The 10 Best Portable Stoves on The Market 2021

1. Coleman Portable Butane Stove

4.7/5

2. GasONE GS-1000 Portable Butane Stove

4.6/5

3. Coleman Fold N Go Propane Stove

4.6/5
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Whether you love hiking or car camping, a portable stove is an indispensable item to have when exploring the outdoors. Its importance goes way beyond cooking food. You can use it to boil unclean water before drinking it or melt snow in survival situations.

When it comes to choosing, the market truly spoils with choices. If you don’t know which to pick, check out our selection below to find the best portable stove for you.

How We Rated Best Camping Stoves?

  • Cooking Power

    Is it powerful enough?

  • Lifespan

    Is it build for years to come?

  • Portability

    Is it easy to carry?

  • Usability

    Is it easy to use?

  • Durability

    Is it sturdy enough?

  • Time to Boil

    Is it quick to boil water?

  • Cooking Surface

    Is it wide enough for your pan?

  • Wind Resistance

    Is it efficient in windy conditions?

How We Conducted Research?

  • 14

    Hours Researched

  • 19

    Products Evaluated

  • 6k

    Reviews Considered

  • 2

    Sources Researched

1. Coleman Portable Butane Stove

4.7/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the Coleman Portable Butane Stove:

The Coleman Portable Butane Stove doesn’t wow with its heat output, but comes with an array of features that made it our top pick. It’s very easy to use, more or less like a regular kitchen stove. The butane tank fits seamlessly in its compartment and is very easy to hook.

A locking mechanism ensures safe gas cylinder change, while the Instastart igniter helps you light the burner without matches. Although the heat output is not that high, it can still boil a quart of water in about 6 minutes. It’s also compact and light. Just what you need for car camping with your better half.

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2. GasONE GS-1000 Portable Butane Stove

4.6/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the GasONE GS-1000 Portable Butane Stove:

The GasONE GS-1000 is similar to the Coleman, but smaller and lighter. It also comes at a lower price tag, but the quality of the steel is a bit lower, too. In other words, it’s easier to dent and scratch if you don’t pay attention.

That said, you’ll still be impressed with its performance if you’re looking for a reliable yet affordable stove. It has similar heat output and works in a similar fashion. A great choice for up to 2 people, and more than perfect for fishing, hunting, and car camping.

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3. Coleman Fold N Go Propane Stove

4.6/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the Coleman Fold N Go Propane Stove:

The Coleman Fold N Go knows how to conquer hearts. It’s one of the most versatile camp stoves out there, impressing with an innovative, truly portable design. It may not be as light as out top choice, but it’s still super-easy to carry.

A folding design with carry handle eliminates the need of a carrying bag. Then, you’ll also be impressed with its performance. Unfolded, the unit reveals two burners, each outputting up to 10,000 BTU. Ideal for up to 4 people, it works with two 10-inch pans at the same time. Furthermore, separate burner controls also make it possible to cook at different temperatures.

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4. Ohuhu Wood Camping Stove

4.6/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the Ohuhu Wood Camping Stove:

Survivalists and adventurers who want a stove that can be used in all conditions might like hte Ohuhu wood camping stove. Like its name suggests, it runs on wood, twigs, sticks, and even dead leaves. On those moments when you don’t feel like gathering vegetal material, you can even use it with solidified alcohol.

The stove is built with solo camping in mind, but could be a good fit for two people, too. It comes with a stable grate that holds pans and pots of up to 6 inches. The stainless steel construction is attractive, durable, and easy to clean. Super light and compact when packed, it also fits seamlessly in a rucksack.

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5. Gas ONE GS-3000 Portable Gas Stove

4.5/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the Gas ONE GS-3000 Portable Gas Stove:

The Gas ONE GS-3000 is a great choice for those who want a butane stove but need higher heat output. With 9,000 BTU, this stove boils water faster and provides adequate heat for searing meats.

Runtime is lower than the GS-1000, but apart from that, the two stoves are pretty similar. They both have the same safety features and matchless ignition. So, if you need a more powerful yet affordable stove, this one might be it.

