Your camping kit is incomplete without the best camping stove. Camping stoves come in different models and with various features. You must choose one that holistically fulfils your camping goals.
Some stoves are small and portable. They are convenient for your family of three or four. On the other hand, some stoves can handle 500 bellies.
This article would help you choose the best camping stove based on three key considerations. These are the ‘fuel factor’ (fuel types and efficiency), the second is the ‘functionality factor’ of the stove, and the third being ‘price-factor.’
The three factors that we have considered in our roundup are to help choose the best camping stove for you. There are other factors that you shall come to know as you read through the article.
While some stoves run on gas, others run on electricity, alcohol (ethanol, propanol, etc.), or solid fuel such as hexamine tablets. There are some which are solar-powered as well. We will not be covering solar stoves in this article.
Your portability requirement is another crucial factor. While some types are compact, others are heavier. There are ones which come with heavy gas tanks (around 15 kilograms) while there are canisters which weigh just about 10g. It all depends on your portability requirement.
There’s a probability that you haven’t given much thought to it. But, these factors are crucial to determine your perfect choice of camping stove. Having covered all the basics let’s dive right into the best camping stoves out there. We will start with gas stoves, then move on to electric stoves and finally take up alcohol and solid fuel stoves.
Best Camping Stove for Campsite
1. Cadac Safari Chef 2 – Gas BBQ Stove
As the name suggests, this is a gas-based stove. It is one of the best of its kind. You can barbeque, heat your food or boil water in a kettle on it.
The Cadac Safari Chef 2 is an all-in-one campsite cooking system. There is a pot stand to fix your kettle to make your tea or boil water. There is also a non-stick griddle top that has got heat fusion on the bottom. The griddle top is tough and resilient and is easy to clean. It has channels that will drain off the extra fat from the Kebabs, Steaks, and sausages. You also get a non-stick grill plate. Finally, you will get a pan lid. This lid has a dual purpose. It can be used as a lid for slow-cooking food on a low flame. It can also be used as a deep pan to cook curry, stew, and other stuff like that.
It comes in two varieties: a low-pressure version and a high-pressure one. The low-pressure camping stove is more popular. Here you will have to buy a hose and regulator separately. These can be fitted to both a regular screw-top cannister as well as it can be plugged directly into a caravan gas outlet. The version that uses high pressure can fit directly into the cannister with no assistance from a regulator. It is more expensive than the low-pressure version.
- Compact
- Multiple functionalities
- Easy and simple to use
- Fast Cooking
- Built-in legs
- The grill isn’t massive
- It cannot be used to cook for a large group
2. Campingaz Party Grill 400 CV
It is another brilliant camping gas stove on the market. It is in direct competition with the Cadac. There is a debate whether the Campinaz or the Cadac is a better option for camping enthusiasts. With the 400 CV, you don’t need a hose and a regulator.The manufacturers created it in such a way that it directly fits in the Campingaz ‘easy clic’ valve canisters.
Just like the Cadac, the 400 CV comes with interchangeable cooking surfaces. It means you can grill, boil, fry, or simply cook exciting meals next to your tent site.
It’s always convenient if your camping stove comes with an integrated lighter. The 400 CV gives you precisely that. The ‘Piezo button lighter’ that comes along with the Party Grill is a relief when you are stuck in the middle of nowhere, especially if you have forgotten to place the matchbox in your rucksack.
- It is simple to put together.
- Multiple functionalities.
- Compact and Portable
- Built-in legs
- Fast cooking
- Cannot be used to cook a huge meal (quantity-wise)
3. NJ FS-430 Triple Burner Camping Stove
If you like it the traditional old-school way, the NJ FS 430 can be the choice for you. It is compact and can be as small as a standard briefcase.
As the name suggests, there are three burners. All three burners have their own heat control system. The tube burner in the middle is excellent for grilling. A decent family meal can be prepared using the other two burners.
It comes with automatic piezo ignition. However, you’ll be needing matches to light the central burner. The other two burners come with Piezo ignition. It comes with separate controls for heat power.
Efficient in multitasking cooking, the NJ FS 430 body material is made of stainless steel. The carry case material is made of steel.
