The 10 Best Camping Stoves (for 2023)

I own and use quite a few camping stoves, and I want to share my favorites with you. These are the 10 best camping stoves for anyone who wants to cook outdoors.

• Camp Chef Everest – Best Overall
• Camp Chef Rainier 2X – Best Stove/Griddle Combo
• Coleman PowerPack – Smallest

10 Best Camping Stoves for 2023

1. Camp Chef Everest: $149

The must-have portable propane stove for any outdoor enthusiast is the Camp Chef Everest. It offers impressive cooking power, convenience, and durability.

The two large 20,000 BTU burners are perfect for those who need a lot of heat to cook their food. In addition, each burner has excellent simmer control for more delicate meals like soups and sauces.

The Everest has many great features, like a carry handle, locking lid, side shields to block the wind, nickel-coated cooking grate, and a reasonable weight of 12 pounds.

🛡️ VERDICT: Everest cookers are the most reliable and durable I’ve ever used. They’re heavier than most, but they’re still compact and easy to transport.

2. Coleman Classic – Triton: $109

The Coleman Triton is a well-made, simple stove that’s been around for decades. It’s a great go-to camping stove because it’s inexpensive and easy to use–a perfect mix of reliability and affordability.

The Coleman Classic is all about simplicity. This straightforward, portable stove provides you with everything you need to cook a meal for your family while camping.

It’s designed to be quick and easy and allows you to cook up a pot of beans or soup or even make some bacon and eggs without too much fuss.

The two-burner stove can boil water quickly, especially in windy conditions. The stove has a built-in windscreen that keeps it from blowing out and still simmers on lower settings.

🛡️ VERDICT: The Coleman Triton Classic is a compact, easy-to-carry portable stove. The cooktop is large, but the built-in windscreens can be adjusted to create more cooking space. And it’s easy to clean and maintain.

3. Stansport Outfitter Series 3-Burner – $149

The Stansport Outfitter Series 3-Burner is an excellent choice for campers who want a robust, reliable portable stove. It has all the features of the Coleman Classic with the power of the Camp Chef Everest.

If you’re looking for a top-quality tabletop stove that is both simple and efficient, then the 3-burner design is perfect. It offers a range of features that makes preparing food super easy.

It has wind baffles to protect your food from wind gusts and incredibly high-powered burners.

The left and right burners each pump out 25,000 BTUs. And the middle burner provides an additional 10,000 BTUs.

🛡️ VERDICT: The Stansport Outfitter is a lightweight, portable stove perfect for camping and cooking outdoors. It has piezo electric ignition and windscreens to help with cooking in windy conditions.

4. GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Pro: $250

If you’re looking for a great two-burner stove that doesn’t take up a lot of space, the GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Pro is perfect.

It’s very sleek and modern, and it’s also one of the thinnest options on the market. Plus, it folds up to just 1.4 inches tall, so you can easily store it away when not in use.

Even though it doesn’t have as many BTUs as some of the other stoves, this one is still a good option because of features like a three-sided windscreen, dual push-button igniters, and a coated non-stick drip pan.

Plus, the deployable legs are beneficial when cooking on a camping table.

Although the Pinnacle Pro is lightweight and thin, it’s not as durable as other options. In addition, the short windscreens don’t offer much protection from the elements. Finally, I wish there were a spot to store the fuel adapter when I’m done cooking.

🛡️ VERDICT: What makes the Pinnacle Pro a desirable option is its small profile. It’s the thinnest camping stove you can buy. And if you’re using it for car camping, then the lack of a carrying handle isn’t a dealbreaker.

5. Camp Chef Rainier 2X Stove & Griddle Combo: $199

If you’re looking for a tabletop camping stove that offers more cooking versatility, Camp Chef’s Rainier 2X is a great option.

This model features a single burner on one side and a built-in aluminum grill and griddle plate on the other. This lets you cook meals with many components quicker and more efficiently.

It’s got two burners that let you cook multiple items simultaneously. The windshields protect your food from getting cold, and the stainless steel drip tray prevents messes.

The auto-ignition makes it easy to get started. In addition, the flame adjustability ensures that you can always get the perfect heat for your meal.

🛡️ VERDICT: The Rainier 2X is a great stove all-in-one. However, the grill takes up about 2/3 of the space. So if you need to cook with multiple pots or pans, you might have a hard time.

6. Coleman PowerPack Propane Stove: $50

The Coleman PowerPack is a small but powerful single burner stove that can be used to cook just about anything. It’s perfect for small spaces where a stovetop is needed, but it doesn’t take up a lot of space.

You need a single propane fuel canister, and you’re good to go. The wide and stable cook platform makes it easy to cook any size pot. And the responsive valve makes it easy to control the simmering process.

This stove is perfect for car campers – it’s small, lightweight, and easy to store away when not in use. Plus, it can be used as an extra burner on more extensive camping trips.

