The main difference between these two types of camping stoves is easy to understand, but is a multi-fuel stove worth it?
In a nutshell, a multi-fuel camping stove is worth it if you’re an adventurer ready to explore the outdoors at various altitudes and in various seasons. Indeed, multi-fuel camping stoves are usually stoves that can run on both propane and butane – some manufacturers may offer other options as well.
Propane and butane have different performances at different altitudes and different temperatures.
- Butane: Is lighter than propane, thus an excellent choice for hiking and backpacking. However, it performs poorly at high altitudes and freezes in temperatures below 32°F.
- Propane: Comes in heavier containers, but burns properly both at high altitudes and in colder weather. Thus, propane stoves are ideal for climbers and winter camping.
If you’d like to experience all types of camping, a multi-fuel stove could be your best choice. Otherwise, you could simply choose the most appropriate single-fuel stove based on your camping style.