- Compact and portable
- Easy to clean
- Easy to use
- High durability
- Powerful and Multiple burners
- Middle burner doesn’t come with Piezo Ignition
4. Marksman Aerosol Cannister Gas Stove
It is our best budget choice among the gas-fuelled stoves. It is an easy-to-use stove that runs on aerosol. It comes with a control for its flame power and a cut-off option that works automatically for your safety. It is as good as some of the more popular branded camping stoves out there.
It comes with four gas cartridges. There is a provision of a shield to protect your cartridge from the heat of the fire.
- Highly affordable and reasonable pricing
- Simple and easy to use
- It comes with four cartridges
- Carrying box quality is not very resilient.
- Single burner
5. Terra Hiker Portable Wild Camping Gas Stove
You can go for this one if you’re in the market for the best-valued lightweight camping stove. Simple in design, the Terra Hiker comes with a platform on three stands. You also get screw valve attachment, serrated edges, flame adjustment, and piezo ignition with the stove.
The Terra Hiker is for you if you like travelling light. It’s an excellent fit for your rucksack. The Terra Hiker is made of aluminium and stainless steel, making it resilient to scratches and corrosion.
- High fuel and heat efficiency
- Smooth to use flame adjustment knob
- Compact and portable
- Lightweight, great choice if you like hiking
- Durable and Resilient
- There is no readymade separation arrangement between the gas pipe and the fire
6. Shayson Wild Camping Stove
It is another excellent choice if you want your stove screws attached to the canister. It is portable and includes a piezo ignition. It also supports adjustable flaming.
It is made of non-toxic anodised aluminium and is the perfect cook for one or two people. It has a foldable handle design and has two pans/pots of 0.6 and 1.2 litres. You can store the camping stove and the pot pan together in a mesh bag.
- Durable and resilient
- Convenient to carry
- Compact and portable
- Light-weighted
- Can cook food for only 1-2 people
7. MSR Pocket Rocket 2
It is one of the best options out there if you plan to get a portable stove for wild camping. It is ultra-lightweight next-generation stuff. It takes up minimal space in your backpack. It can boil one litre of water in 3-4 minutes and comes with flame control. There is a windshield that protects the flame in windy conditions.
The arms to support a pot are adequately placed and reasonably extended. That ensures stability and ensures you have easy-going cooking sessions. The size of the pack is one major attraction of this stove. The size upon folding makes the pack look extremely tiny. It comes with a tiny red case for carrying it around easily and conveniently. The stoves weigh about 73 g (2.6 oz.)
- Ultralight
- Fast Cooking/ boiling
- Compact
- Strong and Robust
- Stable
- Wind-Resistant
- Works best for small meals only
- The screws at the bottom of the burner get loose occasionally
8. Docooler 25g Super Light Camping Stove
You can opt for the Docooler 25g if you are looking for a more affordable alternative to the Pocket Rocket. It is a super tiny burner. So small that you can misplace it easily if you aren’t extra careful about it.
It comes with smooth control of gas flow that allows you to manoeuvre the size of the flame. For its size, the Docooler is sturdy enough to handle 1-2 litres of water. But we would advise you to keep it below 1 litre for stability reasons.
- One of the tiniest camping stoves
- Extremely lightweight
- It hardly takes up any space in your backpack
- Sturdy enough for that size
- Stable
- Affordable than most other similar products
- Canister compatibility issues
- Upon overheating, the gas ceases to flow and can abruptly end your cooking
9. Russell Hobbs Dual Electric stove
If you want to opt for an electric stove, this can be a good option. It comes with two hot plates that you can use. Running at its best, the Russel Hobbs Dual uses 1500W. At this range, it’s practically impossible to trip.
The Russell Hobbs Dual enables you to control the temperature in each cooking session. It is made of stainless steel and is quite durable. There is a ‘power on’ neon indicator for each plate.
- Compact and portable
- Lightweight
- One large (1500W) and one minor (750 W) cooking plate
- Durable
- Variable and independent temperature control
- It works best only when one plate is used at a time.
- The system is unable to maintain temperature when both hobs are switched on simultaneously.
10. Sunavo Portable Induction Hob
If you are going for a single hobb, you can go for this variation. This Sunavo camping stove comes with a 2000W induction hob. It can boil 2 pints of water in three minutes or less. Induction hobs such as Sunavo are more efficient in quickly turning up or reducing the temperature accurately.
