When the weather is nice and you’re itching for some time in the Great Outdoors, it might be time to plan a camping trip. Though you may worry about what you’ll eat, don’t let this stop you from making memories that will last a lifetime. Luckily, camping-friendly outdoor cooking equipment exists that allows you to savor the flavor of your favorite meats, vegetables and more, even when away from home.
Whether you’re an avid camper or newly interested in the pastime, ensure you have everything you need to make your trip one to remember. Learn more about Tractor Supply’s array of camping cooking equipment, so you can discover which option might be right for your campsite.
What Do Portable Cookers Have to Offer?
Portable grills, camp stoves and other cookers provide many of the same features and functions as traditional models, but they allow users to enjoy their favorite foods on the go. This makes them a fantastic choice for camping trips, as they let you set up your cooking area wherever you like. Plus, they are helpful for those looking to keep smoke and fire away from their party or campsite.
On the other hand, fire pits can give you a more rustic cooking experience, whether you’re searing freshly caught fish or roasting marshmallows. Meanwhile, portable smokers allow you to concoct mouthwatering, savory dishes while you enjoy swimming, hiking and other activities.
What to Know About Portable Grills
Like traditional grills, portable versions use a range of fuels and come in different styles, including:
- Charcoal: These options use charcoal briquettes to reach temperatures up to 700°F. They heat up slowly but help offer a smoky flavor to make foods melt in your mouth.
- Gas: Gas grills feature simple, push-button start operation and heat up quickly. They also come with knobs to regulate heat and can offer multiple burners for different heating areas.
- Electricity: These grills don’t need fuel and offer easy cleanup. However, they require an outlet or RV hookup nearby, which may be unavailable at some sites. They also don’t provide the traditional grill flavor you might be craving.
Beyond different fuel compatibility, portable grills are further classified as three main types:
- Tabletop portable grills are compact in size and made to fit on tables or countertops. They provide enough space to help you cook meals, but not too much space that you’ll struggle to fit them in your vehicle.
- Cart-style (wheeled) portable grills feature legs with wheels, allowing them to be moved easily. This helps you find the best spot and enables mobility should the need arise.
- Freestanding portable grills are designed to stand on their own without the need for a cart or tabletop.
Portable grills come in several sizes, with total cooking area ranges from 201 square inches to over 801 square inches. You can also choose the number of grill burners, so if you camp solo or with a friend, you might only need a single grill burner. Other models have as many as seven grill burners, which may be ideal if you are used to bringing along the entire family.
What to Know About Portable Stoves
Also designed for outdoor cooking is a portable stove, which lets you use pots or pans to whip up something delicious. Providing reliable cooking power on the go, and offering an alternative to grilled meals, they are ideal for camping, picnics, tailgating, job sites, boating ventures and even catering events.
Gas-powered camping stoves typically run on propane and offer one or two burners. They also come with high sides to help protect against the wind, allowing them to stay lit while cooking your food. As an alternative, electric portable stoves can be found with different types of burners:
- Conventional burners that use coils like on electric ranges
- Induction burners that use magnetic induction to allow effective temperature control and safer operation
- Infrared burners that can be used with nearly any pot or pan and are designed for easy cleaning
What to Know About Portable Cookers and Smokers
Sometimes you want more than grilling or stovetop cooking. That’s where portable cookers and smokers come in. Smokers are designed to give you that authentic smoky flavor that so many associate with barbecue, while other options allow you to slow-cook your meals. Like portable grills and stoves, you’ll find options that use propane, charcoal and more, allowing you to decide which option works best for your campsite and preferences.
What to Know About Portable Fire Pits
There’s nothing like a timeless fire pit to not only warm your campsite and provide ambiance, but also to cook over. Simply build your fire as you normally would, ensuring to adhere to all local, state and federal regulations about burning in wooded areas. Bring along grilling tools to roast kabobs made of your favorite meats and veggies, or use them to crisp up your marshmallows when making s’mores.
Portable pits are usually made of steel, helping them hold up for fire after fire. They’re especially great for campsites because they can be easily moved around as needed. This means you can move them to adjust to the changing winds, preventing smoke from blowing in unwanted areas. They typically can be set up quickly as well, so you can leave them in the car until you’re ready to use them.
Don’t Forget Grilling Fuel and Accessories
Regardless of which outdoor cooking option you choose, make sure you have enough fuel and all of the necessary accessories before you head out on your trip. You can find camping fuel tanks and cylinders, including options for propane, so you don’t have to lug a full-size tank on your trip. Bring along starters and lighter fluid if you’re working with a charcoal grill, as well as necessary smoker parts if you’ve chosen a portable smoker.
Depending on what you’re cooking, you may need additional accessories, such as Dutch ovens, grates and tripods. Use coffeemakers and kettles for an invigorating yet comforting drink, and opt for open-fire cookware if you’re concocting a dish over your fire pit. You’ll also want to pack camping cookware such as spatulas, tongs, forks and meat thermometers, plus sauces and spices to elevate your meal to the next level.
When it’s time to serve up your creations, you’ll be happy you have camping tableware on hand, and you can grab a condiments, toppings and a cold beverage from your cooler. When your grill or cooker is not in use, use a cover to keep it dry and ready for your next craving.
Check Out the Selection at Tractor Supply
Whether you’re headed on vacation or just going for a weekend getaway, there’s nothing like a camping trip with family and friends. Bringing along everything you need for your camp kitchen, such as portable grills, smokers and fire pits, can turn an ordinary adventure into one filled with good food and lots of laughs. For Life Out Here, shop online or visit your local Tractor Supply store today.