Best Camping Stoves of 2022

You can leave your dehydrated, salty, and unsatisfying meals at home—today’s camping stoves bring a whole new level of gourmet to your car camping and basecamping adventures. Unlike for backpacking, there’s no need to scour Pinterest for workarounds to compensate for subpar stoves, as you can expect consistent fuel output, strong flames, and superior simmer controls from the top offerings. Camping stove sizes vary from small tabletop models to freestanding behemoths for large groups. For first-timers or those desiring some background information, it’s worth checking out our comparison table and buying advice while narrowing your search. Below, you’ll find our favorite camping stoves for 2022. If you are looking for lighter and smaller options more in-line with backpacking, see our article on the best backpacking stoves.
 

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Our Team's Camping Stove Picks

• Best Overall Camping Stove: Camp Chef Everest 2X
• Best Budget Camping Stove: Coleman Classic Propane
• Best Freestanding Stove for Large Groups: Camp Chef Explorer
• Best Camping Stove and Grill Combo: Camp Chef Rainier 2X
• Best Single-Burner Camping Stove: Eureka SPRK+ Butane Camp Stove
• Best Crossover Camping/Backpacking Stove: MSR WindBurner Combo

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Best Overall Camping Stove

1. Camp Chef Everest 2X ($170)

Category: Tabletop
Fuel: Propane
Burners: 2 @ 20,000 BTUs
Weight: 12 lbs.
What we like: Quality build and excellent all-around performance.
What we don’t: A little heavy and bulky.

Camp Chef’s Everest is one of the most popular and proven designs in the world of camping stoves, offering a hard-to-beat combination of cooking power, convenience, and superior reliability. In terms of output, you get two large burners that pump out plenty of heat (20,000 BTUs each) but also have excellent simmer control for cooking more diverse and intricate meals. And with their latest update (to the “2X” model), Camp Chef gave the design a nice upgrade with locking metal latches at each side, a more protective windscreen, a slightly larger cooking space, and a beefed-up build that’s also more modern. Combined with a reasonable 12-pound weight and integrated handle, the Everest 2X is hard to beat.

The biggest knock against the Camp Chef Everest 2X is its $170 price tag. We think it justifies the cost given the quality of the materials and cooking performance, but there are plenty of smaller, less powerful, and far cheaper alternatives that can do the trick for occasional campers. In addition, the new model is a little larger and bulkier than the prior generation, although it’s still reasonably compact and easy to haul around (note: The standard Everest is still available for $150). Overall, unless you need a freestanding build or a third burner for cooking for a large group, we think the Everest 2X is the best all-around option for 2022.
See the Camp Chef Everest 2X

 

Best Budget Camping Stove

2. Coleman Classic Propane ($50)

Category: Tabletop
​Fuel: Propane
Burners: 2 @ 10,000 BTUs
Weight: 12 lbs.
What we like: Cheap and gets the job done.
What we don’t: Cheaply made, limited flame control.

For years, campers have turned to Coleman stoves for simple, reliable performance. Toward the bottom of their camping stove lineup is the Classic Propane, which is consistently on sale for under $50. In hand, it’s clear the Classic is the cheaper option compared to the more expensive Coleman Triton below. Neither are really solid or durable—and at this price point they really can’t be—but the Triton is the better investment for the camper that gets out more than a couple of times a year.

Cooking performance reflects the initial impressions: The Classic has slightly less power than the Triton, but lacks in flame performance across the range, despite the PerfectFlow designation. But look at these results with some perspective. At around $50 at the time of publishing, it’s still plenty of stove for the casual outdoors person that needs to cook for a few people. It may not have the deft controls of a high-end unit but remains plenty capable of boiling water, cooking up steaks, or grilling veggies.
See the Coleman Classic Propane

 

Best Freestanding Stove for Large Groups

3. Camp Chef Explorer ($139)

Category: Freestanding
​Fuel: Propane
Burners: 2 @ 30,000 BTUs
Weight: 30 lbs. 8 oz.
What we like: Great value for the output.
What we don’t: Pretty barebones on features and bulky.

In terms of burner performance, you'll be hard-pressed to find more quality output for your dollar than the Camp Chef Explorer. The 60,000 total BTUs from the two burners are a great pairing for large-group camp cookouts or even emergency use at home. The stove also sets up quickly, and its sturdy legs are individually adjustable to adapt to uneven ground. In keeping the price down, however, the Explorer is pretty low on features: There is no push-button ignition, and the burners are less protected from wind than premium offerings.

The upside of the simplistic design is that the Explorer is ripe for the various accessories from Camp Chef, including a barbecue box, griddle, or pizza oven. Large dials are easy to use and function in the same way as your cooktop at home, but unfortunately, it’s not a whole lot lighter than that home stove: The powder-coated assembly tips the scales at 30 pounds 8 ounces. Leaving behind the legs will trim some of that weight, but the Explorer remains overkill for less serious campers. Bigger groups should also check out the three-burner version of the Explorer, which adds an additional 30,000 BTUs of output for around $110 more.
See the Camp Chef Explorer

 

Best Camping Stove and Grill Combo

4. Camp Chef Rainier 2X ($200)

Category: Tabletop
Fuel: Propane
Burners: 1 @ 8,000 BTUs, 1 @ 10,000 BTUs
Weight: 16 lbs.
What we like: Hybrid stove/grill combo increases efficiency for more complex meals.
What we don’t: We prefer to purchase a grill accessory separately.