The induction cooktop gets heated uniformly under 2000W of high power. It is facilitated by the electromagnetic coils, which are distributed evenly. With this stove, it takes around 3 minutes to boil a litre of water.
The induction provides you with precise temperature control. It helps you meet your diverse cooking requirements. You can choose to fry at high temperatures or simmer at low temperatures. While power ranges from 100W to 2000W, the temperature range is from 100 °F to 460 °F.
- LED touch control Panel
- Child lock
- Timer
- The stove’s surface doesn’t get very hot; hence safer to use
- Only useful for pans and pots that are compatible with induction
11. George Foreman BBQ Grill
It is one of the best options for electric camping stoves. If you want to BBQ while going for an electric stove, then this stove has your back. The BBQ grill is a non-stick electric grill. You can use it both indoors as well as outdoors. The ridged griddle in the BBQ is designed in such a manner that it allows smooth drainage of juice and fats. You can easily remove the griddle for cleaning purposes. The BBQ comes along with a versatile stand.
You cannot turn on the grill without the hot plate placed inside it. It makes the BBQ safer to use. There is a lid that you can use to protect the food while cooking. You can also use the BBQ to grill vegetarian meals. Finally, although it’s not explicitly designed for the purpose, you can utilize this stove for boiling water or making soup.
- Suitable for indoors and Outdoors use
- Non-Stick plates
- Plates are easily removable
- Excellent design to drain away fat and grease
- The thermostat gives the AI experience in cooking for best results
- Safe to use
- It does take a bit of trial and error in the initial stage to master the correct heat setting
12. Trangia Spirit Burner and Lixada Stove
If you are willing to go for a stove that functions on alcohol, you can opt for the Trangia Spirit Burner. It functions with any propanol, white spirit, or ethanol and weighs only 100 gms or so.
You cannot place your pot directly on the Trangia. You must get yourself a frame or arrange for some rocks to act one. The burner is placed under the frame and the pot over it. It will take around 8 minutes to boil a litre of water.
- Extremely lightweight
- Portable
- Functions with different kinds of alcohol fuel
- Inefficient heat transfer
13. Solid Fuel Stove
You can consider the Solid Fuel stove for your hiking and backpacking trips. This stove runs on hexamine tablets.
It is pocket-sized, compact, lightweight and also includes a windbreak. However, it requires more than a single hexamine tablet to boil one litre of water. Hence it is not very efficient in terms of heating capability.
- Pocket-sized
- Reusable
- Compact and lightweight
- Includes windbreak
- Cheap and affordable
- Inefficient heat transfer
- Cannot control flame power
Important Factors to Remember Before Picking Your Best Camping Stove
Now, you have an idea of some of the best camping stoves. To recap, there are multifunctional stoves. On the other side of the spectrum, some stoves are designed for specific functions such as boiling water or doing a BBQ. Some are very compact and lightweight, while others are not very compact. Some run gas, while others run on electricity, alcohol, or solid fuel. Depending on your priorities, you can now go on to pick your choice.
While you go on to choose the best camping stove for yourself, you need to follow specific instructions, which include:
Company Reputation
The company’s reputation is an essential factor before you invest your money in a camping stove. A reputed company means the authenticity of the product. The experience of a company in providing similar services to different customers over the years can be a significant factor determining legitimacy. However, there are relatively newer companies on the market that offer decent products as well.
The camping stoves mentioned above are pretty reputed and widely used. With that being said, if you plan to go for a different product, we suggest you research customer reviews. You need it to determine the level of functionality of your stove.
Cooking Safety
Cooking safety is something that must be a priority while going for your best camping stove. It is advised that you go for the ones that give you control over the flame. The flames from the stove should not overheat the canister. Also, you must ensure that the pipe from the stove to the canister is safely separated from the flame. Windshields are essential, especially when you are going camping in the mountains or the beachside. Electric stoves which are activated only when the plate is placed on the stove are safe options.
Types of Camping Stoves
You must be aware of the different genres of camping stoves out there on the market. It will ensure that you make the best choice among the alternatives. Market knowledge is the key. How much portion of your rucksack/backpack or caravan can you afford for the camping stove to occupy? Depending on your priorities, you must decide on how compact you need your camping stove to be.
