By Colin FosterCampfire cooking equipment UK campers rely on is a different category from camp stoves. You are working with open flame, uneven heat and wood smoke, so the kit has to be sturdy, easy to position over the fire and simple to clean afterwards. This guide narrows the field to eight pieces of gear that suit common British camping setups, from a single pitch at a campsite to a woodland group trip. The selection criteria were material and build quality, heat tolerance, portability, fit with UK campfire and firepit sizes, and the patterns owners tend to mention in their feedback. We did not test these products ourselves; the picks are based on manufacturer specifications, brand track record and recurring owner comments.
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven | Stews, bakes and one-pot meals | Pre-seasoned cast iron with a tight-fitting lid |
| Lodge Cast Iron Skillet | Frying, searing and breakfasts | Pre-seasoned cast iron, versatile sizing |
| Petromax Fire Grill | Grilling over open wood fires | Adjustable tripod-style grill with a flat grate |
| Campingaz Camping Grill Plate | Simple grilling on a base campfire setup | Lightweight folding grill grate |
| Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Pro Knife | Prepping food and processing firewood | Full-tang stainless steel blade |
| Opinel No.8 Folding Knife | Light prep and sausage cutting | Carbon steel blade with a locking ring |
| Kelly Kettle Ultimate Scout | Boiling water quickly over a small fire | Double-walled base that uses a small fire |
| Stanley Adventure Camp Cook Set | Group cooking and boiling water | Stackable stainless pots with fold-out handles |
Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven
This suits campers who want to cook stews, bread or casseroles directly in or over the embers. It is a strong choice for families and small groups who cook a proper meal most nights.
Key specs
- Pre-seasoned cast iron body
- Domed lid designed to hold coals on top
- Heavy construction, so expect a substantial carry weight
Pros
- Distributes heat evenly for slow cooking
- Durable and can last for decades with care
- Works for baking as well as boiling and frying
Cons
- Heavy to carry on foot or in a small car boot
- Needs careful drying and oiling after washing to prevent rust
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
A good fit for anyone who wants a single pan for bacon, eggs and searing meat over the fire. It is an easy starting point if you already own cast iron at home.
Key specs
- Pre-seasoned cast iron surface
- Flat base suited to grates and trivets
- Available in several diameters
Pros
- Holds heat well for consistent frying
- Pre-seasoned surface reduces early sticking
- Good value for a long-lasting pan
Cons
- Heavy compared with aluminium camping pans
- Handle gets very hot, so a heat-resistant glove is essential
Petromax Fire Grill
Ideal for campers who want to grill steaks, vegetables or fish directly over a wood fire using a sturdy, adjustable stand. It suits pitches where you can build a proper fire bed.
Key specs
- Heavy steel construction with a flat grill grate
- Height-adjustable design for controlling heat
- Foldable legs for transport
Pros
- Stable base for larger grates
- Height adjustment gives useful heat control
- Robust build suited to repeated fire use
Cons
- Heavier than most folding grill options
- Takes some practice to set up level on uneven ground
Campingaz Camping Grill Plate
A simple, lightweight option for campers who want a basic grill surface over a small fire or camp ring. It works well for weekend trips where pack size matters.
Key specs
- Folding grill grate design
- Lightweight metal construction
- Compact when folded
Pros
- Easy to pack and carry
- Simple to set over a fire ring
- Quick to clean compared with heavy cast iron
Cons
- Thinner metal can warp under very high heat
- Less stable than a dedicated fire grill stand
Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Pro Knife
A practical choice for campers who need a robust blade for food prep, kindling and light batoning. It is best for those who handle firewood as part of their routine.
Key specs
- Full-tang stainless steel blade
- Fixed blade with a sheath
- Built for general outdoor tasks
Pros
- Full tang adds strength for heavier tasks
- Sheath keeps the blade protected when moving
- Useful for both food prep and fire prep
Cons
- Fixed blade is less convenient to carry in a pocket
- Not a substitute for a proper hatchet when splitting larger logs
Opinel No.8 Folding Knife
A lightweight, traditional folding knife well suited to slicing sausage, bread and cheese. It fits campers who want a small, dependable kitchen knife that lives in a pocket.
Key specs
- Carbon steel blade
- Beech wood handle
- Locking ring to secure the blade when open
Pros
- Keeps a sharp edge with regular honing
- Very light and easy to pack
- Traditional design that many owners find reliable
Cons
- Carbon steel can rust if left wet
- Not designed for heavy chopping or batoning
Kelly Kettle Ultimate Scout
Best for campers who want hot water quickly using only a small handful of kindling. It is a popular choice for hot drinks and rehydrated meals on a short trip.
