10 Best Camping Stoves: 2024 Value Guide

This powerful stove offers impressive features that make outdoor cooking a breeze. New for the model is the updated pressure regulator. Beyond that, let’s take a closer look at some of the pros and cons of the best camping stove.

Premier Build Quality

On the first touch, you’ll notice the high-quality materials Camp Chef used for the Everest 2X. The body construction is aluminum, it is thick gauge and coated. While the grate and burners are stainless steel. Combined the stove is premium and durable.

Superior Cooking

The second positive is the huge power rating. Camp Chef Everest is a high-quality product that offers a lot of value for its price point. With its 40,000 total BTU output or 20,000 per burner, it’s more powerful than most of its competitors. This means that you’ll be able to cook your meals even faster than ever before.

Featuring two burners, with a massive 21.5 inches by 10 inches cooking surface you can fit any pot you own. As well, the heat-control dials are super precise. Giving you the ability to go from a functioning simmer up to a rolling boil. Expect a swift boil time of about 3 and a half minutes per one liter of water.

Matchless Ignition & High Wind Resistance

One of the biggest pros is its ease of use. The stove is very simple to set up and operate, making it perfect for both novice and experienced campers. For example, it uses matchless ignition, so need to worry about packing matches or a lighter.

Next, the sturdy folding lid also provides a 3-way windscreen. During cooking, it keeps out any pesky gusts that could extinguish the heat. Then it folds down for convenient transport.

Downsides?

Despite its many pros, the Camp Chef Everest 2X mountain series does have a few cons. One of the biggest cons is that the stove is heavier than others, weighing in at around 12 pounds. So it may not be the best option for backpackers or hikers who need to carry their gear long distances.

Likewise, the dimensions are a bit larger than some other camping stoves on the market. This means that it may not be the best option for campers who have limited space in their vehicle.

Verdict

In short, this is the best camping stove for campers who want total ease of use and durability. While the stove may not be the best option for backpackers. Or those with limited storage space, its many pros more than makeup for its few cons. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a novice, the Camp Chef Everest 2X is a great buy.

The Eureka Ignite Plus Stove is one of the most popular choices among enthusiasts and for good reason. It has a huge cooking area and decent build quality, albeit not as good as my top pick.

At first look, this is an attractive portable stove, colored a bright blue. Built with heavy-gauge aluminum and a stainless steel cooking surface.

It sets up easily and I like the adjustable-height non-skid rubber feet. Especially for using it on unlevel picnic tables. When stowed the stove is durable for transport, although a tad heavy at 12 pounds.

Large Cooktop

Fueled by a propane gas bottle (not included) this model, offers a 90-minute burn time. The two 10,000 BTU burners, give you plenty of cooking power for camp or even tailgating. But don’t expect an ultra-fast boiling time, as it took a slow 5.22 minutes to achieve a rolling boil of 1 liter.

With stainless steel burners, they are more rugged than enough to handle the elements. Space-wise, it has 12 inches of space between each burner. Meaning you can fit two large pots or pans on the cooking surface.

Like other brands, the stove has a windscreen, which helps to protect the flame from wind gusts. But it’s not my favorite design as the lower portion is open. As a result, wind could blow right at the flame area of the burner, it’s a weird choice of design.

Simple Operation

In general, the Ignite Plus two-burner stoves are easy to use and operate. Equipped with adjustable heat knobs it does a good job for varying temperatures. It also features a Piezo ignition system, making it so easy to start up the stove.

Verdict

Overall, the Eureka Ignite Plus Stove is a reliable and efficient choice for any camping trip. The large cooking area and dual burners make it a versatile option for a variety of cooking needs. If you’re in the market for a new camping stove, this one is worth considering.

Designed with a classic look and feel, the Coleman Tabletop 2 in 1 Grill/Stove is more than the sum of its parts. It packs some serious versatility into a budget-minded package. So much so, it’s my pick as the most affordable option for the best camping stoves.

2-In-1 Cook Surface

Unlike any of the other offerings, the Coleman Classic has two different cooktops. One is a single burner and the other is a griddle, each rated for 10,000 btu’s per hour. Both have an adjustable control that ranges from simmer to boil. For boiling time, it comes in at five and half minutes for one liter of water, not the best but not the worst either. Ignition is via a simple-to-use piezo button.

