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Camping is a great way to detoxify one’s soul and mind. And you can make it a lot more enjoyable by using the best camping dinnerware for meals. Camping dinnerware helps you prevent a mess while eating and is specially designed for the outdoors. Among the wide range of collections available in the market, we’ve listed down some of the best expert-recommended options here so that you can make an informed choice.
Top Picks
11 Best Camping Dinnerware
1. Best Reusable:Camp Casual (CC-001) 12-Piece Dish Set
The Camp Causal Dish Set is the best option for small groups. It is a 12-piece dish set including four each of dinner plates, salad plates, and bowls. They have unique, vintage-inspired designs and come shipped in a heavy-duty reusable box for hassle-free transportation.
Pros
- Durable outdoor dishes
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- BPA-free
- Attractive retro design
- High-quality melamine
Cons
- Not suitable for microwave use
"The vibrant designs of these utensils make our trekking trips more lively. They are also easy to hold and have only required minimal water for cleaning. While not suitable for microwaving, they've held up well over time, showing no signs of wear even with regular use."
Caution2. Best Easy-To-Clean: Coleman 12-Piece Enamel Dinnerware Set
The Coleman 12-piece enamel dinnerware set in blue is a durable and stylish option for outdoor meals. The set includes four ten-inch plates, four six-inch bowls, and four 12-oz mugs. The classic enamel makes the camping picnic set durable and resistant to scratches and cracks, meaning it can withstand the wear and tear of outdoor use and still look great after multiple uses.
Pros
- Durable
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Easy to clean
- Dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Color may chip over time
- Not microwave-safe
"The best part about these utensils is that they have a rounded, thick edge, which makes it easy for me to hold them. Their blue hue is also vibrant, and the stackable design allows easy storage. Still, I’d caution against using scrubbers to prevent chips and dents."
3. Best BPA-Free: Craft & Kin Melamine Dinnerware Set
The Craft & Kin melamine dinnerware set is a great option for camping trips and outdoor gatherings as it is lightweight and easy to transport. The BPA-free camping bowl set includes four 10.5-inch dinner plates, four 8.5-inch salad plates, and four six-inch bowls, all made of durable food-grade melamine, which makes it sturdy and safe to use.
Pros
- High-quality safe material
- Dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Available in multiple attractive patterns
- Break-resistant
Cons
- Not not be microwave-safe
- May develop scratches
"My family can now dine together on camping trips as this set has multiple pieces of utensils. Their sturdy wooden construction also offers a hassle-free carrying, and the stain- and fade-resistant exterior is commendable."
Camp Casual (CC-001) 12-Piece Dish Set Best Reusable | Coleman 12-Piece Enamel Dinnerware Set Best Easy-To-Clean | Craft & Kin Melamine Dinnerware Set Best BPA-Free | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Melamine | Enamelware | Melamine, Plastic |
| Color | Multicolor | Blue | Wood Grain |
| Dimensions | 11.02 x 5.11 x 11.02 inches | - | 10.6 x 10.6 x 7.87 inches |
| Weight | 15.8 ounces | 0.01 Kilograms | 6.93 pounds |
| Shape | Round | Round | Round |
| Dimensions LxWxH | - | 11 x 11 x 6 inches | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 1,218 | 211 | 462 |
| Price | $28.45 | $32.72 | $45.99 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
4. Best Lightweight:Coleman Two-Person Dinner Set
Appropriate for two people, this Coleman Dinnerware is safe and easy to use. The dish set includes two dinner plates, coffee mugs, bowls, and three-piece cutlery sets. It is a compact, lightweight option, shipped in a nylon handy mesh bag, making it an easy-to-carry camping gear for traveling. This video review offers a more detailed explanation of the product by showcasing a tester’s experience.
Pros
- Dishwasher-safe
- Scratch-resistant
- Lightweight and compact
- Easy to use
- Comes in two colors
- Comes with coffee mugs
Cons
- May not be durable
"While the cups could have been larger, all the utensils in this set have proven durable enough to be carried on challenging trekking trips. Their glossy finish is also very charming and has lasted despite being washed regularly. Moreover, the inclusion of cutlery is very thoughtful."
