Omnia Oven offers a simple yet functional camp cooking product that’s become a staple of our overland and vehicle-based adventures

If you perused the aisles of an Overland Expo event, there’s a good chance you noticed the smell of fresh baked brownies drifting through the vendor area. Admittedly, I was drawn into the OmniaSweden booth by the smell of delicious chocolate brownies, but I stayed for the intrigue the Omnia Oven provided.

As someone that keeps it pretty simple in terms of camp cooking, I couldn’t believe how good the brownies were and everything else the Omnia Oven was capable of producing. Over the course of our introductory conversation with Gustaf Lundén of Omnia Sweden, we learned that this simple kit could be used for a variety of camp cooking needs. Not only could it bake desserts, but breads and pies were favorites amongst Omnia Oven enthusiasts. Of particular interest were the roasted vegetable recipes listed in the cookbook dedicated to the Omnia Oven. The ability to cook over a dual burner camp stove, electric stove eyes, and even smaller backpacking style burners was just icing on the proverbial cake. Gustaf was more than happy to answer our questions and explain the available oven accessories. We left the expo with a new piece of kit, and more importantly, inspiration to expand our camp cooking repertoire.

Gustaf agreed to give us a call from Sweden so that we could have a chat for our Around the Campfire series and discuss the origin of the Omnia Oven, their move into the US market, and future plans for their product line.

OX4: First, what can you tell us about how you came to be involved with Omnia Sweden?
G: About 15 years ago my father purchased the design drawings for the Omnia Oven from a company that he was providing marketing services to. The oven had been produced for 40 years, but they always looked at it as a side project.. In 2006 dad started producing the Omnia Oven full time. About 18 months ago I decided to move from a larger company to working with my dad at Omnia Sweden full time.

OX4: We know that you’re relatively new to the US market, but what can you tell us about your establishment in Europe?
G: In the last 3 years we’ve seen a boom. The appeal of cooking gadgets and the fact that the oven is high quality, economical, and simple are factors in our success. We also have a very supportive group of users on social media. Some of our groups boast 10k Omnia Oven fans that share recipes and experiences. In Europe there are far fewer large RVs. Most vehicles are more akin to the vehicles in the overland market.

 

OX4: That’s very interesting. Why do you think so many people are interested in kitchen and cooking tools?
G: I think that many people that camp like to also eat well. We make it possible to still have something tasty in a simple package. Some users use it all of the time, and others on a more irregular basis. On our Facebook groups we see people start out with simple recipes and then they get inspired to try new dishes. 

OX4: What can you tell us about your move into the US market?
G: We’re putting a lot of effort into serving our US based customers with investments in time and manpower. We have an office and warehouse in Chicago. Also, we’ve been increasing our presence at US based outdoor events.

OX4: What’s your favorite way to get outside and enjoy yourself?
G: We really enjoy boating near our home in Stockholm. There are some beautiful islands along the archipelago. We explore islands, do some birding, and of course cooking outdoors. Since I’ve been traveling to the US I’ve become more interested in purchasing a 4×4 for staying on site at events and exploring the backcountry.

OX4: It’s great to hear that you’re not only getting into the overland market, but the broader vehicle-based adventure experience.
G: Yes, it has been great to see how everyone uses their vehicle to explore and to be close to nature while bringing along some of the comforts of home.

OX4: Are there any new updates on future products you would like to share with us?
G: Yes, our muffin liner is now available, and we’ll have a new recipe book coming out later this year. Then in the future be on the lookout for foil dish liners that will allow Omnia Oven users to prep meals at home and keep them frozen until they’re in camp.

Editor Note: The Around the Campfire series is brought to you in collaboration with our friends from 67 Designs, proprietors of the finest mounting solutions for your mobile devices whether in the backcountry, around town, and at home. Learn more about 67 Designs by visiting www.67d.com.

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