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The best camping cookware

• Handy, on-the-road cookware
• Minimum space usage
• Perfect for camping or caravanning 

Written by Ryan Gilmore Updated: 29 November 2023

If, on previous campervanning trips, your living space has been filled with your home cookware rattling around and eating up valuable space while unwieldy cookware dangles precariously off a small hook, then maybe it’s time to look at the best camping cookware. You’ve got a good camping hob, so it’s worth ensuring the accessories are up to scratch, too.

These sets are designed to take up a tiny amount of space while offering plenty of uses in a lightweight, well-made package. The majority of these products are designed for campers and for being stuffed into/clipped onto rucksacks, meaning even the smallest of campervans should swallow the various camping cooking utensils up with ease.

It’s inevitable that when you are on the road, you have to compromise a little with most things, but that doesn’t necessarily mean doing without the little luxuries of life like a decent cup of coffee, a nice fry-up or even a delicious toastie. We’ve had a look around to see what cookware is available to make your road trip just that little bit better.

The best camping cookware at a glance:

Best for simple campervan meals (Editor’s choice): Cozyswan Outdoor Pot Pan Set – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best for campervan brew-ups: HI-GEAR Collapsible Kettle 1.5L – Buy now from Go Outdoors
Best for tasty campervan toasties: Outdoor Revolution Camping Double Sandwich Maker – Buy now from Amazon UK

The best camping cookware

Best for simple campervan meals (Editor's choice)
Offering two decently sized pans in a space-saving design, we like this set as a quality set of basic cookware. The pans are made of aluminium and, as such, are incredibly lightweight (less than 300g altogether) and feature clever folding handles to maximise space. When in storage, the insides can even be used to store items.

Pros

  • Pans are a good size
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • The silicone handle covers can be damaged by flames

Best campervan all-in-one set
A step up from the Cozyswan, this set from AWR Outdoor includes a pot with a lid, a pan and a stovetop kettle. Featuring the same low weight (640g) thanks to the aluminium construction and features the same clever folding handles. Obviously, it lacks the internal storage that the above unit offers, but the fact it contains a proper kettle makes it a really good choice. The inclusion of a lid for the pot will also be welcomed when you're cooking.

Pros

  • Comes with a handy storage bag
  • Non-stick coating

Cons

  • No real internal storage
Best for campervan cooking creativity
If you're a camper who enjoys cooking outside on your holiday, then this lightweight set from Trangia is the perfect set for you. Featuring a stove, two windshields, two pans, a combined lid/frypan, and a handle for an overall weight of 720g, it's a seriously impressive piece of kit.

Pros

  • Easy to look after
  • Versatile set

Cons

  • A bit bulkier than the other sets

Best for campervan fry-ups
Price: $65.99
Alternative Retailers
Walmart
$10.00
A frying pan will often use up the most space and be a general pest to deal with, which is why we like this Stanley option so much. It looks like a storage box when not in use and holds seven pieces of cookware inside it. It comes with two sporks, two plates, a spatula as well as a lid. The actual frying pan also features a clever folding handle, so it won't take up loads of room.

Pros

  • Made from food-grade stainless steel
  • Comes with lots of handy accessories

Cons

  • Not as lightweight as some other sets
Best for campervan brew-ups
Kettles tend to take up a fair bit of room, and nobody wants to sacrifice a cup of tea or coffee when on holiday, which makes this collapsable kettle such a clever idea. It offers a generous 1.5-litre capacity and can be collapsed in seconds thanks to its clever construction.

Pros

  • Space-saving design
  • Sturdy build

Cons

  • It is plastic, so only suitable for use on gas

Best for campervan toasties
There are few pleasures as good as a proper toastie. There a quite a few devices for making toast over the campfire, but whether you put cheese, ham or even hog dogs between the bread, this toaster grill works with any source of heat and can be used to make more than just toasties; the promotional material shows it being used for a Full English breakfast. It's not the most efficiently packaged option here, but you'll be the envy of the campgrounds as you wander around with a fresh toastie in hand.

Pros

  • Mmmmm, toasties!
  • Non-stick coating

Cons

  • Not for use on an induction hob

Best for a proper campervan coffee
Any coffee nerd will know that you're looking at as much pressure as possible to make a proper espresso. The issue is that creating said pressure in a campervan can be difficult and eat up valuable space. This small espresso from Handpresso requires you to hand pump it up to pressure but will make an excellent coffee once it's all done. You'll need to boil the water separately, but it's a great piece of kit for a coffee in a pinch. Whether you can use the pump to inflate a flat tyre remains to be seen.

Pros

  • No power source is required
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Requires pre-boiled water

Best for campervan water storage
Price: $29.99
Alternative Retailers
Walmart
$39.99
The Colapz water container is a real triumph of thoughtful design. Being collapsible is merely a superficial feature – there is so much more going on here.
In terms of materials, this container is made from recyclable, BPA-free, food-grade plastic, which is UV-resistant and frostproof. There is a wide lid on top for easy filling and a dispenser at the bottom for easy draining. You can also take the lid off and use this as a bucket. The handle also acts as an elastic strap to secure the container when collapsed down.

Colapz offers accessories that extend this container's users further. For example, it can be connected to the Colapz travel shower or a mains water adaptor kit with a control valve, which gives you a constant water supply that doesn't overflow.

Pros

  • Versatile use
  • Quality construction from food-grade materials

Cons

  • Not suitable for transporting water
Best for campervan chefs
This single induction hob from Daewood is ideal for campsite cooking, especially if you're in a motorhome or caravan. At 2,000 watts, there's plenty of power for boiling water for pasta and rice or cooking up all the essentials for a delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner.

There are a number of handy features present to help a camp chef deliver a tasty feast, including timers and specific heat settings for frying, steaming and warming. For safety and longevity, there's also an auto-off function and overheat protection.

Pros

  • Powerful hob
  • No naked flames

Cons

  • Can be noisy in operation

The best camping cookware FAQs

What should I look for when choosing camping cookware?
You should consider factors such as weight, durability, size, heat distribution, ease of cleaning, and compatibility with your camping stove or cooking method not forgetting campfire safety.

What materials are commonly used in the best camping cookware?
Common materials include stainless steel, aluminium, titanium, cast iron, and non-stick coatings. Each material has its own pros and cons, such as weight, heat distribution, and durability, so it’s worth considering these things.

How do I clean and maintain camping cookware?
Most camping and campervan cookware is designed to be easily cleaned with hot water and mild soap. Avoid using abrasive materials that can damage non-stick coatings. Make sure you dry cookware properly before storing it to prevent rust or mould.

Can I use regular kitchen cookware in my campervan?
While it is possible, it may not be ideal due to its weight and bulkiness. Camping and caravanning cookware is designed to be lightweight, durable, and easy to transport. Even something as simple as spoons can be made more compact if you opt for some camping cutlery.

Are there any specific features or accessories that I should consider?
Some features to consider include foldable handles for compact storage, lids with straining holes, stackable design or nesting capabilities for easy packing, and compatibility with different stove types.

Ryan Gilmore is the Deputy Autos and Tool Editor for Parkers and CAR, specialising in car cleaning and hand tools. He also contributes to What’s The Best.

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