Most tabletop stoves on this list feature two standard burners, but Camp Chef’s Rainier 2X bucks that trend with a single burner on one side and built-in aluminum grill and griddle plate on the other. This can make cooking meals with multiple components much quicker and more efficient: For instance, you can boil water for coffee or tea on one side of the stove while simultaneously whipping up sausage and bacon—no need to wait for a burner to free up. And importantly, the rest of the design is well sorted, including protective wind shields, a stainless steel drip tray, auto ignition, and good flame adjustability.

However, as with most hybrid designs, there are some tradeoffs to choosing the Rainier 2X as your primary camp stove. Most notably, the grill portion takes up about 2/3 of the cook space, which can be limiting should your meal require more than one pot, pan, or kettle (even a single larger pot or pan can cause issues). To maximize versatility, we recommend buying a standard two-burner stove (like Camp Chef’s own Explorer above) and swapping out accessory tops. Alternatively, Coleman’s Cascade 3-in-1 below makes it easy to alternate between interchangeable cooktops, including standard burners, grill grates, and griddles, although it’s less premium and reliable than the Rainier.
See the Camp Chef Rainier 2X

 

Best Single-Burner Camping Stove

5. Eureka SPRK+ Butane Camp Stove ($60)

Category: Tabletop
Fuel: Butane
Burners: 1 @ 11,500 BTUs
Weight: 3 lbs. 4 oz.
What we like: Compact and decently powerful.
What we don’t: Single burner is limiting and butane fuel doesn’t work well in the cold.

Let’s start with the obvious: This Eureka stove isn’t for serious camp chefs or large-group cookouts. But the SPRK+ Butane is an affordable single burner that performs well for limited use or as a backup. The stovetop easily accommodates a small kettle or pan (up to 11 in.) and performs admirably considering its diminutive size. We also love the adjustable feet to keep the unit level and slightly inset design that adds crucial protection against wind. All in all, it’s a great choice for bringing along if your primary cooking will be done over a fire pit but you need a stove for quick items like heating water.

As its name suggests, the SPRK+ runs on butane, which isn’t as readily available as the ubiquitous green propane canisters. In addition, butane struggles in cold temperatures (around and below freezing), so it’s less versatile than the propane and liquid-fuel designs on our list. That said, the SPRK+ is very well rounded for a butane model and handily beats out Coleman’s popular Butane Instastart in heat output, weight, and wind protection. If you don’t mind the tradeoffs in opting for this fuel type, the Eureka is an affordable and thoughtfully designed single-burner stove. Other leading one-burner options to consider include Gas One’s cheaper but less powerful GS-1000 and Snow Peak’s lighter but much pricier Home & Camp Butane Stove.
See the Eureka SPRK+ Butane Camp Stove

 

Best Crossover Camping and Backpacking Stove

6. MSR WindBurner Stove Combo System ($280)

Category: Tabletop
Fuel: Canister
Burners: 1 @ 7,000 BTUs
Weight: 1 lb. 13 oz.
What we like: Versatile backpacking and camping option.
What we don’t: Output and performance fall short of propane two-burners.

We’ve used MSR stoves all over the world for backpacking, but most of their light and compact designs have limited appeal for car camping. Enter the WindBurner Stove Combo System. This complete set-up includes one of MSR’s highest-performing canister stoves, the WindBurner, along with a 2.5-liter pot and 8-inch skillet for groups. As with the backpacking model, the accessories connect directly to the stove for efficient cooking and consistent heat even in windy conditions.

To be clear, the WindBurner Stove Combo cannot come close to the output or overall cooking abilities of the traditional camping stoves above. The system only has one small burner, you can only use WindBurner-specific pots and pans, and total output and burn time falls well short of a propane-powered unit. What the WindBurner does succeed at is bridging the backpacking and car camping worlds—you can bring the compact 1-liter pot (sold separately) for keeping it light in the backcountry, and then break out the pots and pans for camping.
See the MSR WindBurner Stove Combo System

 

Best of the Rest

7. Eureka Ignite Plus ($155)

Category: Tabletop
Fuel: Propane
Burners: 2 @ 10,000 BTUs
Weight: 12 lbs.
What we like: Generously sized cooking surface and push-button ignition.
What we don’t: Pricier and less powerful than some of the competition.

Eureka’s Ignite Plus is one of the most well-rounded designs on the market with a solid build, good simmer control, and wide, 23-inch cooking area that can accommodate bigger pots and pans. Unlike much of its budget-friendly competition, the Ignite Plus includes push-button ignition, which keeps your hands safe from large bursts of flame and makes the prep process a bit quicker. It’s not a deal-breaker for many, but it’s a nice feature that we appreciate when setting up camp. Added up, the Eureka has all the ingredients of a high-end tabletop camping stove.

