Welcome to Riel American!! Starting Over. Living Differently!!

After 31 years in the classroom, I retired, packed up my life and moved to Cambodia to start a new chapter. Riel American is about travel, retirement, food, culture, and discovering how far your money and sense of adventure can take you.

Top 5 Accessories For The Ultimate Camp Kitchen

Top 5 Accessories For The Ultimate Camp Kitchen

There’s nothing better than getting outside and cooking over a fire while camping. However, in most cases, it’s not the easiest task to master. Here are a few camping kitchen accessories that can help you prepare a wonderful meal while at your favorite campground without all the guesswork of an open fire.

Photo Courtesy of Firedisc.com

Photo Courtesy of Firedisc.com

Firedisc $199+

The first time I ever saw a Firedisc propane cooker was on an episode of Domelife on Youtube. Cody met a neighbor at a campground that had one. If you’ve never watched Cody and Kelly; they are really entertaining. As soon as I watched the episode, I went out and bought one. Yes; they are expensive, but worth every penny if you have a large group you are cooking for.


Coleman Triton Stove $84

Everyone should have a two burner stove to help prepare their meals. Check out the Coleman Triton stove. This is the 2-burner stove I have had since the beginning of our camping excursions. The design hasn’t changed much over the years, and while it lacks some of the bells-and-whistles of newer models, it’s still an excellent camp stove.  It runs on propane and Coleman fuel. I have a 50 year old version and this one!! The 50 year old works extremely well.


Photo courtesy of Woods cookware.

Lodge Cast Iron Cookware $99

I’m a fan of cast iron. There’s no getting away from the fact that it cooks better and is healthier than non-stick pots and pans. IF you know, you know!! Seasoning is easy. Just rub it down with some olive oil and drop it in the oven. All you have to do for clean up is brush out the solids and give it a wipe. It’s that easy. You can buy cheaper variations from Wal-mart, but they are made in China. My favorite set is this set by Lodge made right here in America.


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Yeti Cooler $395+
I’m going to cash some flack for this one because of the price. Yes, you can get a knockoff for much cheaper. But in my opinion you get what you pay for. YETI is the mac daddy of coolers. There are plenty out there that will argue that these coolers are overpriced, but I would disagree. The quality is superb……..virtually indestructible. They’re heavy as hell and built to last a few lifetimes. I have the Tundra 75 ($449). It was the best money I have spent on my camp kitchen!


Freedom Stoves Portable Pellet Grill $314

As I said in my intro, there’s nothing better than cooking over an open fire. However, it’s really difficult. The TFreedom Stoves Portable Pellet Grill is the best of both worlds. The Freedom Stove uses pellets instead of firewood or charcoal. For that reason, you get steady temperatures. Freedom Stoves offers plenty of pellet “flavors” like cherry, pecan and mesquite which gives a more authentic barbecue taste. Traeger makes a version for $499. Save your money. This one works better in my humble opinion.


I hope can try out some of these products!! I really enjoy using them. But, for now, I am living in Cambodia and planning some adventures when I head to back to the US during the month of November. If you are interested in what I am up to, check me out on Riel American on Instagram!! It’s a pretty epic adventure!!

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