Our team has been boiling and sautéing feast after feast in our outdoor kitchens to bring you our list of the best camping stoves based on their boil time, fuel efficiency, simmer ability, ease of use, and portability.
We’ve cooked hundreds of breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and desserts on more than 30 camping stoves to help you find the perfect model for your next adventure. From brands like Coleman, GSI, Eureka, Solo, and Camp Chef, we’re confident you’ll find your new favorite cooktop in this guide.
If you’re looking to upgrade your outdoor camping kitchen, check out our guide to the most stable and portable camping tables, or revamp your cooking tools with our top choices for camping cookware. For those especially hot summer days, keep your food cold with the best coolers of the year. And if your top priority when it comes to stoves is ultralight portability for overnights in the backcountry, pop over to our list of the best backpacking stoves.
Quick Picks for Camping Stoves
Burn through our quick list of camping stoves below, or turn up the heat and keep scrolling for our thoughtful and in-depth reviews.
Best Camping Stove Overall: Coleman Classic 2-Burner ($80)
Durable Camping Stove with Excellent Heat Control: GSI Selkirk 540+ ($149)
Best Budget One-Burner Camping Stove: Gas ONE GS-1000 ($25)
Best Camping Stove for Multiple Cooking Surfaces: Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 Camp Stove ($210)
Best Stove for Simmer Control & Large Cooking Area: Eureka Ignite Plus ($160)
Durable Camping Stove with a Wide Cooking Area: Camp Chef Everest 2x ($190)
Best Wood-Burning Camping Stove: Solo Stove Campfire ($110)
Compact & Efficient All-In-One Cooking System: Jetboil Genesis Basecamp System ($400)
Best Heavy-Duty Camping Stove for Groups: Camp Chef Explorer 14 ($150)
What’s new
Our team has been cooking meal after meal on the best camping stoves on the market to compare new models against our time-tested favorites.
- The budget-friendly Coleman Classic 2-Burner stove takes the number one spot thanks to its timeless combination of durability and ease of use.
- The GSI Selkirk 540+ takes a close second place on the list for its precision flame control, auto-ignition, and sleek, easy-to-clean design.
- The Gas ONE GS-1000 is a budget-friendly, versatile, and lightweight single-burner camping stove.
- We added the Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 Camp Stove as an awesome all-in-one cooking option for camp chefs who want multiple cooking surfaces for gourmet meals.
Coleman Classic 2-Burner
Best Camping Stove Overall
Price: $80
Weight: 9 lb. 12.8 oz.
BTUs (per burner): 10,000
Pros
- Affordable
- Durable
- Flat, slim profile
- Easy to use
- Stackable when closed
- Slightly adjustable windscreens
- Designed to work with Coleman propane cylinder
Cons
- No auto ignition
- Wind screens flimsy & narrow
The utilitarian and time-tested Coleman Classic 2-Burner Camping Stove is our top camping stove pick. When it comes to efficiency, dependability, and affordability, this stove has been a favorite among campers for generations and is a go-to for everyone on the CleverHiker team.
The Coleman Classic was built to suit the average camper’s needs, so instead of being super powerful, it balances moderate heat output with smart fuel efficiency. We love the flat, slim profile for easy stacking in the car or at home. Its low weight – just under 10 pounds – makes it versatile to carry and set up for a quick meal. We also love that the Classic works seamlessly with the ubiquitous green Coleman-brand propane cylinders.
In our experience, the burners and cooking space are adequate unless you’re cooking for a large group. The Classic doesn’t have auto-ignition, which some people may not like. That said, we don’t mind using our lighters or a match – it’s simply one less element that can’t break.
Our only other complaint is the windscreens are a bit flimsy and low, which means you may burn through more gas cooking on breezy evenings.
However, we’ve been using our Coleman Classic stoves for many years, and we will for many more. At such a low price, we consider this model an essential part of any car camping setup, especially for families and couples that want a solid camping stove to do it all. If you want this option with an auto-lighter, consider upgrading to the slightly more stylish Coleman Cascade Classic.
GSI Outdoors Selkirk 540+
Durable Camping Stove with Excellent Heat Control
Price: $149
Weight: 10 lb.
