The Best Camping Stoves for Making Delicious Outdoor Feasts
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When it comes to taking time to unplug and enjoy fresh air, there’s no better getaway than camping. However, just because you’re sleeping in a tent and are far removed from indoor plumbing doesn’t mean that you have to rough it in terms of preparing meals. With the right camping stove, you can make your campsite feel a little more like your own backyard.
What Are the Best Camping Stoves?
The best camping stoves are compact and lightweight enough to make packing for a weekend outdoors easier. Generally, your camping stove should be under 20 pounds, but some can be as light as 5 pounds.
The lighter your camping stove is, the less complex it will be. The lightest camping stoves are typically single-burner stoves, which are excellent for cooking soups and making coffee. These stoves are so easily transported that you can even bring them along on backpacking trips.
Heavier stoves typically have more amenities, like double burners and, in some cases, a grilling section. Solo campers may not need such features, but families and parties of friends will appreciate having the ability to cook multiple things at once.
When shopping for the best camping stove, it’s also important to consider its transportation and cleanup features. Because most camping stoves rest on a flat surface, it’s important that they have a carrying case, handle or clasp for when you’re ready to pack up. Other features to look out for are removable drip trays and wind-blocking panels. Additionally, you should always familiarize yourself with the camping stove’s power source to make sure you are prepared to properly operate it.
1. Camp Chef Everest 2 Burner Stove
The Camp Everest Two Burner Stove takes the hassle out of feeding your family on a camping trip. Each burner gives out 20,000 BTUs which helps you get your cooking done quickly and thoroughly. The nickel-coated steel cooking grate is durable and built to hold your pots, griddles, and skillets. With this 12-pound camping stove, staple meals like pasta and pancakes are possible no matter where you’ve set up shop. The stove runs on propane and has a matchless ignition for some extra convenience. We also love this camping stove for its easy-clean stainless steel drip tray and carrying handle.
2. Coleman Camp Propane Grill/Stove
This Coleman Camp Propane Stove’s burner is perfect for making coffee or soup, while the grill is a great spot to cook burgers or set up a griddle pan for vegetables or breakfast items. The stove weighs only 7.5 pounds but is built to give you the best cooking experience. It’s equipped with a removable drip tray for easy cleanup, a heavy-duty clasp for safe transport, side panels that block the wind and pressure control tech that helps keep the heat steady even when you are in high altitudes or low on fuel.
3. Gas ONE GS-3900P Portable Stove
If you’re the type of camper who likes to keep your gear down to the bare essentials, then the best camping stove is Gas ONE’s single burner stove. This compact and portable camping stove weighs less than 5 pounds and measures 13 x 10 x 4 inches. It operates on a single butane cartridge or a propane cylinder, making setup a breeze. Plus, the stove can be stored in an easy-to-handle carrying case. Its small size makes it a great tool for hiking and backpacking trips, too.
4. Camplux Propane Camping Stove
If your idea of camping is a slightly more outdoorsy cookout, this Camplux Propane Camping Stove is the answer to your cooking needs. It features two burners and one grill with independent heating knobs so you can work on more complex, multi-step recipes. The stove also comes with removable legs that allow it to stand upright just like a standard grill. All of its surfaces are stainless steel which aids in an easy cleanup job. Even though this camping stove is a little heftier than its simpler competitors, it still weighs under 16 pounds.