Planning some quality time outdoors this summer? Whether you’re camping with friends, tailgating, or cooking at a lakeside cabin, nothing upgrades your setup like a legit oven. Enter the Camp Chef Oven—a propane-powered combo stove and oven that promises real cooking, anywhere.
But is it actually worth the price? In this guide, we break down exactly why casual campers love Camp Chef ovens, what makes them different, and whether they’re the right pick for your next outdoor adventure.
What Is a Camp Chef Oven?
The Camp Chef Outdoor Camp Oven is a propane-fueled kitchen-in-a-box built for outdoor cooking. With a 2-burner stove on top and a small oven underneath, it’s like having a mini home kitchen wherever you pitch your tent—or park your tailgate.
- Fuel Type: 1 lb propane canisters (or full-size tanks with adapter)
- Oven Size: Fits a 9×13″ pan
- Weight: About 32 lbs
- Temperature: Oven heats up to 400°F
- Run Time: Up to 7 hours on a small propane bottle
It’s compact enough to carry in the trunk but powerful enough to bake biscuits, roast veggies, or cook a full breakfast at the campground.
5 Reasons Camp Chef Ovens Are Worth It for Casual Camping
1. Real Oven + Stovetop Cooking in One
You don’t have to settle for lukewarm chili and foil packets anymore. The Camp Chef Oven lets you:
- Fry eggs and bacon on the burners
- Bake cinnamon rolls or lasagna in the oven
- Cook two dishes at once—super handy with groups
It’s basically a camp kitchen upgrade, perfect for those who want to do more than just heat up canned beans.
2. Works Anywhere—No Electricity Required
Camp Chef ovens run entirely on propane, so they’re great for:
- Campgrounds with no hookups
- Beach cookouts
- Tailgates, backyards, or even cabin patios
It’s a portable cooking solution you can rely on in any outdoor setting—no batteries, no generators, no problem.
3. Surprisingly Easy to Use
Despite its heavy-duty look, it’s super user-friendly. Just hook up a propane canister, turn the dial, and press the ignition. You’ll be cooking in minutes.
- No special skills required
- Temperature gauge on the oven door
- Easy cleanup with removable oven racks and drip tray
4. Great Build Quality for the Price
Camp Chef has a solid rep among outdoor cooking brands—and this oven shows why. It’s sturdy, well-insulated, and designed to withstand bumps and rough handling on road trips.
- The oven holds heat well, even on chilly mornings
- Burners light reliably
- Built-in handles make it easier to carry than you’d expect
5. It Makes Outdoor Meals Way More Fun
Let’s be honest—half the reason to bring a Camp Chef oven is to elevate your camping food game. You’ll be the star of the trip when you pull fresh-baked cornbread out of the oven or whip up a legit brunch at the campsite.
- Adds variety beyond hot dogs and instant noodles
- Great for feeding groups or making comfort food away from home
- Turns a basic campfire trip into a gourmet hangout
What’s the Catch?
❌ A Few Downsides to Know:
- Not ultra-lightweight: At ~32 lbs, it’s best for car camping, not backpacking
- Bulky to pack if space is tight
- Wind can affect burner performance, especially without a windscreen
Still, these aren’t deal-breakers for most campers—especially if you’re setting up at a single site for a weekend or more.
Best Camp Chef Ovens to Buy
Whether you’re baking biscuits at a basecamp or hosting a backyard pizza night, Camp Chef has more than one way to cook outdoors. Here are some top-rated options for different types of campers and outdoor chefs:
1. Camp Chef Outdoor Camp Stove with Thermostat – Best All-Around
This flagship model is the one most people know. It’s ideal for weekend campers who want full kitchen functionality in one box.
- Dual burners + propane oven
- Fits a 9×13” dish
- Lightweight for car camping
- Built-in oven thermometer
👉 Check price on Amazon
2. Camp Chef Italia Artisan Pizza Oven – Best for Pizza Lovers
Turn your campground or patio into a pizzeria. This model heats up quickly and mimics the heat dynamics of a brick oven.
- Reaches up to 700°F
- Preheats in 15 minutes
- Perfect for pizza, flatbreads, even roasted veggies
- Compact and stylish for outdoor use
👉 Check price on Amazon
3. Camp Chef Deluxe Outdoor Oven – Bigger and Better
Like the classic model, but with roomier burners and upgraded temperature control. Great for group trips or more serious outdoor cooks.
- Larger cooking surface
- Oven temperature dial for precision
- Better wind protection around burners
👉 Check price on Amazon
4. Camp Chef Pro 60X Two-Burner Stove + Add-On Oven Accessories – Modular Cooking Setup
This isn’t an oven by default, but the Pro 60X stove is compatible with Camp Chef’s modular cooking system, including pizza ovens and griddles.
- Super versatile with swappable tops
- Perfect for frequent campers or tailgaters
- Add a pizza oven or grill box as needed
👉 Check price on Amazon
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Cooking Type | Fuel Type | Max Temp | Weight | Link to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camp Chef Outdoor Camp Oven | All-around camping oven use | Oven + 2-burner stove | Propane (1 lb or bulk tank) | 400°F (oven) | ~32 lbs | Check price |
| Camp Chef Italia Artisan Pizza Oven | Outdoor pizza lovers | Pizza oven only | Propane | 700°F | ~47 lbs | Check price |
| Camp Chef Deluxe Outdoor Oven | Bigger groups & more serious cooks | Oven + 2-burner stove (larger) | Propane | 400°F (oven) | ~35 lbs | Check price |
| Camp Chef Pro 60X + Oven Accessories | Modular setups & advanced users | Modular stove base (oven sold separately) | Propane | Depends on attachment | ~48 lbs (without accessories) | Check price |
Alternatives for Lighter Packing
If you’re tight on space or budget, these two make decent backups:
Omnia Stovetop Oven
- Works over any stove or burner
- No fuel needed, fits in a backpack
- Great for single servings
👉 Check price on Amazon
Coleman Camp Oven (Folding Box-Style)
- Folds flat for storage
- Hooks onto any camp stove
- Less precise heating, but super compact
👉 Check price on Amazon
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
If you’re the kind of camper who loves real food and good vibes, the Camp Chef Oven is a no-brainer. It’s not cheap—but it brings legit cooking power to your outdoor adventures, turning mealtime into one of the best parts of the trip.
You’ll eat better, cook more creatively, and probably attract some hungry neighbors in the process.