Altoids Tin Cooking Kit: A Compact Solution for Outdoor Cooking

When it comes to survival and outdoor preparedness, having a reliable and compact cooking kit can make all the difference. An Altoids tin cooking kit is a perfect example of how you can carry essential cooking tools in a small, portable format. Though it's small, the metal tin itself plays a crucial role in the kit’s functionality, offering durability, versatility, and heat resistance. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to build an effective Altoids tin cooking kit, in the smallest possible format highlight the advantages of using a metal tin, and introduce Grim Workshop's Stove Card—a must-have tool for any minimalist cooking setup.

For more types of edc kits, check out our ultimate collection of EDC kits! 

Why Use an Altoids Tin for a Cooking Kit?

The Altoids tin is an ideal container for an ultralight, or backup cooking kit due to its compact size and metal construction. One of the unique things about an altoids tin is it can not only function as a cooking surface, but also as backups for a small container or cup. Here are some key advantages:

• Durability: The metal tin is sturdy and can withstand the rigors of outdoor use, protecting the contents inside.
• Heat Resistance: Unlike plastic containers, the metal tin can be placed directly over a flame, allowing it to serve as a small cooking pot or heat shield.
• Compact Size: The small, pocket-sized dimensions of an Altoids tin make it easy to carry in your bag or even your pocket, ensuring you always have a cooking kit on hand.
• Versatility: The tin can be used for multiple purposes, such as boiling water, cooking small meals, or even functioning as a windbreak for a small stove.

Essential Components of an Altoids Tin Cooking Kit

Here’s a breakdown of what to include in your Altoids tin cooking kit to maximize its utility:

Cooking Container

This can be your altoids tin itself, if you prefer to have your fire contained within the tin though, you can include some heavy duty aluminum foil that can carefully be folded into a bowl. 

• Tip: You can seperate the lid, and bottom compartment of your altoids tin to have them function as two seperate containers, or one to cook in, and one to hold a small fire. 

Grim Workshop’s Stove Card

The Stove Card by Grim Workshop is a perfect addition to any Altoids tin cooking kit. This ultra-slim, credit card-sized tool transforms into a small, functional stove that fits neatly inside the tin, or can stand alone. It’s made from durable stainless steel, providing a stable platform for cooking or boiling water.

• Advantages: The Stove Card is easy to assemble and disassemble, fits into the tin itself, and it’s reusable, making it a versatile and long-lasting tool for outdoor cooking.

Cooking or Eating Utensils

Just a small eating tool can go a long way, You can even cut down a regular fork, spoon, knife, or cooking 

Mini Ferrocerium Rod

A reliable fire-starting tool is crucial for any cooking kit. A mini ferrocerium rod is small enough to fit in the tin and can be used to ignite your stove or start a campfire.

• Tip: Practice using the ferro rod to ensure you can generate sparks quickly when needed.

Water Purification Tablets

Including a few water purification tablets ensures you can have safe drinking water or clean water for cooking, even when you’re far from a clean water source.

• How to Use: Simply dissolve one tablet in the required amount of water and wait for it to purify. The tin can even be used to hold water during the purification process.

Cooking Oil or Fat

A small packet of cooking oil (preferably single serve and sealed) can be used to grease your cooking surface or add calories to your meal.

Seasoning

A small packet of salt, pepper, or your favorite seasoning can make a big difference when cooking in the wild. Store these in tiny plastic bags, saved single serve packets from a fast food resturant, or straws sealed at the ends.

• Tip: Roll the seasoning packets tightly and secure them with tape to keep them organized.

Tinder

A small amount of tinder, such as cotton balls coated in petroleum jelly, or a flat Tinder card can be included to help start your stove or a campfire. This is particularly useful in damp conditions where dry tinder may be hard to find.

• Storage: Place the tinder in a small, waterproof bag to keep it dry.

How to Use Your Altoids Tin Cooking Kit

Using your Altoids tin cooking kit is straightforward:

1. Set Up the Stove Card: Assemble the Stove Card and place it on a stable, flat surface, or inside the storage tin if needed. Add small fuel tablets, solid alcohol, or small sticks as fuel.
2. Ignite the Stove: Use the ferro rod to strike sparks and ignite the fuel.
3. Cook or Boil Water: Place the Altoids tin or small pot directly on the Stove Card or use it to support a small pot. You can boil water or cook small meals using the tin itself or a small cup or pan that fits on the stove.
4. Season and Serve: Add seasoning from your kit to your meal, and enjoy your hot, freshly prepared food.

Maintenance Tips

• Clean the Tin: After using your cooking kit, clean the tin thoroughly to prevent any residual food or oil from corroding the metal.
• Replace Consumables: Regularly check the condition of your fire-starting tools, tinder, seasonings, and water purification tablets, replacing them as needed.
• Store Properly: Keep the tin in a dry, cool place to avoid rust and ensure all contents remain in good condition.

About Grim Workshop

Grim Workshop is a pioneer in designing and manufacturing compact, durable survival tools that integrate seamlessly into everyday carry (EDC) kits. With nearly a decade of experience, Grim Workshop specializes in crafting innovative tools such as Survival Cards, Micro Tools, and Dog Tag Tools that fit perfectly into wallets, Altoids tins, or keychains. Proudly made in the USA, Grim Workshop’s products are built to withstand the toughest conditions, ensuring that you’re always prepared for any situation. Our mission is to empower individuals with the tools and knowledge they need to be self-reliant and ready for anything. Visit Grim Workshop to explore our full range of products.

FAQ

Q: Can I really cook with an Altoids tin?
A: Yes, you can use an Altoids tin to cook small meals, boil water, or warm up food. The metal tin is heat-resistant and can be placed directly over a flame, making it a versatile tool for outdoor cooking.

Q: How does the Stove Card work?
A: The Stove Card by Grim Workshop is a credit card-sized tool that assembles into a small, functional stove. It provides a stable platform for cooking or boiling water and is reusable and easy to carry.

Q: What other tools can I fit into an Altoids tin cooking kit?
A: In addition to the Stove Card, you can include a mini ferro rod, water purification tablets, small packets of cooking oil, seasoning, and tinder. These items make the tin a complete, compact cooking solution.

Q: How do I maintain my Altoids tin cooking kit?
A: Clean the tin after each use, replace consumables as needed, and store the kit in a dry, cool place to prevent rust and keep all components in good condition.