Prices verified May 28 · Always confirm at the retailer before buying.
The MalloMe Camping Cookware Mess Kit wins for most campers — a lightweight 16-ounce, 10-piece set at $17.99 that's perfect for backpacking. The Coghlan's Cast Iron Cooker at $18.78 is the pick for open-fire car campers who value durability over portability.
The Verdict
Winner
MalloMe Camping Cookware Mess Kit
MalloMe Camping Cookware Mess Kit vs Coghlan's Cast Iron Camp Cooker, side by side
Pros:
- Lightweight at 16 oz — ideal for backpacking
- 10-piece all-in-one kit includes pot, pan, bowls, utensils
- Non-stick coating makes cleanup easy
Cons (honest weight):
- Aluminum may dent with rough handling
- Not suitable for open fire or high heat
Pros:
- Durable cast iron withstands high heat and open flames
- Pre-seasoned and ready to use
- Seals in flavor for meats and sandwiches
Cons (honest weight):
- Heavy and bulky — not for backpacking
- Hand wash only, requires seasoning maintenance
- Single-purpose griddle, not a full set
Where each one wins
10 dimensions scored head-to-head. MalloMe Camping takes 5; Coghlan's Cast takes 3.
| Dimension | MalloMe Camping Cookware Mess Kit | Coghlan's Cast Iron Camp Cooker | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| PriceMalloMe is $0.79 cheaper, but both are under $20. | $17.99 | $18.78 | MalloMe Camping |
| MaterialCast iron is more durable and can handle open fires, but aluminum is lighter. | Anodized aluminum (non-stick) | Pre-seasoned cast iron | Coghlan's Cast |
| WeightBoth weigh about 1 pound, but the MalloMe includes 10 pieces. | 16 oz (1 lb) | 16 oz (1 lb) | Tie |
| Number of piecesMalloMe is a complete set; Coghlan's is a single griddle. | 10 | 1 | MalloMe Camping |
| Ease of cleaningMalloMe's non-stick is faster to clean; cast iron requires care. | Non-stick, easy to wipe clean | Hand wash only, no soap recommended | MalloMe Camping |
| Best for backpackingMalloMe is designed for hiking; Coghlan's is not. | Excellent — lightweight and compact | Poor — heavy and bulky | MalloMe Camping |
| Best for car campingCoghlan's excels at campfire cooking; MalloMe should not be used over flames. | Good, but not for open fire | Excellent — direct open-fire use | Coghlan's Cast |
| VersatilityMalloMe covers more cooking tasks with multiple pieces. | Boil, fry, eat from bowls | Griddle only — sandwiches, meat, eggs | MalloMe Camping |
| DurabilityCast iron lasts decades; aluminum is less rugged. | Aluminum can dent under pressure | Cast iron is virtually indestructible | Coghlan's Cast |
| Customer ratingBoth products have equally high satisfaction from buyers. | 4.5 stars (9,423 reviews) | 4.5 stars (8,002 reviews) | Tie |
| Overall | 5 wins | 3 wins | MalloMe Camping |
Price — MalloMe edges ahead by $0.79
At $17.99, the MalloMe kit is a steal for a 10-piece set. The Coghlan's costs $18.78 for a single griddle. For the same budget, MalloMe gives you more equipment.
Material — Cast iron wins for durability
Coghlan's pre-seasoned cast iron can take direct flame and last a lifetime. MalloMe's anodized aluminum is lighter and non-stick, but can't handle open fire. The Fire to Fork YouTube review notes non-stick pans degrade under high heat.
Weight — Both are light, but MalloMe packs more value
Each weighs about 1 pound, but MalloMe includes 10 pieces for that weight. The Coghlan's is a single griddle. For backpackers, every ounce counts — MalloMe's efficiency wins.
Number of pieces — MalloMe is a full kitchen
MalloMe's 10-piece set covers cooking, eating, and cleaning. You get a pot, pan, bowls, spork, spoon, spatula, and sponge. Coghlan's is just a griddle. For groups or multi-course meals, MalloMe is better.
Ease of cleaning — Non-stick is faster
MalloMe's non-stick coating lets you wipe clean in seconds. Cast iron requires hand washing with water only and periodic seasoning. If you hate camp cleanup, MalloMe is the pick.
Best for backpacking — MalloMe dominates
The MalloMe kit is purpose-built for hiking. It's compact, lightweight, and comes with a carry bag. Coghlan's is too bulky for a pack. Backpackers: choose MalloMe.
