Camping kitchen: types, consumption and recommendations

Nothing feels better than traveling calm and carefree. Although vacations are for resting, many times due to schedules,restaurants and the rest of us get stressed because we don’t get to everything . On the other hand, if you are independent, it will not happen to you.

By being “independent” we mean being more autonomous and not needing to go anywhere on time. There are no better views than the wild landscape of the nature. Eating outdoors is one of the best experiences there is.

Although surely you are thinking of the typical sandwich that you took from excursion As a child, the truth is that the cooking options when you go camping are endless.

Do not forget to bring the necessary accessories to have everything ready. If you go for a couple of days you will not need it, but if you are thinking of a longer vacation, you will need a mini fridge, a utility knife and the best kitchen camping.

Where can camping kitchens be used?

Before telling you what the different types of camping kitchens are, we have to tell you where you can and where you can’t eat. You have to differentiate between the restrictions of barbecues and camping kitchens.

If you are inside a campsite, you have to contact the person in charge of the facilities to check what the rules are. As a general rule, these kitchens can be used in any area as long as the minimum safety standards are respected.

In the case of traveling to a natural park, for example, things get complicated. The regulation is different depending on the space and its legal protection. The time of year and the risk of fires are also aspects to take into account.

For example, in the Picos de Europa area, you can only light a fire if you have authorization. When we say fire we also refer to gas stoves since they have a flame and are equal to or more dangerous than a bonfire.

There are areas such as the Lagunas de Ruidera where camping kitchens have an advantage over barbecues since their use is clearly allowed in a controlled manner.

Be careful, take a good look at the areas that are enabled , because not all of them can be cooked. First find out well on the website of the area you are going to visit by doing a quick Google search.

Camping kitchen for traveling light

For short or sporadic trips, the best are these types of kitchens that take up little space and are super easy to maintain. You do not need to spend an excessive amount or carry agiant butane cylinder with you to eat hot.

Some of these camping kitchens are so small that you can carry them in your travel backpack without problems if you do the Camino de Santiago, for example.

Types of kitchens for camping

Gas camping stoves

This type of kitchen is the most classic, the “campingaz”. You can find them with several number of fires, which are connected directly to the small gas cylinder. You have available from 1 to 4 burners.

The range of gas camping stoves is immense and there are some from the size of a bottle to some that are just as big as the ones in your home. Cooking with gas is quick and easy but only recommended if you are outside.

You can find the necessary fuel practically at any service station. The approximate consumption of a kitchen small gas is 155 grams per hour of use and produces a thermal energy of 2.5 kW.

Keep in mind to take the right and necessary one that you think you are going to use. Propane, butane or kerosene are highly flammable materials (of course) and toxic.

Never make lunch with this kitchen of camping if you are in a completely closed place. To begin with, the combustion will be much less because there is a lack of oxygen. And to follow, much more highly damaging carbon monoxide is released.

Advantages and disadvantages of gas camping stoves

These types of kitchens have quite a few good things. They allow you to cook anywhere without the need to connect to the electrical current . In addition, the number of sizes that exist in the current market makes it very easy to transport.

The fuel to make them work is easy to get at any gas station and the fire produced with it is suitable for any material of pans or saucepans.

However, like everything, it has its downsides. The maintenance and above all, the cleaning of these devices is somewhat complicated because it has many parts. It is true that you also always have to carry a reserve gas bottle.

Be very careful also when you disassemble it or want to store it. The part that is in direct contact with the fire becomes hot and can cause burns if you touch it before time.

Lastly, the risk of fire of this type of camping kitchens is high. Although it has been reduced in recent times, it is still more likely than with other instruments.

Electric camping stoves

The option of an electric stove is much more recommended if you plan to stay in a campsite or place that offers electricity to visitors on your trip.

These plates are like a small kitchen in your house but with fewer burners. Its operation is very simple: you connect the Plug to an electric current and voila. You don’t have to carry a cylinder with you so you take off the extra weight.

Within this type of camping kitchens, there are (as in the home) those with ceramic hob and those with induction. Its operation is the same, so we will clarify what its advantages, disadvantages and consumption medium .

Ceramic cookers for camping

These plates have a glass material that makes cleaning much easier : wipe with a cloth dampened with product and that’s it. They also have warning technology for burners on. This way you will know when to pick it up.

These types of camping kitchens are ideal for smaller spaces and take them on excursions. Also, since they are flat, it is easier to store them in suitcases or straight spaces.

Instead, the bad part comes when we talk about food. You need yes or yes to have access to an electricity outlet and they take longer to heat up than the other alternatives.