How to choose a camping stove for your next camping adventure? From its sizes and weights, to picking it according to the style of your stove, this article will unveil the necessary considerations before choosing the best camping stove for you!

In modern times like now, we no longer need to bother making a campfire to cook when doing activities in the wilderness.

With the presence of various portable stove products, the camping or hiking experience has become more practical and enjoyable.

How to Choose Camping Stove

1. Consider Its Weight and Sizes

When car camping or at a basecamp, considerations of gear weight and size become much more flexible than when carrying into the backcountry.

In this context, you don’t have to worry too much about bringing lightweight equipment, but it is still important to choose a unit that is easy to transport.

Make sure the stove you choose can be easily moved from the car to the campsite without much difficulty, so you can focus on enjoying your time in nature.

2. Fuel Type and Capacity

the next tip on how to choose camping stove is considering its fuel type and capacity.

Most camping stoves use propane fuel, which works well in a wide range of temperatures and is widely available at outdoor stores and gas stations.

For weekend activities, one 16-ounce bottle is usually sufficient, but it is advisable to bring a spare bottle or two.

For more convenience, a 5-gallon (or 20-pound) tank is a good choice. These tanks are more economical in the long run, easy to secure, and can be refilled in many locations.

Although it requires an adapter and hose to connect it to the stove, this investment is well worth it if you’re a frequent camper.

Also Read: “Parts of Stove: A Complete and Thorough Guide“

3. Wind Resistance

No matter where you camp, wind can be a big challenge when cooking. If the stove is unprotected, even a light breeze can disrupt the flammability and result in unevenly cooked food.

To combat this, look for a stove that comes with a windshield on all three sides. If your chosen stove doesn’t have a built-in shield, you can make a temporary shield or buy one separately.

While windshields are not always effective, combining them with an awning located in a protected area can help create a more protected cooking area resulting in a more stable fire.

Aside from wind protection, other features to consider are heat control. While bringing water to a rapid boil is important, many foods require a more delicate setting, such as a simmer for sauces or soups.

Make sure the stove has good simmer control to deliver even heat.

4. Number of Burners

Next, consider how many burners you need. Two burners are standard for freestanding cookers and countertop stoves, and for good reason.

Most of the time, two burners are enough to fulfill your cooking needs, just like when you cook at home.

With two burners, you can easily prepare several dishes at once without feeling overwhelmed, making it a practical choice for your outdoor cooking experience.

5. Consider Push-Button Ignition

When narrowing down your search for a portable stove, consider additional features such as optional push-button ignition, often called a piezo igniter.

Most entry-level models come with manual ignition, where you have to turn on the gas and bring a match or lighter closer to the stove to start the fire.

Meanwhile, piezo igniters allow you to light the stove by simply pressing a button or turning a knob, making it safer and more convenient, especially when outdoors.

However, there are some considerations to keep in mind. Piezo igniters usually cost extra, around $20, and may malfunction over time.

Therefore, it is highly recommended to always carry spare matches or a lighter.

Consider whether the added convenience of a piezo igniter is worth the investment you need to make. That way, you can choose the option that best suits your needs and budget.