Get The Best Pie Iron for Camping Meals: Top Picks (2023-2024)

One essential tool that can elevate your outdoor cooking experience is the pie iron. Pie irons are versatile cookware that make it easy to create a variety of delicious and easy campfire meals, from classic toasted sandwiches to mouth-watering desserts.

Pie irons, also known as pudgy pie makers or sandwich cookers, consist of two cast iron or aluminum plates attached by a hinge and long handles. These cooking devices allow you to cook your food directly over the campfire, resulting in a warm, crispy, and satisfying treat. When selecting the perfect pie iron for your camping adventures, it’s essential to consider factors such as material, size, and weight.

We’ve conducted thorough research to find the finest pie irons that will have you whipping up scrumptious campfire meals effortlessly. 

Top Pie Irons for Camping

Discover your new favorite pie iron from our handpicked selection below, perfect for elevating your camping experience. These top-performing products promise to deliver delicious campfire treats, so you can indulge in mouthwatering creations with ease during your outdoor adventures.

Coghlan’s Cast Iron Cookers Single

A versatile and affordable cast iron cooker, perfect for anyone seeking a dependable camping cooking tool.

Pros

• Offers a 27-inch handle and two-part hinge
• Suitable for toasting sandwiches, grilling meat, and cooking desserts
• Excellent choice for car camping, RV trailers, motor homes, and cabins

Cons

• May require re-seasoning before use
• Smaller in size compared to other pie irons
• Possible tight fit for the filling

Cooking over the open fire has never been this simple. Coghlan’s Cast Iron Cookers Single is perfect for any camper in need of a reliable tool to prepare hot meals. It boasts a 27-inch handle and two-part hinge, which is ideal for grilling anything from meat to sandwiches and even desserts.

Though it might be slightly smaller in size compared to other pie irons on the market, its affordability and versatility make it a top choice. Whether you’re camping at the wilderness or spending time in a cabin, Coghlan’s Cast Iron Cookers will make cooking easy and efficient.

However, be aware that you might need to re-season the cooker before use – some users reported having issues with food sticking on their first use. It’s also important to note that the tight fit for the filling can make it tricky for those new to pie irons. Nonetheless, with a bit of practice and seasoning, you’ll quickly master making mouthwatering meals over the campfire. So, go ahead, take Coghlan’s Cast Iron Cookers Single with you on your next adventure and enjoy a satisfying outdoor cooking experience.

Camp Chef Single Square Cooking Iron

A versatile and easy-to-use cooking tool for campfire enthusiasts – perfect for sandwiches, pies, and more.

Pros

• Ready to cook right out of the box
• High-quality, seasoned cast iron
• Lightweight and portable

Cons

• May be too small for some bread sizes
• Requires careful monitoring to avoid burning
• Slower to heat up compared to aluminum alternatives

Using the Camp Chef Single Square Cooking Iron on a recent camping trip was a blast for experienced campers. Its cast iron design ensured even cooking, and they found it quite simple to set up and clean. Meals like toasty sandwiches, cherry pies, and pizza pockets were quickly cooked over the campfire, adding a fun element to the group’s outdoor dining experience.

You’ll appreciate how this cooking iron is seasoned and ready to use, requiring no additional preparations. It’s also lightweight and easy to transport, making it an ideal companion for camping trips or other outdoor cooking adventures. Its dimensions are perfect for portability, with an overall size of 2″ x 4.5″ x 28.5″ and a weight of 4 lbs.

One thing to note is that this iron may be too small for certain bread sizes. However, you found that your standard white sandwich bread fit perfectly, and the iron effectively sealed the edges with minimal crust waste. It’s essential to keep an eye on your cooking, though, as it can burn food if left unattended for too long. The cast iron material may take longer to heat up, but it provides superior heat distribution compared to aluminum options.

Uno Casa XL Pie Iron

Upgrade your camping experience with this heavy-duty, non-stick cast iron pie maker.

Pros

• Sturdy, durable cast iron construction
• Large, versatile square design
• Ergonomic, removable handles

Cons

• Can be heavy for backpacking
• Requires close monitoring to prevent burning
• May need a grate for support

The Uno Casa XL Pie Iron is ideal for transforming your camping experience into a true family hit. Its sturdy, durable cast iron construction allows for high heat resistance, even cooking, and a non-stick surface. The square head is double the average size, allowing you to cook more food and explore a variety of meals with its flavor-enhancing grill grid. The pie iron comes with two removable handles (13.8″ & 21.6″), making it easier to pack and carry, as well as to clean after use. Plus, the hook helps keep the head securely closed during cooking.

However, the weight of the cast iron can make this pie iron a bit heavy for backpacking. It’s perfect for car camping or those looking for a more luxurious experience in the great outdoors. To prevent burning your food, make sure to closely monitor your cooking and adjust the heat as necessary. The pie iron may require a grate to lay on during cooking, as the cast iron construction makes it quite heavy.