Having two types of cook surfaces means you can cook a variety of different dishes at one time. Or you can turn the heat up to get a nice sear on your food. It’s perfect for cooking burgers, steaks, fish, and more.

Added Features

I like the removable grease cup for easy cleaning. As well as the existence of wind protection at this price point. But the latter suffers from the open bottom. Direct wind blusters could affect the burners.

The stove also has a somewhat large cooking surface that can accommodate up to two 10-inch pans. Although, in reality, if you use a ten-inch pot you won’t be able to raise the windscreen too.

Disadvantages

At this price point, you need to expect some caveats. For Coleman, they skimped on the build quality. For example, using cheaper alloy steel for the body and aluminized steel for the burners. In the short term, you may not notice a difference, but it’s not as durable as other materials.

Likewise, the downfall of the added griddle is more weight. This portable cooker weighs almost 15 pounds, so it might not be suitable for hiking.

Verdict

Overall, the Coleman Classic Propane Stove is a good choice for a camper on a budget. It’s pretty efficient, reliable, and easy to use. It’s perfect for cooking up a variety of dishes and can accommodate up to two 10-inch pans. But, if weight is a consideration you may want to consider other options on the market.

The Primus Kinjia 2-burner camping stove is a compact cooker that is a great choice for car camping. It’s smaller than other 2-burners yet still has room for two 10-inch pots.

The other big bonus for the Kinjia is that it uses isobutane fuel. This type creates a very steady flame that is easy to control. So trying to simmer is going to be super simple (in the right conditions).

European Design & Features

Construction of the Primus Kinjia is a die-cast aluminum with a folding wood handle. This makes it light enough for backpacking yet durable enough to move around in the trunk of your car. The handle itself locks the stove closed. While underneath, a spring-action locking mechanism keeps the regulator in place. Likewise, the pot stands and the drip tray is removable for ease of cleaning.

Inside are two stainless steel burners. Each provides 10,200 Btu’s that are also adjustable. Keeping in mind though, it needs igniting from a lighter. Which isn’t included, a bit annoying at this price point.

Another component that is lacking is a windscreen. For calm conditions, this is a bonus as the cooking surface feels spacious. But in windy conditions, the ability to cook or even boil water is significantly harder.

Performance Depends On Weather

Talking about boiling, the Kinjia is much slower than my top pick. It lumbered for 6 minutes to boil a liter of water, so don’t expect quick meals with it. But if you can shield it from the element, it’s great for simmering or cooking at medium heat.

Verdict

The Primus Kinjia is the best camping stove for those who prioritize space for transport. Or prefer simmering ability over high-heat boiling. For those people, the Kinjia is easy to use and looks great too.

If you’re looking for a camping stove, one that replicates an indoor stove, pick the Camp Chef Explorer. It is a free-standing model that delivers 15 hours of cooking time on one 20-pound propane tank. I wouldn’t lug it too far as it weighs a whopping 30 pounds but for stationary group camping, it’s terrific.

Rugged Design

Designed to be extra-durable, the Explorer has heavy-duty steel construction and an enamel coating. Plus handles on each end for easy carrying and transport. The included legs are adjustable and removable. So you can find the perfect height for your cooking needs on uneven ground.

Likewise, it comes with a regulator and 3-feet hose to keep the propane tank away from the cooktop. Additionally, the Explorer has two built-in removable shelves for added storage and convenience.

High BTU Rating

Featuring two 30,000 BTU burners for a total of 60,000 btu’s. The Explorer is a beast. For both simmering and boiling, to emphasize it’s capable of boiling water in under 4 minutes.

Next, it has a huge 14-inch space between burners and will easily handle large pots and pans. Moreover, the matchless ignition means no more worrying about forgotten matches or lighters.

A Caveat

As awesome as it is to have almost an indoor stove outdoors, the Explorer does suffer from some flaws. For one, I don’t like the knob design. There aren’t any indents at the low, medium, and high positions. As a result, it’s hard to judge temperature when using a double griddle because you can’t see the flames.

Verdict

In the end, if you fancy yourself the camp chef wanting a near match for an indoor kitchen, this is a top option. It’s not for backpacking or even small car camping. It’s for campers who don’t mind a heavy setup but get rewarded with fast versatile cooking for big families.