All that said, the Eureka Ignite Plus does fall short in one key area: value. For $65 less, you can pick up the Coleman Triton below, which features more output per burner at 11,000 BTUs. However, the Triton forgoes push-button ignition, and the Ignite Plus has a more hardwearing build that will stand up better to regular use and abuse. Alternatively, the Camp Chef Everest 2X above boasts double the BTUs for just $15 more. Eureka also makes a cheaper version of the Ignite ($115), which sports a smaller cooking space and less simmer control but remains a solid all-around choice.
See the Eureka Ignite Plus

 

8. Jetboil Genesis Basecamp System ($390)

Category: Tabletop
Fuel: Propane
Burners: 2 @ 10,000 BTUs
Weight: 9 lbs. 5 oz.
What we like: An entire cook system for under 10 lbs.
What we don’t: Not the most powerful, and steep price.

Jetboil is best known for their lightweight backpacking stove systems, but they made a serious foray into the camping world with the Genesis System. The concept is the first of its kind: an all-in-one camping system. You get two burners, a pan and pot, and everything nests neatly together for compact storage. Total weight (other than a 16 oz. propane bottle) is less than 10 pounds, which is lighter than almost all stoves on this list by themselves. Additionally, simmer control and burner output are excellent, and by specifically creating burners to work with their pots and pans, there is less fuel waste.

Despite these high praises, the system’s $390 price tag is borderline astronomical, especially compared to an option like the Eureka Ignite Plus above that’s less than half the cost, has the same burner power, and is only about 2 pounds heavier (without cookware). Jetboil also makes the Genesis HalfGen Basecamp System for $200, but that model only includes a single burner and is less versatile overall (it does have appeal for tailgating and solo travelers). And it’s worth mentioning that availability has been hit or miss lately with the Genesis series, but both stoves are back in stock at a few major retailers at the time of publishing. 
See the Jetboil Genesis Basecamp System

 

9. Coleman Triton Series ($90)

Category: Tabletop
​Fuel: Propane
Burners: 2 @ 11,000 BTUs
Weight: 11 lbs.
What we like: Excellent value and plenty of performance for most campers.
What we don’t: No auto ignition and fairly limited wind protection.

Colman’s Triton stove offers impressive cooking power and reliability at a very competitive sub-$100 price. The tabletop design features two strong, highly adjustable 11,000 BTU burners that run on a standard 16-ounce propane canister (adapters are available to make it compatible with a larger 20-gallon tank). With decent simmer control and solid output at full tilt, the Coleman is one of only a few stoves in its price range that’s capable enough for cooking diverse meals. Last but not least, its 11-pound weight and manageable size make the Triton easy to transport in a car and store at home.

What are the downsides to the Coleman Triton? True camp chefs may want to upgrade to a more refined unit that delivers better precision, like the Camp Chef Everest 2X or Eureka Ignite Plus above. Further, cooking space is a little on the small side compared with premium tabletops (the Everest and Ignite Plus included). That said, it's roomy enough for most meals and easily can accommodate two 10-inch pans side by side. Finally, you miss out on auto ignition in this model (there is an Instastart version for around $20 more), and the wind shields along the sides only provide moderate protection from gusts. These nitpicks aside, the Triton still offers a good mix of price and performance.
See the Coleman Triton Series

 

10. GSI Outdoors Selkirk 540 ($140)

Category: Tabletop
Fuel: Propane
Burners: 2 @ 10,000 BTUs
Weight: 10 lbs.
What we like: Good all-around performance for less than the competition.
What we don’t: Not a standout in cooking space or build quality.

One of the newer two-burner stoves on the market, GSI’s Selkirk 540 slots in as a direct competitor to the two-burner Camp Chef Everest and Eureka Ignite Plus above in both price and performance. We’ll start with the good news: This stove is the most affordable of the trio at $140 and feature-rich with push-button ignition, micro control valves to tweak the flame, and plenty of space to accommodate two larger pots or pans side by side. Plus, GSI nailed the details with a built-in and easy-to-grab carry handle, powder-coated exterior, and generous windscreens to block light gusts.

Where does the Selkirk fall short of its competitors? The first knock is cooking space, which is a couple inches smaller than what you get with both the Everest 2X and Ignite Plus (21.4 in. vs. 25.2 and 23 in., respectively). Plus, the Ignite can be connected to other Eureka or Jetboil stoves to increase efficiency and speed when cooking more intricate meals. Finally, some users have reported issues with the igniter and general build quality, but no stove is perfect, and the Selkirk is reasonably dependable and well built for the price. Of note, GSI also sells the stove in a 460 model for $100, which also features two 10,000-BTU burners but in a smaller, more compact design that sacrifices some cooking space.
See the GSI Outdoors Selkirk 540

 

11. Camp Chef Ranger III ($200)

Category: Tabletop
Fuel: Propane
Burners: 3 @ 17,000 BTUs
Weight: 25 lbs.
What we like: A manageably sized three-burner option.
What we don’t: No windscreen and hard to get an even simmer.

