The 5 Best Portable Ovens for Camping in 2022
March is approaching and the recent winter snowpack is melting away in some parts of the country.
It’s about time to hit the hills and forests for some much needed escape from the grey, paved world we live in.
Camping is one of my all time favorite activities, and like most things, it is made better by good company and good equipment. I love the ancient camaraderie of a group encamped, and I love the soul nourishing warmth of a good campfire.
One of the things that can take your camping experience to the next level is being prepared to cook good food while you’re out in the forest. The more innovation that occurs in camping equipment, the more versatile our cooking options have become.
Improvements in camp ovens provide a versatility that is unmatched by the more prevalent camp “stove”, and allows you to add stewed and baked goods to your camp cuisine.
Today we are going to take a look at some common questions and things to consider when deciding on The Best Portable Oven for Camping in 2022!
So, let’s get cooking!
How Big of a Camp Oven Do I Need?
What size camp oven we need is our first major factor to address. If you are RV or car camping with your own family and perhaps extended family or friends, you may be looking for a larger oven and it may even require a considerable amount of propane.
If you are looking to slim down your load and trek overnight or longer, then you will obviously want something completely different, like a much smaller oven that is perhaps solar or wood fueled.
Camp ovens often offer one model in different sizes, so this plays into our application analysis.
If you are expeditioning with three or four other people, but you are in charge of the mess kits and cookware, you may want the largest version of a small kit; whereas a soloist or duo backpacker may be looking for a smaller version.
The same applies to larger camp ovens. If you are an RV or car camper with a family, but if only 3 to 5 of you camp regularly, you may want a small or moderate version of a larger oven.
What Kind of Fuel Does a Camp Oven Use?
Fuel source is our next major factor for deciding what camp oven is right for you. Again, circumstances play the biggest role here.
As we touched on briefly in the previous section, if you are feeding several mouths on your excursion, the larger ovens will provide the biggest output and prepare larger portions more quickly.
The drawback here is they are typically very heavy and require a heavy propane tank to lug around as well.
This is for folks camping in or near RVs or vehicles. I would not recommend this type set up for people who would have to walk more than a quarter mile to set up camp, or folks who have no interest in dealing with a propane tank in the woods.
Inversely if you are trekking for hours, days, or longer across wilderness with only yourself or a couple others to feed, you will likely be looking for the lightest oven that will fulfill your needs.
These type ovens usually use wood or solar energy as their fuel source which can have drawbacks, particularly in wet environments, but are generally pretty reliable and losing the propane canisters subtracts a lot of weight from your pack.
Much like camp oven size, fuel source is all about your needs.
Which Camp Oven is Best?
Aside from size and fuel source there is one last major factor to consider when selecting a camp oven, and that’s special features.
Some camping ovens offer a specialty feature and if you require something like coffee making capability or multi-surface cook space then you will want to look closely at any prospective camp oven’s specialty feature, if they have one.
Once you have considered these three factors, in whatever order of prominence they are for you, then you will be ready to start the selection process.
This is an often asked question, and the best answer is the theme of this article; whichever one is right for your particular needs.
Which Camp Oven Should I Buy?
After answering the questions above, we will now take our attention to the buyer’s guide below. These ovens are not ranked in any order regarding merit, because of the unique need-based nature of this type of equipment.
Our goal in listing these great options is to provide a variety of fairly equal solutions for various types of camping.
So, without further ado, let’s get cooking with The Top 5 Portable Ovens for Camping in 2022!
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The Top 5 Portable Ovens for Camping in 2022
GSI Outdoors Hard Anodized Dutch Oven
The Dutch oven is the tried and true classic option on the list. Dutch ovens have been in use in northwestern Europe since the 17th century at least, and were a staple of the American frontier.
Lewis and Clark even carried Dutch ovens with them on their expedition to the pacific northwest. With this type of storied history it goes without saying that this is a quality cooking system in the wilderness, but you can also use your dutch oven in your home kitchen as well.
Dutch ovens not only produce great biscuits, muffins, and other breads; but they allow you to add the ability to fry and make stews to your camp cooking repertoire. Dutch ovens are non-porous and this anodized oven from GSI Outdoors resists sticking and is easily cleaned up after cooking a great meal.
My favorite feature is the traditional simplicity of the Dutch oven, but a close second is the Dutch oven’s versatility.
The 14” version is the largest they offer and clocks in at 8lbs in weight. I recommend the 12” version because it sports the three feet around the bottom like the 14” version, but shaves nearly 2lbs off the carry weight at 6lbs 2oz.
GSI Outdoors offers a 10” version but it does not come with the feet around the bottom, however it is also the lightest at 3lbs 11oz.