It’s a budget-friendly option, but it has some shortcomings. For example, it doesn’t have much wind protection. And the burner BTU output is also on the lower end of the spectrum.

🛡️ VERDICT: If you’re looking for a compact camp stove that doesn’t take up too much space, the Coleman Powerpack is an excellent option. It’s small and easy to transport, perfect for camping trips or emergencies.

7. Jetboil Genesis Basecamp: $269

Suppose you’re looking for a compact two-burner stove that doesn’t sacrifice performance. In that case, the Jetboil Genesis Basecamp is an excellent option.

This stove is foldable, easy to transport, and has a large cooking surface. Plus, it’s just as easy to use as other popular folding stoves on the market.

It boils water quickly and simmers food efficiently. Plus, it’s easy to use and clean, making it the ideal choice for any outdoor excursion.

Although the model is more expensive than the other camping stoves on our list, it does have some advantages. Its main drawback, however, is its high price tag.

It has a unique all-around windscreen that helps protect from gusts coming in from any angle. Of course, it’s not immune to wind, but it still performs better than many of its counterparts.

🛡️ VERDICT: If you’re looking for a car camping stove that doesn’t take up too much space, the Jetboil Genesis Basecamp is a great option. It’s perfect for smaller groups of campers who want to save on packing room.

8. Camp Chef Explorer: $145

If you’re looking for a high-quality freestanding camping stove, look no further than the Camp Chef Explorer. This is one of the best stoves I’ve seen in a long time.

The Camp Chef Explorer is a freestanding stove perfect for large groups of campers. It’s also an excellent choice for RV campers who like to cook outdoors on a large cooktop.

This stove is an absolute powerhouse. It weighs over 30 lbs with the legs and 20 lbs without. However, it’s pretty bulky, so you might want to consider a different model unless you have the room.

The steel legs are detachable, making it easy to use on a picnic table. Each burner boasts 30,000 BTUs, so they can quickly boil water and achieve a perfect simmer.

🛡️ VERDICT: The Camp Chef Explorer is incredibly durable and does a great job at cooking. Yet, it’s pretty heavy, and it’s only compatible with large propane tanks. But, in my opinion, it’s the best freestanding stove available.

9. Coleman Butane Instastart: $69

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly camping stove, the Coleman Butane Instastart is an excellent option. Plus–this guy comes with a carrying case!

This one-burner, lightweight stove is super simple to use. Its size makes it ideal for car camping trips. However, it’s a bit too bulky for backpacking trips.

Although it doesn’t have the power of a larger burner, this single-burner stove still gets the job done. It can take about 7 minutes to boil a liter of water. Still, it’s perfect for simmering or cooking at lower temperatures.

This stove runs on butane instead of propane. While the difference is slight, butane is more fuel-efficient than propane. So you’ll be able to cook your meals without worrying about running out of fuel!

🛡️ VERDICT: The Coleman Butane Instastart is excellent for summer camping trips, but it doesn’t work well in bad weather. Butane is inefficient in cold weather, and the lack of a windscreen means it performs poorly in windy conditions.

10. Coleman Guide Series Dual Fuel: $172

The Coleman Guide Series Dual Fuel camping stove performs exceptionally well. In addition, this model runs on both white gas and unleaded gasoline, so you have more options when you’re out in the wild.

What separates the Coleman Dual Fuel from the competition is its ability to perform well in cold weather conditions. It can also run on either Coleman gas (white gas) or unleaded gas.

Neither of these gasses freeze. And both continue to burn when the temperature drops below freezing. This means that you can heat your food in freezing weather with zero issues.

There are some limitations. For one, the two ~7,000 BTU burners aren’t the most powerful. Secondly, you’ll simultaneously sacrifice fuel efficiency and heating power when running both burners.

🛡️ VERDICT: If you’re looking for a stove that can handle any adventure, the Coleman Guide Series Dual Fuel is your best bet. It’s perfect for serious campers and can handle any expedition, no matter your fuel type.

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Camping Stove Comparison Table

STOVE	PRICE	BURNERS	FUEL TYPE
Camp Chef Everest	$149	2	Propane
Coleman Classic	$109	2	Propane
Stansport Outfitter Series	$149	3	Propane
GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Pro	$250	2	Propane
Camp Chef Rainier	$199	1+Griddle	Propane
Coleman PowerPack	$50	1	Propane
Jetboil Genesis Basecamp	$269	2	Propane
Camp Chef Explorer	$149	2	Propane
Coleman Instastart	$69	1	Butane
Coleman Dual Fuel	$172	2	White Gas, Unleaded

Consider These 9 Things When Buying a Camping Stove

Buying a camping stove can be tricky, but it’s important to consider the following features before you make a purchase:

• Do you need a portable one?
• What style of camping do you do most often?
• Car camping
• Backpacking?
• Survival training?

