Sprache wechseln
Cooking outside the comforts of a home kitchen often comes with the misconception that outdoor meals are less varied. Sure, there’s nothing wrong with the classic barbecue and grilled meats—unless, of course, you’re a vegetarian or vegan on the hunt for plant-based alternatives. However, for those travelling for extended periods, a diverse menu—or dare I say, a balanced diet—brings a splash of normalcy to daily routines and provides room for exciting culinary experiments using local ingredients.
While I usually make do with whatever I have at hand—by that I mean my kitchen box essentials paired with a campfire, gas stove, or even a hobo stove—there are also highly organised, stylish all-in-one solutions. Among the plethora of options out there, MOKUBO stands out as a no-compromise choice for outdoor cooking enthusiasts eager to impress a group of up to four guests. And I take the term “no-compromise” seriously!
DESIGN AND FEATURES
MOKUBO was crafted by folks who genuinely love to travel and savour good food. After years of overlanding and the constant search for ingredients, utensils, herbs, spices, cutlery, and other essentials, they wanted to have their cake and eat it too. In other words, they aimed to pull over, set up a kitchen, and enjoy a hearty meal without the hassle.
This striking stainless steel box measures 60 x 40 x 27 cm and weighs in at a solid 31 kg. Yes, it’s a hefty piece of gear, but that’s the price you pay for completeness. Inside, you’ll find everything required to wine and dine four lucky diners.
The quality brands included are impressive. Think Zwilling knives, a Primus two-flame gas stove, WMF cutlery, Sea to Summit pots and pans, Gimex glasses, and Flamefield crockery—this kitchen is decked out with top-notch gear. Plus, to get you started, you have six Ostmann shakers filled with assorted herbs and spices.
If you’re on the road in your 4×4 or van, I highly recommend placing the MOKUBO on sliders. Simply open the door, slide out the kitchen, and voilà—cooking made easy! On my last trip, I securely stored the box behind my driver’s seat while travelling and moved it onto the tailgate whenever I was ready to whip up hot drinks or meals.
For those hoping to use the MOKUBO in a garden or fixed location, an optional four-legged stand is available. It even features a shelf for added workspace and a sink for easy clean-up!
NO COMPROMISE COOKING EXPERIENCE
This review isn’t just about listing contents or evaluating their worth; it’s about practical values and whether the “no-compromise” label truly fits.
Like most, I have a fully outfitted kitchen at home where I can conjure up just about anything. Before trips, I usually lay out the utensils and condiments I need every day, taking note of what I use frequently, then cross-check those items with my kitchen box to make any necessary adjustments.
Before my last journey, I decided to switch things up: instead of my typical prep, I cooked exclusively with the MOKUBO for a month. Sometimes inside, sometimes outside. My aim was to see if the MOKUBO could keep pace with my home cooking routines.
Day in and day out, I prepared breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, coffee, and tea—all on the MOKUBO. To give you an idea of its capabilities, here’s a taste of what I created:
- Breakfast
- Porridge
- Eggs Benedict
- Full English: sausages, eggs, mushrooms, onions, bacon, tomato, and baked beans
- Toast
- Scrambled eggs with salmon
- Oatcakes
- Main Courses
- Antipasti
- Grilled cheese
- Toasted cheese sandwich
- Risotto
- Pasta: bolognese, aglio e olio, and arrabbiata
- Gnocchi with sage and butter
- Mediterranean chicken and rice
- Beef stew
- Chicken curry
- Baked Goods*:
- Cheesecake
- Cakes
- Muffins
- Pork pies
*You might be wondering how I baked when the MOKUBO isn’t equipped with an oven. Great question! I supplemented the MOKUBO with the ever-popular Omnia stovetop oven—because who wants to miss out on a treat while camping? And I have one with me anyway.
GAS
The MOKUBO comes equipped with a twin-flame Primus stove, allowing you to use standard camping gas canisters—one of which is conveniently integrated into the box. However, for our extended adventures through the Alps, followed by a trek into the Pyrenees, I decided to elevate my cooking game by connecting to a GASLOW bottle. Why? Because this six-kilogram beauty means I can cook for weeks without worrying about refills. And if I do find myself in need, topping up at an LPG station is a breeze!
INITIAL CONCLUSION
Honestly, I expected I would miss the comforts of a fully stocked kitchen when I relied on the MOKUBO as my primary cooking solution. Sure, we had tested it on shorter trips before—but let’s face it, when you’re only out for a few days, it’s easy to settle for the basics, like roasting meat and potatoes over an open fire.
What truly impresses me is MOKUBO’s thoughtful design and organisation. From spatulas and tongs to pots, pans, cutting boards, razor-sharp knives, glasses, and a small griddle for making breakfast toast—everything you need to whip up a meal for four is there, in one neat package.
Now, the included herbs and spices are fairly standard, so I did pack a few personal favourites. Still, you could easily make do with what’s provided.
The cleverly designed pull-out drawer on the right offers quick access to all your culinary essentials, while doubling as a handy surface for prep work before dumping it all into the pan.
Using the MOKUBO at home has actually been a pleasure, and it adds a touch of luxury and versatility when you’re out exploring the mountains or parked beside a tranquil river.
Take, for instance, our stop at the summit of Monte Jafferau. We unpacked the MOKUBO and set about making tea. With the kettle steaming away on the tailgate, we had curious passersby stopping to inquire about this impressive kitchen unit.
In the world of mobile kitchens, the MOKUBO truly embodies a no-compromise approach—and it looks fantastic while doing it!
from €2,745 | MOKUBO
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Disclaimer: The images of the kitchen and its contents in this article are not your typical pristeen, polished, and clinically clean studio shots. The kitchen bears traces of regular use.