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6. Gas ONE New 10,000 BTU

4.3/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the Gas ONE New 10,000 BTU:

This upgraded version from Gas ONE comes as an alternative to the GS-3000, outputting even more heat. It’s perfect for searing meat, cooking burgers and breakfasts, as well as fast water boiling.

Adjusting the flame for simmering could be challenging, though. Apart from that, the stove is quite similar to the GS-3000, and is a great choice for car camping if you don’t mind a slightly higher price tag.

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7. Etekcity Ultralight Portable Stove

4.6/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the Etekcity Ultralight Portable Stove:

Etekcity is one of those brands that demonstrates that portable stove actually means pocket size. This compact unit is very lightweight and fits seamlessly in a backpack. It’s perfect for hiking and solo camping, working with smaller pans of up to 7 inches.

Durable, bottletop construction enhances versatility. The stove outputs decent heat for what it is, and even boasts matchless ignition. No doubt, a solid option for minimalist camping.

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8. Coleman Bottletop Propane Gas Stove

4.6/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the Coleman Bottletop Propane Gas Stove:

This model from Coleman could be the best portable stove for low-key campers. It’s an excellent choice for backpacking and car camping alike, as long as you don’t have to cook for more than two people.

Running on propane, it outputs higher heat than similar butane stoves. You can expect to bring water to a boil in around 6 minutes. Simmering is not really possible, despite the heat control knob. However, this is a great choice for high heat cooking as well as boiling water collected from unsafe sources.

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9. Jetboil Genesis Basecamp Cooking System

4.1/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the Jetboil Genesis Basecamp Cooking System:

The Jetboil Genesis Basecamp encompasses all things versatile. Similar to the Coleman Pack N Go, it boasts a folding construction that reveals not one, but two stoves. Each burner outputs 5,000 BTU, which may seem low, but that’s still sufficient to bring water to a boil in around 5 minutes.

Stoves apart, you’ll also get cookware with this one. The stove comes with both pan and pot, so you can cook your breakfast and boil water at the same time. Lightweight and versatile, it’s a great choice for most campers, as long as you don’t mind its price point.

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10. GasOne Mini Camp Stove

4.5/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the GasOne Mini Camp Stove:

Ending our list of best portable stoves, the GasONE Mini is an excellent choice for hikers, backpackers, and car campers alike. It’s made to feed one or two people, but it’s compact and truly portable.

Its greatest highlight is the dual fuel construction, that allows you to use it with both butane and propane. The stoves comes with all couplers and accessories needed to switch from one fuel to another. Small yet mighty, this is a reliable choice for your adventures.

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Camping Stoves Buying Guide

Picking the best camping stove could seem easy, but there are many factors to weigh in before making a decision. You must consider the number of people you have to cook for, the size and weight of the stove, as well as fuel efficiency. Below, we break down the main considerations that go into picking a camping stove to help you decide which one to go for.

Different Types of Camping Stoves

Camping stoves can be divided into multiple categories based on the fuel they use, the number of burners they have, size, style, and so on. Based on the fuel they use, we can distinguish between:

  • Canister stoves: Perhaps the easiest to use, they are perfect for first-time or inexperienced campers, as well as hikers and adventurers. These stoves are usually small and lightweight, suitable for 2-4 people – although there are exceptions. As their name implies, they use pressurized fuel containers, typically isobutane or propane.
  • Liquid fuel stoves: Typically run on white gas, but also on other fuels, including diesel, unleaded gasoline, and even kerosene. The main difference between these stoves and the canister kind is that liquid fuel stoves usually need priming. This extra-step makes operation a bit more complex, but they are relatively easy and cheaper to use than canister stoves once you get used to them. Stoves in this category vary in size from small, backpacking units to full-size outdoor kitchen stoves with three or more burners.
  • Alternative fuel stoves: This category includes a variety of camping stoves that run on alternative fuels, such as wood, twigs, liquid or solid alcohol, and so on. Alternative fuel stoves are perfect for eco-friendly campers, hikers, or those who’d rather cook over a wood fire. Their main downside is that they need you to constantly check and refill fuel levels.

