Enamel Camping Cookware: Top Picks for Outdoor Adventures

Enamel camping cookware has become a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts. This type of cookware is often chosen for its lightweight qualities and ability to handle rough conditions. Enamel coating provides durability, which helps protect the underlying metal, typically steel, from rust and corrosion. The coating also offers a smooth, non-stick surface that’s easy to clean.

When shopping for enamel camping cookware, it’s important to consider a few key factors. First, the quality of the enamel coating itself is critical. Poorly made enamel can chip and crack easily, exposing the metal underneath and diminishing the cookware’s performance. Weight is another important aspect, as heavier cookware can be cumbersome when hiking or backpacking. Also, make sure to check the size and capacity, ensuring it fits your camping needs, whether for solo trips or group camping.

I spent many hours researching and testing various enamel camping cookware to find the most reliable and durable options for any camping trip.

Best Enamel Camping Cookware

I have gathered the top choices for enamel camping cookware. This list includes the best products for your outdoor cooking needs.

Stansport Enamel Camping Set

A solid choice for anyone seeking durable and lightweight camping tableware.

Pros

• Sturdy design with stainless steel edges
• Lightweight and easy to carry
• Easy to clean

Cons

• Heat easily transfers through plates and mugs
• Flatware handles feel a bit flimsy
• Enamel may chip with heavy use

I recently took the Stansport Enamel Camping Set on a weekend camping trip. It’s a 24-piece set that’s perfect for a small family or group of friends. I appreciated the durability of the enamel coating and the attractive blue finish. The set is lightweight, which made it easy to carry and pack up.

The plates, bowls, and mugs are all well-sized and stackable, saving space in our camping gear. Cleaning was a breeze; the enamel surface is smooth and doesn’t hold onto food particles. Just a quick rinse and they were good to go.

One thing to note is that the heat from your food will transfer through the plates and cups. Handle them with care if you’re serving hot meals or drinks. Also, the cutlery included in the set has plastic handles which can feel a bit cheap. Despite that, the overall quality of the set makes it a reliable choice for camping trips.

Stansport Enamel Cook Pot

I highly recommend this cook pot for its durability and classic design, perfect for any camping trip.

Pros

• Durable due to kiln-hardened enamel
• Attractive blue design
• Handy 3.2 quart size

Cons

• Small handles can be difficult to grip
• Enamel may crack under high heat
• Some users found it smaller than expected

This Stansport Enamel Cook Pot stood out during my camping trip. The kiln-hardened enamel felt solid and resisted chips and scratches, which is essential for outdoor use. Cooking anything from soups to stews was a breeze, and the classic blue design added a charming touch to the campsite.

Handling the pot was generally easy, though I did find the handles a bit on the smaller side, especially when wearing gloves. It fits well for small group meals, ideally for 2-3 people. The stainless steel rim adds a sturdy feel, making it reliable for various cooking tasks.

During use, the pot’s enamel finish held up well, though placing it directly over high flames caused some minor cracking inside. For those who love aesthetically pleasing cookware, this pot does not disappoint. It’s a valuable addition to any camper’s kitchen gear.

Granite Ware Saucepan Set

This Granite Ware Saucepan Set is a great pick for those who love both camping and home cooking.

Pros

• Lightweight and easy to carry
• Heats evenly for fast cooking
• Free from harmful chemicals

Cons

• Not suitable for glass or induction stovetops
• No lids included
• May chip if handled roughly

I recently took this Granite Ware Saucepan Set on a camping trip, and it was a game changer. The set includes a 1-quart and a 2-quart saucepan, perfect for making quick meals. The enameled steel means they’re lightweight, so they didn’t add too much weight to my backpack.

One thing I really appreciated was how evenly they heated. This made cooking over a campfire much faster and easier. Plus, the glass coating not only preserved the taste of the food but also made cleanup a breeze.

Be aware that these pans aren’t meant for glass or induction stovetops, so they’re best for direct fire or an oven. Also, they don’t come with lids, which might be inconvenient for some. Despite these minor downsides, they are durable, chemical-free, and excellent for multiple kinds of meals.

Coleman Enamel Dinnerware Set

This set is a great buy for anyone who enjoys outdoor dining with sturdy and stylish enamelware.

