Pie irons are a favorite camping tool for many outdoor enthusiasts. They allow you to cook delicious warm pies, sandwiches, and other tasty treats right over a campfire or grill. Forget about cold sandwiches or pre-packaged meals; pie irons can elevate your camping cuisine.
Pie irons come in different shapes, sizes, and materials. Cast iron models are popular for their durability and heat retention, while aluminum versions are lightweight and heat up quickly.
Consider factors like handle length, materials, and cooking surface size when choosing a pie iron. These features will impact your cooking experience and the types of meals you can create.
One key aspect to focus on when purchasing a pie iron is its design and functionality. Some pie irons have removable or adjustable handles, making it easy to cook over different heat sources or store for transport.
Like choosing the best electric skillet for pancakes, you should also consider whether the cooking surfaces have non-stick coatings and how easy they are to clean – nobody wants to spend their camping trip scrubbing pie irons!
After considering these factors, I’ve researched and tested several pie irons to determine the best options for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or just starting these pie irons will help you create memorable campfire meals.
Best Pie Irons
I’ve gathered a list of the best pie irons below. Trust me, these fantastic tools will up your campfire cooking game in no time!
Old Mountain Pre Seasoned Round Pie Iron, 28 Inch Long
I highly recommend the Old Mountain Pre Seasoned Round Pie Iron for its durable material, easy usage, and tasty results.
Pros
- Pre-seasoned cast iron
- Extra-long wooden handles
- Hinged design for convenience
Cons
- Wooden handles may loosen over time
- Not dishwasher safe
- Limited to round pies/sandwiches
I immediately appreciated the pre-seasoned cast iron construction using the Old Mountain Round Pie Iron. The seasoning process reduces sticking and makes for easy clean-up and delicious pies and sandwiches every time.
The extra-long wooden handles are a significant plus for me. Grilling over a campfire can be hazardous, but these handles allow for a comfortable distance from the flames, ensuring safe usage.
Additionally, the hinged design makes pressing and cooking different types of sandwiches and pies simple. The embossed Old Mountain logo adds a touch of style to an already impressive tool.
However, I must note that the wooden handles might loosen over time. A possible solution is to use epoxy glue to reinforce the connection, ensuring they remain secure.
Also, it’s essential to remember that this pie iron is unsuitable for dishwasher use, requiring handwashing for proper care. Lastly, remember that this iron is limited to round pies and sandwiches for those who want to experiment with different shapes.
The Old Mountain Pre-Seasoned Round Pie Iron has been a fantastic addition to my campfire cooking gear. Despite its few limitations, I can confidently say that this pie iron is an excellent investment, providing consistently tasty results with ease and comfort.
Uno Casa XL Pie Irons Cast Iron Sandwich Maker
I’d recommend the Uno Casa XL Pie Irons for anyone seeking a durable and versatile pie iron to upgrade their campfire cooking experience.
Pros
- Ideal for camping and easy to carry
- Made of durable and pre-seasoned cast iron
- Large size and multi-use capabilities
Cons
- It can be difficult to clean
- Handles may be challenging to align
- Heavy, which may be an issue for some users
The Uno Casa XL Pie Irons Cast Iron Sandwich Maker impressed me with its sturdy design and ease of use, making it an excellent addition to my camping gear. Compared to other pie irons I’ve tried, this one stands out for being more accessible to carry and fitting more food with its larger size.
The pre-seasoned cast iron is non-stick, heat resistant, and exceptionally durable as long as it’s kept dry to prevent rusting. The two removable handles (13.8″ & 21.6″) make it easy to wash and fit into a backpack, and the hook securely keeps the pie iron closed, ensuring my food stays safely inside. The ergonomic design is a great bonus, making the cooking experience more enjoyable.
Though the Uno Casa pie iron has many positives, there are a few cons. It can be slightly tricky to clean, and the handles might require some patience to align correctly when assembling.
Additionally, depending on their cooking preferences, the cast iron’s weight might be an issue for some users. Nonetheless, it’s an excellent pie iron for enhancing your campfire cooking experience with tasty treats.
Campfire Pros Deluxe Pie Iron Storage Bag
This storage bag is a must-have for campers who love their pie irons and want a practical and protective way to transport them.