Cleaning your mountain pie maker is a breeze, as you only need to wash it with hot water and pat it dry. You’ll also receive a recipe e-Book to provide you with inspiring meal ideas for your camping trip. With the Uno Casa XL Pie Iron, you’ll create delicious, memorable meals with your friends and family in nature.

AILITOR Cast Iron Camp Pie Cooker (Pack of 2)

The AILITOR Camp Pie Cooker is a solid choice for campfire cooking enthusiasts who value durability and a user-friendly design.

Pros

• Pre-seasoned, ready to use
• Durable cast-iron construction
• Extra long handles with wooden grips

Cons

• Heavy, not ideal for backpacking
• Some find it challenging to get the perfect temperature
• Rust and non-stick issues reported

The AILITOR Cast Iron Camp Pie Cooker comes pre-seasoned and ready to cook delicious toasted sandwiches, pies, or grilled meats over your campfire. The durable, cast-iron construction ensures that it can withstand high heat and lock in the flavors of your food.

You’ll appreciate the extra long handles with wooden grips, which allow you to cook comfortably at a safe distance from the flames. This is particularly useful when making campfire apple pies with the grandkids or sharing mountain pie cooking traditions on the East Coast.

On the flip side, some users report difficulties in finding the ideal cooking temperature, as the pie iron may burn food if not carefully monitored. Also, the cast-iron construction makes the cooker quite heavy, which is less than optimal for backpacking trips. And while the product claims to have a non-stick surface, some customers have encountered issues with sticking and rust.

Hunlyman Double Pie Iron Campfire Sandwich Maker

A fantastic choice for campfire cooking enthusiasts, this pie iron not only helps make delicious sandwiches but also offers versatility in cooking.

Pros

• Premium non-stick aluminum alloy material
• Easy-to-use design with a two-tone lock
• Removable heat-resistant handle

Cons

• Hinge could be improved
• Handles may be short for some users
• Separating plates may require practice

When it comes to campfire cooking, having the right tools can make a significant difference in your overall experience. One tool that you should consider adding to your collection is the Hunlyman Double Pie Iron Campfire Sandwich Maker. With its durable, high-quality aluminum alloy construction, this sandwich maker is designed to withstand the heat and resist rust.

The non-stick coating ensures that your sandwiches and other delicacies won’t stick to the surface, making it easier to clean and maintain. The pie iron is designed with a two-tone locking mechanism, which prevents incorrect flips when grilling your campfire meals. This feature makes it a breeze to use, even for beginners.

One of the standout features of this pie iron is its removable handle. This heat-resistant handle not only makes it comfortable and safe to use, but it’s also easy to store when not in use. Its hook design ensures that it takes up minimal space in your kitchen or camping gear.

While the Hunlyman Pie Iron has many advantages, there are a few areas that could use some improvement. Some users have mentioned that the hinge part of the pie iron could be better designed, making it easier to separate the two plates. Also, the handles might be too short for some users’ preference, especially when cooking over an open flame. While the plates can be separated for use as individual frying pans, it might take some practice to do so effectively.

Overall, the Hunlyman Double Pie Iron Campfire Sandwich Maker is a versatile and user-friendly addition to your campfire cooking equipment. It offers durability, ease of use, and a space-saving design that will make your outdoor cooking adventures more enjoyable.

Buying Guide

When looking for the perfect pie iron for your camping needs, there are a few key factors to consider. In this guide, we’ll walk you through these factors to help you make an informed decision.

Material

Pie irons come in different materials, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The most common materials include:

1. Cast iron: Known for its durability and even heat distribution, cast iron is a popular choice. However, it can be a bit heavy and requires proper seasoning and care.
2. Aluminum: A lighter alternative to cast iron, aluminum pie irons heat up quickly but may not retain heat as evenly. They are also not as durable.

It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each material to find the best fit for your camping needs.

Size and Shape

Pie irons come in various shapes and sizes, such as:

• Round: Great for making traditional round pies and sandwiches.
• Square: Works well for standard-sized bread and larger food items.
• Double: Allows you to cook two pies or sandwiches at once, perfect for larger groups.

Consider the types of meals you plan to prepare and how many people you’re cooking for when choosing the size and shape of your pie iron.

Handle Length and Material

The handle length and material play a crucial role in cooking and safety. A longer handle lets you cook from a safe distance to avoid getting burned, while a sturdy and heat-resistant material can prevent accidents. Some common handle materials include:

Material	Pros	Cons
Wood	Good heat resistance, comfortable grip	Can wear out over time
Metal	Durable, long-lasting	Can get hot, may require a protective cover

Ease of Cleaning

You’ll want a pie iron that’s easy to clean, because no one wants to spend their camping trip scrubbing cookware. Look for designs with removable parts or non-stick coatings that make the cleanup process a breeze.

By considering these factors and specific features, you can confidently choose the best pie iron for your camping adventures and enjoy delicious meals in the great outdoors.