Two burners are sufficient for most campers, but aspiring camp chefs or those who typically head out with larger groups might want to step up to a three-burner stove. Camp Chef’s Ranger III stands out as one of few tabletop designs on the market, which makes it far easier to transport and less cumbersome to set up than a freestanding design like the Explorer above. To be clear, the Ranger is no featherweight at 25 pounds, but it’s reasonably sized and perfectly manageable for one person to carry from car to campsite. And like Camp Chef’s own Everest 2X above, the Ranger III comes equipped with premium touches like matchless ignition, intuitive temperature controls, and a rugged cast-iron build. 

All that said, the Ranger III isn’t without limitations. In addition to its relatively hefty build, the stove lacks a built-in windscreen. The burners are positioned low enough below the cooking grate to fend off light gusts (and you can always improvise with items at camp to protect the flame), but the Ranger is far less reliable in blustery weather than many of the picks above. This layout also makes the stove harder to clean, as you’ll have to remove the cooking grate to access the burners (screwdriver required). Finally, many users report that it’s tough to get an even simmer with the Ranger—the burners are very powerful at 17,000 BTUs each, but very few meals are cooked at full tilt. These gripes aside, the Ranger is perfectly serviceable for those who value performance and cooking space over precision and finesse, and the hardwearing build should stand up to years of use.
See the Camp Chef Ranger III

 

12. Coleman Guide Series Dual Fuel ($215)

Category: Tabletop
Fuel: White gas / unleaded gas
Burners: 2 @ 7,000 BTUs
Weight: 12 lbs.
What we like: Multi-fuel design and reliable construction.
What we don’t: Lower overall performance compared with propane stoves.

As with the Coleman Classic Propane above, the Guide Series Dual Fuel comes packed with nostalgia and reliable performance. What’s made it so popular over the years—and what earns it a spot on our list for 2022—is its ability to run on either white gas or unleaded gasoline. The white gas makes it a stronger performer in cold temperatures than propane, and the unleaded gasoline option means you can track down fuel just about anywhere. For winter adventuring or overland 4x4 trips, the Coleman Dual Fuel is hard to beat.

What are the shortcomings of this stove? For one, the Dual Fuel shows its age with noticeably less power than modern propane stoves. Further, the two burners are connected so the secondary unit doesn’t put out as much heat when the first one is running at full tilt, which can slow down the cooking process. The stove also has a small cooking platform, with just enough space to fit two 10-inch pans (the Triton above, for example, can fit a 12-in. pan alongside a 10-in. pan). Overall, the Dual Fuel has its place among serious adventurers, but the average camper will be better off with one of the propane designs above.
See the Coleman Guide Series Dual Fuel

 

13. GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Pro ($250)

Category: Tabletop
Fuel: Propane
Burners: 2 @ 11,000 BTUs
Weight: 11 lbs.
What we like: Super sleek and streamlined.
What we don’t: Less robust and portable than the competition; no spot to store the regulator.

For those limited on space in their vehicle or gear storage, GSI Outdoors offers a unique solution in their sleek and modern Pinnacle Pro Stove. At just 1.4 inches tall when closed, the Pinnacle Pro is significantly thinner than most two-burner alternatives, including the Camp Chef Everest 2X (5.6 in.), Eureka Ignite Plus (4 in.), and others above. That said, you still get respectable output with two 11,000-BTU burners, as well as premium features like a three-sided windscreen, dual push-button igniters, and a coated, non-stick drip pan that makes cleanup quick and easy. Additionally, we found the deployable legs helpful for raising the stove to a convenient height when cooking on a camping table.

Why do we have the GSI Pinnacle Pro ranked here? Trimming weight and bulk almost always translates to a drop in durability, and the Pinnacle Pro is noticeably less confidence-inspiring and robust than alternatives like the Everest 2X, Ignite Plus, and Selkirk 540 above. Further, the windscreens at the sides are short and not all that protective, the stove lacks a carry handle for transport, and there’s no spot to secure or stow the fuel adapter when not in use. GSI does sell a padded storage case that will house both the stove and adapter, but it’ll run you an additional $30, bringing the grand total up to nearly $300. Whether or not the minimalist design is worth that steep of an investment is up to you, but we prefer the easier-to-trust constructions of the two-burner models above (most of which are also cheaper).
See the GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Pro

 

14. Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 ($210)

Category: Tabletop
Fuel: Propane
Burners: 2 @ 12,000 BTUs
Weight: 14 lbs. 13 oz.
What we like: Functional 3-in-1 design and good output.
What we don’t: Pricier but less premium than the Camp Chef Rainier above.