Single-fuel vs. Multi-fuel Stoves

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.

Freestanding or Tabletop Camping Stove?

Another thing to decide based on your camping style – and size of your gang – is whether you want a tabletop or freestanding camping stove.

  • Most campers prefer the tabletop stoves due to their small dimensions. These stoves can have anywhere between one and three burners, but they are all compact, relatively lightweight, and highly portable. Obviously, if you don’t have a table, you can place them directly on an even patch of ground.
  • Freestanding camping stoves are usually designed for larger families or group camping. They are perfect for RVers, tailgaters, or any other circumstances when you can drive up to the camping site. Most freestanding stoves have two or more burners, and they all come with legs. Needless to say, they are too cumbersome for hiking or backpacking trips.

All-in-One Cooking Systems vs. Traditional Camp Stove

All-in-one cooking systems are systems consisting of a canister stove that comes complete with a cup you can use for boiling water, brewing coffee, or cooking some food. The stove screws on top of the canister, creating a freestanding, tabletop stove ideal for one or two people.

If you like backpacking and hiking more than camping, and only have to cook food for yourself, an all-in-one system could be a lighter and more convenient alternative to a traditional camp stove. However, traditional camp stoves are more versatile, as you can use various types of cookware with them. Ultimately, both options are worth considering, and the choice is yours.

How Many BTU Should I Look For?

Camping stoves can range anywhere from 5,000 to 30,000 BTU per burner. How many BTUs you need depends on what you want to do with the stove.

If you want to cook for smaller groups or use the stove mostly for boiling water, a camping stove with lower BTU is cheaper to buy and will live up to expectations. On the contrary, if you want to cook for larger gangs or would rather opt for fuel efficiency than a lower price, then a stove with higher BTU will boil water and cook your meals faster.

What Features to Look For in Camping Stoves?

Apart from all the above, there are a few essential features you should also consider before buying:

  • Stove size and weight: If you can’t drive all the way to the campsite or need a stove, you could also use for backpacking, check both the size and the weight, making sure the model you like is easy to carry or fits in your backpack.
  • Wind resistance: Strong gusts not only can put out your flame completely, but the wind may also reduce the cooking power and efficiency of the stove. For these reasons, it is recommended to buy a stove with windscreen.
  • Boiling time: Some of the best camping stoves can bring 1 liter of water to a boil in under 4 minutes.
  • Simmering: Boiling time apart, also consider the stove’s simmering abilities. Being able to reduce the flame to simmer rather than boil will allow you to cook a wider variety of dishes, including mac-n-cheese or stews.
  • Automatic ignition: While camping stoves with Piezo igniter are slightly more expensive, they allow you to turn them on without matches and in all weather conditions.

FAQ

• What is The Best Portable Gas Stove?

If you’re camping alone or with a buddy, the Coleman Portable Butane Stove is undeniably your best bet. For family camping, the Coleman Fold N Go provides more cooking space and the possibility to cook several dishes in one go.

• What do You Call a Portable Stove?

A portable stove is a camp stove that’s compact and lightweight enough to carry to your camp site. Smaller models only weigh a few ounces and are ideal for backpacking, while larger ones provide more cooking space, but are more suitable for car camping. Portable stoves also work with gas cartridges and don’t require you to hook them to a natural gas supply.

• How Much is a Portable Gas Stove?

The price of a portable gas stove can vary between $25 and over $300, depending on the size, fuel, technologies used, and whether or not it comes with additional accessories.

• Are Portable Gas Stoves Safe?

All stoves – portable or not – come with hazards. Portable gas stoves are safe as long as you use them exactly as instructed by the manufacturer. You shouldn’t alter the stove to use it with another type of gas nor use it indoors if the manufacturers says it’s designed for outdoors.

• Can you Use a Portable Gas Stove Indoors?

Portable gas stoves can be used indoors in well ventilated spaces; however, it is always recommended to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer, and avoid indoor use if the manufacturer says the stove is only suitable to use outdoors.