BTUs (per burner): 10,000
Pros
- Precision flame control
- Durable
- Auto ignition
- Bright colorway
- Relatively lightweight
- Easy to use
Cons
- Bulkier than others
- Auto igniter doesn't always work (general con of piezo ignitors)
If you’re looking for outstanding simmer control in a sleek, durable, and lightweight package, you’ll love the GSI Outdoors Selkirk 540+ Camp Stove.
For all you gourmets out there, the Selkirk’s cooking surface is big enough to use two pots and pans at once for creating culinary masterpieces. Our team had no trouble fitting a full-size pan for frying up eggs, potatoes, and bacon all while boiling water for morning coffee.
Though the Coleman Classic also has two burners, this GSI model is just a bit narrower and shallower, so it’s even easier to store and takes up less space on the table.
The Selkirk 540’s powder-coated steel shell is tough and built to last, but this baby is almost two pounds lighter than similar stoves, so it’s easier to maneuver between car and campsite. And in a world of cool and boring stove colors, we appreciate the bright, distinct colorways.
A downside of the Selkirk 540 is it doesn’t stack as easily as the Coleman Classic due to the raised lid. And, while the automatic light button is handy, like many stoves with this feature, we find it doesn’t always work, so you’ll want to keep a lighter handy just in case.
However, the Selkirk 540 is a great choice for families and small groups who want an effective, aesthetically pleasing, and easy-to-clean design when camping. We highly recommend it for those who want a wide range of flame control and even heat distribution in a stylish and simple package.
Gas ONE GS-1000
Best Budget One-Burner Camping Stove
Price: $25
Weight: 3 lb. 1.6 oz.
BTUs (per burner): 7,650
Pros
- Very affordable
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Auto ignition
- Quiet
- Compatible with multiple fuels
- Efficient & simple design
- Slim profile
Cons
- Less powerful than some
- Only one burner
- No windscreen
- Auto igniter doesn't always work (general con of piezo ignitors)
If you need an affordable and compact single-burner stove, look no further than the Gas ONE GS-1000. Whether you’re tackling your favorite recipe from scratch, reheating your favorite meal, or just boiling water, this model is as durable and efficient as single-burners get.
The GS-1000 is durable, versatile, and inexpensive. Featuring all-metal construction and quality craftsmanship, this little thing can provide hundreds of hot meals – and for a very reasonable price. We love that it’s so compact, and the slim case is easy to store and carry.
Because the GS-1000 uses both butane and propane, it’s one of the most versatile options on this list. The ability to swap fuels means you can take this one with you almost anywhere and find the fuel you need to cook the meals of your camping dreams.
Our only complaint about this model comes down to its limited power. At 7,650 BTUs, this single burner has less giddyup than most on this list. The GS-1000 also doesn’t come with a hardtop or windscreen, so you’ll have to use a tailgate, nearby trees, or another makeshift option to maximize your fuel efficiency while cooking in high wind.
That said, for such an incredibly low price, these are minor issues. When it comes to single-burner options, the GS-1000 is a no-brainer addition to your cooking kit. For folks who want a basic stove for outdoor cooking, an easy way to boil water, or as a backup or emergency stove, this one is affordable and easy to love.
Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 Camp Stove
Best Camping Stove for Multiple Cooking Surfaces
Price: $210
Weight: 26 lb.
BTUs (per burner): 12,000
Pros
- Durable construction
- Excellent value
- Higher BTUs than most comparable stoves
- Cast iron cooking surfaces
- Easy to use
- Stackable / flat top & bottom when closed
- Automatic ignition
- Designed to work with Coleman propane cylinder
Cons
- A bit expensive
- Heavy with cast iron accessories included
- Cast iron attachments need a bit of extra care
- Very low windscreens
- Auto igniter doesn't always work (general con of piezo ignitors)
Camp chefs who want to do more than pan-sear every meal and boil water when they’re camping will love the Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 Camp Stove. Like the Coleman Classic, this stove is easy to use, has excellent simmer control, and is built to last for years, but is even more powerful and versatile.
We love this Coleman model because it includes a cast iron grill and griddle, which fit snugly next to each other above the two burners. They heat up evenly and retain heat for a long time, making it a breeze to roast, blanch, and sear all day long. We’re big fans of these accessories because of their excellent durability and quality. Plus, cast iron is easy to clean, and Coleman includes a zippered bag for storage.
