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3 Best RV Cookware Sets for Camping

| Updated Jun 21, 2023

The best RV cookware checks off several key features for travel. Here are my TOP 3 picks and why!

Are you getting ready for your next camping trip, but don't have a good option for cookware? We all know that when purchasing anything for your RV life, we have to consider its limited storage space.

The good news is that there are excellent full sets of cookware that can fit nicely in your small space.

The following is my list of what to look for in the best RV cook set you can find. Plus, my high-quality top picks when you are ready to purchase!

First, 7 Tips – What to Look For in an RV Cookware Set

cooking in an rv
Cooking in an RV

When looking for a frying pan, stockpot, or mixing bowls, you automatically wonder, How much space will it take up? But there are also other things you want to consider when purchasing a single piece or entire set of cookware for your RV.

1. Material

When looking into the best RV cookware, you will want to start with the materials used in the making of the cookware set. Most sets will either be made from stainless steel or a different metal featuring ceramic coating or Teflon coating. Both are a type of nonstick coating.

No matter what you ultimately purchase, the cookware material is likely the first thing you should look at. Stainless steel cookware sets are usually priced higher than nonstick pans. However, they can be harder to clean than their nonstick counterparts.

2. Space

Of course, when you have limited space in your RV, you want to consider the amount of space your cookware takes up.

There are many nesting pans and mixing bowl sets on the market. You can stack these inside each other to save a lot of space. If you are concerned about scratching up your pans, you can purchase pan protectors. Or, use a piece of parchment paper between the pans.

You might also look for sets with interchangeable lids, meaning that one lid can work for two different items. That feature can also save you a little space in your RV.

3. Size of Set

When determining what size set you want to buy, consider two things: the size of your rig and how many people will be traveling with you.

If you have a very small RV, then you likely have less available space to store a large cook set. The good news is, you probably have fewer people staying in the RV or to cook for. Smaller sets are available for solo or couples traveling.

If you have a large family or plan to cook often for guests, then you can find a larger or a whole set featuring various pans.

Most companies will advertise the size of their cookware sets in this way:

  • Frying pans: measured in inches
  • Saucepans: measured in quart capacity

4. Handles

Sets that come with removable plastic or metal handles are a great choice. They make for very easy storage.

Pans with a removable, foldable, or detachable handle can fit into cabinets that a large set of pans cannot. They may even be able to be stored in an awkward corner cabinet.

The best part of removable handles is that rig owners can easily transform their cooking pot into a serving dish. Talk about great versatility!

If you lose your cookware handle, you may be able to purchase a universal handle to replace it.

5. Lids

Pot lids are amazing at containing spills and splatters. They can also help your food cook evenly and hold in the heat and flavor of your favorite dishes. But they can take up a lot of space!

Flat lids are great when it comes to saving space. Domed lids can be placed upside down to also provide a more compact design. Ideally, you can find a set where one lid works with multiple pots and pans.

Tempered glass lids are ideal. They come complete with vents that help you easily watch your food cooking.

If you lose a lid, you can look for a universal lid to replace it. It might also be able to be used with a number of different pans.

6. Ease of Cleaning

Another thing to consider is how easy the cookware items are to clean. The last thing you want to face on travel day is a tough to clean fry pan with last night's dinner stuck to it.

How much time do you want to spend washing dishes when camping? I'm guessing as little as possible!

Stainless steel cookware provides a more even cooking surface. However, nonstick cookware makes cleaning your pans an easy task.

Having an easy clean-up means that cooking meals on the go are more enjoyable. The RV lifestyle is all about practical, easy living!

7. Cook Tops

Induction cooktops are quite common in RVs and campervans. They can cook your food well, without the risk that having an open flame poses. But you need cookware that is compatible with induction cooking.

RV owners with glass or ceramic stovetops should look for cookware that is “flat-bottomed.” Avoid cast iron use with glass cooktops, as they can scratch it.

All of the above will make it easier to Enjoy Cooking on the Road in Your RV!

Save Room for an RV Lifestyle Mug

3 Best RV Cookware Sets for Camping 1
RV Lifestyle Mugs

Have you seen our travel-loving coffee mugs? Designs include Rule 330, Happy Trails, Boondocker, Small House Big Yard, and more!

Now onto the 3 Best RV Cookware Sets

There are lots of RV cookware sets on the market but only three make my list. The following are the best camping cookware sets you can find.

If you buy something through our links, we may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep our lights on so we can continue to provide helpful resources for RVers. Read our full affiliate disclosure here.

1. Magma Products, A10-360L Piece Gourmet Nesting Stainless Steel Cookware

Made of high-quality stainless steel, this Magma cookware set can provide even heat distribution when cooking on your camping adventures!

This heavy-duty Magma set is also able to be stored easily in less space due to its nesting design.

2.Stansport Heavy Duty 7-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set

This stainless steel design is durable and performs well by providing an even cook. The aluminum-clad bottom ensures even heat distribution.

The set also includes a universal lid and handle!

They are dishwasher safe, making them very easy to clean.

3. Stanley Base Camp Cook Set for 4

This 24-piece set is an excellent choice if space savings is your main concern. This ultra-compact set includes a fry pan, dish drying rack, stainless-steel pot, heat-resistant trivet, and a locking bungee cord!

Mike Wendland

Published on 2021-07-06

Mike Wendland is a multiple Emmy-award-winning Journalist, Podcaster, YouTuber, and Blogger, who has traveled with his wife, Jennifer, all over North America in an RV, sharing adventures and reviewing RV, Camping, Outdoor, Travel and Tech Gear for the past 12 years. They are leading industry experts in RV living and have written 18 travel books.

9 Responses to “3 Best RV Cookware Sets for Camping”

January 26, 2024at2:53 pm, Dan Mitchell said:

I totally agree with you, non-stick is the way to go. Also, I need to get me one of your mugs 🙂

January 27, 2024at10:06 am, Team RV Lifestyle said:

Thanks for the feedback, and glad you like our mugs!!! Here is the link – if anyone wants to check them out. 🙂 https://shop.rvlifestyle.com/collections/rv-lifestyle-clothing – Team RV Lifestyle

June 17, 2022at6:15 am, 15 Best Things To Leave In Your RV | RV Lifestyle said:

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April 18, 2022at6:15 am, Complete Sink Setup For Your RV Kitchen (Shopping List) | RV Lifestyle said:

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September 16, 2021at10:33 am, Samantha Nichols said:

Thanks so much for sharing! I really like your post because it showed the pros and cons of each product. This helps me understand more about products. Great article!

September 03, 2021at4:00 am, Samantha Nichols said:

We ordered Stansport cookware for use in our RV. We were pleasantly surprised to find the clad bottoms. We have now used this set on three RV trips and it is awesome. Was looking for a set that stored compactly. Has been great to cook with, clean up is always been easy even when food has been caked on/charred on.

July 07, 2021at12:13 am, Jan said:

Thanks for another great blog post, Mike and Jennifer. I just used my Magma stainless cookset for the first time this evening. Wonderful, quality pans that I can use inside our Airstream or on the portable induction burner out on the picnic table. Love the compct storage, too. Highly recommend!

July 06, 2021at9:31 am, Denise P said:

Are any of these cookware pieces able to tolerate being used over an open flame on the grill or campfire? We may not want to always cook inside the rv! Thanks for all your blogs!!

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