All of them come with a carry handle, which can be used for easy transport or to hang over a fire.
The GSI Outdoors Hard Anodized Dutch Oven’s bonus feature is the lipped edge on the lids, each model comes with this and it allows you to place coals along the lid to distribute heat evenly as you cook or bake.
Whether you are RV camping or trekking through the mountain west like Lewis and Clark, the Dutch oven will keep your belly warm and full.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Anodized Cast Aluminium - highly conductive and transfers heat quickly - will not rust
Non-Porous Anodized Surface - promotes non-sticking and allows for a headache free clean-up.
Versatility - can be used in a conventional home oven or stove or over an open fire in the backcountry
Offered in 10”, 12”, and 14” versions - 12” recommended
12” version = 6lbs 2oz
12” version = 13.4” X 13” X 6.6” dimensions
12” and 14” versions offer three fixed feet on the bottom for greater stability
All versions offer a lipped-edge lid for placing coals - this helps distribute heat evenly over your food
GSI Outdoors offers a 100% lifetime warranty to the original owner against manufacturer defects
If you are doing a lot of car camping and you have many mouths to feed, the Camp Chef Outdoor Camp Oven is the ideal camping oven for you.
This camp oven almost couldn’t be more opposite from our previous entry, despite sharing some capability.
The Camp Chef Outdoor Camp Oven boasts most of the modernity laden features of your standard home oven, and thus provides a great backup if you were to experience power failure ( be sure to cook in a very well vented area or outside altogether to avoid dangerous fumes).
This particular model is designed to perform off of only a 1lb propane tank, but can be adapted to fit a 20lb tank if you are doing a weekend car camp with family and friends. The stainless steel is great for cleaning and highly durable in harsh elements.
The oven reaches up to 400 degrees and produces up to 3,000 BTUs. The stove-top, which is sort of the special feature of this camp oven, is coated in non-stick enamel and reaches as much as 7,500 BTUs. The oven has a built-in thermometer and offers two racks for multiple courses.
The internal dimensions of the oven are 16” wide X 8.5” high X 10” long and weighs 35 lbs. Obviously with the oven weighing in at 35 lbs we are not generally looking to haul this a long way on foot. This is why I recommend this oven only for RV and car campers who are generally in a large group.
Camp Chef is one of the most trusted names in the camp cookware industry, and the Camp Chef Outdoor Camp Oven is one of their most popular models.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Matchless Ignition
Requires 1 lb propane tank; can be adapted for 20 lb tank
Stainless Steel Construction
Stove Burner reaches 7,500 BTUs, Oven reaches 3,000 BTUs or 400 degrees
Non-Stick Enamel Cooking Surface
Oven Thermometer and Two-Rack Oven (removable)
Weight = 35 lbs
Folding Lid provides 3-sided wind screen
Oven fits up to 9”X13” pan inside
The Winnerwell Fastfold Oven provides a compromise between packability and a functional two-rack oven.
The Fastfold feature allows this oven to pack down flat (10.5”X13”X10” down to 10.5”X13”X3”) and easily fit into a pack, and at only six and a half pounds; this camp oven is a great hybrid of modernity and portability.
The 304 stainless steel construction makes it easy to clean and highly durable, with Winnerwell claiming it will never rust or corrode. This model is compatible with larger Winnerwell wood burning stoves as well, by just placing the Fastfold Oven on top and letting conduction do it’s thing.
Otherwise, in the field your fuel source will be wood. The carry handle makes this the type of oven you can easily hang over top of your campfire, with the built in thermometer allowing you to monitor temperature.
This versatility makes the Winnerwell Fastfold Oven walk that line, much like the GSI Outdoors Dutch Oven, of dual application between backcountry and RV or cabin use.
The fold feature shaves about 3.5” off the depth of the oven vs the GSI Outdoors Dutch Oven, so it may even be more convenient for expedition hiking.
If you do not have a group dividing up gear packing, it likely would be the better option as you will not be able to offload as many of your necessities onto a friend.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Weight = 6.5 lbs
Dimensions = 10.5” X 13” X 10” assembled, 10.5” X 13” X 3” folded
304 Stainless Steel Construction: Rust and Corrosion Proof
Compatible with any Winnerwell Wood Burning Stove
Fastfold feature allows for easy assembly and storage as needed
Glass viewing port and built-in thermometer allow you to monitor your food and cooking temperature
Two-Rack Construction allows for extra cooking space
If you are a serious expeditionist, hunter, or angler then the GOSUN GO Solar Oven is an option you will want to bump up your consideration list.
We have addressed the large RV and car camping oven, and we have laid out two great medium sized options.
