Guide: How to Choose Your Cookware?

Defining Your Needs

Focus on these few questions and answer them simply. These initial elements will broadly define the style of equipment you truly need.

— What is the intended use of the cookware?
All sorts of occasions are perfect for using outdoor cookware: A Sunday outing, hiking, or trekking in the wilderness, during a sport competition, a hunting trip, or even during airsoft. In a professional setting, at the office, on the road, at a construction site, or while traveling by public transport, train, plane, or boat...

You still need to make a choice because the options will vary depending on whether you're alone on a mountain trail or with family by a lake. Consider the location, how you’ll carry it, the number of users, and the practicality (accessibility/comfort)…

The intended use will determine the following characteristics:

• Weight
• Durability
• Size/volume

— Q— How often will you use the cookware?

If you use your equipment daily, it would be wise to avoid aluminum and opt for BPA-free composite materials (like silicone) or food-grade stainless steel. These materials are more resistant to abrasion (scratches, cleaning) and healthier for frequent use.

If your equipment is for occasional use (like a week of camping, a weekend festival, or a business trip), you can opt for lighter, more "technical" materials like anodized aluminum or titanium.

Frequency of use will determine:

• Materials
• Strength
• Price

— What are your eating habits?

If you prepare meals at home and then transport them, you’ll need a different system than one for a freeze-dried meal that you rehydrate on-site. A tall container like a bowl or mug will be better for soup or noodles, while a flat plate is more suitable for grilling over an open fire.

Your eating habits will determine:

• Shape and capacity
• Functions
• Materials

Good to know: Some cookware models are specifically compatible with certain heating methods, or with a particular stove. This is often the case with Jetboil, for example.

An Example?
"I spend every weekend observing wildlife in the forest. I often take a coffee break and set up a bivouac for a solo night by the campfire."

Intended Use

• Nature outing, forest
• Coffee break
• Bivouac/cooking over a campfire

Frequency of Use

• High
• Short stays (2 or 3 meals)

Eating Habits

• Coffee break
• Outdoor cooking / grilling

A Possible Equipment Solution for this Scenario:

SA Stanley thermos cup (0.47L) is ideal for a short trip. It keeps contents warm for 7 hours. The coffee break is discreet and doesn’t require a heating system. The container also doubles as a mug, simple and effective!

For cooking over an open fire, it’s better to opt for a high-quality food-grade stainless steel item. A natural flame (wood fuel) is harder to control than a gas burner flame.
You could also combine a metal pot with a silicone plate, so you can eat hot meals without burning your hands. The lack of comfort when bivouacking can be decisive, so choose a stable and multi-purpose system (for meals, breakfast, etc.), such as the X-Bowl from Sea to Summit.

If weight is a major factor, titanium or anodized aluminum are excellent options. There are very lightweight and practical sets, like the Terra Solo cooking set from Optimus, which weighs just 200g. For those who don't need a full set, the Toaks titanium cookwarehas an almost unbeatable weight: 72g for a 550ml capacity!

Notes
Be aware that cooking over an open fire will leave a layer of soot on your cookware, making it difficult to restore its original shine. To protect your equipment, avoid using green and/or resinous wood, as well as direct contact with the flame.

Small Tips
Ash mixed with a bit of water makes an excellent natural, eco-friendly dishwashing product.
A stone heated in the flames and then placed in a pot with water can bring a small amount of water to a boil.

Pitfalls to Avoid
Every offer has its pitfalls, especially when the deals seem too good to be true…

There are stainless steel pots on the market that are not intended for food use.
The same issue occurs with some anodized aluminum products. If the price is too low, the quality of the anodization might be poor. Beyond premature wear of the coating, you might run the risk of health issues. Aluminum can degrade quickly, dissolve, and be ingested.

Even though it’s tempting, don’t fall for aesthetics. A good cookware doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a pretty one, even though more and more brands (like Sea to Summit, for example) are doing excellent work with design and ergonomics.Dans toutes offres il y a des pièges. Surtout quand elles sont alléchantes…

Conclusion
As André Gide once said, “Choosing is renouncing.” I would humbly add that it’s all about compromise. With this guide, you’re now able to make the choice that’s best suited to your needs. And if you’re like me and want to optimize all your trips, there’s nothing stopping you from diversifying your gear and combining items based on your preferences!

But above all, don’t forget that mealtime should be a moment of comfort, enjoyment, and sharing.

Explore our complete selection of outdoor cookware and everyday use items.

Made your choice? Check out complementary offers: cutlery and utensils, stoves, and food containers.

— Matthieu for Freezedried & Co.