Choosing the Best Camping Stove
Mealtime is an important and the most essential part of any outdoor camping trip. In this guide, we are going to highlight some of the most important factors and parameters that every potential buyer must consider before making a final purchase.
Types of Camping Stoves
There are 3 main types of camping stoves:
Canister stoves
They require low maintenance and are very easy to use. They are quick to light up and come with integrated pressure regulators to deliver consistent heat output throughout your cooking,
Liquid fuel stoves
These stoves are quite versatile. You can connect the equipment to the refillable fuel bottles. They are a great choice for people who like to travel internationally but face limited fuel choices outside the country.
Alternative fuel stoves
They are great for long-distance camping. There are different kinds available in the market where some are lightweight, while others are a bit heavy.
Reflective Windshield
Another important feature to look for when buying a camping stove is windshields. A good reflective windshield can protect the camping stove from quenching heavy winds. They are usually made with reflective materials like aluminum, so the stove can reflect back any escaping heat to the pot to enhance the efficiency of cooking.
Steel and Flint
Your lighter may break, your matchsticks might get wet on the camping trip, but if you have a flint and steel, you will always have a way to light up your stove. Therefore, it is important to look for a model that comes with this feature as it can last up to thousands of strikes and gives you a feel of being a proper camper in the wild.
Fuel Bottle
For multi-fuel stoves, you need equipment that comes with fuel bottles. You may not be able to go camping with different types of fuel, but you can always carry in the bottles and get them filled while on your way. These bottles can also handle the pressurization that you need to work your multi-fuel stoves efficiently.
Number of People
The number of people you are going to cook while camping matters a lot when buying a stove. If you have a group of four or less people and are just going camping for a day to two, it is better to opt for a compact two-burner stove. These models do not weigh a ton, can fit any vehicle easily, and delivers an impressive amount of BTU cooking power.
To reduce the dimension and weight of the burner, even more, go for foldable two-burners. You can also buy a bulk tank hose adapter to use a large propane tank instead of multiple green canisters.
BTUs and Cooking Power
BTUs stands for the amount of energy require to cool or heat 1 pound of water through 1 degree Fahrenheit. It is, in fact, a measure of your stove’s power. The more BTUs a camping stove has, the more heat it will produce while cooking. However, apart from BTUs, the overall design and body of the stove, the size, and position of the burners and the ability of the stove to resist the wind are also very important in determining the actual strength of your equipment’s output.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Some Camping Stove Safety Tips?
While camping and preparing food, never cook inside your tent or enclosed spaces. Doing so can create a high risk of accidental fire and is also a health hazard that could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Before igniting the stove, make sure that all parts of the unit are connected properly and in a well-working condition. Also, ensure that the setup is correct, especially if you are using a multiple-piece collapsible camping stove.
How Can I Clean My Camping Stove?
Cleaning a camping stove is just as simple as cleaning up the stove at your house. Keeping your outdoor stove clean and properly maintained can give you better fuel energy and flame control while making food.
If you have a propane stove, disconnect the tank first before cleaning it. Use a damp sponge, dish soap, and warm water to scrub away the debris and food remnants. You can also use a pressure hose to blast your burner clean. When done, let the stove air-dry.
How Long Will My Camping Stove Last?
The longevity of your camping stove depends upon the maintenance, frequency of use, and the way you treat the product. However, ideally, you can easily get many years of use out of a good-quality camping stove. A lot of people use their camping stoves a few times per year, which in turn, gives them a highly functional stove ten years (and more) down the road.
Final Thoughts
There you go. These are the best camping stoves on the market at the moment. Your camping experience is sure to be heightened no matter which product you choose from the list. Your food will be great; you will get to enjoy a hot meal and have extreme fun with your friends and family.
