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Adam Moore
Summer is here, and most wild game seasons are specks in the rearview. Days are longer, temps higher, and that means camping and grilling seasons are just hitting their strides. If you had a successful hunting season, it’s time to reap the benefits from those pack-outs, cold mornings, and long butchering sessions in your kitchen. But even if you blanked, it’s still a good excuse to grill up some burgers and brats.
Much like hunting, outdoor cooking requires the right tools for the job. Whether you’re car camping, barbequing in the backyard, or smoking a whole deer shoulder, having the right gear will make the experience more efficient and enjoyable. If you’re looking to work on your grill game, here are five tools you need for outdoor cooking.
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
Price: $19.90 - $49.90
My Lodge Cast Iron Skillet is just one of the few remaining gifts I still have from my wedding (my toaster just petered out). Talk all the gold and silver you want, but nothing solidifies a marriage or outdoor cooking setup like sturdy cast iron. It’s a non-negotiable on camping trips and a regular at our breakfast table. Nothing helps you roll out of a cold sleeping bag like bacon frying over an open fire, or a burner, for that matter.
Camp Chef Pro 60X Deluxe Two-Burner Cooking System
Price: $319.99
For car camping, a propane stove like the Camp Chef Pro 60X Deluxe Two-Burner will more than cover all your camping food needs. Folding legs and shelves make it manageable to pack down, while the three-sided windscreen will keep your burners from blowing out.
While the 60,000 BTUs might seem like overkill, this setup is ideal if you're cooking for several people or trying to boil water for camp coffee. Even if you don't require the horsepower of the Camp Chef Pro 60X, a small, packable stove like the Camp Chef Mountaineer Aluminum Cooking System can provide plenty of cooking space for solo trips or those with your significant other.
Yeti Tundra
Price: $325.00+
Of course, you'll also need to keep all your perishable food and drinks on ice while camping. Investing in a cooler like the Yeti Tundra 45 or the Yeti Tundra 65 might seem daunting at first, but they'll save you money and headaches in the long run.
I've had my Tundra 45 for several years. It's hauled everything from sparkling water to wild turkey. In addition to being one of the best coolers around, it doubles as a table, chair, cutting board, camp stool, and piece of workout equipment when box jumps come up.
Camp Chef Woodwind WIFI 24 Pellet Grill
Price: $999.99
Even if sleeping on the ground isn't your thing, you can still enjoy outdoor cooking at home. The natural smoke flavor from wood or charcoal grills is hard to beat. However, not everyone has the time, patience, or skills to cook on one. If you're trying to fit outdoor cooking into your busy schedule, the Camp Chef Woodwind WIFI 24 Pellet Grill might suit you best.
Yes, it's pricey, but it gives you plenty of options when it comes to cooking. Between the two racks, this pellet grill holds a lot of food, and the WIFI features mean you can control it from anywhere. The smoke control feature allows you to manipulate the levels of smoke without affecting the temperature, and the slide gives you direct access to the flames when it's time to sear your steaks. If time and convenience are of great use to you, you'll find this grill well worth the price tag.
Benchmade Essential Meatcrafter Knife
Price: $200.00
Good knives are critical no matter where you're preparing and cooking a meal. A rugged knife like the Benchmade Essential Meatcrafter makes the perfect option for home butchers and outdoor cooking enthusiasts. Whether you're deboning a hindquarter or slicing a steak by the campfire, you'll find a ton of versatility in this knife.
Of course, this isn't a comprehensive list. There are plenty of other useful items you'll need, like tongues, heavy-duty gloves, a coal rake, etc., but this is a great place to start. And if you're looking for recipes, a Father's Day gift, or a more in-depth look at how to maximize your outdoor cooking, check out the new MeatEater Outdoor Cookbook.
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Penguin Random House
The MeatEater Outdoor Cookbook
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Lodge
Skillet
$19.90
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Camp Chef
PRO 60X Deluxe Two-Burner Cooking System
$319.99
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YETI
MeatEater Branded Yeti Tundra 65
$375.00
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Camp Chef
Woodwind WiFi 24 Pellet Grill
$999.99 $1159.99 -13%
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Benchmade
Essential Meatcrafter™️ Knife
$200.00
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