Key specs
- Double-walled base that channels heat up the central chimney
- Aluminium construction
- Designed to boil water on a small fire
Pros
- Boils water quickly with minimal fuel
- Compact and easy to carry
- Efficient use of kindling
Cons
- Only useful for boiling water, not for general cooking
- Soot builds up on the outside and needs cleaning
Stanley Adventure Camp Cook Set
A good fit for groups or families who need pots for boiling, simmering and reheating over a fire or camp stove. It packs down neatly for car camping.
Key specs
- Stainless steel pots and pans
- Stackable design for storage
- Fold-out handles for easy handling
Pros
- Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean
- Stacks neatly in a box or crate
- Good range of sizes for group meals
Cons
- Stainless pots can scorch if heat is too high
- Heavier than aluminium alternatives
Buying Guide
Choosing campfire cooking equipment is less about finding a single best product and more about matching gear to how you camp. A solo backpacker, a family on a campsite with a fire ring and a scout group on a field all have very different needs. Before buying anything, think about where you camp, how you travel and how much cooking you actually plan to do.
Selection criteria
- Material: Cast iron holds heat well but is heavy. Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean. Aluminium is light but can warp under high heat.
- Heat tolerance: Check that the item is rated for open flame, not just a camp stove burner.
- Portability: Consider weight and pack size, especially if you walk to your pitch.
- Fit: Measure your firepit or fire ring before buying grates or grills so they sit level and stable.
Important features
Look for sturdy handles that stay cool or can be gripped with a glove, stable legs or supports, and tight-fitting lids if you plan to bake or simmer. Non-stick coatings generally do not handle direct fire well, so cast iron or stainless steel are usually safer choices over open flames.
Specs to check
- Overall weight and folded dimensions
- Maximum recommended heat or whether it is suitable for direct flame
- Material thickness, particularly for grills and grates
- Whether the product needs seasoning or oiling to prevent rust
Choosing by need
- Solo or lightweight trips: a folding knife and a compact kettle system.
- Family car camping: a cast iron skillet, a Dutch oven and a stainless cook set.
- Groups or scouts: a fire grill stand, larger pots and a sturdy knife for prep.
Things to watch out for
Do not use plastic handles or non-heat-resistant components directly over the flame. Keep cast iron dry and oiled after use to avoid rust, and allow hot items to cool safely before packing. Always check local fire restrictions and campsite rules before lighting a fire. Campers with specific safety concerns should consult the campsite operator or a qualified outdoor instructor.
For wider context on fire-building and safe cooking practice, see Campfire Safety: Building, Watching and Putting Out a Fire and Camp Cooking Basics: Stoves, Fires and Cooking Safely Outdoors. If you are planning your campsite layout around a cooking area, How to Organize a Campsite: Sleeping, Cooking and Storage Areas is a useful companion read.
FAQ
Do I need cast iron for campfire cooking?
Not necessarily, but cast iron is one of the most reliable materials for open-fire cooking because it handles direct heat well and holds temperature evenly. Stainless steel is a good alternative if you want something lighter and easier to clean.
Can I use a non-stick pan over a campfire?
Most non-stick coatings are not designed for direct, high flame. Manufacturers generally recommend stainless steel or cast iron for open-fire use. Check the specific product instructions before using any coated pan over a fire.
How do I stop cast iron rusting after camping?
Clean it while still warm, dry it thoroughly and apply a thin layer of cooking oil. Store it in a dry place. If rust appears, scrub it off and re-season the surface.
What size grill grate fits a typical campfire ring?
Measure the ring or firepit before buying. Many campers choose a grate slightly larger than the opening so it rests securely on the edges. Always keep the grate stable and level.
Is a folding knife enough for campfire cooking?
For slicing sausage, bread and cheese, a small folding knife is usually sufficient. For preparing larger amounts of food or processing firewood, a fixed blade with a full tang is more practical.
Do I need a kettle if I already have a camp stove?
Not always. A camp stove boils water efficiently, but a fire-based kettle is useful if you want to save stove fuel or enjoy the process of cooking with wood. It depends on your trip style and fuel supply.
Is campfire cooking allowed on all UK campsites?
Rules vary between campsites and national parks. Many sites allow fires only in designated fire pits or prohibit them during dry weather. Always check the site rules and any current fire restrictions before lighting a fire.
Conclusion
For most British campers, the best campfire cooking equipment is a small, well-matched kit rather than one item. A cast iron skillet and Dutch oven cover the widest range of meals for families. A fire grill stand suits anyone who loves grilling over wood. Solo campers and walkers will get the most from a compact folding knife and a light kettle system. Groups benefit from a stainless cook set and a sturdy fire grill. Match each piece to your pitch, your travel method and the meals you plan to cook, and check campsite fire rules before you pack.
About Colin Foster
Colin Foster is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our camping know-how guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
