Camping and food are the perfect combination, especially when car camping allows for the convenience of a two-burner stove. This year, we have tested several new stoves and retested our previous top picks to bring you the best camping stoves available today. Drawing from our collective experience with camp cooking, we have narrowed down the selection to help you make an informed decision.
What Makes a Good Camping Stove?
A good camp stove should ignite quickly, provide a consistent heat source, and offer precise control for tasks like simmering and sautéing. Additionally, other factors to consider include the number of people you need to feed and the type of cooking you plan to do. Design, ease of use, BTUs, wind performance, simmer control, weight, cost, and boil time are all taken into account when reviewing each stove.
(Photo/Mary Murphy)
The Best Camping Stoves of 2024
- Best Overall Camping Stove: Camp Chef Everest 2X
- Best Budget Camping Stove: Coleman Cascade Classic Camp Stove
- Best Compact Camping Stove: Kovea Slim Twin Propane Camp Stove
- Best Grill/Griddle for Camping: Coleman 3-in-1 Stove
- Best One-Burner Camping Stove: Eureka SPRK+ Camp Stove
- Best Large Group Camping Stove: Camp Chef Explorer 14
Camping Stove Comparison Chart
(Photo/Mary Murphy)
How We Tested Camping Stoves
Before heading into the backcountry, it's essential to test your camping stove to ensure its reliability. Our team of outdoors enthusiasts has field-tested a wide range of camp stoves, from compact single burners to full-blown mobile kitchens. We put each stove through rigorous cooking tests, including boiling water, cooking meals, simmering, and measuring fuel consumption.
Boil Test
To determine the boiling performance, we boiled 1 liter of water using the same pot and lid on each stove. The Camp Chef Explorer 14 topped the list with a time of 2 minutes and 50 seconds per liter. The Camp Chef Everest 2X followed closely behind with a time of 3 minutes and 6 seconds per liter. The boil times varied among the stoves, but all were able to efficiently heat water.
Simmer Test
Simmering is an essential feature for camp stoves, allowing for precise heat control. We tested the simmering capabilities of each stove by measuring how low the flame could go while remaining active. The Camp Chef Everest 2X emerged as the winner, with a flame that could be lowered to just 1 inch from the hand and offering 360+ degrees of rotation. The Eureka Ignite and Primus Profile also performed well in the simmer test.
Performance in Wind
Wind can pose a challenge when cooking outdoors, so it's important to choose a stove that can handle windy conditions. Stoves equipped with windscreens and burner recesses offer better wind resistance. The Camp Chef Everest 2X particularly stood out in this category, thanks to small metal dishes surrounding each burner that provide excellent wind protection.
The author camping and cooking along the Arkansas River; (photo/Eric Phillips)
Fuel Types, Capacities, and Efficiency
Most camping stoves on our list use one-pound propane canisters, which last for about three to four meals or approximately 1 hour of cooking time. Propane is suitable for all-weather cooking but can be affected by low temperatures. Butane is another fuel option, but it performs poorly in cold weather and is not recommended for use during shoulder seasons. Consider the duration of your camping trips and bring additional canisters accordingly.
Weight and Packed Size
While weight is a factor to consider, these stoves are designed for car camping, where you won't be carrying them for long distances. Packed size is more critical, as it determines how much space the stove occupies in your vehicle or at your campsite. Compact stoves like the Jetboil Genesis Basecamp Stove and the Primus Kinjia offer convenience in terms of storage and transportation.
While packed size isn’t as important as with backpacking stoves, you’ll want to consider the overall size and weight for lugging around in your adventure-mobile; (photo/Eric Phillips)
Extra Features: Griddles, Grates, Pots, and More
Consider your cooking preferences and group size when choosing a camping stove. Two-burner stoves are recommended for most camping needs, but there are also single-burner and three-burner options available. The addition of griddles, grates, and other accessories can enhance your cooking experience, so choose a stove that suits your specific requirements and fits your budget.
(Photo/Eric Phillips)
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have more questions about camping stoves or need further guidance in choosing the right one, refer to our comprehensive buyer’s guide. We have also compiled a list of frequently asked questions to address common concerns and help you make an informed decision.
By considering factors such as design, performance, fuel efficiency, and additional features, you can find the perfect camping stove to enhance your outdoor cooking experience. Happy camping and happy cooking!
Note: This article is updated as of October 20, 2023, to ensure the accuracy and relevancy of the information presented.
