I can’t get over YouTube videos of people preparing meals in the wildest spots. Be it high up the mountain, down riverside, or deep in the woods, the snap of the fire and scents of spices blending with the forest’s pristine air have always pulled me in. The sheer joy of cooking intensifies even more with the right equipment, although I don’t mind using makeshift ovens and stoves made from stones and such. Whether it is a full outdoor kitchen, a handy portable grill, or even a basic camp stove, these setups let you cook amazing meals, wherever you please.
Yet, the real MVP among them is the outdoor kitchen. We’ve covered a handful of camping kitchens over the years, with the Kitchen Cruiser and Brio Kitchen Box being popular choices among campers. Though those kitchens were incredibly impressive, they both skewed heavy, and anyone who’s had to lug gear up a trail can attest that even an extra ounce can spectacularly sabotage your packing plan. With that in mind, Colorado-based entrepreneur and outdoorsman Dana Mosman designed the Dialed Camp Kitchen, which weighs just 19.4lbs empty.
Currently the subject of a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter, this rugged all-in-one system measures 25 inches in length and 18 inches in width. What looks like a no-nonsense military-grade polypropylene case unfolds in under a minute into a full workstation for four.
It comes with a battery-powered faucet, sink basin, dimmable LED lights for nighttime cooking, and modular storage that houses everything from spice jars to cast-iron skillets. The company also offers a one-burner butane stove or a two-burner propane stove as an add-on.
Other features include a central aluminum MOLLE board for tucking away ingredients and tools behind the primary cutting area, a wood fiber cutting board, a mesh bag for drying and storing dishes, a canvas tool roll for storing utensils, and two gear-organizing cubes. Not to mention, a four-legged aluminum stand that supports it all. It is important to note that the aluminum stand weighs an additional 5.3lbs, so if you plan to tailgate instead of cooking at the rear, you need to carry extra ounces.
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Getting the outdoor kitchen ready is relatively easy. All you need to do is unfold the stand and set the case on it. The next step involves popping the lid, pulling out the stove, and snapping on the MOLLE wings, sink, and faucet. Priced at $559 for early Kickstarter backers (with retail slated at $799), it’s positioned as a premium investment.
Of course, not everyone is impressed. I am baffled by the fact that this doesn’t include a gas stove and water tank, and I am sure many campers might balk at the same. Still, for those prioritizing rugged durability (aluminum stand, military-grade case) and that home kitchen vibe, the Dialed delivers on its promise of more cooking, less fuss.
