5+ Best Camping Stoves of 2024

It should cook food and boil water quickly, endure the rigors of travel, and not require excessive fuel.

After evaluating 26 camp stoves, testing 13, and dismantling three down to their components, we found that the Coleman Classic Propane Camping Stove meets all the criteria: it’s simple yet exceptional.

What to Look for When Buying a Camping Stove

Fuel Type

Propane: Most camping stoves use propane, which is convenient and readily available. Propane canisters are easy to connect and offer consistent performance, even in cold weather.

Butane: Butane stoves are lighter and more compact, making them ideal for smaller setups. However, butane can be less effective in colder temperatures.

Multi-fuel: Some stoves can use multiple types of fuel, including liquid fuels like white gas. These stoves offer versatility, especially for international travel or extended trips where fuel availability might vary.

Number of Burners

Single Burner: Suitable for solo campers or minimalist setups, single-burner stoves are lightweight and compact but may limit your cooking options.

Two Burners: Ideal for group camping, two-burner stoves provide the flexibility to cook multiple dishes simultaneously. They are generally more versatile and powerful.

Three Burners or More: For larger groups or gourmet camp cooking, stoves with three or more burners offer extensive cooking space but can be bulky and heavy.

Heat Output

Heat output is measured in British Thermal Units (Btu). Higher Btu ratings indicate more power and faster cooking times. For general camping, look for stoves with at least 10,000 Btu per burner. For more demanding cooking tasks, consider stoves with 20,000 Btu or higher.

Temperature Control

Precise temperature control is crucial for cooking a variety of meals. Look for stoves with adjustable flame controls that allow for both high-heat cooking and gentle simmering. Models with finer control let you cook delicate dishes without burning them.

Ignition Type

Piezo Ignition: This built-in ignition system allows you to start the stove with the push of a button, eliminating the need for matches or a lighter. However, piezo igniters can sometimes fail, so it’s good to have a backup ignition method.

Manual Ignition: Requires a match or lighter to start the stove. While less convenient, it eliminates the risk of a faulty igniter and can be more reliable in the long run.

Stability and Wind Resistance

A stable stove is essential for safe and effective cooking. Look for models with sturdy legs or supports that can handle uneven ground. Wind resistance features, such as built-in windshields or wind-blocking designs, help maintain flame stability and cooking efficiency in breezy conditions.

Size and Weight

Consider how much space you have for transporting and storing your stove. Compact, lightweight models are easier to pack and carry but may offer fewer cooking options. Larger stoves provide more cooking space and power but can be bulky and heavy.

Ease of Setup and Cleaning

Choose a stove that is easy to set up and break down. Simple designs with fewer parts are generally more user-friendly and reliable. Additionally, stoves with removable grates and burners make cleaning up after meals much more manageable.

Durability

A good camping stove should withstand the rigors of outdoor use. Look for models made from durable materials like stainless steel or heavy-gauge aluminum. High-quality construction ensures that your stove will last for many camping trips to come.

5+ Best Camping Stoves of 2024

Here are the top stoves for camping in 2024.

#1. Coleman Classic Propane Camping Stove

Product Overview:

This no-frills, durable two-burner stove cooks food swiftly and evenly. It’s also more affordable than other stoves on the market.

The standout feature of the Coleman Classic Propane Camping Stove is its reliability. Despite being repeatedly loaded and unloaded from our cars, it performed flawlessly. Its versatility impressed us: it boiled water faster than any other stove under $100 and could be dialed down to cook delicate foods like golden-brown pancakes.

With a single 16-ounce propane tank, this stove can run both burners on high for about an hour. It has minimal parts, making it easy to maintain. This model lacks a piezo igniter (common in pricier stoves), so you’ll need a lighter. We see this as a plus since piezo igniters in budget stoves often break.

#2 Coleman Cascade 222 2-Burner Camping Stove

Product Overview:

The Cascade offers similar performance to the Classic but with more precise temperature control and a handle for easier transport. However, it comes at a higher cost.