5. Best Odor-Resistant:Barbeqa 17-Piece Mess Kit
The Barbeqa Dinnerware Set is a complete camping kit, including four sets of plates, cups, bowls, and sporks. Its non-toxic, BPA-free material is tested for safe, hygienic, and long-lasting use. In addition, they come with a handy mesh bag to carry even the wet dinnerware without any hassle.
Pros
- Stain- and odor-resistant
- Dishwasher-friendly and easy to clean
- Four different attractive colors
- Heat-resistant dinnerware
- Made of BPA-free material
Cons
- Mugs do not nest and are difficult to carry
- Mixed reviews on durability
6. Best Versatile: Corelle Vitrelle 18-Piece Dinnerware Set
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
About 438 reviewers on Amazon have given their seal of approval to the product.
Stylish, versatile, and eco-friendly, the Corelle Vitrelle 18-piece dinnerware set is a time-tested option, made of 80% recycled glass. Its lightweight and crack- and chip-resistant material makes it a great option for the outdoors and everyday use. This eco-friendly camping cutlery contains six 10.25 inch dinner plates, six 6.75 inch appetizer plates, and six18-ounce soup or cereal bowls.
Pros
- Microwave- and dishwasher-safe
- Stackable design for convenient storage
- Non-porous and easy to clean
- Timeless, classic design
Cons
- Appetizer plates may be a bit small
- May be thinner than expected
Did you know?7. Best Eco-Friendly:Taibid Picnic Dinnerware Set
The multipurpose cutlery organizer holds all your utensils in one place so that they are not misplaced. They are easy to maintain and clean with a damp cotton cloth. This 24-piece utensil set is suitable for a group of four. It includes PS plates, spoons, knives, forks, a cheese knife, wine opener, fork, cotton napkin, and chopping board.
Pros
- Eco-friendly PS dinner plates
- Sturdy and durable
- Easy to carry with its built-in handle
- Easy to clean
- Designed for use in all weather conditions
Cons
- Plates small for adult use
- Napkins may not be durable
"This all-in-one dinnerware set is handy for my solo adventures to the wilderness and family picnics. Though the plates could be sturdier, the other utensils are lovely, and the bag is super convenient."
8. Best Rust-Resistant:Wealers Stainless Steel Plates and Bowls Camping Set
The travel-friendly dinnerware includes stainless steel camping plates and bowls and is safe for adults and kids. The space-saving dinner set’s plates and bowls are convenient to stack and are rigorously tested to ensure the best quality.
Pros
- Food-grade safe material
- Rust- and scratch-resistant
- Dishwasher-safe
- High-quality storage bag
Cons
- Might be heavy to carry
- May rust if not dried after washing
- Sharp edges, and requires careful handling
"Having used these utensils on various outdoor adventures, I can vouch for their durability. They are on the heftier end, but unlike regular paper plates, they have never snapped or folded when I even used them with hot food. Also, the steel build assures me of longevity."
9. Best Durable:Stansport Enamel Camping Tableware Set
The Stansport 24-piece enamel dinnerware consists of four sets of steel spoons, knives, forks,plates, bowls, and mugs. This exclusive set is suitable for every occasion, including a camping trip, a casual picnic, a patio gathering, or any other outdoor adventure.
Pros
- Made of high-quality, durable steel
- Double-coated glazed enamel gives an elegant look
- Brilliant stainless steel edges
- Lightweight and compact
Cons
- May not be dishwasher-safe
- May rust if not cared for properly
"Eating on camping trips has become fun since I got these utensils. They did have a slight metallic taste when new, but that has disappeared after a few washes. All in all, they have been a stylish yet functional addition to my camping essentials."
10. Best Stylish Design:Zak Designs French Country House Melamine 12 Piece Dinnerware Set
The Zak Designs Dinnerware will give your dining table a fancy new look. Embossed with intricate designs, it could be a great gift option. It is suitable for outdoor camping adventures and indoor dinners.
