What You Need to Successfully Cook Outdoors
Outdoor Cooking
To cook outdoors is often a favorite highlight of summer activities, picnics, and many camping trips. Whether you enjoy grilling burgers, hot-dogs or getting creative over an open fire, cooking outside can be a fun experience for anyone. Take a few minutes to prepare a simple menu for your next picnic or camping trip ahead of time and use your outdoor meal plans to help pack your kitchen items as well as your ingredients.
Every camping trip will require a different assortment of camp kitchen supplies depending on the event’s activities and the menu you plan. If you plan to do a lot of camping or are already an avid camper, there are a number of cooking supplies you should keep on hand for your camping outings.
Camping Cooler
A suitably sized quality cooler with a secure clasp, like those offered by Coleman, is a camping necessity. Cooler chests with a removable food tray are ideal for keeping meats and sandwich spreads cool until you are ready to use them. For extended camping trips, consider using block ice in your cooler rather than crushed or cubes and freeze meats like steak, hamburger, chicken, or pork for longer freshness.
Coleman 60qt Insulated Wheeled Cooler
Perfect for keeping your drinks and food chilled during your outdoor adventures
Product information
$54.99
Product Review Score
4.89 out of 5 stars
194 reviewsProduct links
Portable Grill
You will also need an assortment of cooking surfaces to accommodate various types of meal preparations. If you plan to cook over a campfire, you will need a grill grate or a camp grill. Many campgrounds offer guests a small charcoal grill at each camp site, but you will want to keep an extra portable grill on hand for stays at locations without an on-site grill. You may opt for a portable propane grill instead of charcoal.
Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill - Black Color
Perfect for grilling on-the-go with the Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill in Black Color!
Product information
$418.80 $399.00
Product Review Score
4.71 out of 5 stars
71 reviewsProduct links
Camp Stove alternative
For a more versatile outdoor cooking experience, you will want a good, quality camp stove. Coleman is one of the leading manufacturers of camp stoves and they offer a wide range of sizes and accessories. You will want at least a single burner camp stove, but you may want to consider a two burner stove for more usability. A griddle surface is a nice addition to your camp stove for easy breakfast preparation and more.
Coleman Triton 2-Burner Camping Propane Stove
Perfect for cooking delicious meals under the stars whether you're at the campsite or in your backyard
Product information
$65.77
Product Review Score
4.93 out of 5 stars
75 reviewsProduct links
Onsite Cooking Prep
If you're are planning to use charcoal, then lighter fluid and matches (stored in a sealed waterproof container) will be needed. Keep a couple of thick oven mitts and potholders with your outdoor cooking supplies. Also include aluminum foil, salt, pepper, and other seasonings.
Cookware and utensils
You will need camping cookware and cooking utensils as well. Pots and pans designed for outdoor cooking, like the Stanley Wildfare Stainless Steel Cookset, can be used on the camp stove or on the camp grill over the fire. A heavy dutch oven is also nice for stews, pasta, and meats. Keep an assortment of spatulas, knives, and cooking spoons with your camping supplies.
Stanley Wildfare 26-Piece Stainless Steel Cookset
Everything you need for a perfect outdoor cooking adventure
Product information
$90.00
Product Review Score
4.18 out of 5 stars
188 reviewsProduct links
Wesqunie 25-Piece Camping Cooking Utensils Set
Everything you need for a perfect outdoor cooking experience, from grilling to meal prep
Product information
$39.99
Product Review Score
4.5 out of 5 stars
106 reviewsProduct links
Serving up the Meal
Camping enamelware is great for dining on or you can use paper plates and cups with plastic silverware. Remember to pack condiments like ketchup and mustard along with items like napkins and paper towels. Don't forget the buns!
Coleman 24-Piece Enamel Camping Dinnerware Set
Everything you need for outdoor meals with friends and family, all in one durable set
Product information
$54.99 $49.15
Product Review Score
4.52 out of 5 stars
169 reviewsProduct links
After the Meal
You may want to consider a coffee percolator for cool evenings beside the campfire. Along with a camp fork or skewer which is great for roasting marshmallows (for making S'mores) afterwards. Plus skewers are handy to have for open flame cooked hot dogs.
Coletti Bozeman 9-Cup Stainless Steel Coffee Pot
Brew your perfect cup of coffee right over the campfire or on your grill with this durable, easy-to-use pot
Product information
$37.29
Product Review Score
4.61 out of 5 stars
27 reviewsProduct links
Extra Long Rotating Marshmallow Roasting Sticks Set
Perfect for camping trips or backyard bonfires to enjoy deliciously roasted treats safely from a distance
Product information
$26.79
Product Review Score
4.85 out of 5 stars
28 reviewsProduct links
Cleanup and Storage
Purchase a dish pan, dish cloths, and a small bottle of dish soap just for your camping trips. You may also want to have a few heavy duty scrubbing pads. Bring along a few garbage bags just in case. And you may need a few plastic containers or freezer bags to store food leftovers.
Final Reminder
Don’t forget to keep your camping recipes with your outdoor cooking supplies to make shopping and meal planning easier. Have Fun!