If you can’t find our top pick or need more cooking control, the Coleman Cascade 222 2-Burner Camping Stove is a worthy alternative. It provides finer temperature adjustments and includes a piezo ignition. Although the ignition may not last indefinitely, the stove’s additional features and carrying handle make it a convenient upgrade.

#3. Camp Chef Mountaineer

The best stove for gourmet camp cooking

Product Overview:

This robust two-burner stove is heavier and more expensive than the Coleman models. However, its powerful output allows for home-like cooking performance.

Priced at $390 from REI and Lowe’s, the Camp Chef Mountaineer is crafted from heavy-gauge aluminum, reminiscent of classic, durable camping gear. Despite its higher cost, its solid construction and performance may justify the investment for some.

Weighing just over 16 pounds, it is 4 pounds heavier than the Coleman Classic. Its features include a three-way windscreen, compatibility with larger propane tanks (5 to 20 pounds), and a 40,000 Btu output—double that of the Coleman Classic. This means you can sear steaks faster and cook more food simultaneously.

However, managing the powerful heat requires skill to avoid burning your food. This stove is ideal for dedicated car-camping cooks, but its price and durability may be excessive for the average camper.

#4. GASPOWOR Camping Propane Stove

Product Overview:

The GASPOWOR Single Burner Propane Camping Stove is a powerful and efficient solution for your outdoor cooking needs. Whether you’re camping, fishing, hiking, or having a barbecue, this stove is designed to make your cooking experience seamless and enjoyable.

Key Features

Powerful Cooking Performance With a maximum energy output of 10,000 BTU, this stove delivers ample cooking power to fry, stir, or boil food and water quickly. This makes it ideal for a variety of outdoor cooking tasks, ensuring you can prepare meals efficiently no matter where you are.

Portable and Lightweight Weighing just 1 pound and with compact dimensions of 6.8″ x 6.8″ x 5″, the GASPOWOR stove is incredibly easy to transport and set up. Its lightweight design makes it perfect for backpackers and campers who need to minimize their load without sacrificing functionality.

Durable Construction Crafted from alloy steel, this stove is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. The high-quality pressure regulator made of 100% solid brass ensures safe and smooth flame control even in extreme conditions. The sturdy metalwork provides a secure and airtight connection between the propane tank and the burner.

Enhanced Fuel Efficiency The included windscreen shield enhances fuel efficiency by protecting the flame from wind, allowing the stove to run up to 2.5 hours on a 1-pound propane cylinder. This feature ensures that you get the most out of your fuel supply, which is crucial during extended trips.

Bonus USB Lighter As a thoughtful addition, the GASPOWOR stove comes with a free USB windproof lighter. This rechargeable lighter is not only convenient but also eliminates the need for matches or traditional lighters. It’s a reliable tool for igniting the stove, candles, and even fireworks.

Usage and Convenience

Setting up the GASPOWOR stove is straightforward, making it a hassle-free addition to your camping gear. The single burner design is perfect for quick and efficient meal preparation, and the compact size allows it to fit easily in your camping kit.

Who should buy this

These stoves aren’t designed for backpacking trips but are perfect for car or truck-based adventures.

They are indispensable for car-camping excursions to national parks or local recreation areas, especially when cooking over an open fire is prohibited due to fire hazards.

The saying that a tired and hungry family is a happy family does not apply here. Two-burner camp stoves are essential for group camping trips, as they can efficiently prepare meals for four or more people.

They are easy to pack, straightforward to carry, and designed to be pulled out from beneath a pile of camping gear after a long drive, ready to cook dinner without fuss. The best stoves will perform this task reliably for years.

Our pick: Coleman Classic Propane Camping Stove

The best picnic-table camp stove

The Coleman Classic Propane Camping Stove stands out for its simplicity and reliability. Priced at just $53 from Target, it offers a straightforward design that outperforms many of its pricier competitors.

One of the key advantages of the Coleman Classic is its no-frills design. Unlike other stoves with numerous components that can break or complicate usage, this model consists of just six main parts: a cooking grate, two removable burners, a gas connection, the case, and the internal gas lines. This simplicity makes it easy to use and maintain.