Pros
- Heavy-duty padding for extra protection
- Straps to secure pie irons and prevent damage
- Easy to carry and ideal for RV storage
Cons
- Might not fit larger pie irons
- The interior lining could be more durable
- Limited to store up to 4 pie irons only
I recently took my Campfire Pros Deluxe Pie Iron Storage Bag on a camping trip, making transporting and organizing my pie irons much easier. The heavy-duty padding provided excellent protection for my pie irons, and I didn’t have to worry about them getting damaged during transit.
The straps inside the bag helped keep my pie irons secure, preventing them from banging into each other or other cooking equipment. The extra length of the bag also allowed me to store a few of the best vegan snacks on Amazon – a nice bonus!
On top of its practicality, it is also easy to carry. It’s far more convenient than my previous methods of organization, which involved duct-taped boxes or simply carrying all the pie irons loose in a giant bag.
However, there are a few minor drawbacks to this storage bag. If you have oversized or uniquely shaped pie irons, you might have difficulty fitting them into the bag. Additionally, while the exterior material is heavy-duty, the interior lining could be more durable to withstand long-term use.
Lastly, the bag only accommodates up to four pie irons, so if you need space for more, you might need to look for an alternative storage solution. Still, while it has a few minor drawbacks, the overall quality and practicality of the product far outweigh them.
PINSUKO Round Pie Iron 28″
A fantastic pie iron for campfire cooking enthusiasts looking for a durable and easy-to-use tool.
Pros
- Solid cast iron construction for even cooking
- Suitable for both sweet and savory concoctions
- Long 28″ handle ensures safety when cooking over a fire
Cons
- May require a learning curve to master cooking times
- Requires seasoning and proper care for long-lasting use
- Size might not be suitable for smaller bread slices
I enjoyed using the PINSUKO Round Pie Iron on my last camping trip. The cast iron material made it perfect for cooking over the campfire, ensuring my pies were evenly toasted on both sides.
The round design of this pie iron allowed me to seal the edges of my pies efficiently, making for a less messy and more enjoyable experience. In my experience, the 28″ overall length of the handle was of great value as it kept me at a safe distance from the fire when cooking.
I noticed that getting used to the cooking time may take a little time. A slight learning curve is always involved with any campfire cooking tool. However, I could achieve consistently delicious results once I got the hang of it.
It’s also important to note that this pie iron requires seasoning and proper care to maintain its durability. I found it helpful to follow the provided care instructions included with the pie iron.
The size of this pie iron might not be suitable for smaller or specific bread types. Nevertheless, I found that it worked well with most standard-sized bread slices.
Overall, the PINSUKO Round Pie Iron is an excellent product for those who love campfire cooking and are searching for a reliable, easy-to-use kitchen tool. With its solid cast iron construction, long handle for safety, and great design for sealing in the goodness, I highly recommend trying it on your next camping adventure.
Rome’s Double Pie Iron with Steel and Wood Handles, 1605
I enjoyed using this double pie iron, and it’s perfect for campfire cooking enthusiasts who want to create tasty treats.
Pros
- Large 8-1/2″ x 4-1/4″ cooking head
- Long 28″ overall length
- Can cook two sandwiches or other items at once
Cons
- Slightly heavy at 4 pounds
- Requires proper seasoning
- Cast iron takes time to heat up
I recently had the chance to take Rome’s Double Pie Iron with Steel and Wood Handles on a camping trip, and I must say it has added a whole new level of enjoyment to our campfire cooking experiences. The 8-1/2″ x 4-1/4″ cooking head is large enough to make two sandwiches or cook treats quickly.
The 28″ overall length proved ideal for keeping a reasonable distance from the campfire while cooking, ensuring I didn’t get too hot. This pie iron feels like a quality product, though it is a bit heavier at 4 pounds.
Before using it for the first time, I made sure to season the cast iron properly – this is crucial for achieving the right level of non-stickiness during cooking. If you’re familiar with using cast iron cookware, you’ll know it tends to take longer to heat up than other materials.
Rome’s Double Pie Iron with Steel and Wood Handles is a must-have for anyone who enjoys campfire cooking and wants to expand their culinary horizons with delicious pies, sandwiches, and more. Just be prepared to put a bit of care in seasoning the cast iron and dealing with its weight, but it’s well worth the effort!
Rome Industries Square Pie Iron Gift Set
This pie iron set is a must-have for campfire enthusiasts who love tasty pies and sandwiches.