Camp Chef’s Rainier 2X is our favorite stove and grill combo, but the grill portion takes up most of the cook space and therefore limits the types of meals you can make. Enter Coleman’s Cascade 3-in-1 Stove, which addresses our main complaint about the Rainier (lack of versatility) with swappable grill and griddle accessory tops. The concept is simple but effective: If you need to use a burner or two, simply leave off the add-ons; if you’re whipping up breakfast or burgers, place one (or both) of the cast-iron plates over a burner and fire it up. The Cascade is on the pricier end at $210 and relatively heavy at nearly 15 pounds all in, but the 3-in-1 functionality does help justify the cost and heft.

In addition to being more versatile than the Rainier 2X above, the Coleman Cascade is also lighter by around a pound and more powerful with two 12,000-BTU burners (the Rainier has one 8,000-BTU burner and one 10,000-BTU burner). But the devil is in the details: Some users report food easily sticking to the Coleman's accessory tops due to the lower-quality cast iron (be sure to treat them ahead of time for the best results), and the windscreens at the sides are very short and will do very little to combat strong gusts. Finally, you’ll need to find a flat surface for the stove when using the accessory tops to prevent grease and other juices from dripping onto the ground (and potentially also your clothes and shoes). But if you can deal with these drawbacks and plan to use both the burners and add-ons regularly, the Cascade is a pretty well-executed and versatile option.
See the Coleman Cascade 3-in-1

 

15. Camp Chef Mountaineer 2X ($350)

Category: Tabletop
Fuel: Propane
Burners: 2 @ 20,000 BTUs
Weight: 16 lbs.
What we like: Confidence-inspiring build and excellent output for committed adventurers and overlanders.
What we don’t: Extremely expensive and overkill for most campers.

We’ll start off by addressing the elephant in the room: At $350, the Camp Chef Mountaineer is one of the priciest options on our list (right behind the Jetboil Genesis above) and overkill for most recreational campers. That said, for committed adventurers that get out frequently and demand a lot out of their camp stove, it’s simply hard to beat. The big news with this model is its durable, all-aluminum construction, which is far more rust- and corrosion-resistant than the majority of the designs on the market and an excellent match for activities like overlanding and rafting. And the rest of the design is equally well executed, including easy-to-use flame controls, a large cooking platform, and impressive output from two 20,000-BTU burners.

In addition to the steep price tag, the Mountaineer’s aluminum construction and substantial build add some weight (16 lbs.) and bulk, which make it tougher to store and shuttle from car to campsite. For most camping trips, we prefer an option like Camp Chef’s own Everest or Eureka’s Ignite Plus above, which lack the bombproof feel of the Mountaineer but are plenty powerful for most meals and cost and weigh considerably less. On the flip side, the Mountaineer makes a lot of sense for vehicle-based campers, including vanlifers and those with rooftop tents or truck toppers (Camp Chef also sells legs to make the unit freestanding). All told, the strong, long-lasting construction does come with some sacrifices, but it’s the big selling point of the Mountaineer and what earns it a spot on our list for 2022.
See the Camp Chef Mountaineer 2X

 

16. Solo Stove Campfire Stove ($110) 

Category: Freestanding
Fuel: Wood
Burners: 1
Weight: 2 lbs. 3.2 oz.
What we like: A light and portable wood-burning stove that doubles as a fire pit.
What we don’t: Not as versatile as many of the picks above.

Solo Stove is known for their thoughtfully built and portable fire pits, and their Campfire Stove is arguably the most well rounded of the bunch. Like BioLite’s CampStove 2+ below, the Campfire runs off wood rather than gas, eliminating the need to purchase and pack fuel canisters on trips. However, unlike the BioLite, the Solo Stove is decidedly low-tech and simple. How it works: Intake holes along the bottom of the chamber channel air up and through smaller openings at the top, minimizing smoke and allowing the fire to burn hot and evenly. And when it comes time to cook, an inset ring at the top of the stove concentrates heat at the center of your pot or pan while also providing protection against the wind.

The Campfire is a unique but functional option for cooking easy meals in certain areas, but there are some inherent downsides to the wood-burning design. First and foremost, we recommend researching ahead of time to check on terrain, conditions, and regulations—you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of dry wood and that there are no fire bans in place. And from a performance standpoint, you get far less precision and finesse compared to standard two-burner models, and output can vary depending on the type and quality of wood you use, the construction of your fire, outside factors like wind, and more. That said, we love the two-for-one nature of the Campfire—it’s both a stove and fire pit in one—and see a lot of appeal for use at home too, whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or just want to roast some marshmallows with the kids.
See the Solo Stove Campfire Stove

 

17. BioLite CampStove 2+ ($150)

Category: Freestanding
Fuel: Wood
Burners: 1
Weight: 2 lbs. 1 oz.
What we like: Inspiring mission and charging capabilities.
What we don’t: Less cooking control and wood isn’t always readily available.