During testing, the Coleman Classic boiled water faster than almost every other stove we evaluated, except for our upgrade pick. Despite lacking an ignition switch, which is one less component to fail, it excels in both high and low-temperature cooking. The stove’s 10,000 Btu burners can handle anything from boiling water to cooking delicate dishes like soft scrambled eggs or golden pancakes.

Performance and Practicality

Uncovered, the Coleman Classic boiled water in 5 minutes on the right burner and 6 minutes 30 seconds on the left. This performance was typical among the stoves tested but notably better than some high-priced models like the Camp Chef Rainier, which took 20 minutes to boil water.

The stove’s wind guards attach securely with pin clasps, enhancing its performance in breezy conditions. The cooking controls allow precise temperature adjustments, enabling tasks from boiling water and frying bacon to poaching eggs and making pancakes. Each burner delivers 10,000 Btu, providing sufficient heat for a wide range of meals, from burgers to vegetable stir-fry.

Low-Temperature Control

In tests for low-temperature cooking, the Coleman Classic successfully cooked soft scrambled eggs in just 4 minutes, which, although quicker than the 10 to 15 minutes required on a home stove, was only slightly slower than the discontinued Coleman FyreCadet. The eggs were still tender and well-cooked.

A significant feature is the ability to lay the lid flat, which increases cooking space. While this reduces wind protection, it provides more flexibility when cooking for larger groups in sheltered spots. A single 16-ounce propane tank lasts about an hour on high, and typical cooking temperatures extend this to approximately an hour and a half.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Common issues reported by users include the lid getting stuck and the cooker dials being unresponsive. The cooktop’s pressed metal can misalign and catch against the lid’s inner lip when closing. Fixing this may require minor adjustments with tools. Sticky dials can be improved with a bit of silicone lube, enhancing sensitivity.

Coleman offers a three-year limited warranty on this stove.

Runner-up: Coleman Cascade 222 2-Burner Camping Stove

The Coleman Cascade 222 2-Burner Camping Stove, priced at $170 (often on sale for $128), offers enhanced cooking precision and an easier-to-carry handle compared to the Classic. It weighs 3 pounds more, adding to its sturdiness.

With 22,000 Btu (11,000 Btu per burner), the Cascade provides slightly more heat than the Classic, which is beneficial for delicate tasks like soft scrambled eggs or sautéing vegetables. The finer temperature control sets it apart, making it suitable for more precise cooking needs.

The Cascade also features a piezo electric ignition, a convenient but not essential addition. The Cascade line includes several models, with the Cascade 328 adding a third burner for larger groups. All models come with a three-year limited warranty.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Similar to the Classic, the Cascade’s cooktop can misalign, causing the lid to catch. This is a minor issue that doesn’t detract from its overall performance.

Upgrade pick: Camp Chef Mountaineer

The best stove for gourmet camp cooking

The Camp Chef Mountaineer, priced at $390, is designed for serious outdoor gourmets. This heavy-duty, two-burner stove offers 40,000 Btu of cooking power, making it capable of handling any culinary challenge.

Larger and heavier than the Coleman models, the Mountaineer (25.25 x 13.75 x 5.25 inches, 17 pounds) is built to last. It’s ideal for those who enjoy creating gourmet meals in the great outdoors, from seared steaks to delicate fish dishes.

While its powerful burners consume propane quickly, the Mountaineer is designed for use with larger propane tanks, ensuring you have enough fuel for extensive cooking. The all-metal construction makes it easy to clean, and its limited lifetime warranty offers peace of mind.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The Mountaineer’s weight and setup can be cumbersome, and its gas-line connection on the front may be inconvenient in some camping setups. The sharp edges may require some smoothing with tools for safety.

Best Budget Camping Stoves of 2024

Also great: Original FireDisc Portable Propane Cooker

A one-pan alternative for large groups

The Original FireDisc Portable Propane Cooker, priced at $300, is perfect for cooking large meals for groups. Its simple design includes a heavy carbon-steel disc and two interlocking steel legs, making it robust and easy to assemble.

