Choosing a Camping Stove

This page discusses the various types of camping stoves, and is a guide to choosing the camping stove that best meets your requirements.

Camping stoves are generally classified by the purpose for which they are used (family camping, backpacking, or mountain climbing) or the type of fuel they use (e.g. gas, liquid, solid). We begin with a discussion of the different types and then move on to how one selects the type which is most suited for a given use.

Camping Stoves: Objective

Camping stoves are generally designed for one of the following purposes:

• Family camping stoves: These stoves are easy to use and designed with safety in mind, with the expectation that the users are typically relatively inexperienced. They are the largest of the three types, partly because they need to feed a family and partly because weight is less of an issue than the following two types. As a minimum they will have a large gas hob (much like one would find on a domestic gas stove), but it is common to have more than one hob and some even have a grill attached as well. In addition to the stove itself being relatively large, the gas canister attached to it will be relatively large as well.

• Backpacking stoves: These stoves are designed with the idea that they will be carried substantial distances in a backpack (e.g. during hiking, rambling, cycling or fishing trips). Consequently, weight is an important issue, so they tend to be smaller then family camping stoves and of a lighter construction. To meet this requirement, they will generally have only one hob, which is of moderate size. They may be gas, liquid or solid fuel; in any case the fuel container will be smaller than with a family camping stove (partly to save weight, partly because the intention is to provide a very basic meal rather than a standard family meal).

• Mountain stoves: These stoves are designed for minimum size and weight (both of which are critical in mountain climbing), both in terms of the stove itself and the fuel. It also needs to operate under very cold conditions and in low atmospheric pressure. Consequently, they are very lightweight and generally use a liquid fuel (liquid fuels give the best performance under difficult conditions and also gives the most heat for a given amount of weight). One can also find mountain stoves that use gas as a fuel, but they are only suitable for low-level mountain climbing. To save on size and weight they have only a single, small hob (being the smallest of the three types of stoves). They may also be more complicated to use, as ease-of-use is also sacrificed to save weight and space.

As a rough guide:

• If weight is not a major concern and you want the convenience of a stove that is easy to use and will cook for multiple people, you are probably interested in a family camping stove.

• If size and weight are more of a concern (e.g. you are carrying it for substantial distances in a backpack or in a bicycle's saddle bags), then a backpacking stove is likely more suitable.

• Finally, if your stove must have minimum size/weight, you will need a mountain stove.

Fuel Types

Most modern camping stoves use either gas (e.g. propane) or liquid fuel (e.g. white gas). However, there are a range of other fuels as well. Following are the main types:

• Gas Canister: This consists of a metal container with burnable gas (butane or propane), much the same as the container for a gas barbeque, except smaller. Stoves using gas are generally easy to start and to use (like a gas barbeque); just turn on the gas and light it. However, they are not suitable for high altitudes (mountains) or very cold conditions. Also, when the container is empty it may not be possible to refill it, so one must dispose of the canister and buy a new one, which is wasteful and makes this fuel type more expensive (as one has to pay not only for the fuel, but each time for the container). The gas can be Propane, Butane, Isobutane, or a mixture (e.g. butane and propane). Gas stoves tend to be less expensive than liquid fuel stoves (for equivalent capacity, quality and features) to buy but have a higher running cost (as the fuel is more expensive). Consequently, if you use your stove infrequently a gas stove is probably less expensive but if you use your stove a lot, then a liquid fuel stove is less expensive.
• Liquid Fuel: A petroleum based liquid fuel will work in more conditions than gas (e.g. in very cold conditions and in low atmospheric pressure conditions), so it is almost always used for serious mountain stoves. It burns hotter than gas (food cooks quicker) and performs better in windy conditions (see discussion further down on wind screens). It has a better heating capacity to weight performance than gas, so it is often preferred in conditions where weight is important (e.g. backpacking). It also has a lower running cost (as one simply refills the canister when empty, rather than buying a new canister). With gas stoves the heating capacity drops as the gas canister empties (due to a drop in pressure) but with liquid fuel stoves the heating capacity is unaffected by the amount of fuel left. However, stoves based on liquid fuel are somewhat more complicated and take more effort to light. To start the stove the fuel has to be pressurized (normally by a pump built into the stove) and priming is needed to pre-heat the fuel and convert it to gas. A liquid fuel stove also requires more cleaning and maintenance than a gas stove. They are more complicated and consequently more likely to fail. Unlike a gas stove, it is difficult to run a liquid fuel stove on very low heat (e.g. to simmer a pot of water rather than boil it). Consequently, it lacks the ease-of-use and simplicity of a gas stove.
• Methylated Spirits: Methylated spirits is a safe fuel as it is less explosive and burns at a lower temperature. However, the fact that it burns at a lower temperature means that your stove takes longer to cook your food.
• Solid Fuel and Gels. Stoves that use solid fuel (tablets) or gels (a thick petroleum-based semi-liquid) are generally save, inexpensive and lightweight. However the fuel tends to be a bit messy and it is difficult to regulate the temperature. Also, stoves based on these fuel types are not as quick to cook food as gas canisters and liquid fuel.
• Other fuels. There are a range of stoves which use other fuels, including ones designed for burning wood that one finds in the forest. Finally, there are solar stoves, which are very green but have the drawback of being very slow and dependent on the weather.

