Toasted bread over a campfire tastes better than it should. I've used pie irons, folding racks, and simple grates over the years, and each has its place depending on what you're cooking and how much gear you want to carry.
For campfire toasters, material matters. Cast iron heats evenly and lasts forever, but it's heavy. Stainless steel is lighter and still durable. Folding designs pack smaller. If you're making sandwiches, pie irons work best. For plain toast, a simple rack over coals does the job. Long handles keep your hands away from the heat.
1. Coghlan's Cast Iron Camp Cooker
This is a classic pie iron. I've used one for years to make mountain pies (grilled cheese, pizza pockets, whatever you can fit between two slices of bread). The cast iron cooks evenly without hot spots.
At 27 inches long, the handle keeps your hands well away from the coals. Pre-seasoned means it's ready to use out of the box. Clean it with a paper towel after cooking, re-oil it lightly, and it'll last decades. It's heavy at 1 pound, but worth it if you're car camping.
Pros:
- Cast iron provides even heat
- Pre-seasoned and ready to cook
- Long handle for safety
- Makes sandwiches and pies
Cons:
- Heavy for backpacking
- Requires seasoning maintenance
2. Ezyoutdoor Camping Toaster For Gas Stove
This is a simple rack that sits on top of a camp stove. It toasts four slices at once, which is handy when you're feeding a group. Stainless steel is lightweight and doesn't rust.
It only works with a gas stove, not an open fire. If you use a canister stove regularly, this is a space-saver. At 0.33 pounds, it barely adds weight to your pack. But it won't toast thick slices of artisan bread.
Pros:
- Lightweight at 0.33 pounds
- Toasts four slices at once
- Stainless steel won't rust
Cons:
- Only works with gas stoves, not campfires
- Can't handle thick bread
3. Campingmoon Camping Bread Toaster
Folding stainless steel toaster with a mesh fork. It's compact when folded and sits over a gas stove or small fire. The anti-scalding fork is a nice touch for flipping bread without burning your fingers.
It's sized for one or two slices, so it won't work for a crowd. But for solo trips or couples camping, it's light and functional. The mesh can be tricky to clean if cheese drips through.
Pros:
- Folds flat for packing
- Includes anti-scalding fork
- Lightweight stainless steel
Cons:
- Small capacity (1-2 slices)
- Mesh is hard to clean after messy foods
4. Wilcor S'mores Campfire Toaster
This is designed for s'mores, not bread. It holds graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows together while toasting over a fire. At 33 inches long, it keeps you a safe distance from the flames.
It's single-purpose, so only get this if you make s'mores regularly. Kids love it. It's also light (under 1 pound) and easy to clean. White color shows soot, but that's cosmetic.
Pros:
- 33-inch length keeps hands safe
- Purpose-built for s'mores
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Only useful for s'mores
- White finish shows stains
5. Stansport Deluxe Cooking Broiler
Large flat grill grate that sits over a campfire. It's 24.75 inches long, so you can toast several slices at once or cook other foods. The silver finish resists rust.
At 1.4 pounds, it's not ultralight gear. But it's versatile. I've used mine for toast, bacon, vegetables, and fish. It's shallow (0.75 inches), so it won't hold large items, but for flat foods it works well.
Pros:
- Large cooking surface
- Multi-purpose for toasting and grilling
- Rust-resistant silver finish
Cons:
- Not great for taller foods
- Heavier than compact toasters
6. Uno Casa Xl Pie Irons Cast Iron Sandwich Maker
XL-sized pie iron for making bigger sandwiches. Cast iron construction means it heats evenly and lasts. The included recipe book gives you ideas beyond plain grilled cheese.
It's heavy at 5.72 pounds, which rules it out for backpacking. But for car camping or cabin trips, it's a solid choice. The extra size lets you fit more filling in your sandwiches, which I appreciate.
Pros:
- Extra-large size for hearty sandwiches
- Cast iron durability
- Comes with recipe book
Cons:
- Heavy for backpacking (5.72 pounds)
- Requires regular seasoning
7. Stansport Folding Camp Stove Toaster
Compact folding toaster that sits on a camp stove. It's 8.66 inches square, which fits two slices. Folds flat for easy packing.
Like the EZYoutdoor, this only works with a stove, not an open fire. If you cook on a canister stove, it's a simple, lightweight option. The silver color cleans easily. While you're at it, take a look at our fire starters. While you're at it, take a look at our lightweight coffee maker. While you're at it, take a look at our roasting sticks.
Pros:
- Folds flat for storage
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Stove-only, not for campfires
- Small capacity
How to Pick the Right One
- For car camping with a campfire: Go with a pie iron (Coghlan's or Uno Casa) for sandwiches, or a large broiler (Stansport Deluxe) for toasting multiple slices.
- For backpacking with a stove: Use a lightweight rack like the EZYoutdoor or Stansport folding toaster.
- If you mostly make s'mores: The Wilcor s'mores maker is purpose-built for that.
- For solo or couple trips: Small folding toasters like the Campingmoon work fine.
- If weight doesn't matter: Cast iron pie irons are the most versatile and durable.
Bottom Line
Pie irons are the most versatile but the heaviest. Stove-top racks are lightweight but only work with gas stoves. Pick based on whether you're backpacking or car camping, and whether you cook over fire or a stove.
