Best Pie Iron. The pie iron has long been a cherished camping tradition, allowing adventurers to make deliciously toasted snacks and miniature pies outdoors over the open fire. Whether making s’mores, grilled cheese sandwiches, or miniature fruit pies, a quality pie iron is indispensable camping gear for any foodie who loves the great outdoors. With the wide selection of pie iron models on the market today, it can be difficult to discern the truly Best Pie Iron.
This guide will explore some top-rated options and provide advice to help you select the perfect pie iron to fuel your next camping trip or backyard fire pit gathering. We’ll examine features like capacity, ease of use, durability, and more, so you can choose an iron that rises to the occasion for all your outdoor cooking needs.
Our Top Picks:
6 Best Pie Iron in 2024
1. Coghlan’s Cast Iron Cookers
The Coghlan’s pie iron is a classic budget-friendly option that has been trusted by campers for generations. It features simple yet durable cast iron cooking plates that heat up quickly and evenly over an open fire. The plates are hinged together with contoured steel handles that get warm but not too hot to touch. While basic, this pie iron gets the job done without unnecessary extras that could potentially break down over heavy use. It’s also very lightweight and compact making it easy to pack along.
For its affordable price, the Coghlan’s pie iron is hard to beat for reliable camping pie making. As an affordable and lightweight option, the Coghlan’s pie iron is a great candidate for the title of Best Pie Iron for budget-conscious campers prioritizing easy packing and reliable performance.
Features:
- Rust-resistant seasoned cast iron construction
- Hinged clamshell design securely clamps fillings
- Contoured steel handles provide a comfortable grip
Pros:
- Incredibly affordable price point
- Lightweight and compact for packing
- Proven design that works well and lasts
- Heats fillings efficiently over an open fire
Cons:
- More basic design without extras
- Handles can get warm but not too hot
2. AILITOR Cast Iron Camp Pie Cooker
For a great value, the AILITOR two-pack is hard to beat. Each pie iron features cast iron cooking plates that conduct heat well from a campfire. They are hinged together securely with aluminum handles which remain pleasantly cool even after prolonged cooking. This allows for safe and comfortable handling directly over the flames. At 6 inches wide, they provide decent space for standard pie fillings. Camping couples or groups will appreciate having two on hand.
While simple, they perform their function well without unnecessary bulk or features to break down. As a portable and affordable option capable of serving multiple campers, the AILITOR two-pack is a strong contender for the title of Best Pie Iron for its versatility and value as a camping cooking tool.
Features:
- Durable pre-seasoned cast iron cooking plates
- Hinged securely with matte aluminum handles
- Generous 6-inch cooking surface
Pros:
- Excellent price for two pie irons
- Cool-touch aluminum handles stay safe
- Good capacity for standard fillings
- Lightweight and compact to pack
Cons:
- Handles connect rigidly without movement
3. Toas-Tite Pie Iron 3 Pack
The Toas-Tite three-pack offers versatility for feeding a crowd with its bountiful supply. Each sports a unique spring-hinge mechanism that applies steady, even pressure across the entire cooking surface for perfectly baked fillings every time. They feature a slick non-stick coating and extended 11-inch design for stability while cooking over an open fire.
The spring hinge does take a bit of practice to use just right, but provides consistent results once mastered. This set provides great value and is a preferred choice of many camp cooks. With its crowd-pleasing quantity and ability to consistently produce perfect results, the Toas-Tite three-pack is a strong competitor for the title of Best Pie Iron.
Features:
- Durable polished steel with non-stick coating
- Springs apply steady, even pressure
- Extended 11-inch length improves stability
Pros:
- Excellent value with a set of three
- Even baking from consistent pressure
- Longer design stands up well to winds
- Non-stick surfaces ease cleanup
Cons:
- Spring mechanism can break with abuse
- Non-stick coating will wear down over time
4. Camp Chef Single Square Cooking Iron
As the priciest option, the Camp Chef iron delivers quality and durability. Its stainless steel mechanism and ceramic-infused non-stick coating promise lasting performance even after years of use. Contoured silicone handles stay cool for safe handling. While a bit heavy-duty for basic camping, its toughened construction makes it a smart long-term purchase. The broad cooking surface also allows preparations like grilled sandwiches or miniature frittatas beyond just pies.
It’s a top choice for 3-season outdoor cooking or large friend gatherings. With its high quality materials and multi-purpose capabilities, the Camp Chef iron makes a strong case for the title of Best Pie Iron, especially for the serious outdoor cooking enthusiast.
Features:
- Sturdy stainless steel hinge pins
- Ceramic-infused non-stick coating
- Extra-large 9″ aluminum surface
- Contoured silicone cooling handles
Pros:
- Premium materials for longevity
- Handle heat intelligently
- Broad plate fits various snacks
- Superior non-stick abilities
- Heavy-duty for rugged use
Cons:
- Most expensive single option
5. Uno Casa – XL Pie Irons Cast Iron
For creative cooks, the Uno Casa stands out. Its extra-large 8-inch plates provide ample real estate for experimental fillings. Here, s’mores take on whole new dimensions. Constructed with rugged seasoned cast iron, these spacious irons heat evenly over flames. An included recipe book also inspires new combinations from around the world. While pricey, these unlock opportunities for fun around the fire. The jumbo plates do require practice to use nimbly.