The GSI Outdoors Selkirk 540+ is one of the best camping stoves for families of 5 and under. Particularly if you don’t need a ton of bells and whistles to heat a simple meal.

It’s both lightweight and portable at 10 pounds, making it ideal for family campsites. Despite its small size, it still packs plenty of power with 28,000 BTUs of cooking power. Coming from two adjustable burners. This means you can fry up some eggs and bacon at the same time, or simmer some soup while you sauté some vegetables.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that struck me about the Selkirk 540+ is its sturdy construction. The exterior is powder-coated steel, with fold-out windscreens to keep the elements at bay.

Inside are two stainless steel and nickel-chrome burners. Using this type of material makes clean-up easy after even the biggest meals.

Ease of Use

The Selkirk 540+ is super easy to use, which is important if kids are nearby. The stove uses propane for fuel and features a simple push-button Piezo ignition system. For heat changes, each burner has a knob. The Selkirk 540+ functions well and the controls are a pleasure to use. But the ignitor needs improvement, often it wouldn’t work on the first push, which is annoying.

The stove is also easy to clean because it has removable pan supports and a stainless steel drip tray. When it’s time to pack up and head home, the legs fold up and the stove fits neatly into its carry bag.

Middle of The Pack Performance

The Selkirk 540+ performance isn’t the best but it’s not the worst either. The two burners deliver a total of 14,000 BTUs. Which is more than enough to boil water, cook food, and even fry up some bacon. Oddly the boil time was unimpressive though, at a sluggish 7 minutes per one liter.

Where the Selkirk 540+ performance shines is its fuel efficiency. The stove uses a single 16.4 oz propane canister that lasted for several meals. This is particularly impressive given the stove’s high output and large burners.

Verdict

The Selkirk 540+ is a simple option for small families looking for the best camping stoves. It has a sturdy construction, easy to use, and has decent performance. While it’s a bit slow to reach boiling, it heats up in any condition a family can put it through.

The Jetboil Stash is simple and ultra-lightweight, making it perfect for solo camping. This is a 7.1 oz ultralight backpacking cooking system. It’s a stand-alone stove with a titanium burner and a .8L FluxRing cookpot. Creating a small feature-rich and powerful package.

Titanium Burner

Using titanium and not having a regulator or igniter is what makes the Stash lightweight. It’s considered a fast-boil stove, and boy does it ever boil water fast! This thing is ultra-fast at 2.5 minutes per half a liter.

Unlike other 1-burner stoves, the Stash uses a unique integrated pot and burner system. The FluxRing increases the surface area of the pot making heating super efficient. For heat regulation, there is a simple adjustment.

As there isn’t an ignitor, you need to pack a lighter or matches. But for thru-hikers or bike campers, this is the norm.

Super Stowage

I love the nesting design of the Stash. All you have to do is, stow the burner, pouch and stabilizer right inside the cookpot, then place the lid on top. Voila! It’s ready for transport.

Speaking of the pot, it’s made of anodized aluminum. JetBoil chose this material to give a balance of weight savings and efficiency. On top is an attachable lid with a pour spout.

Another bonus of the pot is the built-in measuring markers and attached pour handle. No longer guessing how much water you are trying to boil.

Powered By JetPower Fuel

It’s important to note, the Stash only works with Jetboil Fuel canisters. This gives you the convenience of not having to buy a separate canister for each stove. But it does add extra planning for your trip. Below the canister is the fuel stabilizer to keep everything stable and steady.

No Wind Protection

While this is one of the best camping stoves, its major downside is the lack of wind protection. Trying to cook a meal in a mild wind is fine, but if the gusts pick up the boil time greatly suffers.

Verdict

The Jetboil Stash Camping Stove is best for weight-conscious campers. Its lightweight, compact design and efficient heat transfer, create dependable solo cooking.

The MSR Whisperlite International is a reliable choice for cold-weather campers. It’s also great if you plan international trips where certain fuel types are hard to come by. Hence the name! Users love the combination of lightweight, durability, and versatility.

Design & Features

First things first, it uses a combo of pressurized fuel and jets for steady, efficient heat. Fueled by either white gas, kerosene or unleaded auto fuel. No matter if you camp in warm terrain or high altitude cold base camps, this stove will work.

Weighing in at a mere 11.2 ounces, the Whisperlite is easy to transport and set up in even the most remote locations.

