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Best Camping Stove

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Updated December 15, 2021

To determine the best camping stove, we looked at the following factors: stove type, boil time, weight, fuel source, and accessories. We also took into account activity types while selecting our top picks, ensuring some weren’t too heavy or cumbersome to move, especially if you’re mode of transport isn’t a car or truck. We then focused on how quickly you could boil water to determine an appropriate baseline power output. Finally, we considered fuel source – it’s an important factor since it could render your camping stove incompatible with your activity; carrying a large fuel tank isn’t ideal for backpackers but shouldn’t be a problem for those car or RV camping. Another great benefit of using an RV is that you can easily carry the best camping gear.

After considering all of the above, we nominated the Coleman Gas Camping Stove as our Top Pick. In addition to being a heritage outdoor gear brand, we liked that this was a tabletop two-burner stove that was perfect for campground use. The wind-blocking panels and adjustable burners also offered more functionality and more precise cooking control. Keep reading to learn more about the rest of our top picks.

Top 7 Best Camping Stoves

 #1  Coleman Gas Camping Stove

Award: TOP PICK

WHY WE LIKE IT: A portable two-burner tabletop stove with the ability to adjust the burners and wind-blocking panels makes this the best camping stove for campgrounds.

Pros
  • Best 2-burner tabletop stove
  • Wind-blocking panels
  • Adjustable burners
Cons
  • Inconsistent burner adjustments
  • Fuel not included

When it comes to camping, Coleman is one of the heritage brands that you know you can trust. We’re nominating their two-burner gas camping stove as our Top Pick because we think it’s the best camping stove for campgrounds. This propane-powered stove reaches up to 20,000 total BTUs in power, making it a powerful option for the camper who needs to cook multiple items at once.

We like that you get up to one hour of runtime on the highest burner setting with one 16.4 ounce propane cylinder. And since this camping stove uses propane, that means you can use it in colder weather and at higher altitudes. This two-burner stove also has a pressure regulator with pressure-control technology to give it consistent performance. We like that this tabletop stove features adjustable burners which are perfect for more serious campsite cooks. Plus the wind-blocking panels ensure that strong gusts won’t blow out your flames. Don’t forget to pack the best rooftop tents.

 #2  Etekcity Ultralight Portable Backpacking Camping Stove

Award: HONORABLE MENTION

WHY WE LIKE IT: A lightweight two-pack set of backpacking stoves that fold down and feature piezo-igniters makes this the best portable stove for the outdoor enthusiast on the go.

Pros
  • Foldable space-saving design
  • Piezo-ignition starter
  • Economical 2-pack
Cons
  • Fuel not included
  • Slower boil rate

If you’re trying to travel as light as possible because you’re backpacking your way between campsites, then a traditional camping stove isn’t going to be an option for you. We think that the Etekcity Ultralight Portable Backpacking Camping Stove is the perfect solution if you want the option of a hot meal without the added weight of a traditional stove. It’s the best portable stove and the best camping stove because each of the stoves in this two-pack weighs no more than 3.2 ounces, and still has good performance.

More importantly, you’ll like that these backpacking stoves each come with a piezo-ignition so that you never have to struggle to start a fire. However, we did note that for a backpacking stove, this has a slower boil rate of roughly five minutes. But you’ll appreciate the serrated four-arm design that ensures better stability for your pots and pans. While fuel isn’t included, the portability of this stove makes it a great option. Check out other great camping stoves made by Coleman apart from the classic propane stove listed above, like the Coleman Triton and Coleman Butane. It is as handy as the best UV flashlight.

 #3  Camp Chef Explorer Double Burner Stove

Award: BEST FOR CARS & RVS

WHY WE LIKE IT: This Camp Chef stove is the perfect option for tailgaters or hardcore campers who want a standing camping stove that creates a comfortable and natural height for cooking.

Pros
  • Best Standing Stove
  • 32” adjustable-height detachable legs
  • 2-burner cast aluminum
Cons
  • Expensive

Although this Camp Chef stove isn’t the only double burner option in our guide, it’s the only standing stove that is ideal for a range of campers and outdoor enthusiasts including campers and tailgaters. Specifically, we like that although the legs are detachable, you get a cooking height of 32 inches which makes cooking outdoors more comfortable. Plus, the fact that you can adjust the height of this stove adds to the versatility and makes it a great option. The camp chef also has four removable legs, so you can use it on the tabletop, and the legs are also adjustable for uneven ground.