BioLite does things a little differently: Instead of using propane or butane, the company was founded around the concept of harnessing power from a cooking system. In short, their stoves use wood or pellets to run an integrated generator, which in turn powers a fan to boost heating efficiency as well as collect energy to power electronics (you also can pre-charge the battery before heading out). The CampStove 2+ is their portable model, which features easy-to-read LED indicators that display fire strength, available power, and fan speed. And as an added bonus for those limited on space, the BioLite packs down to the size of a 32-ounce water bottle when not in use.

As your primary cook stove while camping, the CampStove 2+ is a fun but somewhat limited option. The basic design comes without accessories (you’ll have to purchase a grill top separately for $60 or opt for the all-in-one kit for a steep $250), and reliance on wood or pellets doesn’t allow for as much control over the flame and heat. And you can go much cheaper and simpler in this category with alternatives like Solo Stove's Titan or Campfire above. That said, you can switch between four fan speeds to adjust the size of your fire, and the ability to charge your phone or other devices in the woods will be a perk for some.
See the BioLite CampStove 2+

 

18. GoSun Sport Solar Cooker ($249)

Category: Tabletop
Fuel: Solar
Weight: 7 lbs. 8 oz.
What we like: Fuel-free cooking.
What we don’t: Limited shape and partial sunshine isn’t a guarantee while camping.

For a completely different cooking system, GoSun’s Sport camp stove steams, fries, and bakes totally based on solar power. This cylindrical stove warms quickly in sunlight (up to 550°F), and the efficient vacuum tube works even in partially cloudy conditions and cold weather. Moreover, it’s reasonably lightweight, easy to carry, and has a great warranty. It’s not a stove to depend in a pinch (it needs sunlight to function), but the GoSun Sport is a fun concept that’s been well executed.

We end up ranking the GoSun at the bottom of our list because of the inherent compromises in this style of stove. For one, the long, cylindrical shape of the Sport camp stove limits what you can cook and how much you can make at a time. And the biggest consideration is cook time, which can vary quite a bit based on weather (and doesn’t work at all once the sun goes down). In the end, the GoSun is a novel idea and we like that it doesn’t require any fuel, but it can’t compete with the convenience or dependability of a standard propane stove.
See the GoSun Sport Solar Cooker

 

Camping Stove Comparison Table

Stove	Price	Category	Fuel	Burners	Weight	Ignition
Camp Chef Everest 2X	$170	Tabletop	Propane	2 @ 20,000 BTUs	12 lb.	Matchless
Coleman Classic Propane	$50	Tabletop	Propane	2 @ 10,000 BTUs	12 lb.	Manual
Camp Chef Explorer	$139	Freestanding	Propane	2 @ 30,000 BTUs	30 lb. 8 oz.	Manual
Camp Chef Rainier 2X	$200	Tabletop	Propane	1 @ 8,000 BTUs, 1 @ 10,000 BTUs	16 lbs.	Matchless
Eureka SPRK+ Butane	$60	Tabletop	Butane	1 @ 11,500 BTUs	3 lb. 4 oz.	Matchless
MSR WindBurner Stove Combo	$280	Tabletop	Canister	1 @ 7,000 BTUs	1 lb. 13 oz.	Manual
Eureka Ignite Plus	$155	Tabletop	Propane	2 @10,000 BTUs	12 lb.	Matchless
Jetboil Genesis Basecamp	$390	Tabletop	Propane	2 @ 10,000 BTUs	9 lb. 5 oz.	Matchless
Coleman Triton	$90	Tabletop	Propane	2 @ 11,000 BTUs	11 lb.	Manual
GSI Outdoors Selkirk 540	$140	Tabletop	Propane	2 @ 10,000 BTUs	10 lb.	Matchless
Camp Chef Ranger III	$200	Tabletop	Propane	3 @ 17,000 BTUs	25 lbs.	Matchless
Coleman Dual Fuel	$215	Tabletop	Multi-fuel	2 @ 7,000 BTUs	12 lb.	Manual
GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Pro	$250	Tabletop	Propane	2 @ 11,000 BTUs	11 lb.	Matchless
Coleman Cascade 3-in-1	$210	Tabletop	Propane	2 @ 12,000 BTUs	14 lb. 13 oz.	Matchless
Camp Chef Mountaineer 2X	$350	Tabletop	Propane	2 @ 20,0000 BTUs	16 lb.	Matchless
Solo Stove Campfire	$110	Freestanding	Wood	1 (no BTU rating)	2 lb. 3 oz.	Manual
BioLite CampStove 2+	$150	Freestanding	Wood	1 (no BTU rating)	2 lb. 1 oz.	Manual
GoSun Sport Solar Cooker	$249	Tabletop	Solar	N/A	7 lb. 8 oz.	N/A

 

Camping Stove Buying Advice

• Stove Categories: Freestanding or Tabletop
• How Many Burners?
• Burner Power: BTUs
• Fuel Type and Capacity
• Simmer Control and Performance
• Windy Weather Performance
• Camping Stove Width
• Automatic (Matchless) Ignition
• Cooking Grate, Grills, and Griddles
• Weight and Packed Size
• Camping vs. Backpacking Stoves
   

Stove Categories: Freestanding or Tabletop

Camping stoves come in two basic designs: tall freestanding models with legs and more compact tabletop models. Freestanding stoves are typically associated with larger, high-output models, which would take up a lot of real estate if placed on a picnic bench or table. They're far heavier and more difficult to transport, but are an amazing tool for the discerning camp chef. With a lot of cooking space, you can get creative with your backcountry meals. If you think you might benefit from a freestanding stove but dread having to lug it around on every trip, fear not: Most stove legs are removable.

