so you can keep the food hot or cold for longer.
One downside to this set is that the lids may not fit perfectly and can be difficult to align properly. This means you might risk spilling liquids when campfire cooking. It’s also relatively small, so it’s not suitable for those who prefer to go on group camping and cook larger portions.
Nevertheless, these downsides are relatively minor and don’t detract from the overall quality and usefulness of the cookware. It’s a durable, versatile, and space-saving set that is a standout among options in camping cookware.
Set includes:
- Bowls (20 OZ / 591 ML)
- Bowl lids that double as cutting boards
- Spatula with extending handle
- Ladle with extending handle
- Pot (1.58 QT / 1.5 L)
- Stainless steel vented pot lid
Best For Backpacking: Snow Peak Personal Cooker 3
Weight: 1.3 lbs (0.6 kg)
Material: Stainless Steel
Dimensions:
– Pot 1 – 5.4 in x 3 in (13.7 x 7.62 cm)
– Pot 2 – 4.75 in x 2.75 in (12 x 7 cm)
– Bowl – 5.9 in (15 cm)
Servings: 1 person
Washing: recommended to be hand washed with dish soap
The Snow Peak Personal Cooker is our top pick for backpackers that still want to cook over open fire. It’s designed to be used for making simple meals and boiling water for hot beverages. It’s no camping kettle, but it does the job well.
The highlight of this cookware is its compact design, and weighing in at a mere 1.3 pounds, it’s a reasonably lightweigh addition to your backpack. It also comes with a useful carrying case or camping mess kit that makes it easy to transport and protects it from damage when you travel.
One potential downside to the Personal Cooker 3 is also its weight. Because it’s such a light campfire cooking kit, it’s prone to tipping over camp stoves or campfire grill grates, so you need to be extra careful when you make your meals or drinks with this set.
Overall, it’s a great budget campfire cooking kit for anyone looking for compact and lightweight camping cooking gear. It’s a perfect companion for portable camp stoves. It has a durable construction, easy to use, and has versatile performance – one of the best ones out there for solo campers and backpackers.
Set includes:
- Pots
- Lid
- Frying Pan
- Bowl
- Plate
- Mesh Bag
MSR Alpine 2-Pot Set
Weight: 1.62 lbs (0.73 kg)
Material: Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 7.6 in x 4.4 in x 8.2 in (19.3 x 11.2 x 20.8 cm)
Servings: 2 persons
The MSR Alpine 2-Pot Set is a high-quality and durable cookware set that’s designed for solo campers or 2 people. It includes two stainless steel pots and a lid that doubles as a plate or cutting board.
A particular highlight of this camping cookware is its versatility because it features pots of different sizes. This makes it much easier for you if you want to cook two different types of dishes at the same time over the campfire.
The set is also designed to have efficient packing and storage, and the pots nest inside each other so there’s no extra bulk.
One potential downside is its size and price. This can only serve two people, so it can cause issues if you want to go group camping. It’s also higher in price, but the quality is higher than most, and very durable. This cooking gear can even last for up to 20 years of active users, according to some reviews.
The set is a great choice if you want something that has high quality that lasts a long time.
Set includes:
- 1.5 L Pot
- 2L Pot
- Lid/Plate
- Panhandler Pot Handle
- Stuff Sack
MSR Alpine 4 Stainless Steel Pot Cookset
Weight: 3.1 lbs (1.4 kg)
Material: Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 9 in x 4.7 in x 9.6 in (22.9 x 12 x 22.4 cm)
Servings: 3 to 4 persons
If you want more options, the MSR Alpine 4 Pot Set has three different pots and one plate. This means you can cook a variety of meals simultaneously, and the serving size is also bigger than most smaller cookware, as you can serve up to 3 people with this set.
The design is lightweight and compact, where each pot can nest on top of the other and weighs only 3.1 pounds in total. It’s great for easy storage and transport, taking up minimal space in a backpack or camping gear bag.
The pots are also very sturdy on the camp stove even though they’re small, thanks to the wide bases and foldable handles that lock in place.
A downside is that it might bend due to its lightness, but if you’re careful, this campfire cooking kit can last you a while. It’s a great mid-way choice if you want to go camping with 3 to 4 people.
