Best Small Two-Burner Stove: Coleman Camping Stove
Whether you’re cooking in cold weather or at high altitudes, this camp stove features controls that offer consistent cooking performance. The stove also comes with side panels that keep wind from putting out its flames. However, these panels are removable if you need to accommodate larger pots and pans.
Key Features
Has two burners Produces 22,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs) of heat total Uses propane gas Weighs 10 pounds Has a three-year warranty
What Customers Are Saying
Customers appreciated the simplicity and light weight of this camp stove. Many customers also reported good longevity by leaving a follow-up review a few years after their original review. Unfortunately, other customers found that the light weight of the stove made it flimsy and unstable. Some users experienced issues with the automatic ignition system, too, stating that it was difficult to press.
Best For Warming: Camp Chef Two-Burner Stove
This alloy steel camp stove provides 15 hours of cook time per 20-pound propane tank. You can also pair it with a range of Camp Chef accessories, such as the company’s cast iron cookware and outdoor pizza oven. Additionally, its three-sided windscreen protects its flames from heavy gusts of wind.
Key Features
Has two burners Produces 30,000 BTUs of heat per burner Uses propane gas Weighs 30.5 pounds Has a one-year warranty
What Customers Are Saying
Customers liked using this portable stove because of its sturdiness and relatively efficient propane consumption. They also found the 30,000 BTUs of cooking power per burner to be more than sufficient for most of their cooking needs. Alternatively, other customers found it difficult to achieve steady heat with both burners operating simultaneously. They were also disappointed with the lack of an automatic ignition system.
Most Durable: Coleman Portable Stove
This camp stove provides up to 7,650 BTUs of heat for 1.25 hours with a 8.8-ounce butane canister. Its burner has an adjustable dial and can fit 10-inch pans. Your purchase also includes a case for easy transportation.
Key Features
Has one burner Produces 7,650 BTUs of heat total Uses butane gas Weighs 4.68 pounds Has a one-year warranty
What Customers Are Saying
Customers liked the compact nature of this portable butane stove, calling out its small size and light weight. Although limited in its cooking capabilities, many found this stove to be perfect for one or two people. On the other hand, many customers were confused about its fuel source. They either had trouble finding butane or finding a campground that allowed butane.
Most Lightweight: GasOne Dual-Fuel Stove
This camp stove is equipped with safety features that cut off the gas flow or eject the cartridge when they detect irregularities. Meant for small meals, it produces up to 8,000 BTUs of heat. Since this unit has an electric ignition, you can also leave the matches at home.
Key Features
Has one burner Produces 8,000 BTUs of heat total Uses propane or butane gas Weighs 3.1 pounds Has a one-year warranty
What Customers Are Saying
Customers valued the two-fuel design of this stove, saying that it was convenient to be able to choose between propane and butane. The built-in ignition switch was also a valued feature for many users. However, other customers had issues with the stove’s fuel regulator, stating that it leaked gas. Some also reported that the unit arrived with a chemical-like smell.
Best Cooking Power: Outland Living Portable Camping Stove
This camp stove is outfitted with four hooks and two side tables for preparing your food and storing your grilling accessories. You can use it without its included legs on a tabletop or with its legs on the ground. Once you’re done cooking, you can fold it into a compact rectangle and wheel it to storage.
Key Features
Has three burners Produces 30,000 BTUs of heat per burner Uses propane gas Weights 57.8 pounds Has a one-year warranty
What Customers Are Saying
Customers were impressed by the performance of this camping stove, sharing that it offered plenty of cooking space and power. However, some customers found that its heat output was too strong even on the lowest setting, leading to burnt food. Others said that even though the stove was easy to assemble and maintain, its heavy weight was a drawback.
Buyer’s Guide
Check out our buying guide below to learn what features and functions to consider when you’re purchasing a camp stove.
Number of Burners
Camp stoves usually have between one and four burners. Having two or more burners allows you to accommodate several pots and pans at once, but it also increases the size and weight of the stove.
Weight
Camping stoves usually weigh between five and 60 pounds. However, it’s also important to factor in the weight of the gas canisters you’ll be bringing to power your stove, as these will add more bulk and weight to your camping supplies. Size Camp stoves range from bulky units that come with legs to compact models that fold into a travel pouch. Though this varies from trip to trip, what you cook affects the size camp stove you need. For example, to heat a can of beans, you only need one small burner, but you need several large burners to cook chicken, vegetables, and more across multiple pans. When in doubt, it’s better to have a stove that’s slightly too large than one that’s too small.
Wind Protection
Some stoves come with two- or three-walled screens to prevent wind from blowing your flames out. This is a useful feature for camping, since you’ll be outdoors and susceptible to wind.
Heat Output
British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to measure heat output. The higher a stove’s BTU rating, the faster your meals will cook. For example, a camp stove with 20,000 BTUs will cook faster than one with 7,500 BTUs.
Camp Stove Safety Tips
Camp stoves are a convenient, travel-friendly alternative to traditional cooking appliances. Whether your power goes out or you’re planning a week-long camping trip in the wilderness, it’s important to use your camp stove with caution. For your safety, we’ve put together a list of some essential tips to help you handle your camp stove correctly.
Use your camping stove on a flat, even surface. Make sure your stove is properly and securely attached to its fuel source. Don’t leave your stove unattended for any reason. Even during inclement weather, never use a camp stove in your tent. When you’re using a propane camping stove, keep the tank upright when it’s packed away. When you’re unpacked, store the tank in a well-ventilated area that’s away from direct sunlight. Account for the extra weight and bulk of fuel canisters when you pack for your trip. Pack them carefully so that the other contents in your bag don’t poke the canisters. Make sure the stove cools completely before packing it away.
How do tabletop and freestanding camp stoves compare to each other?
Tabletop camp stoves are designed for use on a flat surface, such as a picnic table, while freestanding units have legs. Tabletop models are smaller and lighter, making them easier to transport. Freestanding camp stoves, on the other hand, have larger burners for more cooking power and space. They also let you cook in areas that don’t have tables.
What type of fuel do camp stoves use?
Most camp stoves use propane or butane gas. However, you can also find some that burn wood. Wood-burning camp stoves are more difficult to control, but they cut down on how much you have to bring with you because you’ll likely already be carrying wood for a bonfire.
How long will a camp stove burn?
It depends on the fuel source and the canister size. For example, a small one-pound butane canister will last for about two hours, while a 20-pound propane tank will last for about 15 hours.
Can I take my camp stove with me on an airplane?
So long as your camping stove is completely empty of fuel with no residual vapors, the Transportation Security Administration allows it. You can travel with it as either carry-on or checked luggage.
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