7 Best Camp Kitchens For Australia In 2024
This is the camping kitchen that I personally use, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone who wants a solid all-around option. It comes with everything from a built-in collapsible sink to a light hook. There's a paper towel holder and numerous fold-out shelves.
The main downside of this portable camp kitchen is its size. It's pretty large when it's folded up, and this can make it difficult to transport. I've got a decent-sized van with plenty of space, so I don't have a problem, but you may need to make room for it on your roof rack if you’re a bit tight on storage.
Overall, I'd highly recommend checking out the GCI Outdoor Master Cook Station if you're looking for a solid all-around camp kitchen.
I love cooking, and for years I got frustrated every time I went camping - at least, until I discovered camp kitchens! These portable wonders come with everything you need to cook up a storm, and grabbing the best camp kitchen for your needs will make your next trip that much better, I promise!
But there are loads of different options on the market. Some are super basic, while others come with extra features like zippered compartments and built-in sinks. To help you choose the right model for your next trip, I've put together the following list of the 7 leading options in Australia today.
My Review Process
As I've already said, I love cooking. And as you may have guessed, I love camping as well. I'm an avid traveller, and I spend months on the road every year.
I've tried a few different camp kitchens, and I'd never leave home without one anymore.
To bring you the following list, I've drawn on my personal experience and hours of in-depth research guided by my existing knowledge. I’ve concluded that the best camping kitchens should be portable, have plenty of counter space, and have the right features for your requirements.
The following 7 options are all excellent choices, and I'd highly suggest checking them out before your next camping trip!
This is the camping kitchen that I personally use, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone who wants a solid all-around option. It comes with everything from a built-in collapsible sink to a light hook. There's a paper towel holder and numerous fold-out shelves.
The main downside of this portable camp kitchen is its size. It's pretty large when it's folded up, and this can make it difficult to transport. I've got a decent-sized van with plenty of space, so I don't have a problem, but you may need to make room for it on your roof rack if you’re a bit tight on storage.
Overall, I'd highly recommend checking out the GCI Outdoor Master Cook Station if you're looking for a solid all-around camp kitchen.
The vidaXL Foldable Camping Kitchen is an attractive option for people on a tight budget. It comes with a neat heat-resistant aluminium countertop surrounded by a windshield to protect your stove. The fold-out food prep bench features zippered storage underneath, and the entire unit is compact and cleverly designed.
The only fault I can find with this unit is that it doesn't have a sink. But apart from this, there's little not to like.
Look no further if you don't have a lot to spend but still want a decent portable kitchen!
Okay, it's a stretch to call this one a camp kitchen, but it's such an attractive unit that I just had to include it on this list! This camp kitchen is designed for the fishermen among you, and it comes with a built-in sink, a drain that can be directed onto the ground or into a bucket, and a hose fitting for quick, easy water connection.
What's more, you will also get two stainless steel bowls, a sharp filleting knife, and a tough chopping board. And despite being designed for fishermen, the unit doubles as an excellent camp kitchen with ample space for food prep.
With loads of zippered storage, a built-in windscreen to keep your stove hot, and two fold out tables, it's hard to beat the VEVOR Camping Kitchen if you have a large family. The storage space is great for keeping the extra items you need for your family away from bugs and other critters, and it folds away into a compact bundle for easy transport.
This one's a little different, as it doesn't have many extra features. However, it's extremely hard to beat if you're looking for a compact unit with loads of storage.
It boasts an aluminium roll-top tabletop, four individual storage compartments, and a sleek, compact design. One of the storage compartments is specially lined so it can be used as a sink, and the telescopic legs make it easy to use on uneven ground.
Got a decent budget and want something that's just that little bit fancier for your next camping adventure?
If so, this deluxe camp kitchen from KingCamp is a perfect choice! It comes complete with bamboo surfaces, a built-in windshield, and a foldable sink. The enclosed storage compartment has two zippered doors, and the countertop is rated to 30kgs - which is an awfully big meal if you ask me!
Of course, the price of this unit will put most people off, but I'd highly recommend checking it out if you're looking to spend a little more!
The Coleman Pack-Away Kitchen is a simple yet highly effective unit. It's one of the best models I've used, and I'd highly recommend checking it out.
For starters, it comes with a durable workspace, utensil hooks and a mesh rack for extra storage, and a side table designed for your store or removable sink. There's also a lantern hook that makes it great for using at night, and it easily folds away for storage in the included packing case.
The main problems I have with this model are that it's not great for uneven ground, and it doesn't have much storage. But if you're looking for a no-frills camp kitchen that's super easy to set up, Coleman has you covered.
How To Choose The Best Camp Kitchen
If you're a keen camp chef, like me, you’ll want to spend a bit of time choosing the right portable camping kitchen. Here are a few important decision-making factors to consider to help you make your choice.
Cost
To begin, I'd suggest setting a clear budget. Usable units can range from as low as $100 to $1000 plus, and deciding how much you want to spend will help you narrow your selections.
Size
Here's where things become a bit of a balancing act. You want a table that's small enough to transport easily (more on this in a moment) but big enough for you to comfortably cook what you want to.
If you're a keen cook, I'd suggest getting your hands on a dedicated camp kitchen with ample food prep space and a dedicated place for your camp stove.
Stability
When camping, it's not uncommon to have to put your camp kitchen on uneven surfaces. Some come with features like extendable legs that let you balance them easily.
However, others can only really be used on flat ground, making them much less versatile.
Weight & Transportability
Some camping kitchens are very heavy, making them quite hard to move around and set up.
Other models are rather bulky, and I'd suggest keeping this in mind to ensure the unit you choose isn't going to take up too much space in your car!
Storage
If you don't have very much storage in your vehicle, I'd suggest looking for a camping kitchen setup with a little extra space.
Most models come with at least a little storage, but some include enclosed cupboards and zippered units.
Extra Features
There are a few extra features you might like to look out for, including:
Sink - Having easy access to a sink for washing dishes, rinsing veggies, and just keeping things clean in general can be super useful.
Trash bag holder - Keep your portable kitchen tidy by cleaning up as you go.
Paper towel holder - This is a relatively common and very useful feature. Paper towel is your best friend when you're camping, especially if you don't have access to running water.
Utensil hooks - These usually sit above your cooktop for simple utensil storage.
Lantern hook - A hook that enables you to hang a light over your kitchen. This is great in theory, but hanging a light is also a great way to attract bugs.
Windscreen - To block the wind from your stove and help it heat better.
Summary
The number-one overall portable camping table on the Australian market is the GCI Outdoor Master Cook Station. With loads of space for cooking and ample extra features, including a built-in sink, it's hard to look past.
The vidaXL Foldable Camping Kitchen is great if you're on a tighter budget, and I'd suggest taking a look at the KingCamp Portable Bamboo Kitchen if you want a luxury unit.
Common questions
Living in the Australian outdoors from a self-converted campervan, Daniel has over a decade of experience in the field that he shares in his writing at CampingAussie. When not travelling, you can find Daniel near the ocean - either fishing, diving or surfing.
*The information on this site is based on research and first-hand experience but should not be treated as medical advice. Before beginning any new activity, we recommend consulting with a physician, nutritionist or other relevant professional healthcare provider.