Next, let’s talk about the fact that this is the most powerful stove in our guide. With a rating of 60,000 BTUs per hour (30,000 per burner), serious cooks can get to work without limitations because setup and ignition is a breeze. The double burners are protected by the three-sided screen to prevent wind from blowing out the flames. You can also purchase Blue Flame Camp Chef accessories such as the cast iron grid griddle that holds heat well and heats evenly. And like our Top Pick, this option also comes with a hose and regulator for the fuel source. Likewise, the burners can also be adjusted for improved precision. Although this camping stove doesn’t come with any accessories, it’s designed to work with Camp Chef’s full range of camping cookware accessories such as the grill box and pizza oven. Camp Chef makes even more quality camping stoves, like the Camp Chef Everest 2 Burner Camping Stove, which is a very portable and powerful option with good performance for your next trip. It’s good that this Everest model has a matchless ignition too. Also, read about the best backpacking stove.

 #4  Jetboil Flash Camping Stove Cooking System

Award: BEST QUALITY

WHY WE LIKE IT: The Jetboil stove is the best camping stove for backpacking trips because of its simplified lightweight design that features a push-button ignition with a fast boiling time.

Pros
  • Best backpacking
  • Quickest boil time (1.6 minutes)
  • Push-button ignition & color-changing heat indicator
Cons
  • Expensive

Frequent backpackers know that space is at a premium and more importantly that you need a reliable backpacking stove if you’re going to attempt to do any kind of cooking or boiling while on the trail. The Jetboil stove is the best camping stove for backpacking trips because of its intuitive and easy-to-use design. The Jetboil Flash Camping Stove Cooking System is also our Best Quality recommendation for the same reasons. One of the biggest bonuses with this stove is that it has a push-button ignitor to quickly start a flame. And it also works seamlessly with Jetboil’s campfire cooking accessories (not included). But you’ll like that this option in our guide is a system that comes with a few essential accessories that make using this stove easier and one of the best winter backpacking stoves.

The fuel canister stabilizer helps to minimize the risk of fires by preventing your stove from tipping over. The lid cover also works as a measuring cup and can even become a bowl. And most importantly, the thermochromic color-changing heat indicator on the included cooking cup lets you know when your water is boiling. And the fact that water boils in just 100 seconds is a big deal. It’s the fastest boiling rate in our guide. Another great camping stove under the same brand is the Jetboil Genesis Basecamp System. It has a stainless steel cooktop, a 10,000 BTU heating system that’s good for simmering and rapid boiling, 5-liter FluxPot, 10-inch ceramic-coated frying pan, and an attachable windscreen included for wind resistance. When camping, make sure you pack the best water purification tablets for camping.

 #5  Gas ONE GS-1000 7,650 BTU Portable Butane Camping Stove

Award: BEST BUDGET

WHY WE LIKE IT: A simple and lightweight single-burner butane camping stove that can also be used indoors and comes with a carrying case makes this a great choice for the campfire or hot pot meals at home.

Pros
  • Best backpacking
  • Quickest boil time (1.6 minutes)
  • Automatic safety shut off
Cons
  • Fuel sold separately

Not everyone buys a campfire stove because they’re interested in exploring the great outdoors while also eating a hot meal. For some dishes like hot pot and Korean barbecue, a portable stove is a necessity if you’re trying to have an authentic experience at home. We selected the Gas One GS-1000 7,650 BTU Portable Butane Camping Stove as our Best Budget because, in addition to being the most affordable option in our guide, it’s also the only one that’s truly designed for indoor or outdoor use and is the best portable gas stove.

And that means that this stove may have wider appeal, especially for those who aren’t interested in cooking by a campfire but need a single-burner stove. This is the only butane-powered stove in our guide, but also comes with an automatic safety shut-off feature that immediately ejects the butane canister if the stove detects as little as 0.7 kilograms of force from the fuel canister. We like that you can also adjust the flame and features a piezo-igniter for easy starting. And of course, the carrying case makes it easy to bring this stove with you. So eat up and then rest in the best sleeping pad.

 #6  Bisgear 12-pc Camping Cookware Backpacking Stove

Award: BEST COOKING KIT

WHY WE LIKE IT: A cooking kit stocked with essentials that include two pots, a single set of utensils, and a cup that’s perfect for cooks focused on recreating their kitchen on the trail.

Pros
  • Includes cookware, cups, & utensils
  • Compact portable design
  • Lightweight 1.4lbs
Cons
  • Fuel not included

If you’re the type who needs every meal to be satisfying, you might be in the market for a more comprehensive camping stove setup. And that means that beyond a basic stove, you want the accessories so you can create a tasty meal no matter where you make camp. We’re nominating the Bisgear 12-pc Camping Cookware Backpacking Stove as the Best Cooking Kit in our guide. In addition to a backpacking camping stove, you also get a full cookware set and a single set of cutlery.

