Do You Really Need a Camp Oven Trivet?
When I first started camp oven cooking over 10 years ago, everyone told me the same thing:
“You need a camp oven trivet in the bottom of your oven.”
So like most beginners, I listened. I went out and bought one, put it in the bottom of the oven, and believed that was the secret to stopping food from burning.
But here’s what nobody taught me…
They didn’t teach me proper heat control.
And once I learned that, I realised something important:
In most cases, you do not need a camp oven trivet.
What Is a Camp Oven Trivet?
A camp oven trivet is a simple metal rack that sits inside your oven and lifts food off the base.
People use a camp oven trivet to:
- Prevent food from burning on the bottom
- Allow fat to drip through when roasting
- Improve airflow around baked goods
- Elevate cake tins or cooking containers
It creates space between the base of the oven and the food.
Simple concept — but not always necessary.
Why Most Beginners Use a Camp Oven Trivet
Modern camp ovens (especially flat-bottom styles without legs) sit directly on heat beads or coals.
That direct contact can create hot spots underneath.
Instead of teaching proper external heat control, many people simply say:
“Just put a trivet in it.”
And while that works as a shortcut, it doesn’t teach you how to manage your fire.
The Real Secret: Heat Control
The real secret to great camp oven cooking is not what’s inside the oven…
It’s how you manage the heat outside it.
If you learn to control:
- The number of heat beads or coals
- The placement of top and bottom heat
- The balance between lid heat and base heat
- Using a stand or rack to slightly elevate the oven
You’ll find you rarely need a camp oven trivet.
If you want to go deeper into this, read my full guide on Camp Oven Heat Control Using Heat Beads.
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Once you master heat control, your cooking levels up fast.
When I Still Use a Camp Oven Trivet
Now — I’m not anti-trivet.
There are times when I still use one.
I use a camp oven trivet when:
- Cooking baked silverside
- Using cake tins inside the oven
- Cooking delicate bakes like cakes or dampers
For stews, casseroles and most roasts though?
Heat control wins every time.
If you haven’t tried it yet, check out my Baked Silverside Camp Oven Recipe.
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Do You Need a Camp Oven Trivet?
Short answer?
No — you don’t need one.
Long answer?
It depends on your experience level and confidence with fire management.
If you’re just starting out, a camp oven trivet might give you confidence.
But if you want to become a better camp oven cook, focus on mastering heat control instead.
That’s what separates beginners from experienced bush cooks.
Where to Buy a Camp Oven Trivet
If you decide you want one, most camping stores stock camp oven trivets. Just make sure you choose the correct size for your oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook without a camp oven trivet?
Yes. Most recipes cook perfectly without a camp oven trivet if heat control is managed properly.
When is a camp oven trivet most useful?
A camp oven trivet is useful when cooking baked silverside, cakes, or when using tins inside the oven.
Does a camp oven trivet stop food burning?
Not necessarily. Proper heat control is far more important than using a trivet.
Final Thoughts
A camp oven trivet is a tool — not a necessity.
Master your heat control and you’ll cook better food with less gear.
And that’s what bush cooking is all about.
Happy cooking,
Mick 🤠
