The Indestructible Iron: A Camping Cookware Essential

Whether you're a camping connoisseur or a novice nature navigator, a good set of iron cookware is essential for whipping up delicious meals in the great outdoors. Offering durability, versatility, and ease of use, cast iron is a popular choice for camping cookware. From skillets and pots to Dutch ovens and griddles, cast iron sets are perfect for cooking a variety of dishes, from bacon and eggs to soups and stews.

When choosing iron cookware for camping, consider your specific needs and cooking style. If you're an adventurous chef who enjoys experimenting with different cuisines, a set with multiple pieces, like the Lodge Cast Iron Combo Cooker, might be ideal. On the other hand, if you prefer simplicity and ease of use, a basic cast iron skillet or pot may suffice. Additionally, think about the number of people you typically cook for and select a set with a suitable capacity.

Remember to consider your heat source and typical use case. If you plan to cook over a campfire or charcoal, avoid cookware with plastic components that could melt. For campfire cooking, a cast iron Dutch oven or skillet is a great option, providing even heat distribution and the ability to cook a wide range of dishes.

When it comes to maintenance, cast iron cookware requires proper seasoning, cleaning, and care to ensure its longevity. Seasoning your cast iron cookware creates a natural non-stick surface and helps prevent rust. Always clean your cast iron cookware promptly after use and avoid using harsh soaps or scrubbing pads, as these can damage the seasoning.

Whether you're a gourmet chef or a camping novice, investing in a good set of iron cookware will elevate your outdoor dining experiences. With the right tools and a bit of practice, you'll be whipping up delicious meals in the heart of nature in no time!

Cast iron skillets

• Lodge Cast Iron Skillet: This skillet comes in different sizes, including 6.5 inches, 8 inches, 10.25 inches, and 12 inches. It is pre-seasoned, has a signature teardrop handle, and can be used on a stove, grill, or over a campfire.
• Lodge Blacklock Cast Iron Skillet: This 10.25-inch skillet features a slightly more premium design with a blacklock construction and a slightly thicker base for better heat retention.
• Lodge Cast Iron Mini Skillet: This 3.5-inch skillet is perfect for cooking smaller portions or for those who want a more compact option.
• Utopia Kitchen Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet Set: This set includes three skillets in 6-inch, 8-inch, and 10-inch sizes, offering versatility for different cooking needs.
• GSI Outdoors Bugaboo Frypans: These non-stick skillets are great for cooking delicate foods like omelets, scrambled eggs, and pancakes. They come in 8-inch, 10-inch, and square-shaped options, with foldable handles for easy packing.
• Lodge Cast Iron Combo Cooker: This unique set includes a 10.25-inch shallow skillet and a deeper 3.2-quart pan that can be used separately or combined to form a Dutch oven, offering versatility for different cooking styles.
• Lodge Reversible Griddle/Grill: This 16.75-inch reversible griddle/grill is great for cooking larger batches of food and can be used over a campfire or on a stove.
• Le Creuset Alpine Outdoor Enameled Cast Iron Skillet: This 10-inch skillet features a durable enameled cast iron construction and is available in a vibrant red colour.
• Snow Peak Micro Oval Dutch Oven: This 9.5-inch by 6.3-inch Dutch oven is perfect for camping, with a compact size and a cast iron construction for even heat distribution.

Campfire cooking

Cooking with iron cookware over a campfire is a fun and easy way to prepare delicious meals outdoors. Here are some tips and recommendations for campfire cooking with iron cookware:

Choosing the Right Iron Cookware for Campfire Cooking:

• Consider the size of your group: For larger groups, opt for bigger cookware sets with multiple pots and pans, like the GSI Glacier Stainless Troop Cookset.
• Material: Cast iron is durable, versatile, and retains heat well. Stainless steel is also durable but prone to hot spots. Aluminum is lightweight and distributes heat well but may not be as long-lasting.
• Heat source: If you plan to use a campfire as your heat source, avoid cookware with plastic components that could melt.
• Budget: You don't need to spend a fortune to get a good iron cookware set for camping. The Lodge Cast Iron Combo Cooker is a versatile and affordable option.