Boasting 12,000 BTUs, this camping stove is also one of the most powerful on this list. The 3-in-1 Camp Stove includes auto-ignition, and we like that it packs away nice and flat when not in use.
However, at 26 pounds (with cast-iron attachments included), the 3-in-1 Camp Stove is heavy compared to most stoves on this list. This model also has very low windscreens that are more about aesthetics than practical. And, it’s worth noting that the cast iron attachments require a bit of extra maintenance; since soap and water can leave residue and rust on cast iron, you’ll want to occasionally clean, maintain, and season your cast iron per manufacturer instructions.
Despite its higher price point, we think the 3-in-1 Camp Stove is a screaming deal. You get two excellent camp-ready cast iron grills, best-in-class simmer control, and a durable stove that will last forever. If your camping trips revolve around luxurious meals and a diverse menu, this is the stove for you.
Eureka Ignite Plus
Best Stove for Simmer Control & Large Cooking Area
Price: $160
Weight: 12 lb.
BTUs (per burner): 10,000
Pros
- Wide cooking area
- Durable
- Auto ignition
- Adjstable leveling feet
- Good value
- Slim profile
Cons
- A bit heavier than some
- Small windscreens
- Auto igniter doesn't always work (general con of piezo ignitors)
If other two-burner stoves feel too crowded for your large pots and pans, you’ll appreciate the extra-wide cooking area of the Eureka Ignite Plus Camping Stove. Its nuanced heat control and spacious burner design are perfect for families and large groups who love to cook throughout the day.
Conveniences like push-button ignition and delicate simmer control make the Ignite Plus an excellent choice for discerning camp chefs who want the ability to fine-tune the heat. Whether you need to braise, infuse, or temper, this stove easily achieves a small, even flame that makes warming and slow heating a breeze.
We also love that the Ignite Plus is made with thick-gauge steel and durable latches, so it’s less likely to dent or get damaged in transport. The downside is that the Ignite Plus is a bit heavier than other stoves on this list, although not by much.
Our other complaint about the Ignite Plus is the small windscreens. Despite its huge cooking area, the minimal side coverage makes it a bit tough to cook in breezy conditions.
But if you’re looking for excellent quality and want to make sure you’ll have plenty of elbow room, the Ignite Plus is a solid choice. For those who want a more compact version, consider the smaller Eureka Ignite.
Camp Chef Everest 2x
Durable Camping Stove with a Wide Cooking Area
Price: $190
Weight: 12 lb.
BTUs (per burner): 20,000
Pros
- Excellent value
- Powerful
- Durable
- Large cooking area
- Auto ignition
- Highly adjustable burners
Cons
- A bit bulky
- Heavier than some
- Can use gas quickly
If you need a stove with some serious speed and power to feed your whole crew and you also prioritize a wide cooking area, the Camp Chef Everest 2x Stove is the pick for you.
This stove is one of the deepest and widest tabletop stoves we tested. With plenty of room for two full-size pots and pans side-by-side, you can easily cook and prepare several dishes at once. For folks who want a camping stove to quickly cook multi-stage meals for large groups, the Everest 2x is an excellent choice.
Plus, this is one of the most powerful camp stoves we’ve tested: at a whopping 20,000 BTUs, these oversized burners put out twice the power of most tabletop camp stoves to easily achieve the perfect sear on your steak. Don’t be distracted by their output, though: the burners are highly adjustable, allowing for tremendous control to turn the heat way down to a simmer.
Because the BTUs can go so high, you can quickly go through gas with the Everest 2X faster than other options on this list. That said, for groups who need to cook a lot of food quickly this is the only stove you’ll need.
The Everest 2x is also bulkier than we prefer, which is why it’s further down the list. Its tall profile and width make it harder to stack and transport, and a bit less portable than the Coleman Classic.
However, if you’re looking for unrivaled cooking control, extreme heat output, and a durable stove that will last forever for cooking big meals for hungry groups, the Everest 2X Stove offers an excellent bang for your buck.
Solo Stove Campfire
Best Wood-Burning Camping Stove
Price: $110
Weight: 2 lb. 3.2 oz.
