Nothing compares to cooking over a campfire with your loved ones while enjoying a good meal and gazing up at the stars. The best textures and richest flavours, however, will require the use of a camp oven!
There are many reasons why you'll need a camping oven but most importantly you can satisfy your palate's needs for perfectly prepared meals even when you're out in nature. And, when it comes to feasting with Mother Nature, there are many things to take into account, from types of cooking ovens to seasoning, cleaning and storage tips. So, if you want to master the art of campervan cooking before your next camping trip, we’re here to help.
Camping Ovens: Common Types
Although camp ovens have been around for ages, they have just recently become more common in Australia. This suggests that there are a plethora of options available, with something for everyone. These are the most popular ones.
12 Volt Oven
If you’re looking for a convenient cooking way on your next adventure trip, invest in a space-saving and portable 12 volt camp oven made of heavy-duty stainless steel. Thanks to this compact and portable device, you will be able to use the 12v battery system in your car or a 12V dual battery system to reheat, bake, or roast while you're driving.
When you arrive at your destination, your stew, roast, pies, or pasties will be prepared for consumption. Due to its heavy-duty stainless steel construction and low heat transfer to the outside, this oven is perfect for people who travel frequently. The 12 volt camp oven has a port latch to keep it from opening while you're moving and an insulated door for the best heat retention.
To prevent food from burning, you may adjust the temperature and set a 2-hour timer using the adjustable temperature dial. To accommodate a variety of dishes, two adjustable and removable wire racks are included. Moreover, three 12-volt connection options are also available; a fused Anderson connector, a cigarette lighter socket, and a merit plug! I.e. having a 12v camping oven in your cooking arsenal will make it easy to eat a hot pie or pasty on the way to or from your destination.
Dutch Oven
Dutch ovens are large cast-iron pots covered in vividly coloured enamel. The earliest examples date back to the 1700s and have been used as cooking pots for hundreds of years. The origin of the Dutch oven, however, is a subject of debate. The fact that these cast-iron pots were initially marketed by Dutch traders is one obvious explanation for its term. Regardless, they have earned a reputation as reliable and powerful camp cooking helpers for cooking hearty meals directly over an open fire, but the fun doesn't end there.
You'll be relieved to find that it's almost impossible for your supper to go wrong if this is your first time using a Dutch oven over an open fire. Dutch ovens function well under the unfavourable conditions of open fire because they retain heat and cook your food uniformly. The best gourmet camp recipes to make in a Dutch oven pot are those that call for slow cooking. Consider stew, chowder, homemade bread, and your grandmother's well-known chilli recipe.
Potije Oven
A traditional potjie is the best, most versatile outdoor supper. This three-legged cauldron was brought from the Netherlands to South Africa in the 17th century, which explains why it resembles a Dutch oven. Whether you're going camping or just want to spice up your weekend braai, traditional potjies are great for a variety of uses.
Compared to conventional indoor cooking pots, potjies are less expensive, more robust, and perfect for serving large groups of people quickly. Use some expert guidance and tips to choose the proper potjie size, care for it properly, and master cooking pressure and temperatures.
Material Options
Cast Iron
Any campground or vacation resort will have multiple cast iron camp ovens as this traditional design is produced in huge quantities and is available at most camping supply stores. Available in a variety of sizes and different price ranges, there is something for everyone.
However, the right cast iron selection will depend upon what you intend to prepare and how many people you need to feed. Our recommendation is to choose a camp oven with a positive seal cover that avoids ash fall, regardless of size. Additionally, keep an eye out for handles with coiled wire bails to prevent hand burns and smooth interior surfaces for simple cleaning.
Keep in mind though that moving these camp ovens around campfires can be challenging due to their weight. However, their thickness makes it easier for heat to be retained and distributed, even in cold and windy weather, making them an excellent choice for preparing food outdoors.
Spun Steel
Spun steel camp ovens are the most widely used substitute since they are much lighter and more portable than cast iron models. For instance, the 12.5L Hillbilly weighs only 4.5kg, which is around 10kg lighter than a cast iron oven of comparable size. Spun steel is also impermeable, making it easy to clean and less likely to shatter when dropped or filled with cold water while still hot.
A spun steel camp oven also heats up rapidly, making it ideal for gas stove cooking. Steel's heat retention and distribution, however, won't quite match that of a cast iron camp oven because of its smaller mass. The latter is better suited for roasts, stews, and curries because it heats up more slowly but maintains heat for a longer period.
Why and How to Season a Camp Oven?
The most crucial step is to season your camp oven before using it. When something is "seasoned," it has been covered with an oil or shortening layer and baked or placed over high heat. By seasoning it, you may make your camp oven non-stick, inhibit food from absorbing cast iron flavour, and stop corrosion. You should season your camp oven frequently about once a month.
Once your oven has been seasoned, stay away from anything that could ruin it, such as using abrasive soap or steel wool on it. Some ovens will already be seasoned when they are purchased, so there is no preparation required before using them for the first time.
The right way to season your camping oven is to use a cloth, hot water and soap to clean it and get rid of any residue. Dry the oven thoroughly.
Your seasoning should be applied sparingly. In theory, any oil or fat should work, although grape seed, peanut, vegetable, or flaxseed oil, as well as any form of shortening, are preferred spices.
Bake it for an hour in your home's full-size conventional oven if it's small enough. If your oven is too big for this, heat it normally until it stops smoking, which indicates the seasoning has been cooked on. Allow it to cool completely.
Cleaning and Storage Tips
Clean your camp oven with warm water and a brush, empty any leftovers, and then leave it to completely dry in the sun or close to the fire. Never use detergent, under any circumstances!
Before keeping your camp oven in a cool, dry location, lightly oil it to avoid rust and promote seasoning. To move the camp oven from your campervan to the campfire, the best option is to get a canvas bag.
