During a short trip to Moab last week I had a chance to try out our new Field Kitchen and Pantry boxes from Kantz Outdoors. Since we started using out M416 trailer for overland travel I have been looking for a good solution for our camp kitchen. I first saw the boxes at the 2010 Overland Expo and after checking out the quality I chose to give them a try.

The construction of the boxes reminds me of an airplane or boat with quality aluminum and plywood panels joined with a high number of durable rivets. If a box is damaged it can be returned to Kanz Outdoors for repair.

Using the optional legs, setup was a snap. In under 10 minutes the kitchen was ready to go. Using the Bridge there is additional work space between the two boxes when setup.

Kitchen Box

Both the front and top open on the Kitchen Box providing access to the stove and storage areas. The front is attached with a durable piano hing and closes with two durable clasps.

The side panel of the box has a cutout for the fuel line to be attached to the stove. There is a plastic plug that fits in this hole. Once removed the plug can be replaced with some difficulty. I may add a small plate riveted at the side to cover the opening when the hose is not attached.

The back panel of the box is constructed of quality plywood and has two brackets that can be used to hang the box when being used.

The kitchen has three stove options and I chose to get the built in Partner Steel stove.  I have not performed a scientific test of the stove but I was very please with the output and the speed it boiled water. Partner has been making quality products for the rafting industry for years. The stove is fixed in place with a single thumb screw. The other stove options include a Colman dual fuel stove or a vacant space ready for the stove of your choice. The Partner Stove leaves  space above the stove that can be used for storage of a grill and other items.

The front door of the Kitchen box can be held closed with out shutting the top. This feature is handy when something needs to be left on the stove but the door needs to be closed.

Pantry Box

The Pantry box is the same size as the Kitchen box and of the same construction. The exterior of the plywood has been laminated with ABS which will provide additional durability if a bear gets its paws on the box.

The box closes with two bear tested latches. If you are in bear county the box has been certified bear resistant.

The side panels top and bottom are durable aluminum with heavy duty lifting handles.

The rear of the box has the same brackets as the kitchen box for hanging the pantry when being used. I am going to modify our trailer to have a place to hang the boxes which will speed camp setup.

The bear proof feature of the pantry box is a nice additi0n even though the box should still be stowed where a bear can not get to it. There is a short movie on the Kanz Outdoors site showing the bear test of the pantry box.

The Pantry has lots of space that is divided up to make finding items much easier. The top shelf is just the right height for caned goods. The optional mats do not include one for the top shelf. A mat on this shelf would help keep the cans from sliding around.

The Pantry includes a slide out drawer which is a great place to store small items and spices.

The shelf supports for the front panels of both the Kitchen and Pantry can be un-clipped from the brackets so the shelves can be lowered out of the way.

Summary

The cost for these boxes are what one would expect for a quality USA built product ($795.00  for the kitchen as configured and $649.00 for the pantry). UPS did not treat the boxes very well during shipment and both needed to be returned to Kanz Outdoors for repair. Harald was very easy to work with and return I am very pleased with their performance and look forward to additional trip using them.

The Kitchen Boxes area available directly from Kanz Outdoors.