This oven is for the camper who is looking to shed weight and still have the options to cook quality meals. In fact, the longer you are out and the further you trek, the more a morale boosting warm meal is needed.
The GOSUN GO Solar Oven is the smallest camp oven in GOSUN’s lineup and weighs in at just 2 lbs! GOSUN claims that it can cook meals in 20 to 30 minutes and reach a temperature of 550 degrees; as long as you have sunlight you can cook.
The GOSUN GO Solar Oven is also capable of boiling water too for purification or dried foods. The way this oven works is two parabolic reflectors are contained within an EVA foam hardshell zippable case, when opened up, the parabolic reflectors harness sunlight and use it to heat the evacuated glass tube oven.
When cleaned and ready for storage simply zip up the case, and it’s small size makes it easy to attach or store within your pack.
Other accessories included are: a stainless steel cooking tray, silicone cooking pans, a stabilizer stand, cleaning brush, user manual, and even a little cookbook.
When you see the ease with which this oven is assembled and disassembled, while producing good food, you will likely find it difficult to pass up.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Dimensions = 14.17” X 7.09” X 3.35”
Weight = 2 lbs
Top Temperature = 550 degrees F
EVA Foam Zippered Hardshell Case
Two Parabolic Reflectors
Evacuated Glass Tube Oven
Stainless Steel Cooking Tray
Two Silicone Cooking Pans
Stabilizer Stand
Cleaning Brush
User Manual and Cookbook
SUNFLAIR hails their Mini Portable Solar Oven as the lightest in the world at 1.25lbs, and claims it is the number one portable solar oven from Afghanistan to Alaska. It is easy to see why once you take a look at this great product.
With no assembly necessary, this oven can be set up or stored in just a few seconds, and folds down to the size of a laptop! This makes the SUNFLAIR MINI PORTABLE SOLAR OVEN my top pick for the expeditionist, backcountry hunter or fisher, and outdoor adrenaline junkies.
Just like the GOSUN GO, the use of solar fuel to cook your food means you can cook a warm and hearty meal even if you are in a campfire restricted area. If you are like me and trek to the mountain west occasionally, then you know this can be a crucial feature as wildfire season always coincides with some of the best camping weather.
This oven will remind you of a pizza delivery bag with it’s only hardware being a built in thermometer inside.
Accessories that come with this oven are: 1 Trivet, 1 Collapsible Silicone Pot, and 1 Stuff Bag for compact storage. This entire kit together still weighs just 1lb 12oz! This light and compact solar oven is easily stored in any pack, be it your standard camping pack or your bug-out-bag.
Considering the size and weight, along with the fact that there is no assembly necessary and it can be used without packing or gathering fuel, the SUNFLAIR MINI SOLAR OVEN my personal favorite on the list.
I typically camp with small groups or solo, so this oven provides for all of my needs, while feeling virtually non-existent while being hauled.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Weight = Whole Kit 1lb 12oz
Folds down to the size of a laptop
Top Temperature = 285 degrees F(encourages slow cooking which should be considered before purchase; water boils at 212 degrees F)
4 season cooking below 40 degrees latitude, 3 season above
Best results with a 3+ UV rating
Dimensions = 13” X 5” X 11” when cook ready; 13” X 11” X 2” when pack in stuff sack
State of the art Closed Cell Insulation
SUNFLAIR offers a 30-day return policy
“The glories of a mountain campfire are far greater than may be guessed…. One can make a day of any size, and regulate the rising and setting of his own sun and the brightness of its shining.”
—John Muir
I want to stress again, that just because I selected a favorite, it is not meant to confer any more merit on my choice in relation to the others. I view each of these 5 camp ovens as equals in terms of quality and ability to produce. The deciding factor is which one works best for your particular usage.
I chose the SUNFLAIR PORTABLE SOLAR OVEN because it fits with my camping and prepping set up better than the others. I’m sure one day, if I have a larger family of my own, I will be in the market for something like the CAMP CHEF OUTDOOR OVEN.
If you have followed my previous reviews here at Rugged Man, then you know you are not going to get out of this article without a safety lecture.
Remember that if you need to pack fuel canisters or utilize fire to fuel your camp oven, they require you to take account and pay attention much more than solar ovens.
Propane canisters and tanks especially require you to be aware of their proximity to fires and combustibles.
Remember that a little extra care and mental preparedness is critical to ensuring the only memory you leave with is a pleasant and relaxing one.
Happy camping!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ryan Smith is an avid angler and outdoorsman based in central Kentucky.
Ryan spends between 60 and 110 days fishing each year.
He is a carpenter by trade.
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