By and large, campers prefer the tabletop stove. Their small(er) footprint and lighter weight is easy to pack up and fit into a car, and on a high-quality build like the Camp Chef Everest 2X, the drop in performance is fairly minimal. You do need something to set it on, however. If you’re heading deep into the unknown or are basecamping in a remote location but still desire a gourmet meal, you’ll probably need to bring a camping table not only for the stove but also for any prep work.

How Many Burners?

It’s no coincidence most of the big-time sellers come with two burners—they’re all the vast majority of us will ever need. As with cooking at home, two burners going at the same time will get most meals cooked in a timely manner. Additionally, it’s often the better choice over the more limited single-burner stove, although some designs (like the MSR WindBurner Stove Combo System) do have appeal for crossing over into backpacking. And for large gatherings, there are three-burner stoves like the Camp Chef Ranger III. In many cases with a large group, however, it’s not a bad idea to put the onus on someone else to bring along a second stove, as packing a three-burner can be burdensome from a weight and bulk perspective.

An alternate option for larger groups is to choose a stove that can be daisy-chained to another system. For example, the Jetboil Genesis Basecamp System and Eureka Ignite Plus can be linked to other Jetboil or Eureka models and connected to a single propane bottle. This allows you to increase cooking space without having to lug around a heavy freestanding stove. And on outings where you don’t need the added burner(s), simply leave one of the stoves behind.

Burner Power: BTUs

BTU, or British Thermal Unit, is a measurement of heat output. More specifically, it’s the amount of energy needed to heat 1 pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit. In the context of camping, it serves as a standard for determining the performance potential of a gas stove. While BTUs shouldn’t be looked at as the sole indicator of power—cooking surface area can impact the flame’s actual intensity—it’s a great way of comparing stoves overall. If you’re used to a 10,000 BTU burner and are eyeing a 20,000 BTU burner like the Camp Chef Mountaineer 2X or Everest 2X, we can guarantee you that the difference will be noticeable.

The boost in power comes with various benefits. For one, a stronger flame will allow you to cook more food faster—you can trim minutes off your time when boiling a large pot of water. As such, for large groups a more powerful flame (20,000 BTUs and up) is recommended. With that extra output comes greater fuel consumption, which can become an issue if a powerful stove is fueled by a small 16-ounce propane bottle. You’ll definitely want to bring along a few back-up canisters if you’ll be out for more than an overnight trip.

Fuel Type and Capacity

The vast majority of camping stoves run on propane: The fuel performs well in a range of temperatures, and not by any coincidence, the little green bottles are readily available at just about any outdoors or big box retail store. For the sake of space, and if you won’t be setting up camp for an extended period of time, the 16-ounce bottles should do. However, we highly recommend bringing a few of them no matter the length of your stay. At high heat with some of the more powerful stoves, you can burn through most of a bottle in a single day. For max cooking convenience, the classic 5-gallon tank (also referred to as a 20-pound tank) is a tried-and-true choice. They’re easy to fit into the back of a pickup bed, refillable in just about every town, and will last you many, many meals. Note: most tabletop stoves come only with an attachment for the 16-ounce bottle, but an adapter and hose is often available to fit the larger-capacity tanks.

Propane does start to see its performance diminish once the temperatures dip below freezing. Butane, used in the Eureka SPRK+ Butane Camp Stove, does even worse and isn’t as readily available as propane, but the canisters are lighter and more compact (this is more of a consideration for backpackers). That said, if you’ll be doing a lot of 4-season camping, liquid fuel is the most reliable choice and can come in the form of white gas, unleaded gasoline, jet fuel, kerosene, or diesel. White gas is one of the best choices for backpacking and basecamping in extreme conditions, but there aren’t a whole lot of options in a full-size camping stove style. If you’re a hardcore adventurer, consider a stove like the Coleman Guide Series Dual Fuel, which can run on either white gas or unleaded gasoline. Liquid-fuel stoves cost more than propane models and don’t offer any performance benefits in mild conditions, so for most folks, propane remains the best option.

Wood-burning stoves like the Solo Stove Campfire and BioLite CampStove 2+ are also becoming more popular, and the allure is clear: There’s no need to buy or bring along fuel canisters—you simply collect twigs and sticks at camp and burn them to cook your food. However, these systems have more limited flame and heat control compared to other models, are restricted during fire bans, and rely on a resource that might not be readily available depending on the terrain and weather.