Overall, adventurous camp chefs will appreciate these unique irons. For those seeking new frontiers in campfire cooking creativity and culinary adventure, the Uno Casa pie iron presents a compelling case for the title of Best Pie Iron.
Features:
- Generously sized 8-inch cast iron grills
- Dual wooden-handled clamp design
- Recipe guidebook included
Pros:
- Accommodates unusual fillings
- Inspires innovative recipe trials
- Evenly conducts heat from flames
- Attractive vintage-style design
Cons:
- Very heavy and large to pack
6. Guidesman Cast Iron
Safety is the primary focus of the Guidesman iron with its dramatically extended 22-inch handles. This allows the user to stand further back from the open flame while cooking. The textured wooden grips promote a comfortable yet secure hold. Its classic cast iron cooking plates provide reliable heat transfer. While quite long, bulky, and heavy, it truly maximizes safe distance for those who prioritize safety. However, the enormous size makes it impractical for most average car camping needs.
It works best for large group situations with a significant cooking fire. For campers placing top priority on safety while cooking over open flames, the Guidesman pie iron has a strong case for earning the title of Best Pie Iron.
Features:
- Cast iron cooking plates
- Incredibly long 22-inch handles
- Textured wooden grip handles
Pros:
- Unmatched safety with distance
- Secure grip even with gloves
- Plates conduct heat adequately
Cons:
- Extremely large and long to pack
- Heavy and overwhelmingly big
Pie iron types include:
These days, pie irons are available in aluminum and cast iron. They used to also be available in stamped metal, but we’ve never used them and haven’t seen any on the market. We use our aluminum ones for food that has already been prepared and just needs to be heated through to be enjoyed, and we like our cast iron ones for heavy-duty cooking.e delightful.
Cast Iron:
Pros:
- Can be used directly over coals; when seasoned correctly, it develops its own non-stick coating.
- Ensures even dispersion of heat
Cons:
- Requires maintenance and seasoning
- Heavier, making it more difficult to grasp
Aluminium
Advantages:
- It’s lighter, making it simpler to grip.
- Available in both non-stick and stick coatings.
- Uniform dispersion of heat
Disadvantages:
- If put on embers, it can melt or deform.
- Scratches may occur in non-stick coating.
- Not as robust as iron
You have the option of selecting your preferred form or shapes in addition to your material of choice. Rome Industries offers round ones, square ones, rectangular ones, and even a heart-shaped one. They create them in square and circular shapes, either smooth, ridged, or even waffled. There are also specialized ones that are used for brats and hot dogs. Regardless of your taste, there are certain to be some that you will want to use.
Pie iron preparation:
It’s easy to prepare. To prevent food from clinging to the plates, you’ll need to place something against them. This might be butter, cooking spray, or even an oil of some kind. Depending on what we have in our pockets, we utilize various things. When using any kind of chilled dough (such as crescent rolls, pizza dough, etc.), we usually go for cooking spray. Whenever we are using any kind of precooked food (bread, tortillas, etc.), we usually grab the butter. Additionally, we drizzle some olive oil on whatever we are cooking without a pocket, such veggies or meat.
It’s as simple as one, two, three, four, and five after that:
- Put the thing in your pocket up against the metal.
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Put your stuffing on one side.
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Close and clamp together.
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Put the iron in your fire pit’s hot zone and let it cook.
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Enjoy it once it cools off.
FAQs
Q. What other phrases are used to describe a pie iron?
These are also known as Hobo Pies, Camp Cookers, Jaffle Irons, or Pudgy Pies. In addition, I’ve heard of Sandwich Toastie, Toastie Iron, Tonka Toasters, and Toas-Tite (a registered trademark and brand name). Although we often use all of these words, Pie Iron is usually our first choice.
Q. With a pie iron, what can you cook?
Though we almost want to say, “What can’t you cook in a pie iron?” we’ll refrain. You may prepare breakfast, lunch, supper, dessert, and side dishes; our food category has a list of our most popular recipes. The only thing stopping you from going from spicy to sweet is your imagination.
Q. Why do we believe pie irons should be owned by every camper?
Considering that pie irons allow us to prepare delectable meals and snacks with the least amount of work. They are simple to maintain and clean. And we think they ought to be a standard component of every camper’s kitchenware collection. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any further queries.
Q. Is it possible to use my pie iron on the grill?
Ours has been used (with caution) on the stovetop, on the grill, and over a campfire. We simply use our regular ones and keep an eye on them, although there are ones with shorter handles designed expressly for use on a BBQ.
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