Depending on where you’re camping and the facilities that are available either on site or nearby, you might choose to take a break from cooking too. But, if you’re planning an expedition for any length of time, you’re probably going to cook, and that means you’re going to have some sort of kitchen set up. So what do you really need?
- Depending on the facilities, you may choose to camp without doing any cooking.
- A longer trip will probably mean some sort of cooking commitment.
- So what do you need for your camping kitchen?
As usual, there’s as much camping kitchen kit available as you could possibly want, but it really doesn’t have to be that sophisticated or costly. Clearly, the shorter the trip, the less cooking equipment is required so a few lidded plastic boxes and a securable cool box should do it (although securable is key – never underestimate the ability of a persistent puppy when it comes to forbidden food).
A cool bag with ice packs might be fine if you can lock it away in the car and some cool boxes can be plugged into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter as well. An electric cool box, although a costlier option, can work from the mains electricity supply on the campsite.
If you’re cooking a one-pot meal, you’ll only need a single burner stove (with fuel canisters) and a pan, plus a camping kettle for hot drinks, enough bowls and cutlery, a spoon for stirring and serving, and a probably a kitchen knife. If you have a pitch with an electric hook-up, you can, of course, opt for an electric stove.
For longer trips or more people, choosing a double-burner stove means more flexibility as you can boil the kettle while cooking, or have more dishes cooking at the same time.
If it’s a longer trip then really the sky’s the limit for equipment. If you think you might need it or want it, whatever it is, the chances are that someone supplies it.
Proper camping kitchens are foldable, portable constructions that usually comprise of a strong frame, metal wind breaks, shelves and a work surface, and they fit into a carry bag in between use. Obviously they cover a wide range of sizes and prices so there’s plenty of flexibility to find a camping kitchen that fulfils your requirements for what you need and what you want to spend.
You can bring your own pots and pans and of course, if they’re of different sizes, they may well stack inside each other. But if you like the idea you can get specific camping cooking sets where the different components are designed to collapse or stack together. These are usually made from lightweight aluminium making them easy to transport and easy to store.
Likewise, collapsible or stackable bowls are unbreakable and compact, and you’re bound to be able to find a set or sets that suit your requirements from lone camper to a party of 10. You’ll probably need a chopping board, a sharp knife, and definitely enough cutlery, while including kitchen roll, washing up liquid, and a tea towel means that everyone else can show their appreciation for your culinary efforts!
For safety’s sake (fire risk and carbon monoxide poisoning) it’s far wiser not to cook inside the tent. Many have a front porch that allows for adequate ventilation whilst providing shelter. Otherwise, outside is best.
And last but not least, although not technically part of your camping kitchen, remember the camping chairs so after all your hard work, you can sit back and enjoy your meal.