When most of us think about cooking on a campfire, we imagine roasting marshmallows or maybe a sausage or two.
But, if you’re a seasoned camper, then you know that you can’t spend a weekend subsisting purely on marshmallows and sausages. (As much as you might like to).
So, to be able to properly cook over a campfire, you’re going to need more than a few long sticks.
Campfire cooking equipment can vary quite a lot. There are some massive constructions that allow you to fry and boil and cook more than you probably could in your kitchen at home.
Another common option is a tripod with a pot attached. These are great for big stews (and feeling like a witch brewing a potion, if you’re into that kind of thing). Then there are more simple stands and different types of grills too. There are a lot of different options available.
So, to help you find the best cookware for you, we’ve put together a list of the best campfire cooking equipment. Read on for some products, ideas, and a few tips and tricks for the buying process.
Keen to get camping and need your cooking equipment ASAP? No problem, save time browsing, and check out our top pick for the best campfire cooking equipment.
Related: 3 Basic Outdoor Camping Cooking Equipment
Best Campfire Cooking Equipment – Comparison Table
5 Best Campfire Cooking Equipment Reviews
#1. Bruntmor Grill Swing Campfire Cooking Stand BBQ Grill
Bruntmor Grill Swing Campfire Cooking Stand BBQ Grill
Our top pick for the best campfire cooking equipment is the Bruntmor Grill Swing Campfire Cooking Stand BBQ Grill. It is a good size and has a wide range of components and abilities. Although it is more expensive than some other options, you get a lot for your money.
This campfire cooking equipment might look a little intense and professional but it is worth your consideration. This campfire cooking stand can be used for a wide range of different foods.
You can hang pots on the many hooks. You can also use the hanging grill for pots and saucepans. Or you can grill directly on it.
This cooking equipment offers a lot of different options. Although it looks large it is actually quite a small structure. It won’t take up much space in your car or RV.
It also won’t take up too much space over the fire. You won’t be showing up at the campsite and taking up more space than you should.
As there are quite a few different components, this cooking equipment is a bit pricier than the other options on this list. But, for everything that is included, it is relatively affordable.
But don’t worry about all of those different pieces. This cooking equipment is easy to put together and dismantle. It can also be easily adjusted so can be used over campfires of varying sizes.
Pros
- Collapsible
- Multiple components
- Easy to use
- Easy to put together
- Includes carrying case
Cons
- Expensive
- Multiple pieces
#2. Stansport Grill Tripod Cooker
Stansport Grill Tripod Cooker(18-Inch)The Stansport Grill Tripod Cooker is very simple and can be used for multiple different things.
Rather than simply including a stand and a hook as other campfire tripods do. This tripod comes with a grill attached to the hook.
This is great as it can be used to hold pots and pans over the fire. But you can also cook foods, such as steak and bacon, directly onto the grill.
Although the tripod is set at a 48” height, the chain attached is adjustable. This means that it can be raised and lowered depending on the size and height of the fire.
The grill can also be taken off the hook. This means that the tripod can also hang pots directly from the hook.
It can even be used for non-cooking items and can even hang a lantern.
The tripod itself is also easy to put up and easily collapsible. This is, of course, great for camping. It won’t get in the way on the campsite.
It will also be easily packed away. This is also due to the lightweight nature of the tripod. It is made from stainless steel and has galvanized steel legs.
Pros
- Adjustable
- Affordable
- Collapsible
- Lightweight
Cons
- Tripod width not adjustable
#3. Texsport Heavy-Duty Swivel Grill
Texsport Heavy Duty Barbecue Swivel Grill for Outdoor BBQ over Open FireThe Texsport Heavy-Duty Swivel Grill is a little different than some other options on this list. It’s quite small but is a good option for someone camping alone or in a couple.
A lot of camping cooking equipment is designed for people cooking for large groups or families.
But many people do enjoy camping alone or just with their partner.
Instead of having multiple legs, this grill has one single leg that is stuck into the ground.
