The question of the day is this: what should you look for in a new camping cooking system?
As you undoubtedly know, camping and overlanding gear can make or break your experience in the great outdoors. This is especially true of your kitchen gear because nothing is worse than being hungry after a long day of adventuring and not having the right tools to get the food you need to fuel your explorations into your belly.
There are a number of good cooking systems out there, many of which you’ve seen me use and recommend over the years. One of those systems—JetBoil—has been a reliable companion for the longest time.
Not to take anything away from JetBoil, but I have a new ultimate cooking system that represents the passing of the torch from traditional fuel-based cooking to forward-thinking, cutting-edge electric cooking for outdoor adventures. That system is the Stoke Voltaics Nomad Cooking System.
With that in mind, let’s discuss some critical considerations to make when investing in a new way of cooking for your outdoor adventures. First, I’ll dive into a few essential features to look for, and then I’ll give you a quick tour of the Nomad Cooking system (and a handy kettle) so you have some top-shelf examples of what to look for in a cooking system.
Multifunctionality is the Way to Go
A good camping cooking system should be versatile enough to handle a wide variety of meals. After all, you don’t want to be limited to boiling water or heating up canned food. Ideally, your cooking system should allow you to fry, simmer, boil, and even sear—all without needing an entire kitchen’s worth of gear.
Some cooking systems—like the Nomad—come with interchangeable cookware or modular components that expand their capabilities. Systems that include frying pans, pots, and specialty inserts give you more options without taking up too much space. Look for setups that can adapt to the kind of meals you like to cook, whether that’s a sizzling steak, a hearty stew, or a quick ramen lunch.
Durability is of Prime Importance
Camping gear gets put through the wringer. From being tossed in the back of your truck to enduring extreme temperatures and weather, your cooking system needs to be built tough. High-quality materials like stainless steel, aerospace-grade aluminum, and heat-resistant polymers can ensure that your cooking setup lasts season after season.
Durability isn’t just about longevity, though—it’s also about safety. A cooking system that’s well-constructed will be more stable on uneven surfaces and less likely to fail when you need it most. Systems with reinforced handles, rugged lids, and sturdy bases might be more expensive, but they are worth the investment. After all, the last thing you want on a trip is to deal with broken or melted equipment in the middle of nowhere!
Look for a Cooking System That’s Compact (Yet Packs a Punch)
Portability is an essential component in evaluating how useful a cooking system is for camping or overlanding. A bulky or awkward setup can make packing a headache, especially if space is tight. Compact, stackable designs that fit neatly into your rig, backpack, or gear bin are ideal.
Look for cooking systems with nesting components or integrated storage solutions. The Nomad, for example, has a stacked design, so you can store various cookware pieces in a smaller footprint. Or if you want something even more compact, Stoke Voltaics’ Kettle Pot is a great option. More on that in a bit…
Fuel Compatibility is a Must
Choosing a cooking system that matches your available power source is essential. Electric cooking systems have come a long way, offering efficient and clean energy solutions for folks like you and me who spend a lot of time outdoors. Unlike gas stoves, electric systems don’t require you to carry fuel canisters, which can be heavy, flammable, and sometimes hard to find.
Modern electric systems can operate on power stations, vehicle inverters, or even RV hookups. Look for setups that offer variable wattage options so you can tailor power usage depending on what’s available. This flexibility is key when managing your energy budget in the field, especially if you rely on solar panels or battery banks for power like I do.
Easy-to-Clean Cookware is Essential
When you’re camping or overlanding, the last thing you want to do after a satisfying meal is spend precious time scrubbing pots and pans. That’s why easy-to-clean cookware should be a top priority when selecting a cooking system. The best setups feature non-stick surfaces, removable components, and designs that minimize nooks and crannies where food can get trapped.
Many modern cooking systems now use premium non-stick coatings that resist burnt-on food and make cleanup a breeze. This is especially helpful if you’re cooking with limited access to running water. Systems like the Stoke Voltaics Nomad Cooking System and Kettle Pot have internal components designed to wipe clean with minimal effort—some even allow you to rinse them off with just a splash of water and a quick pass with a rag or sponge.
Look for cooking systems that avoid unnecessary seams or hard-to-reach crevices, too. Seamless, smooth interiors and rounded edges can dramatically cut down on cleaning time. Detachable lids, handles, and heating bases also make it easier to clean each part individually without damaging sensitive electronics or heating elements.
In the long run, an easy-to-clean cooking system isn’t just about convenience—it also ensures better hygiene, extends the life of your gear, and keeps your camping kitchen running smoothly. Because when you’re off-grid or miles from the nearest sink, simplicity and efficiency become more than just nice-to-haves—they’re essential.
