“Alu-Kraftkiste“ – which is German for Aluminium Powerbox – is the name Naturbummler chose for one of their roof tents. But honestly, it would suit the CompactCook+ just as well. This foldable camping kitchen is made from the same powder-coated aluminum as their hard-shell tent: solid, tough, and built to last.
With the CompactCook+, Naturbummler packed all the essentials of outdoor cooking into one sleek unit: gas stove, running water with a sink, and storage space. And here’s the best part: there’s nothing quite like it on the market. Other popular compact kitchens, like those from Campwerk, usually leave out either the integrated stove or the water connection.
Tipping the scales at 20 kilograms, it’s not exactly light, but you get a serious amount of function for the size. The price? €449. Sounds reasonable – but is it really worth the money? To find out, we took it with us and put it to the test during our roof tent group test.
What Is the Portable Camping Kitchen Capable of?
This compact box is packed with features and surprisingly easy to set up: with just a few simple moves, the 20 kg aluminum case transforms into a full-on camping kitchen – complete with a bit of a transformer vibe. The legs and side panels fold out one by one, and the lid turns into a handy worktop. Underneath, you’ll find a single-burner gas stove, which sits loosely in place and runs on MSF-1A gas cartridges (not included).
A split main compartment with a bottom shelf, two drawers, and a removable cutlery tray offers plenty of storage for utensils, small pots, dishes, and a few other items. There’s also extra room around and behind the stove – perfect for spices, cooking tools, and other kitchen essentials. One thing to watch out for: The top drawer opens so close to the housing that there’s a genuine risk of pinching your fingers. Far from ideal.
Once the side worktop and the sink-and-faucet unit are folded out, the kitchen transformation is complete. And here’s the real head-turner: the faucet. It brings a rare luxury to outdoor trips: running water. Thanks to an electric pump and hose, water can be drawn from any canister or bucket. Way more convenient than your average DIY jug-and-basin setup.
That said, comfort is limited: the kitchen legs aren’t adjustable in height. So if you’re taller or shorter than average, you’ll have to work with the fixed height as it is.
When it comes to materials, Naturbummler mostly go for quality with this foldable camping kitchen: the black aluminum body is nearly indestructible – and looks great, too. The drawers feel smooth, sturdy, and well-designed, complete with grippy mats. The legs? No wobble, no worries.
But not everything is top-tier. One of the key components – the gas stove – feels more like a budget buy from an online shop. The pot stand in particular doesn’t impress: the coating flakes off at the joints, and rust showed up sooner than it should on our test unit. Our pro tip: since the stove isn’t permanently installed, you can easily swap it out for a better one.
One more downside: on rainy days, you’re better off storing this kitchen in the car or under a tarp. It’s not waterproof because, oddly enough, the lid is perforated with big holes. Not ideal. In heavy rain, water collects right where your stove and utensils sit. Naturbummler should definitely consider adding a rain cover here.
Update: The successor model, the CompactCook+ 2.0, now comes with a higher-end two-burner stove instead of the original cooker.
Do You Really Need the Portable Camping Kitchen?
If you’re more into quick weekend trips than long holiday adventures, this setup might feel a bit oversized. Even though it’s easy to assemble, the CompactCook+ is on the bulky side and, thanks to its aluminum build, not exactly lightweight. At 20 kg, it adds noticeable weight to your load, so some folks might just grab a small gas stove and a water canister instead.
That said, the CompactCook+ is a slick and super functional piece of gear. And in terms of what it offers – cooking, running water, and storage all in one box – there’s really nothing else like it out there. Brands like Boxio, Campwerk or Camptools don’t manage that kind of all-in-one combo in such a compact format.
So who is it for? Anyone who’s done with piecing together random gear and wants a clean, integrated setup. And anyone who likes the industrial look and wants something that fits right visually in with their fully kitted expedition rig. Just make sure there’s enough room in your vehicle and in your basement, where it’ll probably spend most of its time.
Conclusions: Would We Buy this Camping Kitchen?
The CompactCook+ definitely delivers on its “all you need, no frills” promise. Sure, we’d love a more rainproof design and a better-quality stove (now available in 2.0 version), but overall, Naturbummler’s camping kitchen impressed us with its smart concept and solid build. If you’re into minimalist setups, this one’s probably not for you. But for anyone looking for a rugged yet stylish all-in-one solution for the road – this is it.
Tops
- All-in-one: running water, stove, and storage packed into one compact box
- Sturdy, durable build
- Sleek, stylish design
Flops
- Gas stove feels cheap
- No rain concept
- Weight
For more info, visit naturbummler.de.
Words: Felicia Nastal Photos: Manne Schmitt, Jan Fock
