Dec 16, 2022
I have been camping for the better part of the last decade and if there is one thing that makes an absolute difference in my camping experience, it is having the right stove for my trip. The answer varies depending on the trip that I am taking. Am I going car camping with my family? or is it backcountry camping where I have to pack all my stuff in a kayak? The nature of a trip, the space that I have, the weight I can carry all factors in my choice of a camping stove
What to consider while shopping for a camping stove?
Portability: If I am camping with my family, I prefer a stove that has more than one burner so I can cook a decent quantity of food in a reasonable amount of time. For e.g. I can toast my break in one pan while I cook my omelette in the other. Whereas, if I am going canoe or kayak camping, I prefer to carry a single burner stove that can be easily disassembled and packed in tiny space. So, the first thing you want to decide is what kind of trip are you shopping for
Reliability: This is an important factor to consider. Food and sleep are essential part of your camping trip and you need reliable stove and reliable sleeping bags to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable camping trip. Always, go for stoves made by reliable brands and the models that are at least a few years older. When it comes to camping stoves, I prefer tested and tried classic models over newer fancier models. Also, look for stoves that have lesser and simpler parts that are easy to clean and maintain.
Fuel: The most common fuel used by campers is propane gas. Propane canisters are affordable and readily available in most home and hardware stores. Propane canisters are also recyclable and sometimes refillable. Butane is another popular choice and is usually packed in lighter aluminium canisters that the heavy stainless steel propane canisters. This is because Propane needs to be packed and stored in high pressure where as Butane can be packed in low pressure. On the other hand, Butane canisters are usually not refillable and hence mostly use and throw. Overall, in most of my camping trips, I tend to be comfortable with propane canisters. The best part is I can put them in dedicated recycle areas in the provincial parks and private campgrounds
Have a Backup stove: Another factor to consider is to have a primary camping stove that servers your ideal needs and have a lighter and more easier to pack secondary stove for emergencies. This strategy has particularly come handy for me during backcountry trips where I can’t just simply drive to a near by town if my stove fails.
Best Camping Stoves for 2023
Here are three best camping stoves that I think are classic and reliable choices one can have for their next camping trip:
1) Coleman Classic 2 Burner Stove
A coleman classic 2 burner is my favorite of all and it has been my camping companion for more than7 years now and it never gave up on me. For more than 100 years Coleman has been delivering reliability for outdoor lovers and a coleman 2 burner has been an integral part of that journey. If you want portability without sacrificing heat output, the Coleman 2 Burner Gas Stove is the camping stove you need. You’ll get 11,000 BTUs of power through its two burners, which means you’ll have plenty of cooking space to make meals for your entire group. It weighs only 11 pounds, so you’ll find it easy to carry from your home to your vehicle, as well as from your vehicle to the campsite.
2) BioLite CampStove 2
The BioLite CampStove 2+ is a camping stove that runs on twigs, and will power up your gadgets as you cook. CampStove 2 generates 3 watts of usable electricity for USB charging of LED lights, mobile phones, and other devices. And, the rechargeable 2600 mAh battery stores excess power to charge devices, even without a live fire. Internal jets have 4 fan speed settings to circulate air for improved combustion and efficiency to boil 1 liter of water in 4.5 minutes. Portable Grill attachment transforms your BioLite CampStove into a wood-fired grilling surface. Steel Grill Grate fits up to four burgers or six hot dogs. The Kettle is your main cooking component if you are camping or hiking with a minimal set-up. It is the storage compartment for the stove itself. Composed of an Ultra-Thin Stainless Body that’s lightweight and safer than anodized aluminum cookware. Mainly, it is the coffee, pasta, soup, and stew maker.
3) Outbound Butane camping stove
If you think the Coleman is a bit bulky, then your next best choice should be the Outbound Butane. This compact stove packs a punch and you would be surprised about how fast it can heat up. It is also easy to clean and comes in it’s own little carrying case. The butane canisters (sold separately) are super easy to connect. Overall, Outbound Butane is a powerful one burner butane stove that can help make delicious campsite meals without taking up too much space in your car. Its no hassle electric ignition and adjustable heat output allows you to simmer or sizzle to perfection.