Once you have an idea of what you need, it will be easier to find the perfect stove for your needs.

1. Freestanding Stoves vs. Tabletop Stoves

Freestanding camping stoves are different than other types because they have legs. This makes them larger and sturdier, which is great for using outdoors. They also tend to be more expensive, but this is worth it if you plan on using your stove frequently.

Another bonus of freestanding models is that they have larger surface areas. A larger cooktop means that you can use heavier weight pots and pans, giving you more room to work. Plus, freestanding camping stoves typically have more powerful burners.

Tabletop camping stoves are an excellent option for an affordable, lightweight stove. They’re usually less expensive and easier to transport than freestanding stoves, making them perfect for small spaces or when you’re not planning on using your stove outdoors.

Plus, they’re much more portable than freestanding stoves – you can take them wherever you go!

If you’re looking for a grill that can do it all, the Concord Triple Burner is perfect. This guy has removable legs, making switching between tabletop and freestanding styles easy.

2. Number of Burners

Camp stoves are necessary gear for anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors. They come in all shapes and sizes, but most models typically have two burners.

This allows you to cook your food and boil water simultaneously – perfect for those who like to prepare elaborate meals while camping. If you have a large group, you’ll want to consider investing in a model with three burners.

When using your stove, you have three choices: using the two large burners, the one with medium power, or the third burner. The third burner is usually for smaller jobs, and it’s not as effective as the other two.

3. BTU Output (British Thermal Unit)

When shopping for a camping stove, it’s essential to be aware of the heating power. This is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs).

BTUs give you an idea of how powerful a gas stove is, but it’s essential to keep in mind that other factors – like the size and type of oven – also affect heating power.

Having a higher BTU count means you’ll be able to cook food and boil water faster than ever before. You might even find that you don’t need as much heat when camping on your own.

My Coleman Classic has two burners with 10,000 BTUs each, which is more than enough for me.

4. Fuel Efficiency

When choosing a camping stove, it’s crucial to think about heating power and fuel efficiency. A powerful heater will help you quickly heat your food, while an efficient stove will use less fuel.

So make sure to select the perfect camping stove for your needs – one that provides heat fast and saves you money at the same time!

Consider liquid fuel stoves if you’re looking for a stove that can handle cold weather. These stoves are more efficient than a propane stove and have some great features that make them convenient to use.

5. Fuel Capacity

Camping can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to be mindful of your resources. For example, most camp stoves use 16-ounce propane bottles as fuel.

But if you have a low-BTUs stove like the Coleman Classic, you can get several meals from single gas canisters.

Fuel consumption will vary based on several factors. One such factor is the efficiency of your stove, what you’re cooking, and the weather conditions.

A large propane tank is the best option for people who need a lot of cooking time. You’ll be less likely to run out of gas, and it’s the cheapest option for a propane tank.

Plus, large propane tanks are refillable, so you’ll never run out of fuel again.

6. Temperature Control

The best camping stoves are the ones that let you adjust the amount of heat. This means that you can turn a knob to control the size of the flame and, as a result, the amount of heat it produces.

The top camping stoves vary in the range of temperatures they can muster. Some are better for cooking quickly (like boiling water), and others are better for cooking more slowly and at a lower heat.

7. Wind Resistance

If you’re looking to buy a camp stove, you need to think about how well it will work in windy conditions. Most models work best in mild winds, so if you want one that works in all conditions, choose one with built-in windscreens.

If you want to avoid the wind blowing out your stove, look for a model with built-in windscreens.

A windscreen is an essential part of your camp stove, no matter the weather. It will keep your stove fuel-efficient and ensure you can still cook a hot meal, even under harsh conditions.

8. Type of Ignition

There are different types of camp stoves, but the most popular is the auto-ignition stove. This type has an ignitor that automatically lights the stove when you push a button – it’s super easy to use!

If you’re using a camp stove without the ignition feature, you’ll need to use a lighter or matches to start the fuel.

A great way to light a camping stove without using a hand-held lighter is by installing a separate piezo ignitor. This is an easy process – remember always to carry a backup firestarter if the ignitor fails.

9. Weight & Dimensions

Compact hot plates are great for people who want a lightweight and small cooking option while camping, but they don’t offer the same space or weight capacity as propane camping stoves.

See my review of the top 10 best camping hot plates for 2023.

Although car campers have more room, they should still look for a slim and lightweight model to make setup and use much more accessible. This will help them avoid sacrificing portability.

Although smaller camping stoves are usually lighter and easier to carry, most large stoves have higher BTUs. This gives them excellent heating and cooking power – perfect for an extended camping trip or when you’re cooking for a lot of people.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. I hope it helped you make an educated purchasing decision about the best camp stove! I mainly write recipes on this blog. But, since you’re here already, give one of these bad boys a read!

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