BTUs (per burner): Varies
Pros
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Fun & interactive
- Creates heat & ambiance
- No need to buy fuel
- Low smoke
Cons
- Takes a bit more time & practice to use
- Soot can be messy
- Only one burner
Sometimes camping just doesn’t feel complete without a fire, which is why we love the Solo Stove Campfire. It’s a gasifier stove – one of the cleanest options for burning fuel by using wood – that creates a hot, efficient, and nearly smoke-free fire for heating water or cooking a 3-course meal.
At only $100, The Campfire is a great value because it’s affordable in the short term and saves money on fuel over the long term. Since you can keep the fire going with only twigs and small pieces of wood (found everywhere, and for free, in most campsites), you don’t have to rely on purchasing, carrying, and disposing of gas canisters.
The Campfire is perfect for cooking one-pot meals for small groups. That said, we highly recommend using a cast-iron skillet from home or the Solo Stove Pot 4000 for even heat distribution.
The Campfire requires a bit more effort than most camping stoves since you have to keep refueling the fire to keep it going. And, the soot can be messy to deal with afterward. That said, we don’t mind – when it comes to the fun and interactive qualities of the Solo Stove for leisurely frontcountry trips, the mess is worth it.
And, if you’re like us, you’ll enjoy keeping The Campfire burning long after you’ve finished your meal for entertainment, warmth, and that relaxing orange glow of a fire. We love gathering around it to warm our hands and watch the mesmerizing flames.
Jetboil Genesis Basecamp System
Compact & Efficient All-In-One Cooking System
Price: $400 (includes cookware)
Weight: 9 lb. 2 oz.
BTUs (per burner): 10,000
Pros
- Lightweight
- Compact design
- Durable construction
- Efficient & fast
- Auto ignition
- Large cooking area
- Excellent accessories
Cons
- Very expensive
- Overkill for occasional campers
The Jetboil Genesis Basecamp System is one of the most portable and space-saving cooking kits on the market. If you’re a space-minded camper who wants some of the coolest new technology available for outdoor cooking, stop scrolling here.
The Genesis Basecamp is in a class of its own when it comes to low weight and a small stored size. The two burners fold together into a lightweight, rugged metal pod that nests inside a pot for compact storage. Along with a frying pan, windscreen, lid, and regulator, it all packs away into a travel bag no bigger than a bowling ball.
Heat retention coils on the base of the pot make this system incredibly fast and efficient for cooking, reheating food, and boiling water. We also love that you can customize the number of burners using the Jetlink port. By attaching other Jetboil burners – like the lightweight Luna Satellite Burner or the larger HalfGen Base Camp Cooking System, you can create a multi-burner kitchen system for frying up even the most complex menus.
The Genesis Basecamp is pricey though, which is why it’s further down our list. If you’re only an occasional or seasonal car camper, there are more affordable options out there. However, this stove is a wise long-term investment for folks who are cooking on the road, at trailheads, while tailgating, and at car camping sites, because with only a little maintenance it will last for decades of regular use.
This model is a top-of-the-line cooking system that’s as portable and fuel-efficient as stoves come. For folks looking for a simple and extremely well-built stove that packs away small, this is our top recommendation.
Camp Chef Explorer 14
Best Heavy-Duty Camping Stove for Groups
Price: $150
Weight: 36 lb.
BTUs (per burner): 30,000
Pros
- Excellent value
- Powerful
- Durable
- Freestanding
- Large cooking area
- Uses larger refillable propane take (lasts longer, more economical)
- Tall, built-in stand
Cons
- Very heavy
- Bulky to store
- No auto ignition
- Slower to set up / break down
If cooking is a central part of your group’s camping fun, it’s worth upgrading to a heavy-duty stove like the Camp Chef Explorer 14. Thanks to its adjustable legs, the Explorer 14 doesn’t take up much-needed table space and is burly enough to stay set up for your entire trip, whether for two days or two weeks.
The Explorer 14 has massive, powerful burners and a huge cooking area for full-size pots and pans, which means no recipes are off-limits. Go ahead and bring that big stock pot or your biggest saute pan from home. And since this one comes with its own height-adjustable legs, you can actually use that camp table space.