Pros

• Durable and sturdy construction
• Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
• Complete set with plates, bowls, mugs, and silverware

Cons

• Silverware quality could be better
• Slightly heavier to carry around
• Plastic handles on silverware may not be very durable

I recently used the Coleman Enamel Dinnerware Set on my camping trip, and it truly held up to its reputation. The red speckled design looked classic and added some charm to our camp setup. Each piece felt solid and sturdy, even during rough use outdoors.

Cleaning up was a breeze since everything is dishwasher safe. I simply tossed the dishes into the campsite’s dishwasher (kidding, I washed them by hand but it was easy). While the plates and cups were great, I noticed the silverware wasn’t as strong as I hoped. The knives were quite sharp, which is good, but the plastic handles seemed a bit flimsy.

Transporting the whole set was convenient thanks to the compact roll-up pouch for the cutlery. Even though it added a little weight to my pack, I appreciated not having to worry about disposable cutlery and dishes. This set is ideal for anyone wanting an all-in-one solution for outdoor dining without the hassle.

GSI Outdoors Camp Dinnerware Set

A reliable choice for campers needing a durable and lightweight cookware set.

Pros

• Very durable with hardened enamel
• Easy to carry due to lightweight steel
• Dishwasher safe for quick clean-up

Cons

• Some pieces might arrive with minor damage
• The frying pan is quite small
• The percolator basket might need extra care

I recently used the GSI Outdoors Camp Dinnerware Set on a camping trip, and it performed well. The hardened enamel didn’t chip or crack, even with rough handling. Being lightweight, it was easy to pack and carry.

Cleaning up after meals was easy since the entire set is dishwasher safe. The durability was impressive; it withstood the rigors of camping without showing any wear.

On the downside, the frying pan’s size limited the food I could cook at once. I also had to be careful with the percolator basket to avoid getting coffee grounds in my cup. Some pieces had minor damage when they arrived, but the seller responded quickly to replace them.

Buying Guide

When shopping for enamel camping cookware, there are several things to keep in mind. It’s all about getting the best mix of durability, weight, and size for your needs.

Material and Durability

Enamel cookware features a metal base, often steel or cast iron, coated with enamel. I look for thick, even enamel coating. This ensures the cookware can withstand high heat and is resistant to chipping.

Weight

For camping, weight plays a key role. I prefer lightweight options, especially if I’m hiking. Cast iron is heavier but more durable. Steel offers a good balance between weight and strength.

Size and Portability

The size of the cookware should match my cooking needs and the number of people. Nesting cookware sets are a great option for saving space.

Heat Distribution

Even heat distribution is essential. I check for a flat base to ensure it heats evenly on camping stoves or over an open fire.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Enamel cookware is easy to clean. I prefer those that are dishwasher-safe. Also, I check if the enamel can handle being scrubbed without chipping.

Table Example of Considerations

Looking at these features helps me choose the best enamel camping cookware for my trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’m here to help you understand enamel camping cookware better. Below, I’ll answer some common questions you might have about using this type of cookware while camping.

1. What are the best enamel camping cookware sets available?

There are several great enamel camping cookware sets to choose from. Brands like GSI Outdoors, Coleman, and Stansport offer durable and reliable options. These sets often include items like pots, pans, and mugs, all designed to be lightweight and easy to pack.

2. Are there any health risks associated with using enamel cookware?

Enamel camping cookware is generally safe to use. The enamel coating is non-reactive, meaning it won’t leach harmful chemicals into your food. Just make sure the enamel isn’t chipped or cracked. Damaged enamel can expose the metal underneath, which could pose a health risk.

3. How do vintage enamel camping cookware products differ from modern ones?

Vintage enamel cookware often features thicker enamel and heavier metal. This can make it more durable but also heavier to carry. Newer products tend to be lighter and more convenient for camping. They might also have updated designs and extra features like non-stick surfaces.

4. What are the advantages of using speckled enamel cookware for camping?

Speckled enamel cookware is popular because it’s durable and easy to clean. The speckles can also help hide scratches and chips, extending the life of your cookware. Additionally, it often comes in fun colors, adding a bit of style to your camping gear.

5. How does enamel cookware compare to other materials for campsite cooking?

Enamel cookware is lightweight and easy to carry, making it great for camping. It heats evenly, which is important for cooking outdoors. Compared to cast iron, it’s much lighter but doesn’t hold heat as long. Unlike aluminum, it doesn’t react with acidic foods, making it a safer choice for a variety of dishes.