You’ll like that this kit includes two pots, a set of cutlery (knife, spoon, and fork), a 16-ounce cup that comes with an insulating sleeve, a wine opener, and a fuel canister stabilizer for your fuel canister. The piezo-ignition on the stove makes starting your stove fire easy while the four-pot arms provide a stable surface for pots and pans. Plus the non-stick pots are heat-resistant with anti-slip collapsible handles. And for easier transport, you can nest all of the items in this kit and use the included tote bag to keep them organized. Best of all, the entire set weighs just 1.3 pounds, making it a great lightweight option. If you need to cook for large groups, check out the Stansport Outfitter Series Propane Camp Stove. This comes with two large and a small third burner to help enhance and speed up cooking for mealtimes. If cooking by night, use the best headlamp.

 #7  TOMSHOO Camping Stove

Award: BEST WOOD

WHY WE LIKE IT: The best camping stove grill combo in our guide that’s wood-fueled but can accommodate pans and comes with a removable grill plate for barbecuing.

Pros
  • Perfect for bikers & motorcyclists
  • 3-arm stable base
  • Grill grid included
Cons
  • Requires a wood source

Some people don’t want to deal with bringing fuel with them. If this sounds about right, you’ll like the Tomoshoo Camping Stove. It’s the only option in our guide that doesn’t require buying fuel before you use it. And because of this, it’s a great option if you’re on two wheels. You can use twigs, leaves, or pine cones as a fuel source. However, if you prefer, this stove also works with solidified alcohol. We think this is the best camping stove grill combo because it’s also the only one that can natively be used for either pots and pans or grilling and barbecuing.

For safety, we like that this stove has a sturdy base with a bottom vent to prevent tipping. Meanwhile, the pot supporter attachment shields the flames from the wind. You’ll appreciate that this stove weighs less than a pound. So, while we wouldn’t necessarily recommend this for the avid backpacker, anyone who plans on camping at one site but doesn’t want to bring one of the other heavier stove designs from our guide will appreciate this option. And like with our #6 pick, all the pieces for this stove can be nested and stored in the included carrying tote. If you’re looking for the best stargazing experience, try taking along the best refracting telescope too.

Note: Other camping stoves worth mentioning that are not on our list here include the Primus Kinjia Cooker, the Camp Chef Everest 2 Burner Camping Stove, and the Coleman Classic Propane Gas Camping stove.

The Primus Kinjia is a light, small, and compact two-burner stove that despite its size, does not compromise on performance. The Primus can be used with propane, butane, and isobutane, and the underlying tray and pot holder can be removed and cleaned easily.

The Camp Chef Everest 2 Burner Camping Stove is a good performance camping stove with two burners that give a total output of 40,000 BTU. This Everest model has a stainless steel drip tray that makes cleaning easy, and with a matchless ignition. Lastly, Camp Chef Everest 2 has a Piezo igniter that sparks the stove with the push of a button. No need for matches.

The Coleman Classic camping stove uses liquified petroleum gas and has a cooking power of up to 20,000 BTUs in total using its two burners. This Coleman Classic model also has pressure control technology for consistent performance.

How We Decided

Camping stoves are a must-have if you plan on spending serious time outdoors. To make our selections, we prioritized the following features — stove type, boil time, weight, fuel source, and accessories.

In our guide, we featured both campground stoves and backpacking stoves. Backpacking stoves are ideal for people who want to travel as light as possible, especially if they’re biking, hiking, or traveling on foot, and making camp in multiple locations. If you’re keeping your camp in one location and are bringing your gear on a vehicle, then campground stoves are an option for you. For backpacking stoves, we recommend the Honorable Mention, Best Quality, and #6 picks. The remainder is all campground stoves.

Boil time can be tricky as the campground stoves usually don’t list boil time but instead power in BTU ratings. The fastest boil time is with our Best Quality recommendation that can boil water in just 100 seconds. But if you’re focused on power, we would recommend the #3 pick that was expensive but had the strongest power rating of any campground stove at 60,000 BTUs per hour (30,000 BTUs per burner).

The weight is going to be important, even if you’re driving to a campsite and unpacking gear. While the lightest options are backpacking stoves, it’s important to think about weight for campground stoves since it can impact how quickly you can assemble or break down your cooking setup. The double burner campground stoves are going to be the heaviest option since they also require a separate propane tank.