The single burner can be used with a 1-pound canister or a 20-pound tank, making it versatile. The FireDisc’s design allows for high-heat cooking in the center and simmering around the edges, ideal for dishes like tacos de discada. However, its large cooking surface and high walls also make it suitable for stews, fry-ups, and casseroles.

Weighing 55 pounds, the FireDisc is hefty and best suited for car camping. It comes with a five-year warranty, but with proper care, it should last a lifetime.

Other good camp stoves

If you’re looking to save weight and can manage without a windscreen, consider the Jetboil Genesis Basecamp Stove. It’s lightweight, compact, and excellent in wind-free conditions. However, at $300, it’s pricey for specific uses.

For those prioritizing space, the GSI Pinnacle Pro Stove is the slimmest we tested, at just 1.4 inches thick when closed. It’s well-built and efficient, but its high price of $250 makes it less appealing given its few flaws.

If our Coleman picks are unavailable, the Coleman Triton 2-Burner Propane Gas Camping Stove is a viable alternative, offering similar strengths and weaknesses in a modern case.

Sustainability: The problem with disposable propane bottles (and a few useful solutions)

Disposable 1-pound propane tanks are convenient but problematic. They’re difficult to recycle and often end up as hazardous waste. Some safer solutions include using refillable propane tanks, like 5-pound or 1-pound refillable bottles from Flame King.

Refillable tanks are not only more environmentally friendly but also cost-effective over time. Setting up a refillable system is straightforward, with adapter hoses available for connecting larger tanks to camp stoves.

Proper disposal of disposable bottles involves ensuring they are completely empty and taking them to hazardous-waste facilities. Bernzomatic provides resources for locating disposal sites. For those who camp frequently, switching to refillable tanks is a practical and sustainable choice.

What to look forward to

We are continually exploring new cooker designs, particularly those utilizing environmentally friendly fuels and technologies. In the near future, we aim to review portable paella cookers, discadas, and the King Disc from RTIC, which seems to be either a replica or a licensed version of the FireDisc. Additionally, single-burner butane stoves like the Kovea Cube and the Iwatani 35FW Butane Stove, commonly found in Korean restaurants, are on our radar for future testing.

The competition

Stansport Boulder Series 2-Burner Propane Stove

The Stansport Boulder Series 2-Burner Propane Stove was a letdown due to its poor build quality and inadequate low-temperature control.

This stove has seen inconsistent performance from various Stansport stoves over the years. Another Stansport model, the Regulated Propane Stove, was previously an upgrade pick but has faced significant stock issues.

GSI Outdoors Selkirk 540 Camp Stove

The GSI Outdoors Selkirk 540 Camp Stove shares a similar design with the Coleman Triton and Classic. However, its igniter failed on the second use, and it performed poorly in our boiling tests. The newer model, the 540+, is something we plan to review.

Snow Peak Burner Stove

Given its high price of $510, the Snow Peak Double Burner Stove should be exceptional. Unfortunately, it falls short. The stove requires two separate Isopro bottles to operate, and connecting it to a larger tank, even with conversion valves, is challenging. During our tests, the legs and windscreen felt unstable, making cooking difficult.

TemboTusk Adjustable Leg Skottle Grill Kit

The TemboTusk Adjustable Leg Skottle Grill Kit has a lightweight, rugged appeal typical of good adventure gear. However, at over $400, we believe most people would be better served by the snow peak grill.

The TemboTusk’s three legs (compared to the FireDisc’s four) and smaller cooking surface make it less stable and practical for family cooking. Nonetheless, it could be a good choice for solo or couple adventures due to its portability and discada-style design.

FAQs About Camping Stoves

What type of stove is best for camping?

The best type of stove for camping depends on your needs. For car camping, a two-burner propane stove offers power and convenience. For backpacking, a lightweight, compact stove like a single-burner butane or a liquid fuel stove is ideal.

What is the best gas stove for camping?

