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Best Camping Stoves

Updated February 2024
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Camp Chef Everest 2-Burner Stove
Camp Chef
Everest 2-Burner Stove
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Easiest to Use
Bottom Line

This stove has a classic design and 2 burners surrounded by windscreens to make cooking easy.

Pros

Powerful dual 20,000-BTU burners, quick cooking capabilities, and matchless ignition. Features a stainless steel drip tray and carrying handle.

Cons

A few exterior quality concerns: sharp edges, sub-par rivets, flimsy lid latch.

Best Bang for the Buck
Gas One GS-3400P Dual Fuel Stove
Gas One
GS-3400P Dual Fuel Stove
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Most Versatile
Bottom Line

Our team found this stove to be both portable and affordable for campers going the distance.

Pros

The lightweight design impressed during trials making it easy to take on the go and pack away. Can use butane or propane. The included heat dial was very accurate.

Cons

Some users noted that the included instructions could be a bit better.

Coleman PowerPack Propane Stove
Coleman
PowerPack Propane Stove
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

This single-burner stove is ideal when you want to pack light and go camping farther away than normal.

Pros

Despite being a single burner stove, it still fits a 12" pan. The chrome-plated grate is removable for easy clean-up. Incredibly easy to use quickly.

Cons

This compact stove doesn't come with a windscreen.

Solo Stove Wood-Burning Camping Stove
Solo Stove
Wood-Burning Camping Stove
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Feature-Packed
Bottom Line

The ideal camping stove for those wanting to cook over a wood fire to add a smokier flavor to food.

Pros

It is extremely lightweight (2.2 lbs) which works well for backpacking and you can burn twigs, sticks, leaves, and wood as fuel. It boils water quickly and creates less smoke.

Cons

It is more expensive than similar products.

Coleman Propane Camping Stove
Coleman
Propane Camping Stove
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Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

This traditional 2-burner camping stove is exceptional for those cooking for multiple people at a time.

Pros

This propane stove is a popular option for car campers as it sets up easily on a tabletop and packs up small when you are done. The two burners is useful for cooking and boiling at the same time.

Cons

Can be a bit tricky to clean if you have a boil over.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

51
Models
Considered
60
Consumers
Consulted
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Researched
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Buying guide for Best camping stoves

Whether you’re vacationing in Yellowstone National Park, camping along a local trail, or setting up a tent in your backyard, a camping stove provides a way for you to rustle up everything from a reheated can of beans to a medium-rare filet mignon. Indeed, a camping stove adds a touch of fun and comfort to your outdoor adventures!

With a few pots and pans, portable utensils, and some basic foodstuffs, you can cap off a thrilling day of hiking, fishing, or running the rapids with a delicious, home-cooked meal rather than a candy bar and warm soda pop.

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When you’re camping, calling for pizza delivery might not be a viable option. So how should you go about preparing dinner? A handy camping stove offers a great solution.

If you’re interested in purchasing a camping stove, check out our curated selections.

If you’d like to learn more about camping stoves, you've come to the right place.

Form factor

All camping stoves share a common feature: they generate heat that you can use for cooking outdoors.

When perusing the market, however, you’ll find that your product choices run the gamut from one-burner butane stovetops to multi-burner stove/oven combinations with removable racks.

The products in our product list, above, also vary somewhat in their form factor. But all of them offer superior characteristics, which you can read about in our evaluations.

"With the open air as a backdrop, a camping stove makes a beautiful centerpiece in your outdoor kitchen."
STAFF
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Fuel source

The fuel source you use when cooking on a camping stove depends on the model.

Some stoves require propane or gas to start a fire. Others require a flammable biomass like wood to get the heat going.

  • If you like to finish cooking quickly, consider a camping stove that requires a propane or gas heat source.

  • If you don’t mind a leisurely cooking session, consider a camping stove that calls for wood or a similar biomass to get the fire going.
A camping stove with Piezo ignition requires no matches and no electrical connection to start the heat.

As with any outdoor activity that involves fire, camping stoves should not be used by children.

For those models that rely on gas or propane, the fuel must be handled with extreme care.

It’s also wise to avoid cooking on a camping stove when it’s windy out. Not only will it be difficult to light your fire, but the wind could spread your flames to nearby foliage.

Other considerations

If you inspect the garage of your favorite outdoor enthusiast, chances are you’ll find a camping stove tucked away amidst the other gear.