Likewise, you should consider your fuel source when looking at a camping stove. If you don’t want to be responsible for buying fuel, we recommend our #7 pick as it’s the only option that is wood-fueled. If you prefer canister-based options, all of the backpacking stoves are a good bet. And for traditional burner-style stoves, you can choose between propane (Top Pick and #3) or butane (Best Budget).

Key accessories that we considered included windshields (common across all stoves), and cooking accessories. The only stoves that came with cooking accessories were our Best Quality, #6, and #7 recommendations.

Best Camping Stove Buyer’s Guide

The Most Important Factors to Consider

  1. Stove Type
    While camping stoves are designed to be portable, there are a range of options and the one you pick is going to depend on how mobile you plan on being while outside, and how robust your campfire cooking skills will be. But in general, these are the most common camping stoves: campground stoves and canister backpacking stoves. Within both categories, they can be further divided by their fuel sources. As a guide, campground stoves are larger and usually offer multiple burners like a three burner camping stove while canister backpacking stoves are very small so that they don’t take up much space in your backpack.
  2. Location
    Depending on your mobility level, you’ll want to pick a stove that’s best suited for that. For example, if you’re going to set up camp in one location and always return to your campsite, then a traditional campground stove is perfect. The larger size will accommodate multiple pots or pans and you won’t mind making space for it in your car or RV. But if you plan on making camp in multiple locations while traveling on foot before you make camp again, a backpacking stove is a better choice. Likewise, if you’re going to be camping at higher altitudes or cold weather, you’ll need to confirm that the stove and fuel source you want to use are compatible in those conditions. You will also require the best compass to navigate to and from your camping site.
  3. Fuel Source
    Depending on the camping stove you choose, you’ll either need to bring your fuel sources with you or find suitable fuel at your campsite. Options such as wood, solar, or BioLite campground stoves are perfect if you don’t want to bring fuel. However, you’ll need to make sure that your campsite has wood available to power your stove. In contrast, propane and liquid fuel-powered stoves are perfect since you won’t be at the mercy of your surroundings to start your stove, and refilling the canisters is fairly easy.
  4. Burn & Boil Time
    Burn time represents how long a stove can run before it needs to be refueled. And boil time means how quickly you could boil water. These statistics are important because a stove with a slow boil time but a short burn time means you’ll waste fuel. Canister stoves usually have the fastest boiling times while liquid fuel stoves have fairly fast boil times — even in colder weather. Other fuel-based stoves are typically designed for boiling and operate at a slower rate.
  5. Weight
    Again, depending on how mobile you’re planning to be in the great outdoors, you’ll need to pick a compatible stove. A backpacking stove is best if you’re going to be on the go all the time. These stoves often weigh less than a pound. Meaning if you’re carrying a lot of gear with you, a backpacking stove won’t add significant weight to your pack. But weight might not be as important if you’re not planning on making camp in numerous locations and traveling on foot or by bike between those sites. So, if you plan on spending a few nights in the wild, ensure that you have the best camping hiking gear.
  6. Additional Features
    Additional features can always enhance the functionality of your camping stove. Common value-added features include piezo-igniters that take the guesswork out of starting a flame. Likewise, stoves that come with a fuel source or include cooking accessories can help too. And regardless of the type of camping stove you pick, always opt for stabilizers. This essential safety feature can prevent the risk of a fire from a stove tipping over.

Camping Stove FAQs

Which is better butane or propane stove?

This is going to depend on where you’re planning on setting up camp and your budget. While both are affordable, many people prefer a propane stove because the fuel is easier to find and can be purchased at gas stations and big-box stores. Likewise, propane has a lower boiling point than butane and performs better in cold weather and high altitudes.

What can I put my camping stove on?

You should always prioritize safety when setting up your camping stove. Even if the instructions state that it’s safe to place your stove on a stable plastic surface, there’s always a risk that the heat from the stove could melt the plastic. As a general rule, look for flat surfaces that don’t pose a tipping risk. Likewise, if you’re going to place a stove on a tabletop surface, ensure that it’s heat resistant or bring a heat-resistant mat to prevent the risk of a fire.

What is the best camp stove to buy?

This is always going to depend on your personal needs and goals. But we nominated the Coleman Gas Camping Stove as our Top Pick. While it wouldn’t be suitable for backpackers who want to travel light, for families or foodies who opt to stay at a campground site, this dual-burner tabletop stove is portable and lightweight with burner adjustments for precise cooking.