The Best Open Fire Cooking Equipment (Tested by a Chef)
These are the 8 essential campfire tools I bring on every trip, plus a few bonus picks. All chef-tested and ready for open fire cooking!
Essential Campfire Cooking Tools I Always Pack
As a professional chef and lifelong camper, I’ve tested a lot of campfire cooking tools. Over the years, I’ve narrowed it down to the essentials I actually bring on every trip—from fire-starting gear to fire-friendly cookware.
If you’re brand new to cooking over a fire, check out my full guide on building the best fire for cooking. It covers the basics of fire structures, cooking order, and how to manage heat zones, very helpful when you're just getting started!
I may earn a small commission from some of the links on this page if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely believe in and already have or would purchase myself.
My Quick Tool Picks
| Tool | Best For | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Electric Bellows | Starting a fire fast | Check Price on Amazon |
| 2 | Pit Mitts | Fire safety & comfort | Check Price on Amazon |
| 3 | Firewood Tongs | Log control | Check Price on Amazon |
How I Chose These Campfire Cooking Tools
Car Camping Focus
This guide is geared toward car camping, where space and weight aren’t major concerns. If you’re backpacking, you’ll need to go lighter, so some of these tools might not apply.
What About Camp Stoves?
You won’t find a camp stove on this list. I borrowed one once during a fire ban, and while it worked, it just didn’t compare to cooking over a real wood-burning fire. A compact stove or portable BBQ can be a decent backup if fire pits are off-limits. But personally? I’d rather skip the trip than skip the fire.
Fire Pits with Built-in Grates
Most state and provincial parks in the U.S. and Canada provide fire pits with built-in grates, which makes open fire cooking incredibly easy. If you're heading off-grid or into the backcountry, you’ll want to pack a campfire tripod or portable grill grate, so you’re fully set up to cook over the fire.
Best Campfire Tools at a Glance
Bonus Picks:
My Top 8 Campfire Cooking Tools
1. Electric Bellows
Gets your fire roaring in minutes—no blowing, fanning, or wasting time.
This compact bellows is one of my favorite tools for campfire cooking. It’s lightweight, battery-powered, and saves your breath when your fire needs a quick boost.
The only quirk is that you have to hold the button down to run it. The quick fix? Loop a rubber band around it and set it near the fire so it keeps fanning the flames hands-free while you prep your food.
My Amazon Pick:
Zippo Firefast Bellows
This version is the closest match I’ve found to mine. It runs in 1-minute bursts and delivers a strong air stream. Like mine, it requires you to hold the button to operate. It takes two AA batteries (not included), so don’t forget to grab those too.
Check Price on Amazon
2. Pit Mitts
Protect your hands from heat, sparks, and flames.
These gloves are heat-resistant up to 475°F and long enough to shield your wrists while you cook over the fire. The textured silicone pattern gives you a solid grip, whether you’re turning steaks, moving pans, or adding logs. Flexible, reliable, and tough enough for real fire cooking.
My Amazon Pick:
Charcoal Companion Ultimate Barbecue Pit Mitt
This BBQ glove is very similar to mine—reversible, heat-resistant, and offers a great grip when handling hot cookware or firewood. Just note, it’s sold individually, so you’ll need two if you want one for each hand.
Check Price on Amazon
3. Firewood Tongs
Stop using sticks—these tongs make adjusting your fire so much easier.
Whether you're adding a log or shifting coals to manage heat zones, a good pair of firewood tongs will save you from burns and frustration. These slim, steel, scissor-style tongs give you great control and don’t take up much space.
Before I got mine, I used two random sticks from the woods, not sure why I put up with that for so long! 😅
My Amazon Pick:
AMAGABELI 26" Firewood Tongs
A near match to mine, these wrought iron tongs are lightweight but sturdy enough to handle big logs. Thousands of solid reviews back them up, and the 26-inch length keeps your hands a safe distance from the flames.
Check Price on Amazon
4. Sturdy Locking Grilling Tongs
Reliable, precise, and tough enough for open-fire cooking.
I have a few pairs, but these are my favorite tongs by far. They’re long enough to keep your hands safe from the heat, with a not-too-stiff grip that’s easy on your hands even after lots of flipping. Plus, they lock shut for compact storage and stay perfectly aligned, even after years of use.
My Amazon Pick:
Cuisipro 16" Locking Tongs
These are the exact same tongs I use. They’re dishwasher-safe, include a hanging loop, and built to last—I’ve had mine for at least a decade!
Check Price on Amazon
5. Cast-Iron Skillet
The ultimate tool for anything you can’t grill directly over flames.