Next, you can go for a multifunctional stove or a function-specific stove. Then you need to decide on the fuel. It depends on where you are going camping. For instance, if you plan to go camping in the wild, an electric stove shouldn’t be your priority. Along similar lines, you need to be aware of the various options available to you so that you can make your perfect choice.
Carrying Bag and Portability
There are stoves which come with carrying bags. You also need to check how easy removing the different parts of stoves for cleaning purposes is. Also, the stove should be easy to fix so that you can start cooking quickly without much hustle.
Source of Power (Fuel)
The choice of power fuelling your camping stove should depend on your specific requirements. For instance, electric stoves can be very efficient, but not so if you are going camping in the wild where a constant reservoir of electricity supply can be an issue (even if you are taking a generator alongside).
Similarly, suppose you are going hiking and backpacking and want to arrange for something with minimal space. In that case, you can go for the tiny pocket-sized alcohol or hexamine tablet-powered stoves. However, if space isn’t an issue, we recommend that you go for the ones with more features like the Cadac Safari or a Campingaz.
Adjustable Flames
An adjustable flame feature for camping stoves is always a good idea. Adjustable flame gives more power and control to your cooking. So, if possible, you should go for a camping stove with the feature of adjustable flames.
Wind Shields
Wind-blocking panels in a camping cooking stove are particularly important if you are going to camp at a windy site. Wind-blocking panels help you to maintain a stable flame even at a windy site. If your best camping stove doesn’t come with a readymade windshield, you can manually arrange for one as well. You can place other barriers around your stove flame, which will do the job.
Easy to Clean
It should be easy to clean the trays after cooking on a camping stove. The stoves that come with griddles are usually designed to drain out the excess fat from your food. Many come with removable drip trays. That’s a great feature. Once done with the cooking, it’s usually pretty easy to dismantle the system and clean the parts individually. Moreover, most of the camping stove parts are of non-stick nature. That makes the cleaning process easy and smooth.
Customer Satisfaction
You also need to consider previous customer satisfaction levels with the product when checking out available alternatives. In this regard, customer reviews can be beneficial. Like any other product, customer reviews will give you an idea of the stove’s functional efficiency from earlier customers’ first-hand experiences.
FAQs
1. Is it worth buying a camping stove?
It is recommended that you should buy a camping stove. It comes in a wide variety of models and features, which ultimately determines the range of prices. Your choice of the best camping stove should be based on your specific requirements. They will come in handy whether you go camping in the wild, bikepacking, hiking, or simply camping at a campsite.
2. What should I look for in a camping stove?
While buying the camping stove, consider compactness, the weight of the stove (including the carrying bag), heat controls, fuel, and functionalities.
3. What should be the ideal weight of a camping stove?
There is no ideal weight, but generally speaking, your camping stove shouldn’t be over 20 pounds. Your choice of the stove will depend on your requirements.
In some cases, they can be as light as 5 pounds. The lighter the camping stove is, the more convenient it will be. The most lightweight camping stoves are those with single-burner stoves. These are perfect for boiling soups and making tea. These are an excellent choice for backpacking trips. Ideal for solo and couple campers.
Heavier stoves generally have more amenities. These include double burners and sometimes a grilling section as well. Solo campers may not need the added features. But it can turn out quite beneficial for families and a group of friends on camping, as they will have the ability to cook multiple things simultaneously.
4. Is it important for a camping stove to be portable?
Yes, it is. In fact, when looking for the best camping stove, it’s essential to consider its portability features. The stove must have a carrying case for when you’re ready to pack up. It should be easy to open up the parts and pack them up inside the carrying case. That makes your camping stove kit a compact one. As we saw above, there are pocket-sized compact stoves, and you don’t need a box to carry them. They’d hardly occupy a corner of your backpack.
5. Is a camping stove with a stand a good choice?
Many of the camping stoves come with a cooking stand for the stove. It gives stability to the stove and the cooking process. It also makes the cooking process much more efficient.
6. What should you keep in mind when looking for the best camping stove for bike packing?
When you are going bike packing, space is very precious, and you must use it judiciously. The pocket-sized stoves can come in handy here.
7. How much time does it take to boil on a camping stove?
The fastest boiling time on camping stoves ranges between 1- 2 minutes for one litre of water. On the other end, stoves with inefficient heat transfer can take up to 8-10 minutes.
