When camping, we still need a source to cook our meals while camping. Travelers who like to tent camp or van camp don’t always have access to a heat source. But there are great portable camping stoves that provide campers with simple and easy ways to cook meals.
Let’s look at seven of the top-rated camping stoves that you can easily transport in a backpack or trunk of a car. Let’s dive in.
What Are Portable Camping Stoves?
When camping, you’re always looking for portable gear. Even if you take an RV, you have limited space and need lightweight items that can easily fold up. But when tent camping or van camping, you have even less room.
Portable camping stoves allow you to cook without needing matches or firewood. You can easily set up a portable camping stove on a picnic table. Some options come with legs to prop them up off of the ground. You can start it up as long as you have the right fuel. It usually has a simple ignition switch to get you cooking in no time.
What Are the Benefits of Portable Camping Stoves?
When you go tent camping or van camping, you need to consider your food supply. By adding a portable camping stove to your gear, you give yourself more options for meals. Instead of eating from cans or opening up bags of freeze-dried food, you can cook good meals over a portable camping stove.
You can get small, lightweight options if worried about space. But having a portable camping stove provides a place to boil water, saute vegetables, or heat pasta sauce instead of relegating to grab-and-go food choices.
Portable camping stoves also allow you to cook for a group of people. Despite their small size, these portable camping stoves generate plenty of heat to safely cook.
Which Is Better: Propane or Butane Camping Stoves?
Both propane and butane derive from petroleum and are commonly used fuel sources for camping stoves.
Propane is more readily available at convenience stores, which is worth considering if you plan on camping often. It’s also economical and burns better in colder temperatures and higher altitudes.
Butane doesn’t burn well in these conditions, so if you plan on camping in the high country, you’ll want to go with a propane portable camping stove.
7 Top-Rated Portable Camping Stoves
Depending on your camping style and needs, you might choose a different portable camping stove than another tent camper. This list includes many options for various purposes. It includes options with different sizes, weights, and prices but all function well to provide a heat source to boil water and cook food.
1. Jet Boil Flash Camping Stove
Fuel Type: Isobutane/Propane Mix
About: Our top pick and the stove we personally use. This stove uses a heat capture radiator on the underside of the pot that makes it very efficient and quick. The pushbutton ignitor makes using the Jet Boil easy and convenient. It starts boiling water in just 100 seconds. The bottom cover can also function as a measuring cup or bowl, and you can add other Jet Boil accessories to your gear.
This portable camping stove weighs less than a pound so you can easily travel with it when camping in the backcountry. It’s pricey, but the Jet Boil Flash Camping Stove is a best-seller on Amazon.
- Optimized for efficiency, the Jetboil Flash boils water in a...
- Jetboil's 1-liter FluxRing cooking cup with insulating cozy makes...
- Start heating instantly with the convenient, reliable pushbutton...
2. Solo Stove Titan Camp Stove
Fuel Type: Wood
About: The top and bottom vent holes create an efficient camp stove made by Solo Stove. It’s only 16.5 oz and less than 8” tall. The stainless steel design makes it eye-catching and durable.
What has made Solo Stove popular in the camping industry is the reduction of smoke. Its patented design features a unique double wall that creates ultra-clean gasification and secondary combustion.
- PATENTED DESIGN - LESS SMOKE. The patented design features a...
- COMPACT DESIGN SAVING SPACE- The Solo Stove Titan is designed to...
- LIGHTWEIGHT & FAST BOIL TIME. Boils water in 4-6 mins (34 fl oz....
Pro Tip: We took a closer look to uncover What’s All the Hype About the Solo Stove? Check out what we uncovered!
3. Coleman Gas 2-in-1 Camping Grill/Stove
Fuel Type: Liquefied Petroleum Gas
About: Coleman is another recognized name among campers. This two-in-one camping grill/stove features 130 square inches of grilling space and can fit a 10” pan. It cooks up to 20,000 total BTUs and has a pressure regulator to maintain consistency.