And it’s a safe bet that the stove will be a bit worn around the edges, because once a camper finds a stove they like, it becomes a best friend — one that can boil water, fry eggs, and put the finishing touches on a freshly caught trout.

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Did you know?
The Japanese Shichirin is a lightweight charcoal stove that originated in the 1600s and is still in use today.
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To find the camping stove that will be your best friend, here are some guidelines —

  • Size: From a large stove with folding legs to a small stove that packs into a travel pouch, you’ll encounter a range of size choices when shopping for this appliance.

    So ask yourself: are you the sort of adventurer who travels on foot for miles before setting up camp? Or are you the kind of camper who prefers to drive your car right up to the campsite? Lugging a 15-pound stove might not sound difficult, but after a mile’s hike on uneven terrain, you could end up wishing for something lighter.

    We urge potential buyers to take their camping habits into account when choosing a stove size.
  • Menu: What do you plan to cook on your stove? If someone in your camping group is a foodie or gourmet chef, you’ll probably want that person to have a stove that matches their culinary talent.

    At minimum, we recommend a two-burner model. If you like to host seafood boils on the beach, you'll want to opt for a substantial model that can handle the size of your crab pot.

    However, if your outdoor menus will be short and simple, a small oven that handles a three-quart pot (or less) should suffice.

"If you’ll be preparing meals that require some prep — chopping onions, filleting fish, etc. — consider a model with side trays for easy sous chef activity."
STAFF
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  • Experience: What kind of outdoor cooking experience do you hope to have?

    If you go into “rough it” mode while camping, you might appreciate the challenge of a stove that requires assembly and a bit of elbow grease to get the fire going.

    But if you prefer a straightforward cooking experience, you might prefer a standard model by a manufacturer like Coleman or Camp Chef that will boil, sauté, and fry on a burner — just like at home.

Price

Under $100

At this low price point, you’ll find some smaller units, many of which must be assembled and disassembled before and after each use. The reputable Coleman brand offers several gas-fed, one-burner stoves under $100. At the higher end of the range, you’ll also find some two-burner stoves which may have added features such as a broiler or baking rack.

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Did you know?
You can make a one-pot pizza on a camping stove by pouring Bisquick (mixed with water) into your oiled pot. Layer sauce, cheese, and toppings on top and cook until golden brown.
STAFF
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Under $200

As you climb above the $100 mark, you’ll find a heftier supply of camping stoves with actual burners for traditional cooking.

Some of these models set up like a folding table on four legs — a bonus for those who prefer the convenience of standing while cooking.

Other creature comforts you might find in this price range include side trays for food prep and a USB port for charging your phone while cooking.

Based on normal flame size, a 16.4-ounce canister of propane should grant you about four to six hours of cook time.

$200 and up

If you’re willing to pay top dollar for a camping stove, you can expect the most deluxe of features: multiple burners, temperature control, fold-out shelves, and more.

A camping stove of this caliber can turn any campsite gathering into a gourmet dining experience.

Safety tips

Follow these safety tips for a positive outdoor cooking experience:

  • If you’re using a propane stove, be sure the propane tank is kept upright en route to the campsite and stored and in a well-ventilated area.

  • When attaching a propane tank to a camping stove, check for leaks in the connection by putting some soapy water between the fuel and the stove. If bubbles form, there could be a leak.
"When choosing a camping stove, remember that fuel-fed units require you to carry canisters of propane or gas along as well. This adds to the overall weight of your gear."
STAFF
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  • Put away all leftover food to avoid attracting bears and other large critters.

  • Let your stove cool thoroughly before packing it up.

  • Never leave your stove’s liquid fuel in the sun, as the exposure could lead to fire or an explosion.
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A disadvantage of using unleaded gas as a camping stove fuel is its flammability and tendency to leave a sooty residue.

FAQ

Q. What is a “pop can” stove?

A. This is a DIY camping stove that you can make out of a regular beverage can — or even a cat food can — using a knife, scissors, and some other craft supplies. The end result is something like a Sterno burner you might see on a buffet table.

Q. What kind of camping stoves are permitted in the Grand Canyon?

A. Wood or charcoal fires of any type are not allowed. Sterno-type or fossil fuel backpack stoves are permitted.

Q. Can I take my camping stove on an airplane?

A. According to the TSA, camping stoves are allowed as either carry on or checked baggage. The stoves must be empty of fuel with no residual vapors.