LEM MaxVac Pro Chamber Vacuum Sealer
lemproducts.com
This chamber vacuum machine produces vacuum-packed fish and game that is superior to that produced by smaller, portable machines. What’s more, the bags cost much less than the rolls of bags you have to buy for the non-chamber machines. The machine is simple to use with customizable preset buttons, plus has digital controls to adjust vacuum pressure, seal time and sealing temperature. It has a ¼-horsepower oil pump, dual (3 mm and 1 mm) sealing elements and comes with a 5-year warranty. If you vacuum pack large quantities of fish and game, this unit will pay for itself through many years of service as well as the savings generated from less-expensive bags.

UCO Flatpack Medium Grill and Firepit
ucogear.com
This handy device is made of stainless steel and can be used as a charcoal grill, wood grill, or a small wood firepit. It folds flat so it takes up little space and can be unfolded for use in 30 seconds. When folded, this item takes up much less space than most portable BBQ grills. The grill rack is 10” by 13”, providing 130 square inches of cooking space. It safely contains fire or briquettes and is elevated to keep the fire off the ground. It is also available in Small and Large sizes. It’s a wonderful camping accessory.

Camp Chef DLX 24 Pellet Grill Black
campchef.com
This unit helps up your barbecue game. One of the things we liked most about the unit is the Smoke Number (1-10), which is the amount of smoke you apply to whatever you are cooking. Pellets are easy to load into the hopper and cleanout of ash is a breeze. The PID controller allows you to dial-in your desired temperature from 160°F to 500°F, which is a critical feature and allows you to consistently reproduce your results. If you haven’t used a pellet grill, you are missing out and we strongly suggest you try one of the many options from Camp Chef.

Smokehouse Mesquite Wood Chunks
smokehouseproducts.com
We used these wood chunks to barbecue deer steaks in 2021. We like the flavor that the chips add to the deer. We routinely use both chips and chunks from Smokehouse when cooking and smoking fish and game. We prefer the bigger chunks when barbecuing and the chips for the Big Chief Smoker. The Mesquite chunks add a strong flavor which we really like; you can also add woods like alder, cherry or apple to reduce the intensity of the flavor. Smokehouse offers six different varieties of both chunks and chips.

2022 Editors' Choice Awards: Cooking

Lifesaver Cube
iconlifesaver.com
The Cube was designed as a disaster-preparedness device to provide safe water to communities that have lost their infrastructure, but it is also well suited to camping and hunting base camps. If you live in earthquake-prone Alaska, this is a great device to have in the household, while doing double duty on your hunting/fishing/camping trips. This large, but still portable, water filter is capable of delivering up to 5,000 liters of clean water. It holds up to 5 liters (1.32 gallons). Dimensions are 7.9” x 7.9” x 8.2”. It has an automatic indicator that tells you when the main filter cartridge needs to be replaced. It filters 99.99% of all cysts, bacteria and viruses from water. It also has a replaceable activated carbon disc that removes chemicals and heavy metals from water. To use it, you simply fill it, then pump, then use the water. No hoses are needed. The tap outlet makes it easy to dispense water into containers, bottles or a cup.

2022 Editors' Choice Awards: Cooking

Yeti Tundra 45
yeti.com
Tundra set the standard for hard coolers years ago with its rotomolded, bulletproof design. The 45-quart is one of the most versatile sizes—easy to maneuver, and big enough to store a weekend’s worth of food plus ice. Yeti’s Bearfoot non-slip feet keep the cooler from sliding around on boat decks and truck beds. It has a drain plug and hanging basket, rubber latches, and holds ice far better than any non-rotomolded cooler. It has tie-down slots, rope handles, as well as lip grip handles for two different carrying options. Of course, they’re kind of heavy, but that’s the price you pay for unmatched durability and insulation. If weight isn’t an issue, and maximum cold retention and durability are, this is the cooler for you.

2022 Editors' Choice Awards: Cooking

Plano Frost 32 QT Cooler
planomolding.com
Plano has entered the cooler arena with their Frost series of coolers. We tested the 32-quart size. This medium-sized cooler is not as tall as some 32-quart coolers on the market, instead creating its space by being longer rather than tall. Features include industrial-strength molded construction, shock-resistant protection and dual-stage molded latches for an airtight seal. It has rubber feet to help keep it from sliding around, and the side handles are plenty stout. It also has a built-in, stainless-steel bottle opener on the front edge of the lid, a removable divider inside, a drain plug, and a hanging basket. Plano claims this cooler can hold ice for up to five days. It’s a great cooler and comes in at a price point significantly below some of its competition.

2022 Editors' Choice Awards: Cooking

Stanley Legacy Vacuum Food Jar 27-ounce
stanley1913.com
If you’re the kind of hunter who likes to take hot food with you on the boat, in the truck, or on the trail, the Legacy Vacuum Food Jar works great for soups, stews, and other hot foods. It can also be used to keep things cold, as in drinks. Think of it as a wide-mouthed vacuum bottle. The jar is made of stainless steel, the steel cup is double-walled, and all the pieces are dishwasher safe. The handle is sturdy and easy to grab. The jar comes with a snap-on sleeve with a spork and pocket built in. Having a hot meal to eat in the field, especially on cold and rainy days, goes a long way towards increasing your comfort and the time you spend afield

2022 Editors' Choice Awards: Cooking

ORCA Walker 20 Softside Cooler
orcacoolers.com
The Walker 20, aptly named, will hold 20 cans of your favorite beverage. Some of the features include an easy open, magnetic split handle; insulated inner walls provide cold retention for days; durable double denier outer material; ultrasonic RF Welding as used in whitewater craft; comfort padded shoulder strap; tough skin bottom pad for added durability; and a MOLLE attachment system. The entire top zips open providing easy loading or access to the contents. This is a great size for packing drinks and lunch for a few people, and we use it mostly on day trips. It makes a great bait cooler, too, easily holding several trays of herring plus ice, or several quart-sized jars of salmon eggs. It’s easy to clean with soap and water.

Please take a look at our other Editors’ Choice Awards