Best Camping Stove

As the time for camping comes closer, you are always in need of big little accouterments to help aid your camping experience.

One such device without which your entire camping trip will feel like an extreme survival episode is an excellent quality portable camping stove.

We have the first-hand experience of our stove giving up on us mid- camping!

The remaining time was not the happiest we had imagined. To avoid this situation on your camping trip, we highly recommend buying a new camping stove with improved functions and durability.

And if you are someone who likes to eat instant cup noodles, you are seriously missing out on the great adventure of cooking and living in nature.

Let us go through five of the best camping stoves available on the market for a remarkably successful camping trip.

Best Overall: Camp Chef Explorer Camping Stove

Camp Chef Explorer Camping Stove is our winner product from this list because of its deluxe and sturdy quality. The company has strived since 1990 to take your outdoor cooking experience to another level.

Let us dive into the nitty-gritty to understand its functions and possible drawbacks. 

Featured Specs

• Manufacturer: Camp Chef
• Fuel Type: Liquefied Petroleum Gas
• Material: Alloy Steel
• Power source: Propane
• Weight: 30.5 pounds
• Item Dimension: 34 x 14 x 29 inches 

Benefits

• This portable Camp Chef Explorer Stove has two cast aluminum burners that throw out 30.000 BTUs/Hr. 
• This extremely durable and robust burner setup comes with an extended 3 feet hose and a regulator to connect your propane cylinder.
• The device is built with solid aluminum and steel for a hefty and reliable built that would last for years.
• The burners have appliance-style temperature control settings for cooking different meals at the desired temperature. Your food would never burn or remain undercooked with this adjustable flame temperature option.
• The robust metal legs make it tremendously easy to cook food while standing. Gone were the days where it was essential to find an elevated surface to adjust your cooktop setup. You can arrange this setup wherever you want while enjoying nature or overlooking your family’s football match.
• The detachable legs are a lifesaver when you have limited space in your camper van. Dismantle the detachable legs and make the stove transit-friendly.
• The company adds a stiff and sturdy windscreen to minimize wind interference during your camp cooking session. This feature even drastically improves your cooking time as an undisturbed flame cooks the way food faster. 
• Most cooking and camping burners are incredibly tiny and compact on which you can fathom cook big spreads, but Camp Chef Explorer has a wide cooking surface for preparing big hearty meals in large pots and pans. The enormous size of this stove truly makes this one the best family camping stove on the market.
• The company issues a one-year exchange warranty from the day of purchase.

Drawbacks

Few customers have found that the burner turns their utensils black to a greater extent. Sometimes the burner emits a lot of smoke, causing the utensils’ base to turn black by covering it with smoke.

Extra Features

• This camper cooktop has a nifty adjustable legs mechanism that lets you select the size of your stovetop. As every single part works according to you, there is no need to stand on a pedestal.
• This camp stove is exceptionally versatile and can be equipped with many accessories sold by the company. This model can accommodate a sizeable solid cast iron grill skillet, cast iron pan, artisan outdoor pizza oven, and a deluxe BBQ grill box (from the same company). These accessories can give you a wide range of cooking options.

Buying Advice

If you like to live larger than life, this is a perfect companion for your big personality and different personalized camping needs. The chance of purchasing new accessories every year adds a layer of excitement before your camping trip. We highly recommend this camping stove.

Runner up: Coleman Portable Butane Camping Stove

Coleman was the first company that invented a portable gas-powered lantern for an evening football game in Mississippi.

Later the company decided to venture out and create mobile outdoor gear that speaks quality and innovation. Since then, they are blessing fellow outdoor enthusiasts with their top-of-the-line products.