Featured System: Stoke Voltaics Nomad Cooking System
As I mentioned earlier, the Stoke Voltaics Nomad Cooking System has become my go-to cooking system. This thing is for folks who take their outdoor meals seriously.
The Nomad is designed with cutting-edge features. It’s a modular, electric-powered cooking system that redefines how you cook in the wild. Whether you’re whipping up breakfast at a national park or simmering dinner by a lakeside, the Nomad offers unmatched performance and reliability.
One of the Nomad’s best features is its adjustable power range from 200W to 1000W, making it compatible with a wide array of power sources, including portable power stations, RVs, and even home outlets. The modular design includes a high-performance Cooking Reactor, a Sizzling Pan for frying, a Bubbling Pot for boiling or stewing, and a detachable handle for easy manipulation. You can mix and match these components depending on your cooking needs.
But where the Nomad really excels is in its smart technology. The Cooking Reactor uses high-precision sensors and smart algorithms to recognize the type of cookware you’re using and apply the ideal heating curve. It also features energy-saving tools like auto pause and resume, a 60-minute precision timer, and an automatic shutoff after inactivity. Not only does this reduce energy waste, but it also ensures safety in unpredictable environments—just what you want in a cooking system for your outdoor adventures!
On top of all that, the Nomad is built from aerospace-grade materials. It was tested for over 500 hours of rugged use, so it’s designed to withstand harsh conditions while delivering gourmet-level results. Whether you’re searing a steak, making mac and cheese, or something in between, the Nomad ensures consistent heat and excellent performance.
Compact Option: Stoke Voltaics Kettle Pot
For solo adventurers, backpackers, or those with ultra-minimalist setups, the Stoke Voltaics Kettle Pot is an excellent alternative. It’s compact, efficient, and easy to use, and is designed for simplicity without sacrificing performance. It’s perfect for brewing coffee at sunrise, preparing a quick soup at lunch, and making popcorn under the stars after a long day—all with one device!
The Kettle Pot holds up to 32 oz and can boil water in just five minutes. It features a simple one-button interface with three modes—drink, eat, and pop—allowing you to heat water, cook meals, and even make snacks with ease. In fact, it’s a perfect companion for making freeze-dried meals like the ones from Peak Refuel and Mountain House that I’ve reviewed over the years.
And thanks to its precise sensors and efficient heating chip, it transitions from a 500W boil to a 240W simmer automatically, reducing energy usage by over 50% per meal. Not bad, right?!
With 304 stainless steel and aviation-grade heat-resistant materials, the Kettle Pot is built for reliability in the field, too. It’s also incredibly easy to clean and maintain, making it ideal for quick, on-the-go use. The curved spout offers spill-free pouring, and the entire system is compatible with any power source that delivers 500W or more.
With its ultra-lightweight and compact form, the Kettle Pot is a dream for hikers, motorbike campers, or anyone with limited storage space. It’s a smart, eco-friendly alternative to fuel-based systems and an excellent backup even for those with larger setups. If your outdoor cooking needs are simple but you still demand quality and efficiency, the Kettle Pot delivers.
Final Tips for Buying the Right Cooking System
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to buying a cooking system, but there are a few universal tips that can help. First, think about how often and what types of meals you like to cook outdoors. If your cooking ambitions go beyond heating canned soup, you’ll benefit from a more capable system like the Nomad.
Second, consider your typical group size. Cooking for a solo hiker is vastly different from feeding a family of four. A system like the Nomad is ideal for larger groups, while the Kettle Pot is perfect for solo campers or couples traveling the great outdoors.
Lastly, evaluate your space and power availability. If you’re tight on both, compact and energy-efficient systems like the Kettle Pot will serve you well (though the Nomad is lightweight and compact in its own right). Or, if you just need something to heat up your coffee or tea, the Stoke Voltaic’s Smart Mug is a compact, easy-to-use option for having a hot drink when you need it.
Also, don’t forget about the little things—storage, cleanup, and accessory compatibility can make or break your experience. A well-thought-out cooking system isn’t just about what you cook; it’s about how seamlessly it fits into your routine.
So, I think we can all agree that a high-quality cooking system can elevate your entire camping or overlanding experience. From multifunctional setups like the Stoke Voltaics Nomad to compact solutions like the Kettle Pot, there’s a perfect option for every kind of adventurer. Focus on durability, power compatibility, and safety features to find the system that fits your needs.
With the right cooking system in your kit, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy delicious meals no matter where the road—or trail—takes you. Happy cooking!