Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
If you love cooking outdoors, whether camping or in the backyard, you’ve probably had those moments where you wish your cooking gear was a little more organized. Enter the chuck box, a compact, self-contained camp kitchen designed to store everything you need to cook full meals outside.
Originally inspired by the chuck wagons of the Old West, a chuck box gives you a designated space for pots, utensils, spices, and even a stove, all in one portable unit. Whether you’re a weekend camper, a full-time van lifer, or a prepper building your off-grid setup, this is a practical DIY project you'll enjoy.
There are many ways to put together a chuck box, but I really love this setup from the Youtuber, Jon Moore. You can watch his video and read a breakdown of his setup below.
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What's a Chuck Box?
A chuck box is essentially a wooden kitchen in a box. It keeps all your essential cooking gear organized, accessible, and protected so you don't waste time rummaging through bins or searching for missing items.
Jon’s design uses one sheet of ½-inch plywood and includes:
- Seven compartments
- A fold-down work surface
- Space for everything from a stove to spices
- A total loaded weight of about 35 lbs
Let’s break down exactly how to build and stock it.
Step-by-Step: How to Build and Stock Your Chuck Box
Step 1: Build the Box
Jon built his box from a single sheet of ½” plywood, which he sanded, shellacked, glued, and screwed together.
The box is approximately 16.5 inches high, 22.5 inches wide, and 14 inches deep. This compact size makes it easy to transport but big enough to store everything you need.
It also features a flip-down countertop and seven interior compartments, including a special space designed to hold a Coleman two-burner stove.
Here's the cut list:
- Top & Bottom: 22½” × 13¼”
- Sides: 12¾” × 15½”
- Back: 22½” × 15½”
- Front: 22½” × 15⁷⁄₈”
Step 2: Add Your Cooking Essentials
Here’s what Jon stores in his chuck box, section by section:
Plates & Bowls Compartment
- 2 stainless steel MSR plates
- 2 bowls
- Dish rag (to minimize road rattle and for easy cleaning)
Utensil Compartment
- Egg spatula
- “Sapoon” (spoon/spatula hybrid — great for scraping and scooping)
Cutting Board & Drawer Compartment
The cutting board is stored on top of the drawer, which is a utensil organizer.
- Small cutting board
- Drawer contents:
- Hand sanitizer
- Coffee scoop
- Lighter
- Fork
- Spork
- Long-handled spoon
- Knife
- Can opener
- Knife sharpener
- Coal tongs
- Trash bags
- Rubber bands
Coffee & Kettle Compartment
- Kettle
- 2 mugs
- Coffee pourover
- Box of coffee filters
- Small bottle of olive oil
- 2 Coleman fuel canisters
Dutch Oven Compartment
- Lodge 2-quart cast iron Dutch oven (used as both pot and frying pan)
- Leather gloves (for handling hot cookware)
- Behind the oven: hidden spice rack with:
- Chili powder
- Red pepper flakes
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Cilantro
- Cumin
- Bay leaves
- Cinnamon
- Salt and pepper
Stove Compartment
- Sized to fit a Coleman two-burner camp stove
Step 3: Add the Trash Bin
Jon also includes a clever DIY trash bin, inspired by the channel Bound for Nowhere. It’s a simple cereal container with a trash bag inside. Plus, it's the perfect size to hold a propane bottle on top.
Why a Chuck Box Is Great for Preppers Too
While originally made for camping, this chuck box is an ideal solution for preppers. It keeps your off-grid cooking setup ready to go at a moment’s notice. If the power goes out or you need to bug out, your chuck box is already packed and ready with everything you need to cook a meal.
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