Prices verified Aug 11 · Always confirm at the retailer before buying.
Quick answer
The MalloMe Camping Cookware Mess Kit edges out the Astercook 21-Piece Ceramic Cookware Set for most outdoor enthusiasts. Its ultralight 16-oz design and all-in-one nesting make it the grab-and-go choice for solo hikers. The Astercook is the better bet for families and car campers who need oven-safe pieces and more cookware.
The MalloMe Mess Kit wins for most outdoor enthusiasts — 10 pieces, 16 oz, and $19.99 justify its place as the grab-and-go set for solo trips. The heavier Astercook 21-Piece Set shines when you're car camping with a crowd.
Mubboo Verdict
Best for most people
MalloMe Mess Kit
Ultralight 16-oz design, all-in-one nesting, and rock-bottom price make it the clear winner for anyone who counts ounces.
Pick the Astercook 21-Piece Ceramic Cookware Set instead if
- You're feeding a family or large group — 21 pieces and a big pot handle a campfire feast.
- You need oven-safe cookware for baked dishes like casseroles or pies.
- You prefer durable ceramic non-stick that stands up to metal utensils.
MalloMe Camping Cookware Mess Kit vs Astercook 21-Piece Ceramic Cookware Set, side by side
MalloMe Camping Cookware Mess Kit
Pros:
- Weighs just 16 oz, ideal for backpacking
- Compact, self-contained nesting design
- Non-stick anodized aluminum for easy cleaning
- Includes everything needed to cook and eat for one person
Cons (honest weight):
- Small capacity limits meals to solo portions
- Aluminum prone to dents over time
Astercook 21-Piece Ceramic Cookware Set
Pros:
- 21-piece set serves entire campsite
- Durable ceramic non-stick for easy cooking and cleaning
- Oven safe up to 350°F for baked camp meals
- Removable handles reduce storage bulk
Cons (honest weight):
- Weighs 11.4 lbs, impractical for hiking
- Larger footprint requires more camp kitchen space
Where each one wins
8 dimensions scored head-to-head. MalloMe Camping takes 3; Astercook 21-Piece takes 4.
| Dimension | MalloMe Camping Cookware Mess Kit | Astercook 21-Piece Ceramic Cookware Set | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| PriceMalloMe costs about 80% less. | $19.99 | $99.99 | MalloMe Camping |
| WeightMalloMe is an ultralight featherweight. | 16 oz | 11.4 lbs | MalloMe Camping |
| PiecesAstercook offers more than double the cookware. | 10 pieces | 21 pieces | Astercook 21-Piece |
| MaterialAstercook's ceramic coating adds durability. | Anodized Aluminum | Aluminum + Ceramic Coating | Astercook 21-Piece |
| Non-stick TypeCeramic resists metal utensils better. | Anodized Non-Stick | Ceramic Non-Stick | Astercook 21-Piece |
| PackabilityMalloMe packs smaller and lighter. | Collapsible nested design | Stackable with removable handles | MalloMe Camping |
| Oven SafeAstercook adds baking versatility. | Not specified | Yes, up to 350°F | Astercook 21-Piece |
| RatingBoth earn high marks from thousands of buyers. | 4.5 / 9,429 reviews | 4.5 / 8,020 reviews | Tie |
| Overall | 3 wins | 4 wins | Astercook 21-Piece |
Price — MalloMe takes it
The MalloMe Mess Kit costs $19.99 vs $99.99 for the Astercook, a $80.00 difference. You get a complete 10-piece set; the Astercook costs about five times as much.
For solo campers on a tight budget, the MalloMe is a no-brainer. It covers all basic cooking needs without breaking the bank.
If price is your biggest factor, skip the Astercook. Only invest the extra if you need the expanded capacity and oven safety.
Weight — MalloMe wins by a mile
The MalloMe weighs just 16 oz, while the Astercook tips the scales at 11.4 lbs. That’s over 10 times heavier.
Backpackers will immediately appreciate the featherweight design. You can stash the MalloMe in a side pocket and forget it’s there.
If every ounce matters, go MalloMe. The Astercook’s weight makes it a car-camping-only option.
Pieces — Astercook dominates
Astercook includes 21 pieces against MalloMe’s 10. You get multiple pots, pans, lids, and a detachable handle.
Feeding a group is where the Astercook shines. Boil pasta, sauté veggies, and simmer sauce all at once without juggling.
If you often cook for more than two, the extra pieces justify the cost. Solo campers won’t need the surplus.
Material — Astercook adds a ceramic edge
Both are aluminum-based, but Astercook layers on a ceramic non-stick coating. MalloMe uses anodized aluminum alone.
Ceramic plating resists scratches from metal utensils and withstands higher heat. It also releases food more easily during cleanup.
