There is something unique and indescribably satisfying about cooking your own meals on your camping trip. Whether it’s the rustic charm of simpler times or a welcome break from your usual cooking routine, meals prepared and enjoyed at the campsite are very special. Sharing a delicious meal in the beauty of nature brings family and friends closer, creating wonderful memories that last a lifetime.
While there are many gadgets and accessories available to stock your camping kitchen arsenal, the most important thing to consider while choosing your camping kitchen gear is its utility. When possible, you should select equipment and utensils that serve more than one purpose. This way, you can create a multifunctional cooking space that can be packed in and packed up with ease. Whether you’re gathering the basics for your first camping cookout, or looking to streamline what you already have, the following gear will help you put together a well-appointed and efficient camping kitchen.
Cast Iron Skillet
Believe it or not, the good old skillet made of heavy cast iron is among the most useful cooking accessories in the US. Their versatility makes them a perfect fit to different types of cooking, including stove, bonfire, and oven. What’s more? You can prepare a huge variety of dishes and menus with this single magic utensil. Cast iron skillets require minimal maintenance, and even come in lightweight versions equally as strong as their heavier, more traditional counterparts.
Aeropress Coffee Maker
We all need our cup (or cups) of coffee to start the day off right, and during a camping trip is no exception. While there are many automatic coffee makers that prepare coffee in a jiffy, they still leave all the cleaning up to you. A better, low-fuss alternative is the Aeropress. This instant coffee maker doesn’t need electricity, is small enough to fit in your backpack, and produces a perfect cup of coffee in no time. What more could you ask?
Hand Blender
Few cooking accessories will serve you while camping as much as a good-quality hand blender – also known as an eggbeater. You can use this multipurpose tool for preparing soups, sauces, smoothies and much more. Additionally, it can be used to chop nuts, fruits and vegetables, and also to whisk eggs.
Compact Colander
Cooking in a camping kitchen can require a lot of washing and rinsing. This is where a compact colander, preferably one that can be collapsed, comes to the rescue. These kitchen helpers come in a variety of sizes, designs and materials; silicone and metal are the most popular. With the right one in tow, you will have no problem rinsing fruits and vegetables or cleaning a freshly caught fish.
Disposable Plates and Cups
You should always carry at least some disposable plates and cups on your camping trips. They come in handy for situations in which it would be difficult to pack or wash traditional reusable dishes or cups. You don’t have to frown at the mention of the word ‘disposable’. There are some amazing, eco-friendly disposables available on the market.
Covered Knives
You will undoubtedly need knives of different shapes and sizes on your camping trips, and it’s wise to keep a separate set designated for cooking. All knives in your camping gear should have covers, especially your cooking knives. Having covers makes it easy for you to keep the knife blades clean, and store and retrieve them without hurting yourself in the process. Needless to say, this is especially important if you have kids with you.
Insulated Gloves
On your camping trip, you will (hopefully) build a bonfire or campfire. Cooking over the open flame means you could be handling hot utensils. This is why you need good-quality gloves to protect your hands. You will be able to prevent many unpleasant burns and injuries with these simple yet effective accessories.
The most important thing to consider before purchasing any of these cooking accessories is their first-hand feedback. Look for options that are used and trusted by many people. Online reviews and user experiences should be your guiding light when purchasing these items. Incorporating these cooking accessories into your camping kitchen can make a big difference in how you prepare meals at your campsite. Once you start using them on the go, you will realize how much of your time and effort they save, giving you additional time to spend enjoying the experience of the trip and making memories.
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