Of these types, most people choose a stove which uses gas (for ease of use) or liquid fuel (for performance and cost effectiveness). There are also some hybrid stoves, which can use both gas and liquid fuel. Unfortunately, hybrid stoves tend to be somewhat heavier, more expensive and more complicated than stoves that use only one type of fuel. As the vast majority of people find that the most suitable type of stove is either a Gas stove or a liquid fuel stove, following is a summary comparison of the two. People new to camping generally prefer a gas stove (for ease of use) whereas frequent campers often buy a liquid fuel stove (due to the power and compactness of liquid fuel).

Gas Camping Stoves: Choosing a type of gas and gas cylinder

If you choose a gas stove, there are several different types of gas to select from. Following is a summary:

• Propane burns cleanly and produces a hot, steady flame. It works well in very cold temperatures and at high altitudes. However, the gas canisters for propane have thick metal walls, making them unsuitable for applications where weight is important (e.g. mountain or long distance backpacking).

• Butane and Isobutane burn well and work at high altitudes. However, they are not very hot and do not work well at low temperatures (under 40º F. or 4º C.) as the gas doesn't vaporize well. However, the gas canister is lighter than for Propane.

• Propane & Butane blends combine the benefits of Propane (work well at cold temperatures) and Butane (relatively light canister). The higher the percentage of Propane, the better the performance under cold conditions.

Before purchasing a given type of gas, ensure that your gas stove accepts that type of gas. Also check that the connection on the gas bottle fits your stove (there are many different types of gas connections, which vary by country, manufacturer of gas canister and even type of gas).

With some gas stoves the gas canister connects directly to the stove whereas with others the gas canister connects via tubes or gas lines. The former tends to be a lighter and simpler package overall. If the gas canister connects directly to the stove, the stove may have been designed with a specific type of canister (and maybe even a specific manufacturer of canister) in mind; check compatibility before you buy.

Liquid Fuel Camping Stoves: Choosing a type of fuel

With liquid fuel stoves, in addition to the intended type of liquid fuel (e.g. white gas or Coleman fuel) the stoves often will burn a variety of different liquid fuels (e.g. diesel, kerosene, petrol, gasoline, etc.). While these alternative fuels are generally inferior to the standard liquid fuels (and in some cases will clog the stove), they are readily available almost anywhere. Consequently, if travelling in undeveloped countries or remote regions where standard camping stove fuels are unavailable, the ability to use these backup fuels may be important to you. Here is a short summary of liquid fuels:

• White Gas or Coleman fuel. Burns cleanly and provides a strong heat (allowing fast cooking). It performs well in most weather conditions. If spilled it evaporates quickly and without leaving an odour (an important point as it is almost certain that you will spill some at some time). Widely available in UK and North America but may be difficult to find in many countries. Coleman fuel is a proprietary version of white gas which has been (or so it is claimed) specifically for Coleman stoves.

• Alcohol. Burns cleanly and is a relatively safe fuel. If spilled it evaporates quickly and without leaving an odour (an important point as it is almost certain that you will spill some at some time). However, if burns cooler than other fuels (cooking takes longer) and less efficiently (poor heat to weight ratio). It is also relatively expensive. With clear alcohol it can be difficult to see the flame, which can be a safety issue.

