Planning your next campervan adventure and wondering how to cook meals on the road? Whether you’re travelling with a fully converted van or a more minimalist setup, there are plenty of ways to prepare delicious, satisfying food while camping. From full-sized campervan ovens to portable stoves and compact grills, this guide covers the best ways to cook food when camping, with pros and cons for each option.

1. Campervan Ovens: Home Comfort on the Road

If you’re serious about cooking and want a full range of options, installing a gas oven in your campervan is the ultimate upgrade. With an oven and hob combo, you can prepare everything from roast dinners to fresh-baked bread.

Pros:
✔️ Unlimited cooking potential — just like home
✔️ Ideal for full-time vanlifers or long-term road trips
✔️ Great for baking, roasting, and hearty meals

Cons:
❌ Expensive (Thetford ovens start from £250–£400+)
❌ Takes up more space and adds weight

Best for: Vanlifers who love cooking and want the comforts of home.

2. Built-In Grills: Compact and Versatile

If space is tight but you still want to go beyond basic hob meals, a built-in grill is a solid middle ground. It’s perfect for toast, grilled cheese, smaller cuts of meat, and of course, the beloved Welsh Rarebit.

Pros:
✔️ Cheaper than a full oven (e.g. Smev grill ~£200)
✔️ Smaller footprint, more van space saved

Cons:
❌ Not suitable for baking or large meals
❌ No pizzas or cakes

Best for: Casual campers looking for more flexibility than a hob alone.

3. Omnia Stovetop Oven: Portable Baking Power

Want to bake bread, cakes, or even lasagna without installing a full oven? The Omnia Oven is a clever, compact tool that sits directly on your gas hob and mimics the heat flow of a traditional oven.

Pros:
✔️ Lightweight and space-saving
✔️ Affordable (from ~£55)
✔️ Great for one-pot bakes, breads, pies

Cons:
❌ Takes practice to master temperature control
❌ May not be ideal for large meals

Best for: Part-time vanlifers and budget-conscious campers who love baking.

4. BBQ & Fire Cooking: Authentic Outdoor Meals

There’s nothing quite like cooking over open flames with friends and family. Portable BBQs — whether charcoal or gas — are perfect for social, outdoor cooking. From fold-up grills to luxury gas BBQs, the options suit every camper and budget.

Pros:
✔️ Feels like “real” camping
✔️ Great for group cooking and sociable evenings
✔️ Huge range of options and price points

Cons:
❌ Weather-dependent
❌ Takes time to set up and get going
❌ Needs storage for fuel and fire-starting supplies

Best for: Campers who love cooking outdoors and don’t mind a bit of prep.

5. Gas Hobs & Portable Stoves: Simple and Reliable

The most common cooking method in campervans is a built-in hob or portable gas stove. These are compact, reliable, and capable of handling a wide variety of one-pot recipes.

Pros:
✔️ Lightweight and space-efficient
✔️ Budget-friendly options available
✔️ Easy to use and clean

Cons:
❌ Limited to one or two burners
❌ No baking capability

Best for: Every vanlifer — especially weekend warriors or minimalist setups.

6. Jetboil & Compact Camping Cook Systems

Heading into the wild or need a backup cooking option? The Jetboil MiniMo is a lightweight, all-in-one cooking system that lets you boil water or simmer meals anywhere — from mountain peaks to remote campsites.

Pros:
✔️ Incredibly portable and fast
✔️ Doubles as a backup stove
✔️ Ideal for hiking and wild camping

Cons:
❌ Not suitable as your main cooking setup
❌ Full setup costs around £120+

Best for: Explorers, wild campers, and backup/emergency use in the van.

Ready to Cook Up an Adventure?

Whether you’re craving lakeside BBQs, mountain-top brews, or homemade meals on the move, the right campervan makes it all possible.

Hire a Quirky Camper today and turn your road trip into a rolling kitchen adventure.
👉 Browse our unique campervans across the UK now!