The top of the grill is very simple and can be used to support pots, pans, and even baking trays over the fire. You can also cook directly onto the grill too.
The single leg might make this cooking equipment look a little unsteady. But it will actually likely be more stable than some other options.
This is especially true in comparison to cooking equipment that has grills attached with hanging chains that will swing about.
So, if food spilling is a concern for you, this is a much better option. Especially if you want to be able to heat up soups and make coffees over the fire. This is a much sturdier option for cooking and heating liquids.
Pros
- Sturdy
- Small
- Compact
- Simple
- Solid metal construction
Cons
- Not suitable for large groups
#4. Camp Chef Lumberjack Over Fire Grill
Camp Chef Lumberjack Over Fire GrillThe Camp Chef Lumberjack Over Fire Grill is a very simple grill that is ideal for an irregular camper. It is an affordable option and is quite compact.
It is simply a large grill on top of two legs. These legs can be folded under. This means that it will be easily packed and taken with you. As well as easily packed away into storage in your home.
Although it is compact, the grill itself has quite a large surface area. It is very easy to set up as it only needs the legs to be extended.
However, this does mean that it isn’t adjustable. So it can only be used over a small campfire.
Food can be cooked directly on the grill. But it is also strong and sturdy enough to support pots and pans.
This cooking equipment is also very affordable. So, if you don’t want to invest too much money in a complicated set of equipment, this is ideal.
It is simple and straightforward, which are definitely not bad characteristics.
Pros
- Affordable
- Foldable legs
- Easy to set up
- Easy to pack
- Comes full constructed
Cons
- Cannot be adjusted
#5. Stansport 339 Deluxe Cooking Broiler
Stansport 339 Deluxe Cooking BroilerThe Stansport 339 Deluxe Cooking Broiler is obviously very different from the other options available on this list. This is a very simple piece of cooking equipment.
It can’t be used to support pots and pans as other options can. But if all you need is something that’s a little bit of a step up from a stick you would cook sausage on, then this broiler is ideal.
This is absolutely one of the most affordable options on this list. It can be used for a wide range of foods that could otherwise be cooked on a grill.
It is made from sturdy chrome-plated steel. This is strong and doesn’t need setting up. It easily locks shut and is very easy to use.
It does need to be constantly held and can’t be left to cook as is possible with other options on this list.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Simple
Cons
- Hand-held
Best Campfire Cooking Equipment Buyer’s Guide
As you can see from the wide range of products above, there’s a lot to think about when it comes to cooking on a campfire.
We might all feel like we have gone back to basics when cooking on a campfire. After all, we’re cooking food how our ancient ancestors once did.
But, that doesn’t mean you don’t need to invest in some good quality cookware. So, to help you understand a little more about the options above, here are some things to consider before you buy.
Standing Grills
If you regularly go camping with a large family or a big group of friends, then a standing grill structure is a good idea. They are generally made from four legs with a rail across the top.
From the rail, multiple hooks, chains, and grills can be hung. A lot of different things can be hung and cooked from a standing grill.
These do take up a fair amount of space so this will need to be a consideration. As there are multiple components, you will need enough space to pack these into your car or RV.
You will also need to have enough space in your home or garage to pack them away when you’re not out camping.
These standing grills are generally a fair bit more expensive than other campfire cooking equipment. This is simply because they are bigger and there are more components. These are best suited for people who will need to cook for a large group of people on a regular basis.
Over-Fire Grill Stands
Over-fire grill stands are some of the most popular pieces of campfire cooking equipment. They are very simple and are generally comprised of a grill surface and one, two, or four legs. These are very simple and easy to use.
Generally, these products are not adjustable or are limited in their adjustability. This means that they are usually only suitable for very small campfires. They are also generally only suitable for cooking for a small number of people.
These grills are also better than other hanging options for cooking directly on the grill. Hanging grills can have food cooked directly on them. But as they are usually higher up and move around, they aren’t as good as grill stands.
