Outdoor Cooking Equipment: What You Need When Cooking Leaves the Kitchen
So what good is the outdoors if you can’t have a hot, delicious meal? Fortunately, it has never been easier to cook outdoors. You can still prepare some of your favorites, as long as you are equipped with the proper outdoor cooking equipment. Next time you plan to go camping, be sure to familiarize yourself with your equipment options so you can make delicious food.
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Types of Outdoor Cooking Equipment
It seems like every store from hardware warehouses to your local Wal-Mart has rows full of outdoor cooking equipment. Some of the products and accessories you're likely to come across include:
- grill plates
- firepits
- propane stoves
- scrapers
- smokers
- spatulas
- tongs.
The type of equipment you buy depends on the length of time you'll be cooking outdoors, the number of people you'll be cooking for and the types of food you intend to cook. For example, while you'll need a large grill for cooking fish for several people, you only need a small propane stove to heat up beans for one person.
Propane Stoves
If you are going to cook outdoors, than you will, of course, need some way to generate a lot of heat. Most outdoorsmen (and women) have solved this problem using a propane stove. These portable stoves lightweight and durable devices are generally made of metal.
Some propane stoves will run on various types of fuels, including ordinary gasoline. However, one of the most popular types of fuel is Coleman fuel. You can find Coleman fuel virtually everywhere in metallic, sealed containers for approximately two to five dollars. You can also use larger ones that are designed for gas-powered barbeques. If you have an RV, connect your hose for immediate heat.
These stoves range from fairly simple to more complicated in design. Accordingly, the price varies, as well. The simplest design, costing around $60, consists of a burner that attaches to a Coleman fuel source. Even if you are on a budget, try to avoid getting the cheapest stove you can find, as they aren't as durable and tend to fall apart on a long trip. Similarly, the lack of closure on the fuel source can make this simple stove particular dangerous if you are cooking with children outdoors.
Other propane stoves get more pricey and complicated, facilitating cooking for larger groups of people or for a longer period of time. For example, while a two-burner might run over $120, three burners can get into the $200 range.
Keep in mind that propane is highly flammable and, in extreme cases, explosive. Although it is quite safe to use, always smell the container for any gas leaks before each use.
Firepits
Firepits are big metal cans that are often full of holes for ventilation. They are designed for you to set up a fire in them very quickly and be able to extinguish it safely.
You can get a simple firepit for under fifty dollars. Higher end firepits cost more because they are made of nicer materials, like copper and stainless steel.
If you are looking for a cheap alternative, consider building your own firepit. Be sure to check the rules and regulations of your campgrounds before constructing a firepit. Similarly, keep a fire extinguisher on hand and familiarize yourself with how to use it in case of accidents.
Smoker Barbeque
A smoker is a piece of barbeque equipment that works like a firepit. However, unlike the firepit, the smoker barbeque keeps the heat source is away from the food. These cook foods at heats around 200-250°F.
The same rule for the propane stove also applies to the smokers: you get what you pay for. As a result, low priced smokers that run lower than fifty dollars are of questionable quality and are likely to fall apart more easily. Refrain from getting a low-end smoker if you are cooking for a large group or are camping for an extended period of time.
Cooking Equipment Accessories
Once you have a way to cook food with either a stove, an oven or a smoker, you'll need some accessories to help you handle the food. Here is a list of some of the most common and helpful accessories:
- Grill: If you are using a firepit or campfire, you need a metallic surface to raise the food above the flame. Before buying a grill, measure the diameter of the pit you're using to be sure that the grill will fit over it.
- Utensils: While this may sound obvious, your food is hot when you put it on the grill. You’d be surprised at how many campers forget to take the necessary tools to touch it, like a fork, spatula, tongs, etc. These low cost items will make your outdoor cooking experience significantly easier.
- Dutch Oven: This cast iron pot is handy for boiling water or slow cooking food. Be certain to supervise it constantly and clean it thorough after each use. Again, another reminder: when you’re on the road, you don’t have your kitchen. Plan your meals beforehand, and make certain that you take everything you will need to cook them.
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