A cast-iron skillet lets you fry eggs, crisp up bacon, sear steaks, sauté veggies, and more. The even heat retention and natural nonstick surface are a dream when you’re cooking outside.
We used to bring a classic flat skillet, but after we serendipitously found a cast iron grill pan left behind at a site, it completely won us over.
We don’t usually cook eggs while camping, so the ridges actually work better for our style of cooking, giving a nice sear with char marks. If eggs are in your rotation, though, the classic smooth-surface Lodge skillet is still the gold standard.
My Amazon Pick:
Lodge Pre-Seasoned 10.25" Cast Iron Skillet
This is the classic Lodge skillet—heavy-duty, affordable, and ready to go right out of the box. I’ve owned one of these for years and used to bring it camping before we switched to the grill pan. It’s sturdy enough for open fire cooking and comes in multiple sizes depending on your needs.
Check Price on Amazon
6. Grill Basket
No more lost mushrooms or rolling sausages—this basket keeps smaller foods from falling into the fire.
I’ve fully replaced my grill grate with this basket and use it for everything from steaks and chicken to onions and veg. The tapered sides hold food in place, and the round holes still allow you to get that perfect char.
My Amazon Pick:
Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket
While I found a few baskets that look more like mine, I can’t confidently recommend them—too many reviews mention warping or flimsy construction.
This Weber model is built to last, with linear slots (instead of round ones like mine), comes in two sizes, and has a 4.7-star rating from nearly 8,000 reviewers who love its durability and performance over high heat.
Check Price on Amazon
7. Stainless Steel Pot
A must-have for boiling water, cooking grains, or heating soups over the fire.
I only bring one pot when we camp, and this one earns its spot. It’s our go-to for boiling water for coffee, but also pulls double duty for pasta, potatoes, or creamy polenta—no separate kettle needed.
Stainless is ideal because it’s lightweight, easy to clean, and won’t react with acidic ingredients like tomatoes or vinegar (unlike cast iron). The see-through lid is another bonus, you can keep an eye on what’s cooking without lifting the lid and losing heat.
My Amazon Pick:
NutriChef 3 Qt Stainless Steel Pot with See-Through Lid
This pot is almost identical to mine. It comes in different sizes, has a glass lid for easy monitoring, and is made of durable stainless steel that can handle temps up to 500°F. A great all-purpose pot for your campfire kitchen.
Check Price on Amazon
8. Telescoping Camp Forks
Cleaner, safer, and way more convenient than hunting for sticks.
These extendable forks make roasting marshmallows, hot dogs, and fire-cooked fruit & veggies so much easier. Unless you’re committed to whittling sticks every trip, these are the way to go.
They’re easy to clean (we burn off any mess in the fire), cool down fast, and pack into a slim zippered pouch that barely takes up space. Ours have lasted for years, and having a full set means everyone gets their own roasting stick—simple, safe, and way more fun.
My Amazon Pick:
MalloMe Smores Sticks for Fire Pit (8-Pack)
These are nearly identical to the ones we use. They’re sturdy, compact, extendable, and come in a variety of set sizes (5 to 20). They're also super affordable, and the included pouch keeps them tidy and easy to store.
Check Price on AmazonBonus Camp Kitchen Gear I Always Pack
These aren’t fire tools, but I’ve used them for years and trust the brands. These tools are what I rely on trip after trip—not just nice-to-haves, but real camping solutions.
Portable Coffee Press
Because a good cup of coffee beats instant every time.
For great-tasting camp coffee, the Delter Coffee Press is our go-to. I’ve used it on every trip since 2021—compact, lightweight, and it brews two strong, flavorful cups wherever you can boil water. It’s also a breeze to clean, which matters when you're not near a sink.
☕ Want the full scoop? Check out my full Delter Coffee Press review & brew guide—with pics and cleaning tips for camp.
If you're more of a one-cup-at-a-time person, many campers swear by the AeroPress. I haven’t personally tested it, but it’s been a staple in the outdoor coffee world for years—reliable, compact, and a favorite for minimalist brewing setups.
My Amazon Picks:
Delter Coffee Press
My camp-tested pick. Compact, makes two cups, and cleans up easily—perfect for off-grid coffee.
Check Price on AmazonAeroPress Original Coffee Maker
A long-time camping favorite with over 20,000 Amazon reviews. The original brews one cup; the XL model makes two but is bulkier and pricier.
Check Price on Amazon
Kitchen Scissors
For the quick jobs that don’t need a knife and cutting board.
