Essential Gear for Outdoor Cooking

While you might think nothing of grabbing the tongs and spatula from the kitchen and taking them outside, it’s better to have a dedicated set of accessories for outdoor cooking. For starters, the handles on grill accessories such as tongs, spatulas and forks designed for cooking on a grill or over a campfire are longer, which helps protect your hands from the open flame and high heat. 

Another way you can make cooking outside more convenient is to put together a storage container of all the outdoor cooking gear you’ll need so you don’t have to go back and forth to your indoor kitchen as you need things. This will also make packing up for a camping trip much faster and will reduce your chances of forgetting something at home. 

Most people know that a cutting board is one of the most important pieces of cooking gear whether you’re inside or outside. A cutting board provides a clean, flat surface for chopping vegetables, slicing meat, or performing other food prep tasks. Keep in mind that you might have fewer opportunities to wash your cutting boards outside, it’s best to have at least two on hand: one for meats or fish and one for fruits and vegetables. This is important because uncooked meat or fish can carry salmonella that can make you sick if it transfers to other foods.See Disclosure ¹

When meal prepping, you want to have enough counter space to organize the different foods you’re going to cook. If you’re using a permanent outdoor kitchen at home, you might have outdoor kitchen cabinets and drawers that provide storage and counter space at the same time. If you’re camping, you’ll want a lightweight folding table that you can set up near your grill, camp stove or fire.

If you’re cooking outdoors, you need pots and pans designed to withstand the elements, such as an open flame. Cast iron skillets are popular choices for camping gear or outdoor cooking at home because you can use it on all types of cooking surfaces, like a built-in grill, wood-fired oven or fire pit. Cast iron cookware is heavy and can get very hot, so you’ll need a good barbecue mitt to grip cast iron dishes once they heat up.

Alternatively, aluminum and titanium are lightweight materials, which makes them good options for cookware you want to take on the road. But if you want the ideal cookware for making delicious camping stews, chilis and even cobblers, a Dutch oven is just the thing.

Whether you’re cooking indoors or out, keeping perishable foods chilled is crucial for your own enjoyment and for food safety. In an outdoor kitchen, an outdoor refrigerator is the most convenient option. These are specifically for outdoor use and prevent small critters from accessing the contents.

When you’re going camping, a quality cooler is essential to keep food fresh. If you have time, chill it overnight before you pack it for your trip so that it is already cold inside. Then, refresh the ice and pack it with frozen foods and drinks. Don’t drain the melted ice during the trip because icy water helps keep the temperature down.

Also, be sure to keep the cooler shut when you’re not taking things in or out of it to seal in as much cool air as possible. For extended trips, you might want to consider an electric cooler that can keep things colder for longer periods of time.

When it comes to washing dishes after cooking outdoors, it helps to have a convenient outdoor sink. As with indoor kitchens, a sink is an essential fixture in the cooking mix, so consider installing one near your backyard cooking space.

Of course, not everyone has an outdoor kitchen with a sink, especially when roughing it at a campsite. In those scenarios, simply use a storage bin as a wash basin. Fill up your basin with water and dish soap before you start your cooking prep. This way you can put dishes in as you finish using them.

Now that you know what gear is essential for outdoor living, it’s time to plan the menu for your next backyard party or camping trip. Grilled vegetables and meats are always a hit, paired with some classic campfire favorites like s'mores. Regardless of what you ultimately go with, a well-planned menu is sure to enhance the outdoor experience.

With the right grill and outdoor kitchen items at your disposal, you can create the outdoor oasis of your dreams. So, what are you waiting for? Go out there and savor the flavors of the great outdoors.