Japanese Innovation of camping cooking utensils
Late August heat is intense—autumn, please arrive soon! 🍂
Camping season is about to start, but with global travel rebounding, timing might shift.
The secret to a perfect camping vibe? Thoughtful, user-friendly outdoor cooking tools that let you enjoy every moment and discover the true joy of cooking in the wild. 🌿🔥
UNIFLAME: From Vision to Iconic Outdoor Cooking
1980s – A Vision for Outdoor Cooking
Long before camping became a popular pastime in Japan, UNIFLAME’s founders imagined a new way to enjoy cooking outdoors:
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Gas canisters shouldn’t be limited to home use—they should be portable for outdoor cooking.
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Wood and charcoal weren’t just fuel—they could also be beautiful to watch.
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Fires should be safe, using fire stands or braziers to protect the grass.
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Unlike Western-style standing BBQs, Japanese people could enjoy BBQ at the table, sitting comfortably while cooking slowly.
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Cooking rice outdoors didn’t have to rely on military-style mess kits; a proper rice pot could ensure perfect results every time.
These ideas were bold and innovative, but at that time, they existed only on paper. To make them real, UNIFLAME had to turn concept into creation.
1985 – UNIFLAME is Born
UNIFLAME was officially founded under Shinko Works, a company with deep roots in Japanese culinary culture. Shinko Works had long produced stainless steel strainers, essential tools for ramen and soba chefs across Japan. Even though camping wasn’t mainstream, UNIFLAME launched its first product: the UNITORCH, a butane gas ignition torch—a small but revolutionary step toward outdoor cooking freedom.
1989 – Innovation Meets Culture
UNIFLAME introduced Japan’s first portable double-burner stove powered by butane gas canisters, the US-2000. With its “two burners in one stove” design, the US-2000 became a must-have item in the early 1990s car camping scene. For the first time, Japanese campers could enjoy convenient, tabletop cooking anywhere, embracing both comfort and tradition.
Today – Lightweight, Convenient, and Timeless
The US-2000 has evolved into the US-1900, lighter and easier to use than ever, continuing UNIFLAME’s original mission: to transform bold ideas into tools that make outdoor cooking safe, fun, and accessible—just as it was imagined back in the 1980s.
The biggest difference between cooking while camping and cooking at home is that you have to face limitations such as water source, wind blowing, and fire stability. The windshields on both sides of the UNIFLAME US-1900 TWIN BURNER double-head stove have a strong wind protection effect. The copper heater can also stabilize the firepower at low temperatures. The inclined stainless steel stove surface makes cleaning easy.
UNIFLAME is more than just a camping gear brand—it is a perfect blend of precision and thoughtful design. Every product is crafted to solve practical problems, making outdoor cooking effortless and intuitive. At the same time, its design inspires a sense of curiosity and enjoyment, equipping users with not just tools, but the mindset to discover the joy of cooking in nature.
Fire Pit & BBQ
Even amid global energy concerns, wood and charcoal remain essential for camping, giving BBQ food a richer, crisp flavor.
UNIFLAME’s FIREGRILL, launched in 1998, is a classic: a two-in-one fire pit and BBQ grill. Its corner ventilation prevents warping, improves airflow, and makes adding or adjusting charcoal easy. The elevated design protects the ground while letting campers fully enjoy both fire and BBQ.
All UNIFLAME stainless steel tools are made in Tsubame-Sanjo, Japan, reflecting high-quality craftsmanship. Durable and thoughtful in design, many users enjoy the same grill or fire pit for over a decade.
The FIREGRILL SOLO mini fire stand designed for the SOLO family in recent years
Japanese style cookware
UNICERA is another groundbreaking addition to the Japanese camping scene since 1993. This compact tabletop grill, featured by its V-shaped ceramic panel, can boast the capacity of charcoal. The far-infrared heating system also enhances the flavor of grilled meat while requiring fewer charcoal briquettes
In addition to barbecue, rice is an important part of Japanese food culture. UNIFLAME's product design takes Japanese eating habits into consideration. Next time, I will continue to talk about its ultimate tool for cooking delicious rice.
(to be continued...)