If you’re looking to cook a lot of food quickly for a lot of people, Camp Chef has a wide variety of accessories to fully customize your cooktop. Though they are sold separately, we’re impressed with the options like a side table, grill cover, carrying bag, and even a wide griddle for cooking up to 8 pancakes or 4 burgers at once.
The downside of the Explorer 14 is its size: at 36 pounds, this is one of the heaviest and bulkiest stoves on our list to store, move, and set up.
That said, for folks where cooking a lot of food quickly and regularly is a top priority, this stove is one of the best values on the market. The Explorer 14 is for camp chefs who prioritize a semi-permanent cooking area, lots of power, and top-notch durability to feed big groups on multi-day trips.
Product Comparison Table
| oSort | Product | Price | Weight | BTUs (per burner) | Boil Time | Fuel Efficiency | Simmer Control | Ease of Use | Portability | 0 |
Coleman Classic 2-Burner View at Amazon 
|
$80 | 9 lb. 12.8 oz. | 10,000 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 8.5 | 1 |
GSI Outdoors Selkirk 540+ View at Amazon View at GSI
|
$149 | 10 lb. | 10,000 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 9.5 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 2 |
Gas ONE GS-1000 View at Amazon View at Walmart 
|
$25 | 3 lb. 1.6 oz. | 7,650 | 7.5 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9.5 | 3 |
Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 Camp Stove View at REI
|
$210 | 26 lb. | 12,000 | 9 | 8 | 8.5 | 9.5 | 8 | 4 |
Eureka Ignite Plus View at REI View at Amazon |
$160 | 12 lb. | 10,000 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 9.5 | 8 | 7.5 | 5 |
Camp Chef Everest 2x View at Backcountry View at Amazon |
$190 | 12 lb. | 20,000 | 9.5 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 7 | 6 |
Solo Stove Campfire View at Amazon View at Moosejaw
|
$110 | 2 lb. 3.2 oz. | Varies | 7 | 9.5 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 7 |
Jetboil Genesis Basecamp System View at Amazon |
$400 (includes cookware) | 9 lb. 2 oz. | 10,000 | 8.5 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 |
Camp Chef Explorer 14 View at Amazon |
$150 | 36 lb. | 30,000 | 10 | 7 | 8 | 6.5 | 5 |
|---|
How We Test & Methodology
Here, we break down the key ingredients that we look for in top camping stoves including boil time, fuel efficiency, simmer control, ease of use, and portability. Our team cooked over 100 meals on every stove year-round and in the most extreme conditions, from freezing and snowy to wet and windy, to test how well these cooktops held up.
BOIL TIME
To understand the boil time of the stoves on this list, we perform controlled timing tests where each camping stove model boils a standardized three cups of water from room temperature to a rolling boil. We do these tests multiple times indoors and outdoors to ensure consistency and accuracy regardless of weather conditions and fuel types.
We also consider the stove’s BTU output, which directly informs the heating speed. Generally, stoves with higher BTU ratings boil water faster because of their greater heat output per unit of time. Stoves with the fastest boil times have excellent heat transfer features like heat exchangers or integrated wind shields that contribute to quicker boil times by maximizing energy transfer and minimizing heat loss even in rough weather conditions.
FUEL EFFICIENCY
To determine the fuel efficiency of a camp stove, we gauge the amount of fuel consumed to boil a standardized amount of water under controlled conditions, then compare that usage across stove models. The most efficient stoves don’t use traditional fuel, but burn wood instead – since wood is a renewable resource and widely available, this is a sustainable and very inexpensive fuel option. However, the most fuel-efficient stoves when it comes to butane or propane feature precise flame control, so you can specifically adjust heat output according to cooking needs and reduce fuel consumption. Advanced technologies like integrated heat exchangers and radiant burner designs optimize heat transfer to the cooking surface, reducing wasted energy. In general, compact and lightweight stoves not only save space but also use less fuel, making them ideal for small groups and simple meals.
SIMMER CONTROL
We test simmer control by setting each camping stove to its lowest flame and noting its ability to maintain a consistent, low-level flame without extinguishing or flaring up. We document its performance over 20 minutes, noting changes in flame size and stability, and repeat these tests multiple times indoors and outdoors in a variety of conditions. Stoves with superior simmer control easily sustain a steady, small flame that’s ideal for low-cooking delicate foods without burning or uneven cooking.