8. Is an electric camping stove a good choice?
A portable electric stove can be a fantastic choice if you have arrangements for a constant electricity supply. If not a first choice, then also it is undoubtedly a fine backup cooking choice. It can give you more control over the cooking process by adjusting the heat and putting a timer. They are mostly safe to use as well.
9. Is it safe to use camping stoves indoors?
It depends. A charcoal burner, for instance, should never be used indoors. On the other hand, white gas, alcohol, and propane stoves are safe to use. But you must use them with caution and in a well-ventilated area. Ventilated spaces include areas like inside a fireplace, under a working stove vent, or a room with open windows. You must be very careful while using camping stoves indoors and should avoid it altogether if you’re an amateur with camping stoves.
10. What are the disadvantages of lightweight cooking stoves?
One common problem with most camping stoves is poor performance when the campsite is at high altitudes. It is because of low pressure as well as decreased oxygen levels at these high altitudes. Because of lower air pressure and decreased oxygen at these altitudes, you are likely to experience less heat output. The stoves might not operate as efficiently as in the lower altitudes. It gets even worse for the light, less-powerful stoves.
Final Thoughts
A camping stove can add to the quality of your camping experience—no doubt about it. However, you must make the correct choice to attain the highest utility. In this article, you saw that there are multiple factors that you need to consider before going to get the best camping stove for yourself.
With a prolific collection of camping stoves out there, picking a single one is not an easy task. You need to be crystal clear about the purpose that you need your stove to fulfil. Then accordingly, make your choice. First, you have to decide the number of burners that you’d need. Second, we need to determine the quality of control that you want over the cooking process. You should also be clear about the functionalities as there are multifunctional stoves as well as solo functional ones. Third, choose the kind of power/fuel that’d fuel your stoves. Fourth is the portability factor. These significant factors and other factors, such as sturdy stands and windshields, should eventually aid you in making your choice.
Your camping stove is going to be you and your team’s lifeline when you are out in the wild. The essence of this technology is immense. It’s recommended that anyone interested in camping must get the best camping stove for oneself. You should get one that best suits your requirements. We wish you the best of luck choosing the best camping stove for yourself, and happy camping!
Really glad to see the MSR Pocket Rocket 2 on the list, OutdoorMag. I’ve been using it for my solo hiking trips and it’s as reliable as you say. Lightweight but packs a punch when it comes to boiling water quickly.
hey everyone, been thinking bout getting the Campingaz Party Grill for some chill camping with mates. anyone got experience with it? is it good for cooking up more than just snags and marshmallows?
I tried using an electric camping stove once, like the Russell Hobbs mentioned, but found that I prefer the versatility of gas stoves, especially in areas without electricity. Great roundup by OutdoorMag, gives lots of options for different needs.
Great article, OutdoorMag. When it comes to camping stoves, it’s all about finding the right balance between weight and functionality. For those just starting, I’d recommend a single burner like the Shayson Wild Camping Stove for ease of use and portability. However, for anyone doing more gourmet camping cooking, a larger stove with multiple burners might be necessary. Always appreciate articles that give a variety of options.
Totally agree with GeoCacheWizard. Also, always remember to check if your campsite allows the type of stove you’re bringing!
Yeah, weight’s a big deal for me. MSR Pocket Rocket 2 is my go-to.
Interesting list. How does the Docooler 25g Super Light Camping Stove hold up in windy conditions, though? Anyone got experience?
So, thinking about the Terra Hiker Portable Wild Camping Gas Stove for my next trip. Has anyone used it? What’s the fuel efficiency like?
When looking for camping stoves, it’s crucial to consider the type of camping you’ll be doing. For backcountry adventures, go light and small. But if you’re car camping, you might appreciate the luxury of a larger stove that can handle diverse cooking tasks. Also, remember to check the burn time and fuel types available in the regions you’ll be camping in. These factors can greatly affect your meals and stove performance.
Lean towards ultralight stoves like Docooler for fast hiking. Saves so much space and weight.
The George Foreman BBQ Grill has been a game changer for our family camps! Easy to use and clean, making meals a breeze. Highly recommend it for anyone camping with kids!
Regarding the NJ FS-430 Triple Burner Camping Stove, can anyone comment on its durability and ease of maintenance? Preferably looking for something that withstands frequent use.