The stainless steel body with an aluminum fuel line makes it very durable. Unlike other single-burner brands, MSR includes a built-in windscreen. Which does a fantastic job of protecting the flame from windy conditions. It also has an adjustable control knob that conducts changes to the heat output. Be aware though, there’s a bit of a learning curve to master precision temp control.

Next, this model includes a heat reflector plate. Which in turn helps maximize efficiency by directing heat into the pot or pan you are using.

Adverse Weather Performance

To help combat cold temps and windy conditions this stove has an integrated fuel pump. This allows for easy priming and lighting of the stove without having to manually pump the fuel line. This makes it easier to ignite the burner.

It reaches full power within two minutes. So this makes it ideal for boiling a liter of water in 3.5 minutes or preparing meals. Additionally, the stove has excellent fuel efficiency thanks to its low-pressure burner system. This means that you can get more use out of each canister of fuel before needing to replace it.

Making meals with it is appealing, as it’s whisper-quiet. Due to its insulated design which helps muffle sound when cooking outdoors. This makes it one of the best camping stoves for use in areas where noise pollution may be an issue. Or if you want to keep your campsite activities discreet.

Verdict

This is the best camping stove if you need a reliable stove in the most remote areas. It’s easy to use, performs well under various conditions, and offers great value for money. All thanks to its fuel efficiency and trusted design.

The Snow Peak LiteMax is a rare combination of lightweight and durable gear. As a bonus, it’s a great option for wallet-conscious buyers. Weighing at only 1.9 ounces, it’s an excellent choice for the gram-focused thru-hiker. Being compact also means it takes up minimal space in your backpack. I almost don’t feel it in my pack trekking to base camp.

To ensure durability, the brand made the stove of titanium and stainless steel.

Power & Efficiency

Moving on, for fuel the LiteMax needs an isobutane canister. This provides the power that boasts a powerful flame, with a max-output of 11,200 BTUs. This means that it can boil a liter of water in just over 4 minutes.

The stove also has good fuel efficiency, thanks to its flame control. This feature allows you to adjust the flame to suit your cooking needs. Which in turn, conserves fuel and extends the stove’s runtime.

During actual use, the simmer control was better than other canister stoves I’ve tried. But it’s not as fuel efficient as the Jetboil, although this isn’t an issue until you have to pack a second canister.

Foolproof Operation

Likewise, the Snow Peak LiteMax is easy to use. To ignite you need to bring your matches or lighter. But that’s intended as a piezo igniter can break leaving hikers stranded. The stove also has foldable pot supports. This feature ensures that your pots and pans don’t fall off as you cook.

Any Concerns?

In contrast, one of the drawbacks of this stove is its actual stability. This thing will shift and tip at the slightest touch. I suspect this is because of the screws that attach the folding pot supports. Make sure to secure them tight or expect problems.

Also, it’s a bit of a misnomer to call the folding pot stands a windscreen. It doesn’t work as intended.

Verdict

The LiteMax isn’t the fastest stove available, nor is it the most efficient. But for the weight and space savings, this thing is a solid option at a great price.

This is the pick for the climate-aware camper, the Ohuhu Mini Wood Stove. The biggest and often overlooked advantage of a wood burner is its versatility. It’s perfect for cooking meals, boiling water, or keeping warm on chilly nights. And because it’s made from durable stainless steel, it can withstand the wear and tear of outdoor use.

Compact and Portable

One of the first things that struck me about the Ohuhu Mini Wood Stove is how compact and lightweight it is. Weighing in at a mere 1.9 pounds, it won’t take up too much space in your backpack.

Wood Burners: Simple and Efficient

Despite its small size, the Ohuhu Mini Wood Stove is super efficient. Designed with a unique airflow system that maximizes heat output and minimizes smoke. Plus, it’s super easy to use: throw on some kindling and light it up!

Planet Friendly

The best thing about the Ohuhu Mini Wood Stove is that it’s environmentally friendly. It burns wood, which is a renewable resource. It produces harmful emissions like some other camping stoves do. Plus, you can use it in areas where open campfires aren’t allowed.

Verdict

All in all, this is a must-have for any camping enthusiast. Especially one who values portability, durability, versatility, and safe for the planet. It’s an easy investment that will serve you well in all your outdoor adventures. So, go ahead and add it to your camping gear collection, and you won’t regret it!