The smell of freshly-brewed coffee at dawn, the appealing aroma of a roasting steak, even the caramel-like fragrance of toasted marshmallows: cooking over a fire is one of the sensory pleasures of camping in the great outdoors. Whether you're backpacking into your campsite or car camping, it's essential to have the right utensils---because nothing can ruin al fresco dining like forgetting the skillet or barbecue tongs.
Function
Campfire cooking utensils assist campers in preparing foods over an open flame. Because full pots can be heavy and very hot, campfire utensils often hold the vessels tripod-style or on a grate over the fire, eliminating the need to lift or carry the full pan to and from the fire. Utensils might feature long handles or special grips so the cook can stay a safe distance from the flame but stir soup or flip pancakes. Most utensils serve several functions, such as a Dutch oven that can bake foods, hold soups and roast meats.
Types
Campfire utensils consist of pots and pans, handheld tools and specific-use gadgets. Commonly-used pots include Dutch ovens, skillets and saucepans, accompanied by handled items like spoons, ladles, forks and spatulas. Can openers, corkscrews, bottle openers and coffee percolators comprise the specialized gadgets that no camper should be without.
Features
Tools designed for campfire use are made of heatproof materials, usually metals like aluminum, stainless steel, enamelware, tin and cast iron. You can clean these durable, scratch-resistant surfaces easily with soap and warm water. Handheld items like barbecue forks, tongs or marshmallow-roasting sticks may have extra-long, heat-resistant handles made of wood. Some higher-end campfire cookware might feature heatproof silicone parts.
Considerations
Campfire cooking utensils need not be expensive or top-of-the-line models, but they should be as multifunctional as possible to reduce the amount of gear you carry. Backpackers especially need lightweight, compact utensils. Consider buying a mess kit with a collapsible cooking pot, bowl and mug that folds together into a tidy bundle. Some campers prefer sporks---combination spoons and forks for eating---rather than a separate spoon, fork and knife.
Warning
Because most campfire utensils are metal, they conduct heat extremely well. Use caution and thick potholders when removing pots or pans from the fire. Likewise, avoid moving full pots; instead, ladle the food from the pot before moving it from the fire to avoid spills and burns. Let metal pots cool completely before washing and rinsing them.
References
- California State Parks: Camping Boxes
- "The Campsite Companion: All You Need to Know for the Great Outdoors"; Rob Beattie; 2007
- Chuckwagon Supply Company: Camp Kitchen Checklist
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