Inside the Creation of the Cookit Camp Kitchen™: An Interview with UCO’s Product Developer & Line Manager Scott Youmans
Fresh from field-testing his latest creation, UCO’s long-time product developer & line manager Scott Youmans sits down with us to talk about camp cooking chaos, the inspiration behind the Cookit Camp Kitchen™, and how a simple idea became a game-changing outdoor essential
Q: Why do you think the Cookit is a must have product for campers
Scott: The Cookit is going to be an awesome addition for campers to ensure their camp kitchens are organized. For many years, my family camped with a disorganized bin and it felt like we always left something at home, had to harvest parts from our home kitchen that we didn’t really want to bring camping, and dug around in the bin forever at camp to find mismatched utensils and plates. With the Cookit, it’s easy to quickly identify all your components thanks to the tub/divider organization and we’ve worked hard to make sure it includes all the fundamentals of a great camp kitchen. You get to stress less about cooking logistics and instead focus on adventures and great meals outdoors.
Q: What makes it super special?
The Cookit is going to be really unique in the market. Other brands have tried to make kitchen sets that include pots, skillets, plates and cups but they often end up being nesting-doll style sets where there are lots of compromises on size and shape of various components and they ultimately don’t include everything you need (dish tubs, utensils, turner, etc, etc.) There are also options out there for chuck boxes that are bought empty and require customers to outfit them. We’ve tried to combine those two approaches and made an easily organized, complete box, that is going to be a great value for campers.
Q: What is your fave product inside the cookit?
I love the Kitchen Tools that come in the set (also available separately!). When designing these, we wanted to make them feel like you were cooking at home while taking some camp considerations in mind. We made them slightly more compact than home utensils and added a tool rest so you can keep you utensils off of dirty picnic tables. I think we nailed the ergonomics and the colors are fun… I cook with them basically everyday at home and on the road.
Q: What’s the first step after deciding on a product concept?
This project had lots of twists and turns and started as something entirely different (that’s a story for another day), but after discussions about camp cooking with the team we kept saying “wouldn’t it be great if…” and the initial concept was born. We spent a lot of time with box prototypes of different sizes trying to get a size that fit everything easily and had extra room for things like paper towels and fuel bottles, but wasn’t so big that it was burdensome. We also tested configurations less deep but wider. We had 3 different sizes that we field tested before we went with the final shape. This size is nice because it gives you easy access and enough room for extras.
Q: How did you feel the first time you saw the actual sample product?
It was super exciting to see the Cookit completely together for the first time. Because it’s a complex set with 47 pieces, all of the new parts we designed for this (sauce pan, skillet, tubs, dividers, turner, spoon, etc) trickled in at different times. Seeing everything together for the first time was super rewarding because it feels like all of the individual pieces elevate the whole set.
Q: Fave part of developing it or most rewarding?
As with most outdoor products, the best part of development is field testing. I love camping with the Cookit and getting to experience its advantages first-hand. It has been fun to share with other families and the advantage becomes apparent when you cook side-by-side with another group. In the field, the Cookit sells itself; I know a lot of those families are excited to get one once it’s available.
Q: What do you hope customers feel or experience when they use a product you’ve designed?
I hope the Cookit makes it so outdoors cooking is fun and stress-free so you can focus on the adventure at hand. I hope you let UCO worry about what you need in a camp kitchen and instead get to focus on the trails, beaches, and campfires that you’re sure to find in the outdoors with friends and family.
To learn more about the Cookit- click here!