Featured Specs

• Manufacturer: Sportsman Supply Inc.
• Fuel Type: Liquefied Petroleum Gas
• Material: Synthetic
• Power source: Butane
• Weight: 4.68 Pounds
• Item dimension: 20 x 12 x 4 inches

Benefits

• This camping stove is exceptionally lightweight and portable to carry around. The tiny and compact body structure allows it to fit in any camper, RV, and vehicle, making it the best car camping stove. The design makes it possible to cook instantly, even inside your RV.
• This cooktop has 7,650 BTUs of cooking power for such a tiny stove.
• This Coleman Portable Butane Camping Stove comes with an adjustable burner knob that lets you set precise temperature while cooking the food. This feature enables you to cook properly and save gas, especially if you are running low on it.
• Each camping stove can securely house an 8.8 oz butane gas cylinder that doesn’t stay outside and risk gas poisoning. It is incredibly safe as everything stays inside the gas, and you need to worry about no leaks and hanging wires. Each butane cylinder lasts up to a 1.25-hour time limit on a high knob.
• The ultra-durable porcelain-coated grate is extremely easy to clean. You can remove the grates to give your tiny device a thorough cleaning. There are no visible crevices that might encourage any camping gunk to get stuck inside. You can clean this entire piece with few swipes of disinfectant wipes before storing it away.
• The company uses aluminum for its burner, which prevents rusting. This cooktop can stay like new and rust-proof for years of camping expedition.
• The device can fit a 10-inch pan very easily. You can cook various pan meals for up to two people with ease. The large stable base makes the stirring swift and easy without moving the pan much; the base thus acts as a stabilizer.
• The company has a one-year limited warranty in the unlikely event of product damage.

Drawbacks

The mini butane fuel tank is painstakingly hard to find in various department and box chain stores. You can order these online and stock up before your camping trip. But in case of an emergency fuel shortage, this camping stove would be pretty much useless without the fuel.

Extra Features

• This ultra-tiny and compact camping stove start without matches or lighter. The product uses insta-start ignition for a fuss-free, quick start experience. 
• The company includes a high-quality, sturdy carry case to store your stove when not in use. The hardshell case keeps everything safe and discourages the stove from bumping on other equipment during transit.

Buying Advice

If you are looking for the best lightweight camping stove, this should be your reliable and go-to model.

Alternative: Camp Chef Everest 2 Burner Stove

Our first alternative on this list of the best camping stove is the Everest 2 Burner Stove. The demand for this burner stove never seems to deplete, and with the new tiny additions, the burner stove gets more durable and user-friendly.

Featured Specs

• Manufacturer: Camp chef
• Fuel Type: Liquefied Petroleum Gas
• Material: Steel
• Power source: Propane
• Weight: 12 Pounds
• Item dimension: 13.5 x 23.5 x 4.25 inches

Benefits

• This Camp Chef Everest 2 Burner Stove is very lightweight and alluring to look at. The classic red and gunmetal grey make it look like one of the kitschy vintage objects.
• The stove has two burners with 20,000 BTU power for each side, making the total output of 40,000 BTU/Hr for such a small and compact stovetop.
• This stove has a smooth adjustable heat control dial that instantly regulates the fire output per your preferred choice.
• The product has an intelligent three-sided wind barrier that stops the wind from coming from three directions. With minimal air interference, you do not have to keep an eye out for the flame constantly. You can enjoy nature in peace while your gravy boils and simmers.
• The stainless steel drip tray makes the cleaning process very easy and straightforward. The nickel-coated cooking grate is sturdy and built to last. It can hold any pot, skillet, and griddle with ease.
• The convenient handles make it easy to haul from one place to another. It’s as easy as carrying a functional suitcase. 
• The case includes an entirely high-quality regulator adapter for a 1lb propane cylinder.
• Their latest addition to this model of Dual Locking Lid makes it that much easy to transport this lightweight and compact stove from one place to another.

Drawbacks

• This convenient camping stovetop does not come with a hose. You will need to buy a similar hose that connects to the propane tank on your own.
• This product does not house any anti-skid protection at the bottom of the stove, which can be a little bothersome if you have to work on slick surfaces; the entire stove will keep sliding even with a slight push.

Extra Features

This lightweight camper stove comes with a matchless ignition fire starter that eliminates the risk of burning hands and the commotion of finding matchsticks or lighter. A simple twist on the knob starts the flame without any delay.

Buying Advice

If you like old timely looking camper stoves, this can be an excellent purchase to satiate your craving for vintage camp gear. This product is a perfect camper stove if you have more than two people with you. You can efficiently cook meals for up to 4 people on this very camping stove.

Alternative: Coleman Company Triton 2 Burner Camping Stove

Our second alternative is the Triton 2 Burner Camper Stove; let us delve down to find its specs and benefits for a better understanding of this stovetop.