The best gas stove for camping is subjective, but popular choices include the Coleman Classic Propane Stove for its reliability and the Jetboil Flash for its efficiency and compact design.

What is the dupe of the Jetboil stove?

The Kovea Spider and MSR WindBurner are often considered alternatives to the Jetboil stove, offering similar compact design and performance.

What is the fastest camping stove?

The Jetboil Flash is known for its rapid boil time, capable of boiling water in about 100 seconds, making it one of the fastest camping stoves available.

What is the easiest camp stove to use?

The Coleman Classic Propane Stove is praised for its simplicity and ease of use, with straightforward setup and reliable performance.

Is Jetboil worth it?

Yes, Jetboil stoves are worth it for those who prioritize speed, efficiency, and compactness in their outdoor cooking gear. They are particularly popular among backpackers and hikers.

Why can’t you fly with Jetboil fuel?

You cannot fly with Jetboil fuel canisters because they are considered hazardous materials and pose a risk of explosion. However, you can purchase fuel at your destination.

What makes Jetboil so good?

Jetboil stoves are highly regarded for their integrated cooking systems that combine burner and pot in one unit, efficient fuel usage, rapid boil times, and compact, lightweight design.

What is the Jetboil recall?

Jetboil issued a recall for certain stoves due to a potential hazard where the gas canister could leak, posing a fire risk. It’s important to check the model and serial number on Jetboil’s website for specific details.

What is a hobo camp stove?

A hobo camp stove is a DIY portable stove typically made from a metal can with holes punched for ventilation. It’s a basic, often improvised cooking solution for camping.

What is the cleanest camp stove fuel?

Liquid fuel like white gas is considered one of the cleanest camp stove fuels because it burns efficiently with minimal soot and residue.

How do I choose a camping stove?

When choosing a camping stove, consider factors such as fuel type, number of burners, heat output, weight, portability, and ease of use. Determine your specific needs based on the type of camping you do.

Which camping stove to buy?

The right camping stove depends on your needs. For general use, the Coleman Classic Propane Stove is highly recommended. For lightweight backpacking, consider the Jetboil Flash or MSR WindBurner.

Which is better, butane or propane stove?

Propane stoves are generally better for colder weather as propane performs better at low temperatures. Butane stoves are often more compact and lighter, making them ideal for warm-weather camping and backpacking.

Why is a camp stove better than a wood fire?

Camp stoves are more reliable and easier to control than wood fires. They provide consistent heat, are less impacted by weather conditions, and are often allowed in areas where open fires are prohibited.

Are solid fuel camping stoves good?

Solid fuel camping stoves are good for lightweight and emergency situations. They are compact and easy to use but generally less powerful and efficient than liquid or gas stoves.

What is the best portable gas stove burner?

The best portable gas stove burner varies by preference, but the Jetboil Flash and MSR PocketRocket are highly rated for their portability and performance.

What is the lightest Coleman stove?

The Coleman Butane Instastart Stove is one of the lightest Coleman stoves, making it a good option for lightweight camping needs.

Which gas is best for camping stoves?

Propane is the most versatile and widely available gas for camping stoves. It performs well in a variety of temperatures and is easy to use.

How long to boil water on Coleman stove?

Boiling water on a Coleman stove typically takes about 5-7 minutes, depending on conditions and stove model.

What is the best cooker for Overlanding?

For Overlanding, a durable and versatile stove like the Camp Chef Mountaineer or the Partner Steel 2 Burner Stove is highly recommended due to their robust build and powerful output.

What is the best fuel for a camping stove?

The best fuel depends on the stove type and camping conditions. Propane is widely used for its convenience, while white gas is preferred for its efficiency and performance in cold weather.

Are portable camping stoves safe?

Portable camping stoves are generally safe when used properly. It’s important to follow manufacturer instructions, use them in well-ventilated areas, and keep them away from flammable materials.

What is the most eco-friendly camp stove?

The Biolite CampStove 2 is considered one of the most eco-friendly camp stoves, as it burns wood efficiently and generates electricity to charge devices, reducing reliance on disposable fuels.