Recommended Iron Cookware Sets for Campfire Cooking:

• Lodge Cast Iron Combo Cooker: Includes a 3.2-quart deep pot and a 10.25-inch frying pan that can be used separately or combined as a Dutch oven.
• GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Dualist HS: Lightweight and compact, this set includes a 1.9-quart pot, two bowls, two insulated mugs with lids, two folding sporks, and a stuff sack.
• Stanley Adventure Base Camp: High-quality and affordable, this set includes a 3.7-quart stainless steel pot, a small frying pan, four plates, four bowls, a cutting board, utensils, and a drying rack.
• Sea to Summit Alpha 1.1: A lightweight and compact option, including a 1.2-liter pot, a strainer lid, a bowl, and a mug.
• GSI Bugaboo Base Camper: Features non-stick coatings for easy cleaning and includes a 5-quart pot, a small pot, a small frying pan, two lids, a cutting board, a pot grip, and a stuff sack.

Tips for Using Iron Cookware Over a Campfire:

• Start your fire early to allow enough time for the wood to turn into coals, which provide a more stable heat source.
• Use indirect heat by creating a space next to your campfire where you can carefully place coals for more controlled and even cooking.
• Elevate your iron cookware above the coals using rocks or a metal cooking grate to prevent overheating and ensure even cooking.
• When using a camping stove, always use low heat and take your time to avoid overheating your iron cookware.
• Preheat both the skillet and the pan separately before combining them for baking to distribute heat evenly.
• To care for your iron cookware, season it regularly, clean it promptly after use, and avoid using harsh soaps or soaking it in water for prolonged periods.

Pros and cons of cast iron

Cast iron is a popular choice for cookware, but it has its pros and cons. Here is a detailed list of the advantages and disadvantages of using cast iron:

Pros:

• Durability: Cast iron is incredibly durable and long-lasting. With proper care, it can last for decades, and even a lifetime.
• Heat retention: Cast iron has excellent heat retention, making it ideal for searing, sauteing, frying, and roasting. It stays hot for a long time, ensuring even cooking.
• Heat source compatibility: Cast iron can be used on various heat sources, including stovetops, ovens, grills, and even campfires. It is also induction-ready.
• Naturally non-stick: When properly seasoned, cast iron develops a non-stick coating, making it easier to cook and clean.
• Affordability: Cast iron cookware is generally inexpensive compared to other materials.
• Safety: Cast iron does not contain harmful chemicals or coatings, making it a safer option than non-stick cookware.
• Iron content in food: Cooking with cast iron can add a small amount of iron to your food, which may be beneficial for those with low iron levels.

Cons:

• Weight: Cast iron is heavy, which can make it difficult to manoeuvre and unsuitable for those with muscle or grip strength issues.
• Slow to heat: Due to its thickness, cast iron takes longer to heat up than other materials.
• Maintenance: Cast iron requires regular maintenance, known as seasoning, to prevent rust and maintain its non-stick properties.
• Reactivity: Cast iron is reactive to acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus fruits, which can affect the flavour of your food and the seasoning of the pan.
• Not suitable for boiling: Boiling liquids in cast iron can remove the seasoning and cause the pan to react with food.
• Difficult to clean: Cast iron cannot be cleaned in a dishwasher and requires hand washing. It also needs to be dried and oiled before storage.

