---
title: Heat Placement for Camp Oven Cooking
description: "Knowing heat placement for camp oven cooking is important, you don't always have to put heat on the top and bottom of the camp oven. If you are unsure if you need a top or bottom heat, just think of…"
url: "https://www.thecampovencook.com.au/docs/heat-placement-for-camp-oven-cooking/"
updated: "2025-09-29"
category: Camp Oven Tips
---

# Heat Placement for Camp Oven Cooking

Knowing heat placement for camp oven cooking is important, you don't always have to put heat on the top and bottom of the camp oven. If you are unsure if you need a top or bottom heat, just think of how you would cook the dish in the oven at home.

If you're placing a pot on the **stovetop**, then you just need bottom heat.
If you're putting the dish into the **oven**, then you need a top and bottom heat on the [Camp Oven](https://t.cfjump.com/37262/t/64164?Url=https%3a%2f%2fwww.snowys.com.au%2fcampfire-cooking-equipment).

![Image shows top and bottom heat](https://thecampovencook.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Storing-your-camp-oven_0000_Layer-1.jpg)
Image showing coals on the top and bottom of the camp oven.

## Common Heat Placement for Camp Oven Cooking Questions!

1. ### What heat do I need to cook a camp oven stew?

   A [stew](https://thecampovencook.com.au/camp-oven-recipes/recipe-type/stew-recipes/) only requires **bottom heat** to cook.

   **Tip:** Use more heat under your [camp oven](https://t.cfjump.com/37262/t/64164?Url=https%3a%2f%2fwww.snowys.com.au%2fcampfire-cooking-equipment) to get it cooking and then remove some heat to bring it to a simmer.
2. ### What heat do I need to cook a camp oven Roast?

   A [Roast](https://thecampovencook.com.au/camp-oven-recipes/recipe-type/roast-recipes/) requires both **top** and **bottom heat** to cook.

   **Tip:** Use more heat on the top and less on the bottom, this should eliminate the need to use a Trivet
3. ### What heat do I need to get Pork Crackle?

   Your [camp oven](https://t.cfjump.com/37262/t/64164?Url=https%3a%2f%2fwww.snowys.com.au%2fcampfire-cooking-equipment) tends to retain moisture, the key is to crack the lid using a piece of wire for the entire cooking process. For the first 20 minutes place double the amount of coals on top. [View Full Guide!](https://thecampovencook.com.au/how-to-get-perfect-crackling-in-the-camp-oven/)