Pros
- Dishwasher-safe
- Easy to clean
- BPA-free
- Lightweight and durable
Cons
- Not suitable for microwave use
"Although white-colored, these plates have maintained their vibrancy over months as they are easy to clean. They are also lightweight but offer a premium feel with their melamine build. Plus, the dishwasher-safe design doubles them as my everyday utensils, too."
Quick tip11. Best Easy-To-Store: Wealers Stainless Steel Single Person Camping Set
Wealers stainless steel tableware set for camping and outdoor use includes a seven-inch long fork, knife, spoon, a six-inch bowl, and an 8.5-inch dinner plate. Made of rust proof durable stainless steel, it is ideal for camping purposes even in humid or damp settings. Further, these lightweight camping gear come with a mesh bag, making it convenient to carry.
Pros
- Lead-free
- Scratch-proof design
- Dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning
- Easy to stack and store
Cons
- May be difficult to hold when filled with hot food
- May not be child-friendly
"Although on the larger end, they are my preferred camping utensils as they are durable and hassle-free to clean. The plate’s size is also enough to accommodate a hearty meal. However, I’d recommend carefully handling them when eating hot food, as they may get warm."
Tips For Maintaining Camping Dishes
- Check the product description and read all the directions carefully. If a product isn’t dishwasher-friendly, ensure that it is hand-washed only.
- To clean the melamine dinner set, use a damp cloth and wipe the utensils.
- To clean stainless steel dinnerware, use a dishwashing liquid and leave them for drying to prevent rust.
- Prefer sets that come with a mesh bag or a portable utensil holder. It not only makes it easier for you to carry but also saves a lot of space. If your dish set does not come with a bag, wrap them in a cloth and then keep in a small cloth bag.
How To Choose The Right Camping Dinnerware?
Here are a few things to check and review before purchasing camping dinnerware.
- Durability: The most common materials used are melamine and stainless steel. They are durable and also do not rust or break. Look for camping cookware accessories made from BPA- and toxin-free materials.
- Weight: When you are going outdoors, you want to keep the weight to the minimum. Go for dinnerware that is lightweight and easy to carry.
- Quantity: The quantity of your dinnerware depends on your group’s size and the space of your backpack.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use regular dishes for camping?
Yes, you can use regular dishes for camping. However, camping dinnerware is much more durable and ideally suited for camping than regular dishes.
2. How long does camping dinnerware last?
Camping dinnerware made of melamine and stainless steel is more durable than others. Such dinnerware tends to last for several years.
3.How should I store my camping dinnerware?
There is no particular way to store camping dinnerware. You can conveniently store them like you store your regular dishes. Also, when traveling, you can carry stackable camping dishes.
Why Trust MomJunction?
The author of this article, Sakshi John, believes in delivering concise yet informative content. She is an expert in reviewing home and kitchenware products. After delving deep into several websites and reviews, she has listed some of the high-quality and durable camping dinnerware sets ideal for outdoor and camping activities. Sakshi also shares some useful tips to maintain and choose the best dinnerware set for you to enjoy a great camping experience.
The Bottom Line
Even the most impromptu camping trips are incomplete without the right dinnerware to make mealtime more convenient. It allows you to have a mess-free dining experience in the great outdoors. When buying dinnerware, look for one that is durable, BPA-free, easy to clean, and intended for camping. Also, ensure you consider the number of pieces and the space of your backpack when choosing one. The options listed here are lightweight, super-portable, break-, and scratch-resistant, ensuring you have a trip with no leaks or hassles. Our top picks include the Camp Casual (CC-001) 12-Piece Dish Set with vintage-inspired designs and the lead-free Wealers Stainless Steel Single Person Camping Set. Similarly, the chip-resistant Corelle Vitrelle 18-Piece Dinnerware Set can also be a good pick.
Infographic: How To Clean Camping Dinnerware When Camping?
Camping dinnerware is a lightweight and shatterproof solution for hassle-free meal breaks while camping. However, keeping them clean is crucial to maintain hygiene and durability. Check out the infographic below to learn how to clean utensils while camping and keep your dinnerware in good condition.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Melamine in Tableware Questions and Answers
https://www.fda.gov/food/economically-motivated-adulteration-food-fraud/melamine-tableware-questions-and-answers
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