Wood Stove Cooking in a Campervan
Cooking over a wood fire is one of the great pleasures of van life. Here is how to do it safely.
Best Portable Wood Stoves
- Solo Stove Lite: £65. 140g. Burns twigs. Incredibly efficient. Boils water in 5 min.
- Bushbuddy: £70. 150g. Top-loading. Great for simmering.
- Ohuhu Folding Stove: £20. 400g. Budget option folds flat.
- Kelly Kettle: £50. Uses steam jet for super-fast boiling. 250g.
Cooking Methods
- Skewers: Sausages, marshmallows, veg. Easy, no pans.
- Dutch oven: Cast iron pot with lid. For stews, bread, cakes. Place on coals.
- Foil packets: Fish and veg wrapped in foil. Place on coals for 10-15 min.
- Grill grate: A folding grill over the fire. For steaks, burgers, fish.
Safety
- Cook on the provided fire pit at campsites (do NOT dig your own)
- Check campfire bans (common in summer during dry spells)
- Never leave a fire unattended
- Extinguish fully with water (not dirt)
- Do not cook under trees (low branches catch fire)
UK Rules
Most campsites allow fire pits. Wild camping fires are permitted in Scotland with care, but not in England or Wales without landowner permission.
You Might Also Like
- Van Life Diet Meal Prep - Cheap Healthy UK Groceries Guide
- Van Life Cooking UK Best Campervan Cookers and Kitchens
- Eberspächer UK Service Guide
Getting Started
If you're new to this topic, start with the basics:
- Understand the key concepts
- Research your specific needs
- Set a realistic budget
- Plan your approach before buying
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying the cheapest option (often costs more long-term)
- Skipping research on UK-specific requirements
- Not reading reviews from other UK van lifers
- Forgetting about ongoing costs and maintenance
UK-Specific Considerations
Living in the UK means dealing with:
- Variable weather conditions
- UK regulations and standards
- British suppliers and support
- Right-hand drive vehicle considerations
Budget Planning
For most van lifers, we recommend:
- Budget option: £50-100 (basic but functional)
- Mid-range: £100-200 (good quality, lasting)
- Premium: £200+ (best quality, longest lasting)
Maintenance Tips
Keep your equipment working well:
- Check regularly for wear and tear
- Clean according to manufacturer instructions
- Store properly when not in use
- Replace parts before they fail
Community Recommendations
The van life community consistently recommends:
- Starting simple and upgrading as needed
- Buying from established UK suppliers
- Reading forums and Facebook groups for real-world advice
- Watching YouTube tutorials before attempting installations
Van Life Cooking Essentials
- One-pot meals save fuel and time
- Pre-chop ingredients at home
- Buy fresh from farm shops when possible
- Keep long-life staples stocked
- Clean as you go in small spaces
- Invest in a good knife and pan
