An important item when planning for an extended camping trip is the decision about how cooking is to be done. Being outdoors all day for several days in a row can increase appetites and part of the pleasure of living outdoors for a time is mealtime. While you are in camp, just like at home, you will need to keep food, a means to cook food, a way to serve and sit down to enjoy a meal, and you will also have to clean up after meals. All of these items should be considered when thinking about outdoor kitchen ideas for camp. This article focuses on one item – the means to cook food – by providing a few alternatives for you to think about.
First, there is the most primitive way of cooking in camp and that is over an open fire. While it is appealing to think about preparing a meal like this the novelty will soon wear off after a day. Always having to maintain a fire for cooking means that either someone will always have to be assigned to watch the cooking fire or you will have to always start a fire from scratch when you want a hot meal. Also, controlling the heat during cooking will be more of an art than an exact technique.
Second, you can bring a grill – either charcoal or gas. However, grilling every meal will get monotonous and keeping fresh meat, poultry and vegetables to grill could prove to be more burden that you want while enjoying your vacation. Also – fish don’t because you are hungry.
Third, consider bringing a portable stove as your means for cooking in camp. With a stove, you will have proper burners for heating up canned food as well as sauteing, frying and boiling water easier. Since your stove will be powered by propane or butane, you turn it on when you are ready to cook – no messing with a fire or charcoal. If you want to grill, simply bring along a grill pan. A stove is the best option for cooking satisfying, hot meals while in camp for several days.
In summary, think about your outdoor kitchen when planning for an extended camping stay. Start with the most important decision – what is your means for cooking food in the outdoors and consider the portable gas stove as the best option for this.