Tripods
Tripods are great for cooking large amounts of stews and soups for big groups of people. This style of campfire cooking equipment comes either as only the tripod or with additional cooking items. They will often come with a grill or a hanging chain and hook.
Tripods with grills can support frying pans and can usually be cooked directly on. But they are best suited for cooking dishes such as soups and stews as cooking pots can be hung directly from the hook. This is great if you need to cook for a very big group of people.
Tripods can be used to hang pots, pans, and grills so are very versatile. Tripods with chains are also very easily adjustable. So they can be used over campfires of varying heights and sizes. They can even be used for other uses such as hanging lanterns or lamps.
Cookware
As well as finding the best cooking equipment for a campfire, you will also need to invest in some good quality cookware. As mentioned below, you most likely can’t use the cookware that you already have in your kitchen cupboard.
Pots and pans designed for home ovens and stovetops aren’t usually suitable for campfires. They are designed to withstand relatively high temperatures. But not as high a temperature as a campfire usually reaches.
Standard pots and pans are usually made from aluminum or stainless steel. Although stainless steel is considered to be pretty sturdy, it will still likely melt or become damaged by a campfire. Aluminum will almost definitely melt.
Even if your cookware can be used on a gas stovetop with an open flame, they still likely won’t be strong enough for a campfire. Even if they are made from sturdy ceramic, it’s best to invest in some specifically designed camping cookware.
The best cookware will be made from materials such as cast iron. They do not need to be 100% cast iron. But cast iron is the best choice.
Another reason for investing in specifically designed cookware is size, style, and design. Your normal kitchen cookware will likely be difficult to pack and store in your tent. Camping cookware will be designed to be easy to pack.
Dutch Ovens
The most popular type of campfire cookware is the dutch oven. These are very simple dishes that can be used for soups, stews, casseroles, and more.
Dutch ovens are usually made from very thick and sturdy materials. They conduct heat well and stay hot for a long time. This means that, if your campfire begins to die, you won’t have to worry about the food getting cool or cold while you build it up again.
Some Dutch ovens are sturdy enough to be placed directly onto the fire. But this is a little unnecessary and may cause the flames to die. As they are so strong and heavy, they are good options for even hanging campfire cookware. They are much less likely to fall off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use a regular pan on a campfire?
This depends on what your “regular pan” is made from. A campfire, as it is a big open flame, has a very high temperature. The pots and pans you use in your kitchen will likely have a high melting point but probably not high enough for a campfire.
You’re probably concerned about your cookware not coping with the strength of a campfire. If you are, then it’s generally not worth the risk. If your kitchen stovetop is electric and doesn’t have an open flame, then this is even more reason to invest in some new cookware.
You should invest in something sturdy and durable. Even sturdy stainless steel likely won’t fare well. Cast iron pots and pans are generally the best options.
Will aluminum melt in a campfire?
Very probably. As mentioned above, a campfire has a very high temperature. Your home cookware just isn’t built to handle that kind of heat. This is especially true if the handles are made from silicone.
Even if the pan itself doesn’t melt, the flames and heat will reach the handle and melt it.
Definitely do not attempt to use an aluminum pan on a campfire.
What can you cook over a fire?
This depends on the cooking equipment you have. You can simply use a (clean and sterilized) stick to roast marshmallows and cook sausages. Or you can put together a delicious meal with a range of dishes and components.
Although there are some complicated options on this list, you can still use simple equipment to make a complicated meal. A grill stand can be used to fry and grill food.
But they can also support pots and pans to heat up water. This means that you can even make pasta and rice over a campfire.
You will also be able to use a Moka pot or traditional coffee pot to heat up your morning coffee.
If you take some foil with you, you will even be able to wrap some foods up with oil and herbs and place this on the grill. This will be delicious and almost taste like food that has been roasted in the oven.
As long as you have heat and the right equipment, there are many different foods and drinks you can make.
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