Pros
- Durable cast iron construction
- Includes recipe book and canvas storage bag
- Made by the original pie iron company in 1964
Cons
- Requires seasoning before use, as do most cast iron items
- Handles may get hot during the cooking process
- Can be a bit heavy for extended use or backpacking
I recently tried out the Rome Industries Square Pie Iron Gift Set and am impressed with its performance. The cast iron construction makes it perfect for cooking over a campfire or firepit, and the steel and wood handles provide a nice, sturdy grip.
The included 64-page pie iron recipe book was a bonus and very helpful for getting started with pudgy pie cooking. I experimented with various flavors, from fruity pies to savory sandwiches, and they all turned out great.
One thing to note is that the pie iron requires seasoning before its first use, like most cast iron items. It also didn’t weigh my trip too much, but I would use a lighter alternative for longer backpacking excursions. The handles can get hot during cooking, so use oven mitts or a cloth to hold onto them.
The canvas storage bag is an excellent addition, as it protects the head of the pie iron when not in use. Overall, I highly recommend the Rome Industries Square Pie Iron Gift Set for anyone who enjoys campfire cooking and wants to create delicious pies and sandwiches during their outdoor adventures.
BestNest Rome Cast Iron Extra Large Square Pie Irons, Pack of 2
These extra-large pie irons by BestNest are a worthwhile investment for campfire cooking enthusiasts who want a durable and versatile product.
Pros
- Extra-large chambers for bigger treats
- Cast iron construction for even cooking
- Stainless steel rods and wooden handles for safety
Cons
- Heavy for those with arthritis
- Bread size compatibility
- Some users report quality control issues
I recently used these BestNest Rome Cast Iron Extra Large Square Pie Irons on my camping trip. As someone who loves campfire cooking, I was excited to try these out, and they didn’t disappoint!
The extra-large chambers in these pie irons are fantastic, allowing me to make more enormous sandwiches and desserts than with previous and smaller pie irons I’ve used. The cast iron construction ensures that my treats are cooked quickly and evenly while retaining heat well.
I also appreciated the stainless steel rods and wooden handles. It made me feel safe while cooking, preventing accidental burns or fire contact.
However, these pie irons have a drawback – they are pretty heavy. The weight made it more difficult to maneuver them over the campfire, but the delicious results were worth the added effort.
Another minor issue I found was that these pie irons don’t perfectly fit standard-sized bread. Finally, I noticed that some of my fellow campers had varying experiences with the quality of their pie irons, with a few reporting loose handles and missing casts.
I highly recommend the BestNest Rome Cast Iron Extra Large Square Pie Irons for avid campfire cooks. Despite the weight and bread size compatibility, the versatility, durability, and safety features make these pie irons stand out from the rest. Remember that there might be some quality control issues, but your delicious campfire treats will be worth the hassle.
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Buying Guide
As a pie iron enthusiast, I’m excited to share my tips on choosing the best product and what features you should look at. Before we dive in, I’d like to mention that it’s crucial to consider your needs and preferences, as the perfect pie iron for one person might not suit another.
Material
First and foremost, consider the material of the pie iron. The most common materials are cast iron, aluminum, and non-stick-coated versions. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Cast Iron | Excellent heat distribution, durable | Heavy and requires seasoning |
| Aluminum | Lightweight, heats up quickly | Less even heat distribution |
| Non-stick | Easy to clean | Less durable, may wear off |
Size and Shape
Next, examine the size and shape of the pie iron. There are small, single-serving ones or larger, double-sided versions. Choose based on how many people you’ll typically cook for and your storage space.
The shape also plays a role. Round or square, each has its advantages. Round shapes are great for evenly crisping pies and creating perfect pockets, while square ones give you more crust and can fit more filling. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
Handle Length and Material
A crucial element often overlooked is the handle. A more extended handle ensures you’re safe from the fire, while a shorter one provides more control. Opt for one with an ergonomic grip for added comfort and stability.
Handle material is vital, too. Inspect if it’s a wooden handle or has a heat-resistant coating, as you want to avoid burning your hands.
Ease of Cleaning
Finally, consider the ease of cleaning. Removable parts simplify cleanup, while non-stick materials can save you from scrubbing off burnt food.
Take the time to research what suits your needs and preferences. Happy pie iron hunting!
