A cast iron camping cookware set is great for everything from frying eggs/chicken to searing a T-bone, but it might naturally get sticking overtime.
Fortunately, all units in our list of the best cast iron camping cookware below can perform better and last longer than what you might think.
Here are the best cast iron camping cookwares (Apr 2024 Update):
- Best Skillet Set: Simple Chef Cast Iron Skillet
- Budget-Friendly option: Amsha Kitchen Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
- Most Durable: Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron
- Most Versatile: Bruntmor Ultimate Pre-Seasoned 2-In-1 Cast Iron Multi-Cooker
- Best Value for The Money: Stansport Cast Iron Set Pre-seasoned
- Best for Open Fire Cooking: Bruntmor Pre-Seasoned 7-Piece Set
| Top 6 Best Cast Iron Camping Cookwares | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Skillet Set | Simple Chef Cast Iron Skillet | Read Our Review |
Budget-Friendly option | Amsha Kitchen Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet | Read Our Review |
Most Durable | Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron | Read Our Review |
Most Versatile | Bruntmor Ultimate Pre-Seasoned 2-In-1 Cast Iron Multi-Cooker | Read Our Review |
Best Value for The Money | Stansport Cast Iron Set Pre-seasoned | Read Our Review |
Best for Open Fire Cooking | Bruntmor Pre-Seasoned 7-Piece Set | Read Our Review |
Best Skillet Set: Simple Chef Cast Iron Skillet
Multi-functional
Ready to use right straight out of the box
Deliver superior heat retention for cooking
Suitable for cooking, grilling, frying, sautéing, and a lot more
Stay nonstick entire adventure
No lid included
Cast iron pans are, without a doubt, versatile. And the more cooking experience you have had with them the better you will know about the benefits of grabbing multiple sized skillets.
As each unit of this 3-piece set by Simple Chef can heat up at a distinct rate, you can have a cast iron skillet for each cooking method from cooking and frying to grilling and sautéing.
While it is nice to have one of the two smaller pans to cook a small meal, you should grab the large sized one to cook a lot of food.
And whether you use them in an oven, over an open campfire, or on the stove top, you will have mouthwatering food rich in flavor.
Though Simple Chef Cast Iron Skillet delivers high-level heat retention for cooking, it could conduct heat more evenly, thus helping you perfectly cook your meals faster if it came with a lid.
Simple Chef Cast Iron Skillet Specifications | |
Number of Pieces | 3 |
Include | 10", 8", 6" cast iron skillets |
Weight | 9.45 pounds |
Highlight Features | Non-stick design, heat retention, sturdy handle, 30-day satisfaction guarantee. |
With the Simple Chef Cast Iron Skillet 3-piece set, you will have a skillet for different cooking methods.
Budget-Friendly option: Amsha Kitchen Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
Multi-functional
Affordable
Last for many years to come
Easy to drain liquids
Certified lead-free
Short and flat handles
It might smoke during the very first use
Amsha Kitchen Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet is the most budget-friendly set on our list of the best cast iron camping cookware.
Some may think that a set at a low price point cannot be of high-quality, and you’ve got wrong. It can heat up quickly, retain heat perfectly, and bake evenly. As a plus, 2.9lbs is not heavy for cast iron cookware.
Moreover, it is factory pre-seasoned with soy-based oil making it ready out of the box to perfectly fry eggs or sear chops & steaks, which is much greater than at-home seasoning.
What makes users a bit disappointing is the short and flat handles making it hard to take & lift with light potholders. Also, though the factory pre-seasoning makes these skillets easy to clean & virtually non-stick, they might smoke during the very first use.
Amsha Kitchen Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet Specifications | |
Number of Pieces | 3 |
Include | 3 skillets – 6 inches, 8 inches, & 10 inches |
Weight | 2.9 pounds |
Highlight Features | Double spouts on each skillet, a helper handle on the larger skillet, and a hanging hole in the main handle |
Amsha Kitchen Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet is a smart choice for those who do not want to spend a lot on useful cookware that can work perfectly.
Most Durable: Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron
Made in the USA
Foundry seasoned with 100% vegetable oil
Made from cast iron for maximum durability & strength
Coatings without any chemicals or synthetic coatings
Great for any cooking methods and requirements
Not soap & dishwasher-friendly
This top-end product by Lodge boasts some of the most frequently desired cast iron cookware and a quality lid to cover a ton of recipes as well as cooking methods making your kitchen complete.