A sharp pair of scissors makes camp cooking a breeze—no digging for your knife or washing a board just to cube cheese, snip herbs, or cut broccoli into florets. I use them right over the pot or plate, which saves time and keeps cleanup simple.
My Amazon Pick:
J.A. Henckels Twin L Kitchen Shears
These are the same brand and model I use. Sharp, comfortable, and great for fast camp kitchen tasks. A few reviewers mention rust issues, but I’ve never had a problem. I always hand-wash and dry them, which helps keep the blades in great shape.
Check Price on Amazon
Insulated Travel Wine Tumbler
Solo cups are fine for beer, but wine deserves better.
This travel tumbler lets you enjoy a proper glass of wine at camp without the worry of broken glass. Its double-wall insulation keeps drinks at the perfect temp, the lid keeps bugs out, and it feels way more elegant than a disposable cup.
We bring our Hydro Flasks everywhere—from forest campgrounds to hotel rooms abroad. They’ve come in handy in more places than I can count.
My Amazon Pick:
Hydro Flask 10 oz. Vacuum Insulated Travel Wine Glass
This version is nearly identical to the ones we've used and loved for years — but even better. It has a ceramic-coated interior for cleaner flavor (ours are stainless steel) and a fully sealable sipping spout (ours doesn’t close). It’s dishwasher safe, comes in multiple colors, and is perfect for outdoor sipping.
This is the one we’ll upgrade to next — and the one I’d recommend if you’re buying new.
Check Price on Amazon
Campfire Cooking FAQs
What material is best for cooking over a campfire?
Stick with cast iron or heavy-bottomed stainless steel. Both are durable, safe, and excellent at retaining heat. Aluminum pans are lightweight but can warp easily and don’t cook as evenly. Avoid non-stick cookware—high heat can damage the chemical coating, leaching it into your food.
How can I stay organized with my campfire cooking gear?
I keep all my fire tools and smallwares in a couple of dedicated plastic bins that live in my storage year-round. They make packing a breeze and double as side tables at camp.
Can you cook with aluminum foil on a campfire?
Yes, but I rarely cook directly over the fire in aluminum foil. I mostly use it to rest cooked meats, line surfaces for seasoning raw food, or wrap leftovers.
If you do cook with foil, stick to low or moderate indirect heat and avoid acidic ingredients like tomatoes or vinegar. High heat and acids can cause aluminum to leach into your food.
The one exception for me is low-and-slow pork ribs—and even then, you can wrap them in parchment before the foil to be extra safe and avoid direct contact.
🔥For more campfire cooking tips, check out my full guide on how to cook over an open fire.
How do I clean a cast-iron skillet at camp without ruining it?
While the skillet is still hot, add a splash of water and scrape off any stuck-on bits with a wooden utensil. Dump the water, wipe dry, and finish with a light coat of oil before storing. For extra greasy messes, adding a bit of soap is fine, just rinse well, dry completely, and reseason with oil to avoid rust.
What should I bring for easy cleanup at camp?
Beyond regular dish soap and water, I always pack a few extras that reduce waste and make cleanup a little easier:
Disinfectant wipes: Not just for hands—they’re perfect for quickly wiping down utensils, tongs, or surfaces after a meal.
Disposable gloves: Handy for messy jobs like seasoning raw meat or peeling charred corn without getting your hands dirty.
Paper products: If you’re using disposables, opt for paper plates and cups instead of plastic so you can burn them after meals.
Take-out utensils & chopsticks: I keep a stash of leftover takeout cutlery and sauce packets in my camp box. They’re way more useful at camp than sitting in a drawer at home, and bamboo cutlery can go straight into the fire after use.
That’s it, happy campfire cooking!
With the right campfire cooking gear, you’ll be ready to create incredible meals on your next outdoor adventure. Whether you’re toasting marshmallows or making a gourmet campfire feast, these are the tools I always bring to make cooking over the fire easier, safer, and way more fun.
If you’ve got a favorite tool I missed, let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear what tools you can’t live without!
And if you’re gearing up for your next trip, don’t forget to check out my favorite campfire recipes to try with your new setup.
Me searing a duck breast using the grill pan, tongs, and a Pit Mitt. You can also spot my camping box and insulated wine tumbler in the background.
More Campfire Cooking Resources
How to cook over a fire like a pro: Master the basics of live fire cooking with this easy guide—from building the perfect campfire and managing heat to timing your meals and planning what to cook.
Delter Coffee Press review and brewing guide: My go-to for real coffee at camp. This guide covers how it works, why I love it, how to clean it on the go, and where to get your own.