Featured Specs

• Manufacturer: The Coleman Company, Inc.
• Fuel Type: Liquefied Petroleum Gas
• Material: Steel
• Power source: Propane
• Weight: 2.2 Kilograms 
• Item dimension: 16.93 x 9.45 x 2.76 inches

Benefits

• This Coleman Company Triton stove is a two-burner ultra-efficient camping device.
• This burner can give a 1-hour runtime when paired with a 16 oz propane cylinder, making it the best propane camping stove. Each burner has a high-performance 11,000 BTU power to run swiftly.
• Once you start the stove, its Perfect Heat Technology gets the temperature just right for all types of food and prep dishes.
• Its famous Perfect Flow Pressure Control System delivers a smooth and steady heat on both the burners.
• Triton’s Folding WindBlock™shield covers the stove from all three sides to get the maximum efficient atmosphere to cook the food. The top layer covers a large area, creating a firewall and the base side shields restrict the wind that comes from other directions.
• The spacious cooking surface of this stovetop is big and wide enough to hold a 10 inch and a 12-inch pan comfortably at the same time.
• Its durable steel construction can last even the roughest and rugged cooking conditions while camping.
• The company offers a built-in handle for carrying the stove without any fuss and issue; its lightweight nature lets you carry it even on long distances.
• This stove’s heavy-duty nickel-chrome grates are simple and easy to clean without much effort.

Drawbacks

• This portable camper stove does not come with an auto ignite feature. You will need to carry a matchbox or lighter with you all the time. 
• The stovetop doesn’t allow you to change the flame settings like low, medium, or high. You have to make do with the flame’s original size.

Extra Features

Small flat griddle accessories can easily get packed inside the stove for safe, convenient transit. This ability to store inside the burner comes in handy during space-starved places.

Buying Advice

We recommend this stovetop to people who have no issues with its non-existent auto-ignite feature. You can surely use the matchstick and cook large quantities of meals without any wind disturbance.

Alternative: Stansport Outfitter Series Camping Stove

Stansport Outfitter Camping Stove is our last alternative. Campers with large groups pay attention as your new favorite camping stove is not far from you.

Featured Specs

• Manufacturer: Stansport Store
• Fuel Type: Liquefied Petroleum Gas
• Material: Stainless steel
• Power source: Propane
• Weight: 0.3 Kilograms
• Item dimension:15 x 3.5 x 24.25 inches

Benefits

• This Stansport Outfitter is the best portable camping stove for people who camp with a large group. 
• The stove features two larger burners that pump out 25,000 BTU and a comparatively smaller burner with the power of 10,000 BTU. This feature allows you to bifurcate your cooking needs according to the burner. This way, the food cooks faster, and all three burners work efficiently.
• The frame of this stove is constructed of durable steel that stays put for years to come.
• This camping stove’s high-altitude pressure regulator is ideal to heat and cooks food for hiking, backpacking, fishing, camping, and much more.
• The frame has two additional windscreens that let you have a faster cooking experience without wind hindrance.
• The heavy-duty cooking grate ensures quick cleaning with less water.

Drawbacks

• Many consumers found that the camping stove started rusting from the bottom after using it during the monsoon.
• The auto starter can sometimes freeze and work unsatisfactorily, especially during the rainy season. 

Extra Features

The electronic igniter ensures that your camping doesn’t turn into a disaster without a matchbox.

Buying Advice

If you are actively looking for a three-burner camping stove with a good power capacity to ignite and keep the flame on, this is your stove. We recommend using this stove for summer camping activities to keep it rust-free, thus increasing its life.

Camping Stove FAQs

Is butane or propane better for a camp stove?

Propane camp stoves are the most commonly used stoves today. However, some people also prefer to use Butane or Isobutane stoves for their trips. There is a slight difference between propane and butane in this case.

Abundantly available and easily adaptable into various sizes, propane camp stoves are a clear favorite among campers, trekkers, and explorers. It is suited for all sorts of camping endeavors, i.e., it can be used as a small backpacking stove and a two-burner stove or grill. You can use it in high-altitude locations and significantly low temperatures. 

Single-use propane bottles are easy to retail and are found practically anywhere. In fact, with the right kind of adaptor, you can attach a reusable propane tank to the stove. With this setup, you can refill your propane tank at gas stations with ease.