The 10-inch griddle is meant for breakfast recipes such as sunny-side-up eggs and pancakes that need solidification, and the two skillets, 8-inch & 10.25-inch respectively, help you prepare ingredients which have to be stirred a lot.
It is possible to use all types of cast iron griddle/pan/pot for oven-safe baking, but this cast iron set with a 5 Quart Dutch oven is specifically designed for all types of ovens.
Whether it is simmering, searing, broiling, frying, sautéing, or braising, you can cook all the food that your family love.
Though like these 2 units above the Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron is pre-seasoned, it is not soap & dishwasher-friendly, which makes it a bit less appealing.
Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Specifications | |
Number of Pieces | 5 |
Include | 10.5-inch Griddle, 8-inch Skillet, 10.25-inch Skillet, 5 Quart (10.25 -inch) Dutch Oven and Cast Iron Cover that fits 10.25 Inch Skillet and 5 Quart Dutch Oven |
Weight | 28.2 pounds |
Highlight Features | High-quality design, lifetime durability, and cooking versatility |
Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron can fully satisfy any kitchen cooking requirements for many years to come.
Most Versatile: Bruntmor Ultimate Pre-Seasoned 2-In-1 Cast Iron Multi-Cooker
Easy to clean and maintain
Can effortlessly be used over any heating source
Versatile is its middle name
Endure high temperatures and withstand any abuse
Small size
The lack of spout on both pieces
The Bruntmor Ultimate Pre-Seasoned 2-In-1 Cast Iron Multi-Cooker is manufactured to help homeowners cook more delicious food and stay a healthier life than ever before!
You can use the premium 3-quart skillet as either a fryer or a Dutch oven for cooking stews & casseroles, while the lid can change into a shallow skillet taking our cooking experience and style to another level.
Aside from 100% non-stick coated & pre-seasoned surface, both of these pieces also come with other excellent features for your ultimate convenience such as large helper handles and holes for hanging.
What’s disappointing, though, is that neither of them boasts a spout for pouring which is a downside for dishes demanding careful pouring or frequent frying.
Also, some complaint about the shallow skillet is too shallow limiting uses, thus making it an imperfect choice for daily use. However, considering its price and practicality, you can have it as a great accessory.
Bruntmor Ultimate Pre-Seasoned 2-In-1 Cast Iron Multi-Cooker Specifications | |
Number of Pieces | 2 |
Include | 3-quart skillet -a Dutch oven and/or a fryer and a lid |
Weight | 4 pounds |
Highlight Features | Precise heat contribution, 2-in-1 design, 100% non-stick enameled surface |
Whether you are bikers, mountain bikers or you want to go sightseeing in the city, Bruntmor Ultimate Pre-Seasoned 2-In-1 Cast Iron Multi-Cooker is perfect anywhere.
Best Value for The Money: Stansport Cast Iron Set Pre-seasoned
Easy to clean
Perfect for both indoor and outdoor use
Deliver an exceptional taste right from the very first use
Keep users stay protected from heat
Keep sweets and cakes warm much longer than an ordinary pan/tray
A bit heavy
Bread, cakes, and biscuits are supposed to be baked/roasted to perfection without getting stuck when being removed from the pan.
For both home cooks and outdoorsmen loving baking in cast iron cookware but hating their current pan/pot, the Stansport Cast Iron Set Pre-seasoned set should be an essential part of their kitchen.
The 10-in Dutch ovens can be used over the fire or on a stove top in the event of an emergency while the 10-in Cast Iron Pan fries up some potatoes, sausage/bacon, or morning eggs. And the 3-quart chicken fryer can feed 5-6 people.
As a plus, whether you use vegetable shortenings or real lard, clean-up job is a breeze without any difficulty scrubbing of leftover sweets from the surfaces.
The tradeoff is that these deep fryers’ convenience costs you in terms of weight. Therefore, it’s much better to plan accordingly if you want to include this set in your hiking pack.
