A great camping stove blends efficiency, portability, and durability. Designed to withstand the rigours of the wild, it should be compact enough to fit into a backpack yet robust enough to cook under various weather conditions..
A camping stove's ability to boil water quickly and cook meals makes it an indispensable tool for campers and hikers looking to refuel with a hot meal after a long day’s trek.
With easy-to-use controls and adjustable flame settings, it caters to both the gourmet and outdoor chef, ensuring that wherever you are, a warm meal is just a flame away.
Camping is an ideal way to disconnect from the usual daily routine and connect with nature. One of the highlights of any camping trip is cooking outdoors, and to keep your stomach happy a camping stove is one of the essentials.
When selecting the best camping stove you need to consider:
- Fuel Type
- Size and Weight
- Power
- Size and appetite of your party
Here are our best suggestions for backpacking and basecamp camping stove for both summer and winter.
Fuel Type
Camping stoves run on different fuel types like propane, butane, white gas (Coleman Fuel), denatured meths, alcohol and gel. Propane and butane are the most common and easiest to find in camping shops, some supermarkets and even garden centres or hardware stores at a push. White gas is efficient but more challenging to find compared to propane and butane. Alcohol stoves are light and easy to pack, but they're not as efficient for cooking heavy meals. With this in mind, choose a stove that runs on the fuel you're most comfortable with and can easily find during your camping trip.
Safety is a top priority for many, especially for those setting out on their first camping experiences. The safest options are those that have low flammability and emit minimal harmful fumes. Eco Fuel Gel ticks a lot of boxes in this respect and makes a safer substitute to meths. Propane and butane are popular choices for camping stoves, as they burn cleanly and produce minimal smoke. Solid fuel tablets made from compressed wood and wax are another safe and convenient option, as they can be easily ignited and extinguished. However, it's important to always read and follow the instructions for each fuel source, and to use them in well-ventilated areas away from open flames - and never cook inside your tent.
Visit How to choose the best type of camping stove fuel for more on camping fuels.
Size and Weight
Camping stoves come in different sizes and weights. The size and weight you choose will depend on the size of your camping group, how far you're willing to carry it and what you are carrying it in. The ideal is a stove that is lightweight, compact, and easy to set up.
Cooking Power
Different stoves have different heat output levels measured in Watts. Choose a stove with a heat output that suits your cooking needs. A low powered stove may take longer to cook, while a high powered stove may use more fuel - and is more likely to burn your yummy food. A balance between power output and fuel efficiency is essential.
A common use scenario is simply boiling water, and in winter this can mean melting snow. A high powered stove, combined with a pot that distributes the heat evenly around the pan works well.
However - a word of caution, there is no advantage in having all the power and losing it to the wind. Some stoves have built in wind shields whilst others can be used with separate wind shields such as the Concertina to increase efficiency.
Versatility
Some camping stoves come with additional features that make them more versatile, such as the ability to simmer, grill, or bake. If your cooking needs extend beyond boiling water you will want to put some thought into how controllable you need the flame to be, alongside what type of pots and pans you are going to be using to knock out your Michelin star cuisine.
Price
Camping stoves come in different price ranges, but don't forget to take into account the cost of the consumables - the fuel. It's advisable to choose a stove that falls within your budget and gives you value for your money.
In conclusion, choosing the best camping stove can make or break your camping experience. Therefore, taking the time to research and consider the factors is essential. With the right camping stove, you can prepare delicious meals and set yourself up to enjoy the great outdoors with a satisfied stomach.
Why choose an Alpkit camping stove?
Our camping stoves are designed to withstand even the toughest outdoor environments. Their compact and lightweight design makes them easy to carry on any camping trip, while their reliable and efficient performance ensures that you can cook up a meal or boil water without any hassle. Additionally, our stoves are made from durable and high-quality aluminium or titanium, which means they are built to last. Whether you are a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a casual camper, Alpkit camping stoves are the perfect choice for all your cooking needs.
Brukit all-in-one camping stove
Brukit is a lightweight stove with integrated cooking pot and ignitor. It has a compact design that makes it easy to pack and carry. This stove is ideal for boiling water and cooking simple meals. It can be powered with 100g, 230g or 450g so you can tailor your weight to your groups size or trip duration. It has a built-in windshield and heat exchanger that makes it ideal for cooking in windy conditions. It's also efficient and can boil 500ml of water in under three minutes.
Good for: Small backpacking groups looking for reliability and convenience.
Kraku ultralight camping stove
Kraku is a minimalist camping stove that is designed for ultralight backpacking. It weighs only 45g and can boil water in under three minutes. It is also compatible with gas canisters and is super easy to set up and use.
Good for: Minimalist, one pot, solo adventures where the grams really count and you want to get nutrition in you as fast as possible.
Koro titanium mountaineering stove
Koro is built to feed hungry mountaineers in sub-zero conditions - but don't worry if that's not you, there is still a lot here to like for backpackers, campers and bikepackers on the valley floor. Compatible with gas canisters, the flexible armoured tube feeds a brass pre-heat tube for greater controllability, especially in colder conditions. It has a powerful flame that can boil water quickly and efficiently. Made out of titanium to save weight, with 3 retractable legs Koro is light, sturdy and durable, making it perfect for extended camping trips.
Good for: Campers on a mission needing a fast, flexible, efficient and reliable cooking set up to get hot foods and liquids into their bods.
Vagabond basecamp camping stove
The Vagabond group camping stove boasts a robust and efficient gas stove design, perfect for laying out hearty breakfasts and re-energizing meals at your basecamp. It's the go-to for group camping culinary sessions.
Accommodating various pan sizes with its adjustable pot stands it delivers a powerful 4000W output, ensuring temperature precision. With its integrated Piezo igniter, you can say goodbye to matches; lighting the Vagabond is a breeze. Plus, the provided gas inverter mount optimizes gas flow, especially useful in chilly conditions by positioning the canister upside down.
Good for: Group campsite cooking.
Bruler meths camping stove
Bruler is a meths camping stove designed for hiking and camping. It's a reliable, versatile, and efficient stove that can be used to make hot drinks and meals in pretty much any weather conditions. Easy to clean and maintain, and can be used with Eco Fuel Gel making it ideal for first time campers.
Good for: Anyone who enjoys outdoor activities. With its affordable price, excellent performance and simplicity it deserves a place in every campers pack.
Wood Stove flatpack camping stove
Wood Stove is a lightweight, portable stove created especially for outdoor enthusiasts and backpackers who love to camp in the wilderness. Designed to burn natural wood it is an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to cook meals while camping and hiking. It has a unique, flat-packed design that makes it easy to pack and carry.
Good for: Nature lovers and campers who want to enjoy delicious, cooked meals while exploring the wilderness without carrying your fuel.
Our camping stoves offer something for every camper, no matter what your needs are. Whether you need a lightweight stove for backpacking or a larger stove for group cooking, we have got you covered. All of our stoves are reliable and durable, and they are built to withstand the rugged conditions of camping and hiking. Bon Appétit!
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