Caring for cast iron

Cast iron cookware is durable, forgiving, and easy to use, making it perfect for camping. However, it does require some special care to keep it adequately seasoned, cleaned, and maintained. Here is a guide on how to care for your cast iron:

Seasoning

If you've bought a new cast iron skillet, it likely comes pre-seasoned. However, if you bought yours used, you'll want to clean it up and re-season it. Here's how:

• Remove any surface rust with mild steel wool
• Apply a strong soap or oven cleaner
• Scrub the cast iron cookware until any remaining seasoning is removed
• Rinse thoroughly, and proceed to the standard cast iron seasoning process

To season your new or used cast iron:

• Preheat your cast iron over a stovetop on low heat until warm
• Baste your cast iron set with a quality cast iron seasoning oil
• Wipe off any excess oil with a paper towel
• Place the set upside down in an oven at 350-400°F for about an hour
• Turn off the oven and let the cast iron cool within the oven
• Repeat this process as needed; for new cast iron, 2-3 times is usually enough, but for old or used cast iron, it may take 4-6 times

Maintenance

To maintain the seasoning of your cast iron while camping, warm the cast iron on your camping stove over low heat and lightly coat with cooking oil before storing. This will prevent rusting, maintain the cast iron's seasoning, and ensure it retains its non-stick surface.

Cleaning

Cleaning a well-seasoned cast iron pan while camping can be super easy. In most cases, you can simply wipe out the cooking surface with a paper towel and be done. However, if your cast iron is not adequately seasoned, or food is burnt onto the pan, follow these steps:

• Wait for the pan to cool
• Add a small amount of water
• Using a pan scraper, scrape and/or scrub any stuck food from the pan
• Repeat as necessary until clean
• Warm the cast iron over your camp stove to remove any moisture and kill any bacteria, then coat lightly with cooking oil as a maintenance "re-seasoning"

Storage

Due to the seasoning process, the exterior of your cast iron cookware can become tacky, and if you're doing a lot of campfire cooking, there's the potential for soot to find its way onto other camping gear. To prevent this, store your cast iron in a plastic bag or a cast iron carrying case.

What Not to Do

• Never add cold water to a hot cast iron pan, as this can weaken the metal and cause cracks to form
• Use mild biodegradable soap sparingly, as soap will remove the seasoning of your cast iron, potentially damaging its non-stick surface and exposing bare metal, which can lead to rust
• Never soak a cast iron pan, as prolonged soaking can cause moisture to accumulate in the protective seasoned coating, which can lead to rust
• Just don't let it rust! Always maintain the seasoning of your cast iron camping set, and you won't have any issues

Camp cookware sets

When it comes to camp cookware sets, there are a few key things to consider. Firstly, the material of the cookware is important, as this will affect the weight, durability, and heat distribution. Cast iron is extremely durable and cooks food evenly, but it is also heavy. Stainless steel is another durable option, although it is prone to hot spots and can be heavier than other materials. Aluminum is lightweight and affordable, but may not be as durable.

Another factor to consider is the size of the cookware set. If you are cooking for a large group, you will need a bigger set with more pieces. For couples or small families, a smaller set will suffice. It is also important to think about how you will be cooking. If you plan to cook over a campfire, you will need cookware without plastic components that could melt.

• The Lodge Cast Iron Combo Cooker is a versatile set that includes a shallow 10.25” skillet and a deeper 10.25” pan that can be combined to form a pot or Dutch oven. It is perfect for cooking a variety of camping meals and can be used on a stove, grill, or over a campfire.
• The GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Camper Cookset is an all-in-one solution that includes two pots, a frypan, plates, and cups for four people. The pieces nest together for easy storage, and the non-stick coating makes cleanup a breeze.
• The Stanley Adventure Base Camp Cookset is made of high-quality stainless steel and includes a pot, frying pan, plates, utensils, and a cutting board. It is a great option for couples or small families, offering a good balance of sturdiness and portability.
• The Sea to Summit Alpha 1.1 is a lightweight and compact set that includes a 1.2L pot, strainer lid, bowl, and mug. It is perfect for those who want to pack light and has great locking handles.
• The GSI Bugaboo Base Camper Large is a non-stick cookware set that includes an aluminum pot, small pot, frying pan, lids, cutting board, pot grip, and stuff sack. It is easy to clean and has an impressive volume-to-weight ratio, making it a good choice for groups.

Frequently asked questions