We look for stoves with fine adjustment knobs for ultimate control over the flame intensity and stability, and stoves that have wind shields to maintain a steady flame in windy conditions and minimize fluctuations that could affect simmering accuracy. Designs with wide, stable bases also contribute to precise simmer control by minimizing movement.
EASE OF USE
To understand how easy a stove is to use, we conduct practical tests that look at how quickly and intuitively each camping stove can be set up, ignited, and adjusted for cooking. We consider how simple they are to open and assemble, how clear the instructions are, and how easily we can access and connect fuel sources. Stoves with integrated piezo igniters or push-button ignition systems lead the pack in this category since the lighting process is so fast and there’s no need to use matches or lighters.
We look for intuitive and precise flame adjustment controls so there’s no learning curve for cooking that could lead to over or undercooking food. We prioritize stoves with reliable, stable, and durable supports while cooking to prevent pots and pans from tipping over. We also take note of any user safety features like heat-resistant knobs and built-in wind protection to make cooking as easy and safe as possible.
PORTABILITY
To gauge how portable a stove is, we travel with them in our vehicles and carry each one to and from our camps and cookouts dozens of times during outdoor activities. We conduct straightforward tests like measuring the stove’s weight and packed dimensions as well, since the most portable stoves are lightweight and compact, and are easier to carry over longer distances. Winners in portability are also foldable and collapsible, and feature a carrying handle or storage bag for extra convenience when carrying a stove to and from your cooking area.
The best stoves are also well-made with robust construction and reliable, durable materials that hold up to rough transport over dirt roads and the typical wear and tear of regular use. And, we take into account if the stove offers fuel storage like nested fuel canisters for a streamlined, all-in-one package.
Why Trust CleverHiker
From remote desert plateaus to high mountain lakes, the CleverHiker team has collectively camped over 1,000 days and nights using camp stoves in the wild. Ian Krammer, Gear Analyst and lead camping stoves tester, brings over ten years of experience exploring Colorado’s most remote backcountry and tallest peaks, where he’s tested and evaluated a wide range of stoves to identify the best options for every use case. With a strong foundation in qualitative research and a deep understanding of outdoor gear, Ian’s stringent standards for the best gear mean that only the best camping stoves make it into our guide.
Analysis & Results
In this section, we turn up the heat and see which camping stoves burn brightest when it comes to boil time, fuel efficiency, simmer control, ease of use, and portability.
VALUE
The value of a stove is not the same as its price tag. We consider the efficiency, durability, and versatility of a stove and how that affects our overall camping experience. There are excellent, budget-friendly options on this list that overperform, as well as more expensive ones that are far superior to the competition.
The Gas ONE GS-1000 is the most affordable stove on our list and offers an awesome value for anyone seeking a reliable budget-friendly camping stove. This single-burner option is fuel-efficient, small, and lightweight, making it one of the most portable and easy-to-store stoves we’ve tested. It uses piezo ignition for a quick start without a lighter and is fueled by regular butane canisters that are inexpensive and easy to find. The GS-1000’s easy-to-use piezoelectric ignition system means you won’t need matches or lighters, making it one of the best bangs for your buck for folks who only need one burner.
A close runner-up for outstanding value is the Coleman Classic 2-Burner. This has been one of our favorites for years – it’s a versatile, powerful, no-frills stove for under $100. Two adjustable burners each pump out 10,000 BTU to cook multiple dishes at once, and its adjustable wind screens and latching top are a nice touch. It’s tough to beat for convenience since it works flawlessly with the Coleman propane cylinders available everywhere, and its slim, flat profile folds up compact and is easy to carry and store.
Another outstanding value is the Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 Camp Stove. For folks who want one of the most durable all-in-one camping solutions out there, this one is excellent. This stove includes a modular cast-iron grill and griddle for chefs who want truly gourmet meals in the wild. It boasts 12,000 BTUs per burner but remains impressively fuel-efficient. It comes at a higher price than others, but the details and durability of this one are tough to beat for folks who want a multifunctional, stylish, and easy-to-use stove.