Set includes:
- 1L Pot
- 2L Pot
- 3L Pot
- Lids/Plates
- PanHandler Pot Handle
- Stuff Sack
Most Accessories: Quechua Non-Stick Stainless Steel 2-person 14-Piece Camp Cookset 2.1 L
Weight: 2.6 lbs (1.2 kg)
Material: Stainless Steel
Servings: 2 persons
If you’re interested in buying a cook set for two, the Quechua SS 2-person set is complete and lightweight, perfect for those looking for entry-level camping cookware.
What sets them apart is their accessories! This cooking kit comes complete with mugs, cutleries, strainer, and even a table mat for your convenience, all you need for your next camping trip! The nonstick coating is also helpful if you hate washing and scrubbing.
There are some downsides to this set, though, as the silicone elements may melt when it gets too close to the fire. The non-stick material can also peel after some wear and tear.
Nevertheless, it’s still a good product for people who are casual campers, and who’d like a simple, lightweight, and complete set that they can bring to the campsite.
Set includes:
- Measuring saucepan with one folding handle
- Frying pan with folding and locking handle
- Bowls
- Mugs
- Sets of 3 pieces of cutlery
- Lid/Strainer
- Silicone locking system/Table mat
- Carry case
How to Choose the Best Campfire Cooking Kit for You
There are a few things that you need to pay attention to when you’re picking the right campfire cooking kit.
Some of these factors will depend on your needs and wants, such as the number of servings you desire, what kind of accessories you will need, or the budget you have set.
There are also fundamental things that you need to look at such as the outdoor cooking kits’ durability and materials and their portability.
Nevertheless, you can decide which factors are most important for you as we discuss each in detail:
Durability and Materials
Three of the most common materials used in campfire cooking are cast iron, anodized aluminum, and stainless steel.
Out of the three, stainless steel can withstand the highest temperature and won’t scratch easily. It’s also very easy to clean and requires no maintenance.
Cast iron is also great for open fire but is more difficult to clean and maintain, especially in a camping environment. You need to keep cast iron bone-dry or it can rust on you. Don’t leave food in a cast iron pot or pan.
Anodized aluminum can only stand up to 660 degrees Celsius, so it might warp or even melt when you put it into open wood fire.
Portability and Weight
Most of the time when you go on a camping trip, you’re going to have to go on a little bit of a hike to your campground. It’s not ideal to carry something so heavy while you’re hiking, it can make you tired or even damage your back and knees.
Most of the time, you’re already carrying your other camping gear so you want your campfire cooking kit to be as light as possible.
It should also be portable and doesn’t take up too much space inside your storage bag.
If you are backpacking, weight is even more of the essence, and you don’t want to be lugging around some heavy campfire cooking equipment in addition to your tent and sleeping bag.
Of the three materials we’ve given you, cast iron cookware is the heaviest of them all. This is because cast iron cookware is brittle and needs to be thicker than most metals, making it heavier as a result.
Although cast iron cookware might seem like a good choice because of its durability and versatility, you might be better off choosing something else if you don’t want to bring a heavy backpack filled with pre-seasoned cast iron pans up to your campsite.
If you are car camping and driving to your campsite, on the other hand, no problem!
Accessories
Another factor you need to consider is the kinds and number of accessories your campfire cooking kit has. You don’t want to buy something too simple, because you might be missing something you need.
You also wouldn’t want to get something that’s overly complicated that it takes over the entire space in your backpack when you won’t even use them.
Some of the campfire cooking essentials are a grill grate or a stable surface to cook your food on, campfire cooking utensils such as spatula or tongs, pots or pans, and sometimes you might need a grill tripod.
Other campfire cooking kits include knives and cutting boards, but if you’re comfortable with using an all-purpose knife, there’s no need to splurge for a designated one. Additionally, you should also invest in a heat-resistant glove to handle your hot campfire cooking equipment.
Number of Servings
A factor that will depend entirely on your needs and camping style is the number of servings you’ll be preparing.
Various campfire cooking kits can give you a different number of servings, so you need to take into account who you usually go on your next camping trips with.
If you’re more of a loner and prefer to camp alone, you can buy a cheaper set that serves a solo camper. But if you’re a social camper and always go on trips with your friends and family, you should splurge for something that can serve your entire crew.
