Last Updated on 06/27/2024 by Glynn Willard
What Is The Best RV Camping Cookware?
After several years of full-time RV living and multiple RV’s, we narrowed down the best RV cookware (for us).
Maybe you love to cook and maybe you don’t.
Regardless, when you cook in your RV, I’m guessing, you would at least like camp cookware that rivals that of your home’s cookware.
There are a few key factors when shopping for pots and pans to use in your RV while enjoying the great outdoors.
Some of these items we would not have considered without experience living in an RV.
- Easy storage is crucial (for obvious reasons).
- Nonstick pans since you may not have a lot of water for cleaning.
- Lightweight since your camper may not have a high cargo-carrying capacity.
- Ease of use with decent cooking performance (even heat distribution). Although I suppose that applies to cookware you purchase for anything.
We tried a few variations on cookware in our travel trailer and by the time we bought our campervan, we settled on a great option, which became our favorite.
This article is not a comparison of every type of camping cookware, but rather what did and did not work well for us.
I’m using affiliate links and photos to make it easier for you to a) know what I’m talking about and b) help you make an informed decision. We also appreciate the small commission that does not cost you any extra.
Camp Cookware We Tried In The RV, But Didn’t Make The Cut
We were not fans of these for the RV.
When we first ventured into the RV full-time lifestyle, I thought we needed something rugged and super lightweight.
My experience was based on cookware for ultralight backpackers, car camping, and cooking on an open flame from a camp stove.
Cooking in an RV is not quite as extreme, so I originally chose a stainless steel pot and copper fry pan.
Below are what turned out NOT to be the best options for the RV.
We figured it would be a good idea to give copper a try, but it wore out quickly and we ultimately were not satisfied.
The non-stick coating also wore off quickly.
We had an older version of this Cuisinart 2 qt stainless steel saucepan.
It was heavy and difficult to clean even when it was properly oiled.
It’s great for our home base, but not the RV.
Although 2 quarts may not be a large pot, it was just right for the RV.
The Best Camping Cookware We Loved And Stuck With
We finally settled on ceramic after using a friend’s ceramic frying pan in their home.
My first comment was, “This would be perfect for the rig!”
So we ordered this set and found it to be exceptional on different cooking surfaces.
Our campervan has an induction cook top, so these are the right cookware for the campervan and the Camp Chef.
They function on both, but I would not use them on open fires such as a campfire with a cooking grate.
Just make sure to keep the bottom clean when also using them over any open flame.
What we like about our SENSARTE ceramic cookware.
Clean the bottom well if you cook over flame and induction.
It’s inexpensive and suitable as our “RV cookware set.”
They’re lightweight, but are sturdy.
Both have removable handles, but you’ll likely not want to unscrew the handle for removal. I can’t see any benefit to removing the handle even in an RV.
They can handle really high heat. Our cooktop gets super hot very fast and both pans do well.
Saucepans come with glass lids that can be used as a “strainer lid.” But we’re only talking about cookware for this article. Not the rest of the kitchen tools.
The nonstick coating has passed the “egg and lean meat test.” In other words, it was easy to clean after cooking both with either an oil spray or olive oil.
This leads me to the most important aspect.
Easy cleanup! We live off our fresh water tank and have to be cautious about how much water we use and drain into our gray tank when cleaning dishes.
Just a heads up. Most “ceramic cookware” is aluminum that’s coated with a ceramic layer, which is what this is.
Considerations When Shopping For Camping Cookware Sets
The dish towels prevent rattling when we drive the campervan.
I mentioned earlier that a few items should be considered when shopping for RV cookware.
- Weight is a factor whenever you’re putting anything in an RV.
The lighter the cookware, the better. It’s crazy how fast the maximum cargo-carrying capacity can be reached when loading your RV. Unless it’s a toy hauler. - Space is also an obvious issue in an RV.
I don’t know about your RV, but most don’t have cavernous, large storage areas. - What type of heating surface is in your RV?
If you only have propane in your RV, you may not need cookware designed for induction cooking. But if you upgrade your RV or cooking surface, then you’re already prepared. - Buy only what you need.
If the single pot you have can serve multiple functions, then only buy one. That also applies to your frying pan.
That said, if you also like to cook over the campfire, it might be worth bringing an old fry pan or an iron skillet if your rig can handle the extra weight. - If you prefer a set for your RV, shop for smaller sets.
My suggestion is to pick and choose a la carte even if you have a lot of space in your RV. That space will fill quickly with other possessions.
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Camping Cookware For Your RV’s Camp Kitchen
As previously mentioned, stick with the essentials:
- 2-quart pot (saucepan)
- Frying pan that’s at least 10 inches.
You can use those two to do all the cooking for a family of four with no problem.
Larger groups will require larger or more cookware to state the obvious.
If your kitchen skills are “chef-caliber,” and you’re packing your All-Clad cookware and Sous Vide cooker, you’ll prioritize cookware over everything else in the RV.
I understand completely as I am no stranger in the kitchen.
Types Of Camp Cookware
Since we’re talking about RV cookware, it’s moot to mention cookware designed for backpackers.
Instead, the following types are available and might be suitable for your camper, so that you can maintain some level of normal food preparation while on the road.
- Stainless Steel: Weight is higher and clean-up can be more difficult.
- Hard-Anodized Aluminum: A better option than stainless steel for clean-up.
- Cookware with a Teflon coating; I advise against this option since it can flake off in no time.
- Cast Iron: I love my Lodge Iron Skillets, but they’re too heavy to bring in the RV, so unless they’re your priority, avoid iron in an RV.
Not Sure What You Need For Your RV?
Wrapping Up The Best Camping Cookware
The bottom line: the best camping cookware is what you prefer to cook on while you’re in your RV.
We simply have had really good luck with our SENSARTE ceramic set when we’re on the road. Currently on a part-time basis.
It’s a great set that will solve your problem if you’re just not sure what to buy for your RV.
There’s no need to spend too much time comparing every different fry pan.
Have you found any cookware that you prefer for your RV?
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