Simmer Control and Performance

While a blazing 20,000 BTU burner is great for a spaghetti feed, for items that require a little more finesse you’ll want to make sure the stove has effective simmer control. This requires fuel regulation that doesn’t fluctuate and a flame that remains strong even at low heat. Good simmer performance isn’t something typically found on a spec sheet, but a high-end model will typically perform better in these conditions. Moreover, having a good windscreen will help keep the flame lit if you’re running the heat on low. The Camp Chef Everest and Eureka Ignite Plus have excellent simmer control, while budget stoves like the Coleman Classic struggle. Spending up will increase your chances of mastering that complex backcountry meal.

Windy Weather Performance

The weather can be variable even in the fairest of months, but the show must go on. And that includes cooking up a decent hot meal. The flame on any stove is sensitive to shifting and blowing wind, and it’ll be important to find a somewhat protected space no matter the stove you choose. To help, there are wind shields on many models that cover three sides of the stove. This type of protection is a must-have, but it still won’t protect you from really strong gusts. In general, we've found that the smaller the footprint the better the wind resistance, but large freestanding stoves can be set up just about anywhere, so hopefully you can find a decent wind break.

Camping Stove Width

The width of camping stoves varies significantly and can have an impact on what types of cookware you can use. For example, we like the Eureka Ignite Plus because it features a wide 23-inch cooking surface that can accommodate medium to large pots side by side. Smaller units, like the Coleman Guide Series Dual Fuel, can only fit two 10-inch pans. If you regularly use larger pots or pans, it’s worth digging into this spec closely before making a purchase (most manufacturers and retails will publish the dimensions). Alternatively, if your stove will be your first purchase, make sure the cookware you buy will fit on your unit’s cook surface.

Automatic (Matchless) Ignition

Piezoelectricity is a pressure-based (read: matchless) form of ignition that is popular in camping stove applications. Rather than the sometimes-harried process of turning on the fuel and quickly lighting a match or clicking a lighter, this form of push-button auto ignition keeps your hands safe from any large bursts of flame. We prefer this type of ignition for the added convenience and ease of use, but it does come at an extra cost. Upgrading to the piezo-equipped Coleman Triton Instatstart, for example, is $20 more than the base model. It’s also true that these igniters are not perfect and often fail over time (sometimes surprisingly quickly after purchase), so always bring along a set of extra matches or a lighter just in case.

Cooking Grate, Grills, and Griddles

The most common form of stove is the traditional two-burner with a single, large cooking grate. But should you want a grill and stove combo, say, for cooking sausage and eggs, a hybrid option like the Camp Chef Rainier 2X is pretty appealing. Keep in mind that the grill portion takes up about 2/3 of the cooktop, which can swallow valuable space for fitting a large skillet or pot. Coleman’s Cascade 3-in-1 solves that problem with both burners and removable grill/griddle accessories. Similarly, stoves like the Camp Chef Tahoe allow you to swap out accessory tops, including a barbecue box or pizza oven. Griddles are separate attachments that fit over top the burners, and just like at home, they’re great for cooking up items like pancakes or a grilled cheese.

Weight and Packed Size

As with most camping equipment, weight and packed size aren’t necessarily specs to be overly concerned about. Compared with backpacking gear, it’s all heavy and large, but you still need to store and transport the stuff. In general, we look for an effective balance of performance and weight, which is why we rank the Camp Chef Everest 2X so highly. It clocks in at a very manageable 12 pounds, folds down easily to fit into a duffel bag, and provides ample output for most car camping adventures. At the extreme end of the spectrum, MSR’s WindBurner Stove Combo System is the lightest option on our list at a scant 1 pound 13 ounces, but you only get one burner, and the MSR lacks the output and cooking capabilities of more traditional camping designs (we consider it a great crossover option for camping and backpacking).

Depending on your needs, packed size may or may not play a big role in your buying decision. If it does, a model like the GSI Pinnacle Pro is a great option at only 1.4 inches tall when packed (for reference, the aforementioned Camp Chef Everest 2X is 5.6 in., and a freestanding unit like the Camp Chef Explorer is 14 in.). This makes it easy to slide into the crevice of a vehicle or back corner of a gear closet. Taking it a step further, we also like Jetboil’s Genesis system, which includes a stove and cookware, manages to weigh less than 10 pounds, and folds down to nest into the included pot. Again, these considerations don’t matter to some campers, but they can be a difference-maker for those limited on space.

Camping vs. Backpacking Stoves

For those weighing the decision between camping and backpacking stoves, there are some important tradeoffs to consider. In addition to a lighter weight and smaller packed size, backpacking models only feature a single burner that can hold a pot or pan, which limits cooking space and the types of meals that you can cook (most backpackers stick to simple foods like dehydrated or one-pot meals). In addition, backpacking stoves are much flimsier, less stable, and don’t simmer as well as camping models. If you won’t be traveling far from your vehicle, a camping stove will offer a substantial increase in performance and the added heft and bulk likely won’t matter much. However, if you trek deep into the backcountry regularly, the weight savings are well worth the sacrifice in cooking ability.
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