If durability and fuss-free cooking matter, lean toward Astercook. MalloMe’s coating can wear faster under heavy use.
Non-stick Type — Astercook’s ceramic wins
Ceramic non-stick handles metal spoons without flaking. MalloMe’s anodized surface can scratch over time.
You’ll spend less time scrubbing with the Astercook. Eggs and oatmeal slide right off the ceramic.
Choose Astercook if you hate stuck-on food. MalloMe works fine with careful utensil use.
Packability — MalloMe nests more compactly
MalloMe’s pieces collapse into a single bundle that fits in a stuff sack. Astercook stacks but still takes up more volume.
For backpacking, you need gear that disappears in your pack. The MalloMe does exactly that.
If storage space is tight, go with MalloMe. Astercook better suits trunk storage in a car.
Oven Safe — Astercook adds versatility
Astercook is oven safe to 350°F; MalloMe’s specs don’t confirm oven compatibility. You can bake cornbread or reheat leftovers in a camp oven.
Car campers who enjoy baked goods will love this feature. It turns a simple campsite into a makeshift kitchen.
If you want to bake at camp, the Astercook is the only choice. MalloMe stays strictly stovetop.
Rating — both earn top marks
Both sets average 4.5 stars from thousands of verified purchasers. MalloMe has 9,429 reviews; Astercook has 8,020.
Buyers consistently praise both for value and ease of use. Real-world reliability is nearly identical.
You can buy either with confidence. The choice comes down to weight, pieces, and price.
Which should you buy?
| Your situation | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Solo backpacker | MalloMe Camping Cookware Mess Kit | Every ounce counts; you'll barely notice it in your pack. |
| Family car camping | Astercook 21-Piece Ceramic Cookware Set | 21 pieces and oven-safe let you cook real meals for everyone. |
| Budget-conscious beginner | MalloMe Camping Cookware Mess Kit | you get a full kit; upgrade later if you need more. |
| Durability seeker | Astercook 21-Piece Ceramic Cookware Set | Ceramic non-stick withstands metal spoons and spatulas. |
| Quick overnight trips | MalloMe Camping Cookware Mess Kit | Pack, go, cook, eat, clean — all in minutes. |
| Gourmet camp chef | Astercook 21-Piece Ceramic Cookware Set | Oven-safe and large pots let you bake and simmer. |
Every ounce counts; you'll barely notice it in your pack.
21 pieces and oven-safe let you cook real meals for everyone.
you get a full kit; upgrade later if you need more.
Ceramic non-stick withstands metal spoons and spatulas.
Pack, go, cook, eat, clean — all in minutes.
Oven-safe and large pots let you bake and simmer.
What if neither is right?
Coghlan's Cast Iron Camp Cooker
$18.99
A classic pie iron for campfire sandwiches and desserts.
Odoland 9-Piece Camping Cookware Kit
$28.99
All-in-one kit with stove for solo backpacking.
MSR Alpine Stowaway Pot
$23.95
Ultra-durable stainless steel pot for serious backcountry use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which set is better for backpacking vs car camping?
The MalloMe Mess Kit is ideal for backpacking due to its 16-oz weight and compact nesting. The Astercook 21-Piece Set is better for car camping because it offers more cooking capacity and oven-safe pieces.
Is the Astercook worth the extra $80.00?
If you regularly cook for a family or enjoy baking at camp, yes. The ceramic non-stick is durable enough for metal utensils and the extra pieces replace multiple gadgets. Solo campers can skip it.
Can I use these on a campfire or only on a stove?
Both work on camp stoves and grills. The Astercook is oven-safe, so you can place it on coals or in a camp oven. The MalloMe’s aluminum pot can be used over a flame but avoid prolonged direct contact.
Do these sets include utensils?
The MalloMe kit includes a spork, soup spoon, wooden spatula, and cleaning sponge. The Astercook set includes only cookware; utensils are sold separately.
How do I clean these in the backcountry?
MalloMe includes a sponge; simply boil water in the pot to loosen residue. Astercook's ceramic coating wipes clean easily with a damp cloth or biodegradable soap.
We compared the exact Amazon listings with the MalloMe and Astercook product pages for listed price, materials, dimensions, and included pieces. This comparison does not report hands-on testing; confirm current details on the linked pages before buying.
Primary sources. Exact listing details were checked against Amazon US product listing (B01743BX1A); Amazon US product listing (B0F2937DQQ); Manufacturer product page; Manufacturer product page. Product-family context comes from the linked manufacturer pages; prices, stock, ratings, and review counts are volatile registry fields and should be checked again before purchase.
Who wrote this and where's the data from?
Mubboo Editorial Team. Our picks are based on aggregated buyer feedback, published specifications, and independent review data. Prices update weekly from Amazon.