The only tricky downside to a propane camp stove could be its weight. A propane cylinder or bottle can be a little heavy on your back compared to butane. 

A butane camping stove is cheaper than a propane setup, but it has its temperature limits. A butane stove would be difficult to use in high altitudes and low temperatures because it is no longer in the liquid state under 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, a butane stove is ideal for a warmer camping location.

If you plan to camp in cold, high-altitude regions, you would like to look at propane camp stove options. However, for a simple outing, a butane stove is easy to carry and ideal for warm conditions. 

How do I choose a camp stove?

A good camp stove needs to address and satisfy all your exploration needs. So, if you look at your needs using the following parameters, you can land upon the perfect choice for all your outdoor experiences. 

Burners

How many burners do you need on this camping stove? You can answer this by knowing a ballpark figure of the people who will accompany you on the outing. 

A one-burner setup is ergonomic, lightweight, and best-suited to make quick meals for one. 

Two-burner setups are the most common choices for campers. These stoves offer the joy of cooking in a place similar to home and can feed more mouths when you’re out camping. It is relatively compact and opens up avenues for a versatile food menu.

Burner Dimension

This bit is relatively easy to choose. The rule of thumb for burner dimensions is ‘larger the better.’ 

While a small radius will create a hot spot under your utensil, a larger radius will distribute the heat evenly and make cooking easier and better. 

Ignition System

An Ignition system will facilitate a sound stove system. It would be best to choose an ignition system you are comfortable with.

However, these systems are the most prone to failure, so you should keep an alternate fire-lighting source handy. 

Adjustable feet

Since most camping grounds are not perfectly level, it pays to have adjustable feet on your stove.

Moreover, these appendages must be strong enough to hold the stove up for extended amounts of time; tipping it over is not an option.

Cooking Area

The cooking area on your camping spot is an essential factor in choosing the right stove. Figuring the available camping space goes a long way in finding a comfortable stove.

You can decide if you want a one-burner or two-burner setup using this information. 

Can you use a camping stove inside a tent?

The answer to this question, at first glance, is ‘no.’  

Ideally, you should not use a stove inside a tent. You run a very high risk of the tent catching fire or carbon monoxide poisoning if you run a stove indoors. Both these scenarios can be fatal. Therefore, it is imperative to be sure of your safety in such cases. 

Experts have noted that you should never use a propane or butane stove inside your tent because Oxygen mixing with the flame can be hazardous and explosive. 

However, camping outdoors can leave you at the whims of nature. Due to unforeseen bad weather or wild animals being in the vicinity, you might be forced to cook indoors. 

The best way to reduce risk is to cook on a small flame constantly. Additionally, avoid frying or any other such cooking techniques; boil your food instead. 

Are camping stoves safe?

There is no ‘yes’ or ‘no answer to this doubt. While there have been unsafe incidents concerning camping stoves, they have been in a heavy minority.

Moreover, not all stove malfunctions are caused by human mistakes. Chances are, due to some unforeseen circumstances, your camping trip had a safety flaw. 

However, with certain precautions, you can reduce the chances of any kind of stove malfunction on your camping trip. 

It is vital to check whether your gas can is clean, unbroken, and devoid of any kind of debris. You should hold trials of the entire stove setup to check for leaks before leaving for the camping trip.

Setting up your stove in a large open space is crucial. It prevents you from inhaling fumes from the stove and so that nothing around the stove catches fire.  

Your safety is of paramount importance in any scenario, and you must take all necessary precautions before embarking on a journey with your camping stove.  

Conclusion

We hope this review gave you a wide variety of camper stove options to choose from.

It is true that these stove campers are built to last and can take up brutal beatings, but a little care will surely let you enjoy your newly bought camper stove for a few more years.

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Jonah Wright

Jonah Wright is the founder of WorldAndI.com and wishes to be your online sherpa for all your travel, hiking, and outdoor adventures. After connecting to nature in his young years, he had an aim to hike all the most challenging treks in the world, which he is achieving one day at a time. When he isn't writing about outdoor content, he schedules his time to meet and be a part of various outdoor communities as much as he can. Jonah lives for the runner's high and feels that nothing can be as pure and lively as that experience.