BOIL TIME
The Camp Chef Explorer 14, Camp Chef Everest 2x, and Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 Camp Stove boil water the fastest – they also lead the pack with the highest BTU outputs. Both Camp Chef models excel in high-power performance, especially in challenging conditions like cold or high altitudes, where maintaining a consistent flame can be challenging. The Camp Chef Explorer 14 stands out with its 30,000 BTUs per burner, making it the hottest stove with the biggest flame on this list. That directly translates to exceptionally fast boil times, which means it’s perfect for cooking up large meals for groups of six or more, or boiling large amounts of water as quickly as possible.
The Camp Chef Everest 2x is a runner-up with a whopping 20,000 BTUs per burner but in a much more compact and manageable size than the Explorer 14. It’s ideal for those who still need to cook a large amount of food and fast but for smaller groups of 4 – 6 people. The Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 is in third place for boil time. While it offers a much lower 12,000 BTUs per burner, it compensates with an efficient burner design that still produces one of the fastest boil times.
FUEL EFFICIENCY
The most fuel-efficient stove we tested is the Solo Stove Campfire, but with a caveat: it doesn’t need propane or butane because it relies on small pieces of wood, which are in nearly endless supply at most campsites. Because it uses wood, the Solo Stove Campfire is a more sustainable and fuel-efficient option than the rest of the list that runs on gas – not to mention inexpensive, if not free. Its double-wall design allows complete burn of the wood with very efficient airflow, allowing the wood to burn as cleanly and efficiently as possible.
When it comes to gas stoves, the Jetboil Genesis Basecamp System is one of the most efficient options thanks to the combination of propane fuel with an advanced regulator and heat exchanger that makes for an incredibly fast and even cooking experience. Its two burners can be used independently or together, and the design can link more burners as needed.
Third is the Gas ONE GS-1000, a no-frills, fuel-efficient one-burner stove that uses butane. The highly adjustable heat dial allows you to fine-tune the flame and dial in your gas usage as you cook. We like that this stove uses butane, one of the more efficient and clean-burning fuel options available.
SIMMER CONTROL
The best stoves for maintaining a slow simmer are the Eureka Ignite Plus, GSI Outdoors Selkirk 540+, Jetboil Genesis Basecamp System, and Coleman Classic 2-Burner stoves. The Eureka Ignite Plus is our top pick with push-button ignition and sensitive dials that allow for the Goldilocks zone of heat – just right. The Ignite Plus also has a large cooking surface, so it’s ideal for when you’re heating up a large pot or regular-sized kitchen pans.
The GSI Outdoors Selkirk 540+ excels with high-efficiency burners that allow for precise flame adjustments thanks to simple, specific control knobs. The wide windscreens and deep lid offer excellent wind resistance while cooking on low. The Jetboil Genesis Basecamp System also offers an exceptional level of control when heating the included cookware. Its unique and efficient regulator technology and heat exchanger offer hyper-specific performance while cooking.
Finally, we’re big fans of the Coleman Classic 2-Burner. It also delivers dependable simmer control with simple adjustable burners and wind-blocking panels. While the flame precision is not quite as honed as the Ignite Plus, Selkirk 540+, or Genesis Basecamp, it still leads the pack when you need low, dependable heat.
EASE OF USE
The Coleman Classic 2-Burner, Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 Camp Stove, and Gas ONE GS-1000 are the easiest-to-use stoves. The Coleman Classic 2-Burner is our favorite simple two-burner option. It’s simple and reliable, with an intuitive setup, a handle and slim profile for excellent portability, and independently adjustable burners. We like that it doesn’t have an electric ignition system – which isn’t always the most reliable feature across stoves – and it lights easily and quickly with a match or lighter. Large wind screens make it easy to cook even when the wind is picking up.
The Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 Camp Stove is the evolved version of the Classic 2-Burner above – and it does include a rotary-ignition knob for a safe, quick start. In our opinion, cooking doesn’t get much easier when your stove already comes with its own cooking surfaces, and this one includes an interchangeable cast-iron stove, grill, and griddle that can be removed for easy cleaning. Like the Classic 2-Burner, this one has large wind guards and an easy-carry handle but also includes a carrying case for the cooktops.
While the Coleman models above offer more cooking flexibility and features, simple often means easy – and that’s where the minimalist Gas ONE GS-1000 stands out. This is a straightforward stove in a compact package featuring a single burner that’s straightforward to carry and set up. Butane canisters are simple to attach and replace, and the piezoelectric ignition offers a reliable, hands-off start.