Bear in mind that this will also affect the price and portability of the utensils – more servings mean a higher price and less portable, so choose wisely.
Price
Last but certainly not least, set your budget first before you decide to buy a campfire cooking kit. If you don’t mind splurging, then go ahead and buy a comprehensive kit that’s a bit more expensive.
But if you’re planning on saving, you can always pick something with a reasonable price that still has mid-quality.
It’s all about balance and how you determine what’s more important for you. If you’re an occasional camper, you probably don’t want to invest too much money in a campfire cooking kit.
On the other hand, if you go camping often, then a more expensive one will make sense. You should pick something more durable that can take a lot of wear and tear. Ultimately this goes back to your needs and habits to ensure you get the best value for your money.
How Do You Build A Campfire To Cook On?
Building a campfire to cook on requires a bit of preparation and care to ensure safety and effectiveness. Here are the steps to follow:
Choose a location: Find a clear and open spot away from any trees or flammable materials. Make sure it is legal to build a fire in the area you have chosen.
Gather materials: You’ll need dry kindling, larger logs, and some rocks to create a fire ring.
Build a fire ring: Arrange the rocks in a circle, leaving a gap to place your cooking pot or pan. This will help contain the fire and prevent it from spreading.
Prepare the fire: Start by placing some kindling in the center of the fire ring, then add some larger logs around it in a teepee shape. Make sure to leave enough space for air to circulate.
Light the fire: Use a lighter or matches to light the kindling. Blow gently on the flames to help them catch.
Let the fire burn down: Wait until the flames have died down and you are left with a bed of hot coals. This is the ideal heat source for cooking.
Place your cooking pot or pan on the rocks: Position it over the gap in the fire ring so that it is stable and secure.
Cook your food: Add your ingredients to the pot or pan and stir regularly to ensure even cooking.
Keep an eye on the fire: Monitor the fire at all times and never leave it unattended. Use a shovel or water to put out the fire completely when you are finished cooking.
Remember to always practice fire safety when building a campfire and check local fire regulations before starting a fire.
FAQ
What Type Of Cookware Is Best For A Campfire?
The type of cooking kit will depend on the materials. Generally speaking, you can use three different materials to cook over an open fire pit which are stainless steel, cast iron, and anodized aluminum.
Here are the average melting points of four common metals used in camping cookware:
Aluminum: 1,220°F (660°C)
Aluminum alloys: 865°F to 1,240°F (463°C to 671°C)
Cast iron: 2,060°F (1,130°C)
Stainless steel: 2,750°F (1,510°C)
Can You Cook Anything Over A Campfire?
Yes, you can virtually cook anything you’d like over a campfire with the right tools. If you prefer your meals to be quick and easy, you can use the skillet to cook hassle-free meals such as French toast, hot dogs, or scrambled eggs.
On the other hand, if you want something that requires an oven like pizza, you can use Dutch ovens. For grilling sausages and meats, you can use a campfire cooking grate. Ensure you prepare the dish beforehand, rather than fiddling around the campsite. That way, all you need to do is cook food.
What Type Of Fire Is Best For Cooking?
The ideal outdoor campfire cooking fire will consist mainly of hot coals and small embers instead of a big fire in a campfire tripod. They’re much more stable, and you’ll be less likely to burn your campfire cooking utensils or food.
Typically you’ll start with a wood-burning fire, wait until you generate enough coals for campfire cooking and you can then set your camping cooking kits above it. How long you should expect coals will depend on the weather or woods, but usually, it takes about 45 minutes.
Can Campfire Cooking Kits Be Used For Other Activities?
Yes, you can use your campfire cooking kits for other outdoor cooking activities, such as on an outdoor grill. This is because the campfire cooking kits can withstand high temperatures, so they will be adequate for other outdoor cooking activities too.
We’d like to suggest you separate your camping cooking kits based on activities because having a dedicated set for camping will mean easier packing and hassle-free preparation.
Are Campfire Cooking Kits Easy To Clean?
Yes, campfire cooking kits can be cleaned easily. Some campfire cooking utensils are even dishwasher safe, which means all you need to do is to rinse them with water and let the dishwasher do the hard work for you.
For some that are not dishwasher safe, you might need to scrub them yourself. But usually, almost all of them can be handled just like you would a regular cooking utensil.
