Camping Stoves Reviews

Camp stoves vary in size from big three-burner propane stoves, useful for car camping, down to pocket-sized backpacking stoves that weigh three ounces or less. The most credible and detailed reviews we found evaluate tiny backpacking stoves. In fact, we found no in-depth testing of large camp stoves – just a handful of subjective reviews. Since large stoves remain popular for family and group outings, we focused on user reviews from camping forums and from general sites like Amazon.com and Epinions.

There are many reviews of smaller backpacking stoves, but we found BackpackingLight.com to have the best objective tests; editors offer a pair of reports that evaluate stoves using lightweight isobutane fuel-canisters and the even-lighter alcohol stoves, which use the safest and least toxic fuel. The newest reviews of backpacking stoves explore so-called "integrated" systems – stoves that come with pots and other attachments made specifically to fit the stove. The integrated trend that started in 2003 with the introduction of the Jetboil PCS, or Personal Cooking System (est. $80), has expanded. We found several good sources of integrated stove reviews that include outdoor testing and boiling time performance.

In addition to travel, camping stoves can be important for home disaster preparation. Experts on emergency preparation suggest getting a camp stove and fuel supply that you can take with you if you need to evacuate, or for use in a storm shelter at home. If you use an electric range for everyday cooking, it's good to have an emergency stove on hand for power outages.

Incidentally, two-burner liquid-fuel camping stoves made in the USA have also had safety problems. In 2002, several models made by Century Tool were recalled for a problem with the burner assemblies. If you need a liquid-fuel stove for its excellent performance in cold weather, or because white gas is inexpensive, reviews give several single-burner camping stoves much better report cards for quality and performance. These are covered below in our Full Story. It's worth noting here that Coleman makes many propane-powered stoves, too, and these get better ratings from users, especially the Coleman 2 Burner Propane Stove (est. $50) .  ... Continued

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

In determining the ConsumerSearch Fast Answers picks, we considered the camping stoves that received the most recommendations in reviews, but we placed the most weight on objective comparison tests that resulted in ratings and rankings. In some cases, we rated stoves that had unique features higher than those that got more recommendations. We also took warranties into account and, for backpacking stoves, weight.

The Buzz

The 11-ounce Coleman Fyrestorm Ti (*est. $190) uses either liquid-fuel (white gas) or Coleman PowerMax canister gas, thus offering a solution for all-season backpacking. When used with canister gas, the Fyrestorm uses a stand that places the canister upside down. This keeps the propane from burning off first, so the canister fuel burns more consistently even in cold weather. As with any remote-cabled stove, you can use a wind screen around the burner and pot.

For really cold weather, you can pack the liquid-fuel pump and a fuel bottle instead. The Fyrestorm weighs 10.7 ounces set up for liquid fuel (without the fuel or bottle), and 11 ounces when set up for canister fuel (without the fuel). Since this stove is so new, few reviews are available.

The most useful review we found is an in-depth initial report by Rick Dreher at BackpackGearTest.org. After initial tests, he concludes that the Coleman Fyrestorm uses canister fuel right to the last drop, making it more efficient than other canister stoves. When a new canister is still full, however, it seems impossible to adjust the flame to a simmer -- unusual, since most canister stoves can simmer extremely well even with a fresh canister. When using white gas, it's crucial to follow a very specific procedure to get a correct flame, but when this is followed, the stove is quiet and can simmer very well. Based on all three reviews at BackpackGearTest.org, this doesn't seem like the best backpacking stove for beginners. It's trickier to use than most canister stoves. However, for a hiker already experienced with liquid-fuel stoves, this could be an excellent year-round solution.

Though we find no reports of camping stove safety recalls since July 15, 2004, it's a good idea to register a new camping stove with the manufacturer, to be sure you'll be notified of any problems. You can also check the Consumer Product Safety Commission site.