• Kerosene. Widely available in almost all countries and inexpensive. However, it is a dirty fuel and can gum up fuel lines, requiring more cleaning and maintenance of your stove. The fumes smell and are toxic. However, somewhat safer than gasoline (see immediately below).

• Unleaded gasoline (UK: car petrol). Widely available and relatively inexpensive, but burns very dirty. It also tends to gum up fuel lines. If it spills it can ignite easily and under certain conditions can explode. The fumes smell and are toxic. Consequently, an undesirable fuel which should only be used if no suitable fuels are available.

General Tips

If size and weight are not major issues, try to get a stove with at least two burners. Most meals need a minimum of two burners (e.g. one for potatoes and one for meat; or one for pasta and one for a sauce). A single burner stove does mean that you can have something hot, but it is relatively limited in terms of meal choices compared to 2-hob or 3-hob stoves.

If you are cooking with large (heavy) pots, you will need a stove with broad hob supports and wide legs in order to prevent the pot tipping over and to support the weight of the water in the pots. If you are cooking only with a small pot (e.g. to boil water for coffee), then a smaller and more light-weight stove is adequate.

The product information for stoves typically specifies the weight of the stove. However, this weight is usually that of the stove itself and does not include the weight of the fuel or the fuel container. When calculating the amount of weight you will be carrying, all three items need to be included (plus any accessories, such as windscreens, pots and other cookware).

If you are purchasing a stove which uses gas, consider buying one with a push-button ignition as this is more convenient than matches. However, in case the ignition fails (which it can do if it gets wet or breaks), you should carry some matches as well.

It is preferable to have a stove with an adjustable flame, so you can control the amount of heat (and the rate of fuel consumption).

If your stove doesn't come with a carrying case, consider purchasing a padded case which will protect the stove knobs and hoses.

Check if your stove works with standard fuel canisters, or if you have to use a special fuel canister (e.g. one from the same manufacturer as the stove). It is preferable that it uses a standard fuel canister and canister connection, so that replacements are readily available.

A camping stove generally will not work well in windy conditions, as the wind blows the flame and the heat of the flame. This means that you will need much more fuel and a much longer time to cook than in non-windy conditions. To prevent this, the stove must be protected from the wind by:

• Build a shelter or take advantage of existing shelter. Building a lean-to, forming a small windbreak with some stones, or cooking behind some object (e.g. a boulder) may provide sufficient shelter.
• Buy a stove which comes equipped with a windbreak. Some stoves are equipped with a windscreen. If you frequently camp in windy areas, they are worth considering. However, while a useful feature, it adds to the weight and size, so one has to balance carrying the extra load against the convenience of a built-in windscreen.
• Cooking inside the tent. Many people advise that this should never be done, due to safety risks and also due to the possibility of damage to the tent or contents. However, if you decide to ignore this advice, ensure that the stove flame and any other stove surfaces are well away from any items that can melt or burn (such as your tent walls, roof, sleeping bags, etc.). Also, ensure that there is some ventilation, to avoid risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Aside from size and weight, it is useful to look at the efficiently rating of stoves. How hot can they burn? How long do they take to boil  a litre of water? How long can they run (at minimum and at full) on a single fuel tank? How long on a kilogram (or pound) of fuel?

When purchasing a stove, ask which items are most likely to break or wear out. Also check what tools you will need to change them (will a standard Swiss army knife do, or do you need special tools?). It is useful to carry a basic set of spares along with any tools required to exchange parts, in case your stove fails while you are camping.

Try using your stove at least a week before you actually go camping. It is much better to learn how to use it and to correct any possible problems (e.g. your gas canister has the wrong type of connection for your stove) before you depart on your camping trip.

For safety reasons, airlines generally do not allow transport of fuel or of stoves which have been previously used, no matter how carefully they have been cleaned. Consequently, do not plan on travelling by air with your stove unless it is brand new and you are buying your fuel after you land (even then, you still have the issue of the airline not allowing you to transport your stove for the return trip, as it is now used and consequently contains potentially dangerous fuel fumes).

We found the article penny alcohol backpacking stove on how to build your own gas stove interesting and amusing. We haven't tried it ourselves but have seen good reviews.

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