5+ Best Camping Stoves of 2025

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 2025

Here are the top stoves for camping in 2025.

#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

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