How to Choose a Camping Stove
When packing for a camping trip, it's important to have the right tools for the job. With so much camp kitchen equipment on the market (like stoves), how do you know what is best for you? Well, this article will help. We discuss what is essential and helpful in campers kitchens and what can be pared down, as well as design, style and features that are most ideal for different camping cooking styles - from time-sensitive meals to meals that require little preparation.
What is the Difference between Camping and Backpacking Stoves and what are the Advantages of each?
Whether or not you want a car camping stove will depend on the proximity between your car and your backcountry kitchen. If you plan to cook near your car, then a camping stove is the way to go, hence why it is called car camping. However, if you plan to cook farther away from your vehicle, like a quarter mile or more, or if you wish to bikepack or travel with your stove, then a backpacking stove is optimal.
How to decide between a camping stove or backpacking stove
What should you look for when buying a camping stove? It should be lightweight, durable, and able to accommodate multiple pots. Car camping stoves can operate similar to your home stove, providing excellent cooking potential as well as easy cleanup.
On the spectrum of weight, backpacking stoves are lightweight, compact and fuel-efficient. Some do nothing more than boiling water, while others can accommodate a pot or pan for cooking a one-pot meal. They require some finesse and forethought to avoid spilling your dinner on the ground – potentially no simmering.
As with most outdoor gear, durability and weight are often a tradeoff. However, when it comes to backpacking stoves there is more room for variations of durability. Some backpacking models are more delicate than your average car-camping stove and can’t come close to boiling water as fast, but they can be helpful in other areas. When we car camp, we like bringing clove stoves to make coffee in the morning relaxing on the porch while the soup sauce is cooking on
What you need to know before buying a camping stove.
When looking for a camping stove, you will want to know the number of people using it and if they plan to cook on their ground, table, or tailgate. There are two types of camping stoves to choose from: tabletop or freestanding/leg standing. Tabletop models have smaller cooking space, but also offer ease in transportability and easy maneuvering around campgrounds. Freestanding models have larger cooking surface area with wider burners and don't need to be placed on tables
Choosing the Best Camping Stove for a group of 4 or less
There are lots of considerations when choosing a camping stove for your group, including weight and cooking space. For four or less people and less than a few days, the Outdoor Gasoline Stove is the perfect fit, as it provides ample BTU cooking power in a relatively small size. The Outdoor Gas Stove Cooker with 15 Windproof Windshields is another great choice due to its foldable design and miniature butane stoves for smaller groups.
The cooking dimensions of a stove are important factors to consider when purchasing a cooking item. Make sure the stove can accommodate your preference and usage to ensure the product will best fit your needs and cooking abilities.
Groups of 5-7 should choose the stove with this particular option
Considering your cooking demands and the length of your trip determines whether you need a large cooker for most of the hiking party or a few simple cookers for each person. Perhaps a modular stove would suit your needs. Whether you're going on an extensive hike or staying at the same locale for multiple days, you can decide what size stove suits your preferences and needs.
What BTUs and power do you need in a camping stove?
When considering what type of camping stove to buy, certain factors need to be taken into consideration. Generally speaking, the purchase choice should be made based on overall design, how the unit is designed including burners and resistance against wind. In addition this factor can be ascertained by BTUs which will give you a base idea of power however this should not be its driving force in comparison to other factors.
Camp stoves can come equipped with either a manual or Piezo ignitor, which add an additional cost to the price point. If you are looking for an even cheaper stove, consider one with a manual back up source such as matches or a lighter. Regardless of the method, always come prepared with tools at the campsite in case your stove malfunctions.
Tips on How to Use Your Camping Stove
1. You should always turn off the stove and wait for it to be off, before turning off the propane tank. Otherwise, gas will shoot out when you disconnect the hose.2. Keep a dedicated cleaning rag in your cooking supplies. This old washcloth with the bleach stain will save you time and frustration when it has more than just one use. Use it for cleaning the drip tray and other items, such as hoses, windscreens and propane adapters.
3. If you have two stoves, always use a propane splitter to reduce fuel consumption. With these cooking tips, your family can take backpacking camping for days at a time with no need to find fuel along the way.
4. If your cooking stove becomes sluggish, you may be getting no or less propane flow. Before resetting, turn all knobs off, close the tank all the way and let it rest for a few minutes before turning back ago. Once it is open and cooking again, be sure to tinker with the knobs and only get medium flames.
