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The best camping cooking utensils

• Save valuable space in your campervan
• Nifty camping utensils
• Keep cooking those great outdoor meals

Written by Ryan Gilmore Updated: 6 December 2023

Everyone remembers to bring a knife and a saucepan on a campervanning holiday, but it can be easy to overlook other camping cooking utensils. Things like tongs, spatulas, ladles and other bits of camping cookware can all be time-saving and can make life so much easier than doing everything with the same tool – but are easily forgotten.

Before you empty the cutlery drawer into your campervan (unnecessary items like a tenderiser and fondue forks included), take a look at these compact cooking utensils ordinarily used for camping. These utensils are portable, lightweight, and durable, making them suitable for outdoor cooking where space and weight are often limited. Besides, just because you are enjoying the great outdoors, it doesn’t mean you need to suppress your inner Heston Blumenthal.

Have a look at these handy camping cooking utensils. Each one will take up next to no room and make your next campervanning campfire cooking experience that little bit easier – and hopefully, the food tastier!

The best camping cooking utensils at a glance:

Editor’s choice: Camping Accessories Set – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best variety of campervan cooking utensils: 10 Piece Silicone Kitchen Utensils Set – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best foldable campervan washing-up basin: HI-GEAR Folding Wash Drainer – Buy now from Go Outdoors

The best camping cooking utensils

This unassuming army-green bag is actually a fully stocked kitchen (apart from the actual food). This set from Isforu offers seven utensils for a variety of food preparation and cooking tasks, it's a very clever option for saving space. It features a cooking knife, scissors (with bottle opener), chopping board, ladle, spatula, tongs and a rice paddle. There's a dedicated space for each item, so it's always tidy, and you know exactly where everything is.

Pros

  • Well organised
  • Dishwasher safe

Cons

  • Heavier than expected
Best variety of campervan cooking utensils
Silicone is a top material for kitchen utensils; it's heat-resistant, lightweight and good luck damaging it. This pack of ten all feature a hook in the bottom, meaning they can be threaded together for easy storage or can dangle from hooks to prevent them from taking up valuable drawer/countertop space. The silicone material is also great for preventing any damage to pots which have a non-stick coating.

Pros

  • Sturdy
  • A good variety of utensils

Cons

  • No storage or carrying bag

Best campervan utensils for cooking and washing-up

Rrp: $39.95

Price: $33.00
Alternative Retailers
DICK'S Sporting Goods
$12.97
Walmart
$26.99
Outdoor Gear Exchange
$39.95
Most campervans sadly lack a dishwasher, and those campervan plates still get dirty. This compact option from GSI contains washing-up provisions (scraper, scrub pad, soap bottle and dry towel) as well as the usual kitchen appliances and even two seasoning shakers. Once your meal has been prepped, served, and eaten, and the utensils all washed up, they can be stored in the neat carry case. It also zips up into a small carry bag.

Pros

  • Helps to keep the campervan tidy
  • Easy to store

Cons

  • Not suitable for the more adventurous chef
Best foldable campervan washing-up basin
While it isn't the highlight of anyone's camping trip (until they invent a travel dishwasher), doing the washing-up will continue to be a necessary part of your day. With this clever collapsible tub, you can fill it to do the washing-up, and then once it's emptied out, it can be folded down flat to provide a handy drying rack. You don't want to waste too much storage space on dull but necessary items, so when folded flat, it can be easily stored away - a neat little space-saving product.

Pros

  • Collapsible
  • Easy to store

Cons

  • Not so good for larger groups

Best campervan foldable utensils
The JetboilJetSet utensils are made from durable, high-temperature nylon and are long enough to reach the bottom of camping cups and pots without causing any scratching. When not in use, the handles telescope down, allowing the utensils to be easily stored.

Pros

  • Compact and lightweight
  • Won't scratch non-stick surfaces

Cons

  • Limited flexibility

Camping cooking utensils FAQs

The best utensils to use in your campervan are generally those that have been designed for camping. They save space, are rugged and are generally multi-purpose. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about campervan cooking utensils.

What are camping kitchen utensils?
These are tools and equipment specifically designed for use in outdoor cooking and meal preparation. They are portable, lightweight, and often have features to withstand the rugged conditions of camping.

What are some essential camping kitchen utensils?
Essentials typically include a camping stove or grill, cookware (such as pots, pans, and skillets), utensils (like spatulas, tongs, and serving spoons), knives, cutting boards, and camping-friendly dishware. If you need your caffeine fix, there are even camping coffee makers.

What material is best for camping cookware?
Materials like stainless steel, cast iron, and titanium are popular choices. They are durable, resistant to high temperatures, and can cope with the rough handling often associated with camping.

Can I use regular kitchen utensils for camping?
While this is possible, it’s often more convenient to invest in specialized camping utensils. Camping utensils are designed to be lightweight, compact, and durable, making them better suited for outdoor use.

What features should I consider when buying camping kitchen utensils?
Consider factors such as weight, size, durability, heat resistance, ease of cleaning, and portability. Look for utensils that are specifically designed for camping to ensure they can withstand the demands of outdoor use.

Ryan Gilmore is the Deputy Autos and Tools Editor for Parkers and CAR, specialising in car cleaning and hand tools. With an MA in Automotive Journalism, when he’s not testing buckets he can be found looking at old Porsches.

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