It features two adjustable burners. This option is heavier at 7.5 lbs, but if you don’t have to hike into your campsite, it can make a great addition to your camping gear.
- 2-IN-1 DESIGN: Use grill and stove at the same time; 130 sq. in....
- COOKING POWER: Up to 20,000 total BTUs
- PRESSURE REGULATOR: Pressure-control technology provides...
4. GAS ONE GS-3700 10,000 BTU Portable Butane Stove
Fuel Type: Liquefied Petroleum Gas
About: One of the cheapest options for camping stoves on this list is the GAS ONE portable butane stove. It’s much smaller than the Coleman above at 10.9″ x 3.6″ x 12.8″ and only 3.3 lbs.
But it only has one burner. It delivers 10,000 BTUs per hour and features an auto shut-off and safety lock. This easy-to-use and durable portable camping stove is a great option to add to your packing list.
- CSA certified for safety; fuel sold separately
- Butane stove delivers 10, 000 BTUs per hour
- Measures approximately 13-4/5 by 12-1/2 by 3 inches
5. Camp Chef Everest 2 Burner Stove
Fuel Type: Propane
About: If you want a higher-end camping stove, check out the Camp Chef Everest 2 Burner Stove. As the priciest option on this list, this stove features two 20,000 BTU burners for a total of 40,000 BTUs. It’s also one of the largest options, measuring 13.5” x 23.5” x 4.25” and weighing 12 lbs.
The Piezo igniter easily gets the camping stove going, and the handle makes transporting it a breeze. It also has a stainless steel drip tray for easy clean-up. This Camp Chef option isn’t the best for backcountry campers but works great for tent campers who can drive to their sites.
6. Ohuhu Mini Camping Stove
Fuel Type: Wood, Alcohol
About: This Ohuhu Mini Camping Stove has three arms that support large pots. These create a stable platform, so you don’t have to worry about your pot tipping over. It also comes with a grill grid for BBQing.
It weighs less than 2 lbs, measures 5.51” x 5.51” x 3.15”, and easily assembles without any tools. Finally, the Ohuhu portable camping stove is compatible with all fuels, from wood to gas or fuel tablets.
- Wide Compatibility: You can fit just about any pot or pan on this...
- Compact, Portable & Lightweight: It can be a pain lugging around...
- Stable & Durable: Like any high quality gear, the Ohuhu stainless...
7. AOTU Portable Camping and Backpacking Stove
Fuel Type: Liquefied Petroleum Gas
About: The last portable camping stove on our list works great for backcountry campers who need something small. It fits in the palm of your hand and weighs 110 grams. Made of aluminum alloy, it’s also durable and rust-resistant.
It’s rated for up to 3,000W and compatible with any 7/16 thread single butane/butane-propane mixed fuel canisters. You simply screw it onto the top of the fuel canister and start cooking your meal.
- 1. the burner base is an integrated high-bright aluminum alloy,...
- 2.Flame control: Adjustable control valve for fast maximum heat...
- 3. Fire board specifications: 9.5 * 9.5CM (suitable for setting a...
Pro Tip: Making home cooked meals over a portable camping stove isn’t the only way to up your camping game! Try out these 11 Ways to Make Camping Easier for People Who Don’t Like It.
Can You Use Portable Camping Stoves Indoors?
You can technically use camping stoves indoors as long as you ensure it doesn’t leak. It’s imperative to tighten all of the connections when using propane fuel. However, we don’t recommend using a camping stove indoors or inside a tent.
They put out carbon monoxide, a deadly gas that is colorless and odorless. It’s just not worth the risk. You can find other types of stoves if you intend to cook indoors.
Are Portable Camping Stoves Worth It?
If you tent camp or van camp frequently or take long camping adventures, you’ll want to invest in a portable camping stove. You can get cheap options for a tight budget or smaller ones if you need something to fit in a backpack. Instead of eating cold canned beans, why not cook up a meal of grilled chicken and sauteed vegetables?
Do you have a portable camping stove? Which one is your favorite? Tell us in the comments!
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