Best for car camping — Coghlan's shines
Over an open fire, Coghlan's cast iron delivers unmatched searing and flavor. It's a car-camping essential for toasting sandwiches or grilling meat. MalloMe should not be placed on flames — the non-stick will degrade.
Versatility — MalloMe cooks more
With MalloMe you can boil water, fry eggs, and eat from a bowl. Coghlan's is limited to a griddle surface. For varied meals, MalloMe is more flexible.
Durability — Cast iron lasts forever
Coghlan's cast iron is virtually indestructible and gets better with use. MalloMe's aluminum can dent if dropped on rocks. Car campers who want heirloom gear should pick Coghlan's.
Customer satisfaction — Both are crowd-pleasers
With 4.5 stars and thousands of reviews, both products are well-loved. MalloMe has more reviews (9,423 vs 8,002), but Coghlan's is also highly rated. You can't go wrong with either.
Which should you buy?
| Your situation | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | MalloMe Camping Cookware Mess Kit | Lightweight at 16 oz, compact, includes all cooking and eating gear. |
| Car camper | Coghlan's Cast Iron Camp Cooker | Cast iron is perfect for open-fire cooking; heft is not an issue. |
| Budget buyer | MalloMe Camping Cookware Mess Kit | MalloMe gives you a full 10-piece set for under $18. |
| Family camping | MalloMe Camping Cookware Mess Kit | MalloMe's multiple bowls and utensils serve more people. |
| Solo hiker | MalloMe Camping Cookware Mess Kit | Ultra-light and compact — perfect for one person. |
| Open-fire chef | Coghlan's Cast Iron Camp Cooker | Coghlan's is built for flames; MalloMe cannot be used on fire. |
Lightweight at 16 oz, compact, includes all cooking and eating gear.
Cast iron is perfect for open-fire cooking; heft is not an issue.
MalloMe gives you a full 10-piece set for under $18.
MalloMe's multiple bowls and utensils serve more people.
Ultra-light and compact — perfect for one person.
Coghlan's is built for flames; MalloMe cannot be used on fire.
What if neither is right?
Astercook 21-Piece Pots and Pans Set
$59.97
A full home cookware set that also works for car camping, with a removable handle for compact storage.
Odoland Camping Cookware with Stove
$25.80
Includes a mini stove and 9-piece cookware set — great for beginners who need a stove too.
MSR Alpine Stainless Steel Stowaway Pot
$17.89
A premium stainless steel pot for serious backpackers — durable, lightweight, and compact.
Frequently Asked Questions
MalloMe vs Coghlan's: which is better?
It depends on your camping style. The MalloMe Mess Kit is better for backpackers and hikers because it's lightweight, compact, and includes all the cookware you need. The Coghlan's Cast Iron Cooker is better for car campers who cook over an open fire and want durability and flavor.
Is the MalloMe camp cookware worth $17.99?
Yes — it's one of the best values in camping cookware. For under $18, you get a 10-piece set including a pot, pan, bowls, utensils, and a carry bag. With over 9,400 reviews and a 4.5-star rating, buyers consistently praise its quality and portability.
Can I use the Coghlan's cast iron cooker on a camp stove?
Yes, it works on any camp stove, but it's truly designed for open-fire cooking. The pre-seasoned cast iron distributes heat evenly and can handle direct flames, making it ideal for campfire grilling and toasting.
Which cookware set is better for a family of four?
The MalloMe set is better for a family because it includes multiple bowls and utensils. However, for larger groups you may want a second kit. The Coghlan's is a single griddle, so it's more suitable for cooking one item at a time.
How do I clean the MalloMe non-stick cookware?
Simply wipe it clean with a sponge or rinse with water. Avoid abrasive scrubbers that could damage the non-stick coating. It's much easier to clean than cast iron, which requires hand washing without soap.
What does the Fire to Fork video say about camping cookware?
In their review, Fire to Fork recommends spun steel as the best balance of weight and durability for camping. They caution against non-stick pans for high-heat cooking, as the coating can degrade — a point to consider if you plan to use the MalloMe over a campfire.
How we compared. We analyzed 17,425+ verified Amazon reviews and manufacturer specifications for both products. We also consulted the Fire to Fork YouTube review for real-world performance insights. Prices update weekly from Amazon.
Who wrote this and where's the data from?
Mubboo Editorial Team. Mubboo is an independent US consumer research publisher. Our comparisons are based on verified buyer reviews, product specifications, and expert video analysis. Prices and availability are subject to change.