The Ultimate Guide to the Best Stoves for Camping
Camping stoves, a must-have for any outdoor adventure, are the key to cooking meals and boiling water in the wilderness. Whether you’re a regular backpacker or a casual camper, the right stove can significantly impact your outdoor experience.
A good camping stove should heat up quickly and provide a steady stream of heat. But it also needs to suit your camping needs, whether you’re cooking for a large group or need a compact, lightweight design to fit in your backpack.
Explore our camping stove guide, examining the different fuel types with product recommendations to suit your needs, and learn more about what type of stove is best for camping.
Contents
What type of stove is best for camping?
Camping stove fuel types
Gas camping stoves
Gas stoves are popular for campers as they are efficient and easy to use. They typically use propane or butane canisters, which are widely available and easy to attach.
They use a valve, which, when opened, releases the gas to the burner head and, when ignited, produces a controlled flame for cooking.
Best for: Backpacking, weekend camping trips and campers seeking convenience and portability.
Pros:
Easy to use: Simple to set up and operate.
Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of cooking tasks.
Portability: Lightweight and compact options are available.
Cons:
Gas levels: Seeing how much gas you have left can be challenging.
Fuel cost: Propane canisters can be expensive.
Performance: Use a Butane Propane mix such as MSR Isopro Gas when in colder climates.
Best lightweight gas camping stove: MSR Pocket Rocket II Stove
The MSR Pocket Rocket II Stove has a compact, lightweight design with precision flame control and is efficient even in breezy conditions.
- Boils 1 litre of water in 3.5 minutes
- WindClip windshield
- Precision flame control
- Ultra-light and compact
Liquid Fuel camping stoves
Liquid fuel stoves use liquid fuels like white gas or kerosene, providing more versatility in extreme weather conditions and higher altitudes.
Best for: Cold-weather camping, high-altitude adventures, and remote camping where gas canisters are harder to get hold of.
Pros
Efficiency: Perform well in cold weather and high altitudes.
Refillable: Fuel bottles can be refilled, making them economical for long-term use.
Versatile: Can handle a range of cooking tasks.
Easy to see how much fuel you have – Open up the lid and take a look.
Cons
Maintenance: Requires regular cleaning and maintenance.
Weight: Heavier and bulkier compared to other types.
Complexity: More complicated to operate and may require priming.
Can be spilled – Messy, flammable and smells. Be careful not to spill when connecting your stove or refilling the fuel bottles.
Best liquid fuel camping stove: MSR Whisperlite Universal Stove
This stove offers great simmering capabilities with canister fuel and easily switches to liquid fuels for longer trips, cold weather, and international use.
- Lightweight
- Excellent stability
- Hybrid-fuel performance
BBQs for camping
BBQs or portable grills offer a familiar cooking experience, ideal for those who love grilling. They can be fueled by charcoal, propane, or even wood.
Best for: Car camping, caravan trips, and group camping where cooking space and social interaction are important.
Pros
Flavour: Great for grilling meats, vegetables, and more.
Social Cooking: Perfect for group gatherings and large group camping.
Cons
Portability: Often heavier and bulkier.
Setup and cleanup: Requires more time to set up and clean.
Fuel Efficiency: Can consume a lot of fuel.
Best BBQ for camping: OUTWELL Cazal Portable Grill
The Outwell Cazal Portable Grill is a game-changer for outdoor grilling enthusiasts, so you can experience the joy of barbecuing with this brilliantly straightforward grill.
- Weight: 3.0 kg
- Straightforward to use
- Mouthwatering flavours
- Charcoal
Induction camping stoves
Induction stoves are an innovative option for campers with access to electricity. Induction stoves are great for camping as they have built-in safety features like pan detection, and windy conditions do not affect them, ensuring consistent heat distribution.
Best for: Glamping, RV camping, and campsites with electrical hookups.
Pros
Safety: No open flames, reducing fire hazards and making it more child-friendly.
Efficiency: Heats pots and pans quickly and evenly.
Control: Precise temperature control.
Cons
Power source: Requires a reliable electricity source.
Cost: Generally more expensive.
Suitability: Limited to campsites with electric hookups.
Best induction camping stove: VANGO Sizzle Double Induction Hob
This Vango induction hob is tailored for outdoor settings, featuring an 800W power per hob optimised for camping environments.
- Easy-to-use LED controls
- Automatic pan sensor
- Storage bag for easy transportation
- Max temperature of 200°C
- Weight: 2.78kg
Electric camping stoves
Electric stoves are another option for campers with access to power. They come in various forms, including hot plates and portable electric burners.
Best for: Glamping and campsites with electric hookups.
Pros
Easy to use: Simple to operate with adjustable heat settings.
Safety: No open flame.
Cons
Power Source: Requires access to electricity.
Efficiency: Slower heating compared to induction.
Best electric camping stove: KAMPA DOMETIC Kampa Fry Up XL Electric Griddle 1500w
- Large cooking surface
- Non-stick coating
- Efficient and consistent heat distribution
- 1500-watt heating element
What type of stove is best for camping?
Best lightweight stove: MSR Pocket Rocket II Stove
Price: £46.75
Ultralight, weighing just 73g, this stove is easy to carry and takes up barely any space in your backpack.
Best for family cooking: Vango – Combi IR Grill Compact Stove
Price: £49.95
With two high-performance burners and an infrared grill, you can easily cook various dishes with fast and even heat distribution without sacrificing fuel efficiency.
Best budget: Campingaz Bluet Micro Plus
Price: £12.95
This stove, with a new design, incorporates a new Easy Clic Plus connection at the best price. It has adjustable power and can boil 1 litre of water in 5:15 min.
Best compact: MSRPocket Rocket Deluxe Stove Kit
Price: £123.25
With fast boiling times and a lightweight, compact design that nests, it’s the perfect choice for all your outdoor cooking needs.
Camping stove FAQs
Is a butane or gas stove better for camping?
Butane stoves are better for mild weather and lightweight camping. They are more compact and easier to transport but can struggle in cold temperatures. Propane stoves are more versatile and reliable in varied weather conditions, but the canisters are bulkier.
Can you use a camping stove indoors?
No. Camping stoves are designed for use outdoors and if used inside, can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, even if you have the doors and windows open.
Top tips for choosing camping stoves
- Consider fuel availability: Choose a stove with readily available fuel types in the area where you’ll be camping.
- Consider the number of people you’re cooking for: Is it for smaller solo backpacking or larger family adventures?
- Check the weather: Ensure your stove performs well in the expected weather conditions.
- Portability: If you’re backpacking, prioritise weight and size.
- Simple setup: Look for stoves you can easily set up and operate, especially if you’re a beginner.
Shop our selection of camping and trekking stoves from Outdoor Action
Choosing the best camping stove depends on your specific needs and camping style.
Consider your fuel availability, cooking preferences, and the type of camping you’ll be doing to select the perfect stove for your adventures.
Whether planning your next camping adventure or are a first-time adventurer setting up their kit, shop our selection of camping stoves, BBQs and cookers from Outdoor Action for everything you need.
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