Is It OK to Cook in a Tent?

The short answer is no – not ever. When you're out camping, cooking a warm meal can be one of the highlights of the experience. However, many campers wonder if it's safe to cook inside a tent. In this blog post, we'll explore the risks and best practices associated with cooking when camping, ensuring your camping trip is both safe and enjoyable. For all your camping gear needs, visit olproshop.com.

Our camping experts have stated never cook in an campervan awning or a tent.  The Camping and Caravanning Club have always run campaigns to ensure that people don't cook in their tents and OLPRO fully support the campaign including clear labels in all tents and awnings stating that they are not to be used for cooking inside.

Why Cooking in a Tent is Risky

1. Fire Hazard

Tents are typically made from flammable materials, even those treated to be fire-resistant. Using a stove or open flame inside your tent increases the risk of starting a fire, which can spread rapidly in such a confined space. Do not cook in any tent.

2. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Cooking devices such as gas stoves emit carbon monoxide, a colourless and odourless gas that can be deadly if inhaled in large quantities. Tents, by their very nature, are not well-ventilated, making the build-up of carbon monoxide a serious risk. Do not cook in any tent.

3. Condensation and Moisture

Cooking inside a tent can produce a lot of moisture, leading to condensation on the tent walls. This moisture can make your sleeping area damp and uncomfortable, and it can also contribute to the growth of mould and mildew inside your tent. Don’t cook inside your tent.

Safer Alternatives to Cooking Inside a Tent

Given the risks associated with cooking in a tent, here are some safer alternatives:

1. Cook Outside

The safest option is to cook outside your tent, preferably in a designated cooking area away from flammable materials. This reduces the risk of fire and ensures that harmful gases like carbon monoxide are properly dispersed.

2. Use an Awning or Shelter

If the weather is bad, consider cooking under a  driveaway awning or a separate camping shelter. OLPRO offers a range of driveaway awnings and camping shelters, which provide a safer, more spacious area to cook while still offering protection from the elements. If cooking under a shelter it must be open on all sides.

3. Portable Camping Stoves

When cooking outside, use a portable camping stove that is easy to set up and provides stable heat. Camping stoves are designed for outdoor use, offering safety and convenience.

And always Keep a Fire Extinguisher Handy

Always have a fire extinguisher or a bucket of water nearby in case of an emergency. It’s better to be over-prepared than under-prepared when dealing with fire hazards.

Conclusion

Is It OK to Cook in a Tent?

It is not safe to cook inside a tent due to the risks of fire, carbon monoxide poisoning, and moisture build-up, there are safer alternatives like cooking outside, using an awning, or setting up a separate shelter.

For a wide selection of camping gear, including awnings, shelters, and camping stoves, visit olproshop.com. OLPRO offers everything you need to make your camping experience both enjoyable and safe. Happy camping!

For a full guide on how to get the best from your campervan awning read our expert's guide: How to get the best from your Driveaway Awning - OLPRO (olproshop.com)

And for more on how to put up and take down a driveaway awning check our full expert guide to putting up and taking down a campervan awning :  How to put up and take down a Campervan Awning - OLPRO (olproshop.com)