Buying guide for Best camping stoves
Whether you’re vacationing in Yellowstone National Park, camping along a local trail, or setting up a tent in your backyard, a camping stove provides a way for you to rustle up everything from a reheated can of beans to a medium-rare filet mignon. Indeed, a camping stove adds a touch of fun and comfort to your outdoor adventures!
With a few pots and pans, portable utensils, and some basic foodstuffs, you can cap off a thrilling day of hiking, fishing, or running the rapids with a delicious, home-cooked meal rather than a candy bar and warm soda pop.
If you’re interested in purchasing a camping stove, check out our curated selections.
If you’d like to learn more about camping stoves, you've come to the right place.
When compiling a list of the best camping stoves, we consider models that use a variety of different fuels, including common propane as well as specialty canisters.
When looking for the best camping stoves, we assess the stability of the stove itself and how safe it is to put pans of various sizes on the burner.
We want to know how easy it is to clean and maintain each camping stove on our research list. This information helps us determine which camping stoves are best for consumers.
We note the size and weight of each camping stove. This information is especially important for minimalist backpackers and other through-hikers.
Consumers want a camping stove that doesn’t waste fuel or pose a hazard. We make note of how efficient a camping stove is and how resistant it is to clogs and leaks.
In our research, we pay attention to how hot each camping stove gets and how long each one takes to boil water.
Our in-depth evaluation of camping stoves includes researching total heat output, ignition mechanisms, and the number of burners on the stove.
The support or grill over each burner is a primary point of concern while researching which camping stoves are the safest and easiest to cook with.
Helpful features, such as wind screens and piezoelectric igniters, tend to capture our attention as we scour the market for the best camping stoves.
Our search for the top camping stoves starts with well-known brands and also includes obscure models with novel and convenient features.
Form factor
All camping stoves share a common feature: they generate heat that you can use for cooking outdoors.
When perusing the market, however, you’ll find that your product choices run the gamut from one-burner butane stovetops to multi-burner stove/oven combinations with removable racks.
The products in our product list, above, also vary somewhat in their form factor. But all of them offer superior characteristics, which you can read about in our evaluations.
"With the open air as a backdrop, a camping stove makes a beautiful centerpiece in your outdoor kitchen."
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Fuel source
The fuel source you use when cooking on a camping stove depends on the model.
Some stoves require propane or gas to start a fire. Others require a flammable biomass like wood to get the heat going.
As with any outdoor activity that involves fire, camping stoves should not be used by children.
For those models that rely on gas or propane, the fuel must be handled with extreme care.
It’s also wise to avoid cooking on a camping stove when it’s windy out. Not only will it be difficult to light your fire, but the wind could spread your flames to nearby foliage.
Other considerations
If you inspect the garage of your favorite outdoor enthusiast, chances are you’ll find a camping stove tucked away amidst the other gear.
And it’s a safe bet that the stove will be a bit worn around the edges, because once a camper finds a stove they like, it becomes a best friend — one that can boil water, fry eggs, and put the finishing touches on a freshly caught trout.
Did you know?
The Japanese Shichirin is a lightweight charcoal stove that originated in the 1600s and is still in use today.
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To find the camping stove that will be your best friend, here are some guidelines —
- Size: From a large stove with folding legs to a small stove that packs into a travel pouch, you’ll encounter a range of size choices when shopping for this appliance.
So ask yourself: are you the sort of adventurer who travels on foot for miles before setting up camp? Or are you the kind of camper who prefers to drive your car right up to the campsite? Lugging a 15-pound stove might not sound difficult, but after a mile’s hike on uneven terrain, you could end up wishing for something lighter.
We urge potential buyers to take their camping habits into account when choosing a stove size.
Menu: What do you plan to cook on your stove? If someone in your camping group is a foodie or gourmet chef, you’ll probably want that person to have a stove that matches their culinary talent.
At minimum, we recommend a two-burner model. If you like to host seafood boils on the beach, you'll want to opt for a substantial model that can handle the size of your crab pot.
However, if your outdoor menus will be short and simple, a small oven that handles a three-quart pot (or less) should suffice.
"If you’ll be preparing meals that require some prep — chopping onions, filleting fish, etc. — consider a model with side trays for easy sous chef activity."
STAFF
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- Experience: What kind of outdoor cooking experience do you hope to have?
If you go into “rough it” mode while camping, you might appreciate the challenge of a stove that requires assembly and a bit of elbow grease to get the fire going.
But if you prefer a straightforward cooking experience, you might prefer a standard model by a manufacturer like Coleman or Camp Chef that will boil, sauté, and fry on a burner — just like at home.
Price
Under $100
At this low price point, you’ll find some smaller units, many of which must be assembled and disassembled before and after each use. The reputable Coleman brand offers several gas-fed, one-burner stoves under $100. At the higher end of the range, you’ll also find some two-burner stoves which may have added features such as a broiler or baking rack.
Did you know?
You can make a one-pot pizza on a camping stove by pouring Bisquick (mixed with water) into your oiled pot. Layer sauce, cheese, and toppings on top and cook until golden brown.
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Under $200
As you climb above the $100 mark, you’ll find a heftier supply of camping stoves with actual burners for traditional cooking.
Some of these models set up like a folding table on four legs — a bonus for those who prefer the convenience of standing while cooking.
Other creature comforts you might find in this price range include side trays for food prep and a USB port for charging your phone while cooking.
$200 and up
If you’re willing to pay top dollar for a camping stove, you can expect the most deluxe of features: multiple burners, temperature control, fold-out shelves, and more.
A camping stove of this caliber can turn any campsite gathering into a gourmet dining experience.
Safety tips
Follow these safety tips for a positive outdoor cooking experience:
"When choosing a camping stove, remember that fuel-fed units require you to carry canisters of propane or gas along as well. This adds to the overall weight of your gear."
STAFF
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FAQ
Q. What is a “pop can” stove?
A. This is a DIY camping stove that you can make out of a regular beverage can — or even a cat food can — using a knife, scissors, and some other craft supplies. The end result is something like a Sterno burner you might see on a buffet table.
Q. What kind of camping stoves are permitted in the Grand Canyon?
A. Wood or charcoal fires of any type are not allowed. Sterno-type or fossil fuel backpack stoves are permitted.
Q. Can I take my camping stove on an airplane?
A. According to the TSA, camping stoves are allowed as either carry on or checked baggage. The stoves must be empty of fuel with no residual vapors.