Stansport Cast Iron Set Pre-seasoned Specifications | |
Number of Pieces | 6 |
Include | 10-inch Fry Pan, 3 quart Chicken Fryer w/ Lid, 10-inch Dutch Oven, Dutch Oven Lid Lifter, and Cast Iron Hot Handle Holder |
Weight | 22.9 pounds |
Highlight Features | High-quality cast iron and universal lid |
Whether you are a novice or an old pro who constantly bake anything, the Stansport Cast Iron Set Pre-seasoned is the best purchase for what you get for the price.
Best for Open Fire Cooking: Bruntmor Pre-Seasoned 7-Piece Set
Easy to transport
Well circulate the burning ash
Quick and painless cleaning
Great for fans of outdoor living
The rustic wooden carrying case is not overly sturdy
High price
The Bruntmor Pre-Seasoned 7-Piece Set is a rugged sight to behold. Though this 7-piece set works well on a stove all of its cooking implements are manufactured with using burning ash or uses over open flames in mind.
As Bruntmor designs their Dutch oven lid to hold hot coals, you can have this piece work as a camping oven. Moreover, the cast iron lid helps keep food moist when being cooked while the metal bail handle keeps morning eggs and bacon warmer.
Though this heavy-duty pre-seasoned cast iron cooker set by Bruntmor does not come at a competitive price, considering what it has to offer, it is worth purchasing.
Another thing that you might not be happy with is the attractive carry case coming with this Bruntmor set is not impressively sturdy. Well reinforce it before hitting the road!
Bruntmor Pre-Seasoned 7-Piece Set Specifications | |
Number of Pieces | 7 |
Include | Pre-Seasoned 12" Cast Iron Skillet, 4.5-qt Dutch Oven Pot, 2.5qt Saucepot, 20" x 9" Heavy-duty Reversible Cast Iron Griddle, and 8.6" Trivet & Dutch Oven Lid Lifter |
Weight | 41.5 pounds |
Highlight Features | Large pot with lid and recess and convenient wooden box, reversible griddle pan. |
Bruntmor Pre-Seasoned 7-Piece Set is a sturdy cookware set in a convenient vintage-styled wooden box to round out any camp cookware collection.
How To Choose The Best Cast Iron Camping Cookware?
Number of Pieces
- Just like home cooks, campers also should choose a set with the number of skillet and pots suitable for the size of their camping party and the types of meals they love.
- Large groups wanting more extensive meals should go for a larger set of at least 5 pieces while backpackers can use a single pot to feed two people with simple meals.
Weight
Cast iron cookware is typically heavy, and its weight varies according to the materials. The weight might not be important to car campers while hikers and backpackers would love a lighter set made from carbon steel.
Which Brands Make The Best Cast Iron Camping Cookware?
Lodge
Lodge brand has about 120 years’ experience making high-quality cast iron Dutch ovens which are preferred by gourmet chefs all over the world. This family-owned Tennessee-based brand also has the best reputation for its products’ cooking versatility, lifetime durability, and the best customer service
Bruntmor
Another name popular among those demanding perfection is Bruntmor. Though it is pretty new to the world’s business, the excellent innovation behind their housewares and appliances can save big on iron cast camping cookware for the great outdoor adventures.
FAQs
Is Cast Iron good for camping?
When you properly season and take care of your cast iron cookware, it is good for camping. As iron cast pots and pans are naturally durable, you don’t have to worry about them burning when being used over a fire.
Moreover, the non-stick surface makes the clean-up job at the campsite less tedious. And due to the sheen coming from seasoning, cooking with cast iron cookware needs less oil than usual.
Can you use cast iron pans on flat top stoves?
You can use cast iron pans without any problems by keeping them in immaculate condition.
Can you use cast iron cookware on a glass top stove?
Because cast iron pans with a rough or burr spot can scratch the glass surface, it is not highly recommended to use it on flat top stoves.
Can you ruin a cast iron pan?
When your cookware is not cleaned regularly and properly, it will rust quicker than expected.
How do you season a cast iron skillet on a campfire?
Heat your cast iron skillet until it is smoking hot, pour & rub a decent amount of cooking oil onto it, and finally let it cool.
How do you maintain cast iron cookware?
Store it in a dust free cookware box
Don’t wash it in the dishwasher if the guidelines say it isn’t safe to do so
Don’t use pan scrubs on non-stick pots
Conclusion
Looking for the best cast iron camping cookware to prevent your food from fire burning or sticking while giving it a more delicious taste? These highly-recommended sets above are all you need for your complete kitchen.
Bryan Listor