PORTABILITY
It’s no surprise that the smallest stoves are also the easiest to transport, which is why the Gas ONE GS-1000, Jetboil Genesis Basecamp System, and Solo Stove Campfire win for this metric. The GS-1000 gets the highest score on the list thanks to its ultra-compact size and lightweight construction, making this one an excellent choice for one to two people or minimalist campers with simple cooking needs or who want to save space. The Jetboil Genesis Basecamp System has a pot, pan, lid, and two-burner cooktop that easily nest into a simple, clean package. This design offers a great balance between portability and functionality – this thing is easy transport without compromising on how much you can cook.
The Solo Stove Campfire is also ultra-portable. It’s a single stainless-steel unit that comes with a durable carrying case. This super-efficient design is among the most portable and straightforward options on our list.
How to Choose a Camping Stove
FUEL TYPES
While most of the stoves on this list run on propane, there are other fuel options to consider. The best fuel – and how much of it you’ll need – depends on the stove itself, how often you’ll be cooking, and for how long.
Propane – Most of the camping stoves on this list run on propane because it’s inexpensive, readily available, and comes in several sizes for different needs.
1 lb. propane canisters – Most people use these canisters because they’re small, light, easy to store, and convenient.
Wood – Wood is the most basic and obvious fuel for cooking, but it can be difficult to keep burning, unreliable when wet, and the heat output can vary dramatically and be tough to control. However, wood is widely available at most campsites, simple to light, and more versatile for grilling and roasting. That said, Solo Stove’s Campfire is the only stove that runs on wood.
Butane – Butane is highly portable, has adjustable heat settings, and burns the cleanest of the three options, since it puts off the least amount of smoke and soot. The only stove that runs on butane is the Gas ONE GS-1000, which runs on both propane and butane.
5 lb. propane tank – For the best balance of portability and longevity, we recommend a five-pound option for high-output stoves. However, many 5 lb. propane tanks will need an adapter to connect to stove regulators.
Refillable tanks – If you camp a lot, refillable propane tanks are more affordable and eco-friendly in the long run if you camp a lot.
20 lb. propane tank – Heavy-duty stoves like the Camp Chef Explorer 14 consume more fuel, so they work best with a larger, refillable propane tank. Standard 20 lb. propane tanks work well and last for a long time, but they’re heavy, bulky, and cumbersome to transport.
BULK & SIZE
Size, portability, and weight don’t matter for car camping stoves like they do when it comes to backpacking, but you’ll still want to consider how much space you have for storage and transportation. Small, lightweight stoves are easier to carry and have slimmer profiles, while heavy-duty stoves are more appropriate for big jobs, although they can take up much more space in your vehicle and in storage.
POWER
The more BTUs (British Thermal Units) a stove has, the hotter it burns. The average tabletop camping stove has around 10,000 BTUs per burner. For up to three or four people, that’s sufficient for most camper’s needs and provides a good balance of power to fuel efficiency. However, you may want to bump up the BTUs if you’re cooking for a large group or will be camping in cold, windy conditions.
PRICE
Quality camping stoves are expensive, but if you spend a lot of time cooking in your outdoor kitchen, it’s worth investing in a stove that you really enjoy using and will last for years – if not decades. The higher the price tag is the more heat the stove puts out, the more control you have over the size of the flame, and the bigger the cooking area will be. That said, you’ll find outstanding stoves at every price level.
COOKING AREA DIMENSIONS
Consider what you like to eat while camping and the cookware you’ll use. If you’re serving more than four people or cooking up multi-stage gourmet meals, you’ll probably be using multiple pots or fry pans at once. In that case, it’s best to choose a stove with a spacious cooking area, multiple burners, and more than one cooktop option to avoid overcrowding – and to do your recipes justice. In contrast, if you only want to boil water, reheat prepared food, or do light cooking, a smaller, light-duty camping stove will be more convenient and less cumbersome.
Conclusion
We hope this guide is the spark you need to find the perfect camping stove. Choosing your next cooktop based on boil time, fuel efficiency, simmer ability, ease of use, and portability is essential for a great cooking experience outdoors. With your new stove, you’ll be ready to turn up the heat and enjoy gourmet meals under the stars.
