Camping Stoves

How to pick your stove

You may have many stoves in your hand, but here is something you can consider when picking stove for your next advanture.

Fuel Type and Efficiency
Choosing the right fuel type for your outdoor stove is crucial for performance and convenience. Common options include propane, butane, liquid fuel, and solid fuel tablets. Propane is widely available and user-friendly, butane is lightweight and great for backpacking, liquid fuel performs well in extreme conditions but needs more maintenance, and solid fuel tablets are ultra-light but may have lower heat output. Efficiency, indicated by BTU ratings, determines how quickly and effectively your stove cooks meals, affecting both fuel consumption and cooking time.
Size and Weight
Size and weight are essential considerations, particularly for those who need to carry their stove while hiking or backpacking. Compact and lightweight stoves are ideal for minimizing load and ensuring easy portability without compromising on performance. Conversely, larger stoves with multiple burners are better suited for car camping or family trips, offering ample cooking space and power for preparing meals for larger groups. Balance the need for portability with your cooking requirements to find the right fit.
Cooking Power and Versatility
Cooking power, measured in BTUs, influences how quickly and efficiently a stove can prepare food. Higher BTU stoves offer faster cooking times but consume more fuel. Versatility refers to the stove's ability to accommodate different cooking styles and needs, with features like multi-burner setups for simultaneous cooking and adjustable flame control for precise simmering or boiling. Some stoves also come with additional features such as grill attachments or windshields to enhance performance in varied conditions.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
A user-friendly and low-maintenance stove can significantly enhance your outdoor cooking experience. Look for stoves with simple ignition systems, such as push-button or auto-ignition, eliminating the need for matches or lighters. Sturdy construction and stable legs ensure safety during use, while removable parts and easy-to-clean surfaces simplify maintenance. Additionally, ensure that fuel canisters are readily available to keep your stove in good working condition throughout your camping trips.

Integrated Cooking Systems (All-in-One Systems)
Cooking systems, like those made by Fire Maple or MSR Reactor, combine the stove and cookware into a single, integrated unit. These systems are designed for maximum fuel efficiency and fast boiling times, making them great for boiling water, rehydrating meals, or quick hot drinks.
Alcohol Stoves
Alcohol stoves are compact, simple, and lightweight, making them a favorite among ultralight backpackers. They run on liquid alcohol, such as denatured alcohol or ethanol, which is easy to find and inexpensive.
Multi-Fuel Stoves
Multi-fuel stoves are highly versatile and can run on a variety of fuels, such as white gas, kerosene, diesel, and even unleaded gasoline. They are built for harsh conditions and are ideal for extended expeditions or remote locations where specific fuels may be hard to find.
Gas Stoves
Gas stoves are the most common camping stoves, powered by propane, butane, or isobutane canisters. They offer consistent performance, even in challenging weather conditions, and come in a variety of designs, from single-burner models to multi-burner setups.
Wood Stoves
Wood stoves are fueled by natural materials like twigs, branches, and small pieces of wood, eliminating the need to carry fuel. These stoves are perfect for those who want a sustainable option and enjoy the ambiance of cooking with a real flame.

What are the benefits and disadvantages of using a wood stove for outdoor cooking?

Wood stoves offer a unique and traditional cooking experience that many outdoor enthusiasts appreciate. Benefits of wood stoves include fuel availability and cost-effectiveness since wood can often be sourced from the environment. They provide a reliable heat source and can add a pleasant smoky flavor to food. Wood stoves are also versatile, allowing for cooking, heating, and even light.

However, there are disadvantages to consider. Wood stoves require more effort and time to set up and maintain, including gathering and preparing fuel. They can be challenging to control in terms of heat regulation, and they produce smoke, which might be a nuisance or even a hazard in certain environments. Additionally, wood stoves are not permitted in some camping areas due to fire safety regulations.

How do fuel type and efficiency impact the performance of an outdoor stove?

The accessibility and performance of fuel types are key factors for outdoor stoves. Propane is widely available across Australia and is a popular choice due to its convenience and consistent performance. It's commonly sold in portable canisters at camping stores and service stations. Butane is another readily accessible option, ideal for lightweight and compact stoves, though it can struggle in colder temperatures found in some Australian highlands. Liquid fuel (such as white gas or kerosene) stoves are less common but offer excellent performance in extreme conditions, requiring more maintenance. Solid fuel tablets are lightweight and simple but less efficient and harder to find. Efficiency, measured by BTUs, is essential for determining how quickly and effectively the stove cooks meals, impacting fuel consumption. Higher BTU stoves cook faster but use more fuel, so finding a balance suitable for your needs and fuel availability important.

What are the primary differences between camping stoves and backpacking stoves?

The primary differences between camping stoves and backpacking stoves lie in their size, weight, and functionality. Camping stoves are typically larger, heavier, and more powerful, designed for car camping or base camps where weight and space are less of an issue. They often have multiple burners and larger cooking surfaces, ideal for preparing meals for groups. Backpacking stoves, on the other hand, are compact, lightweight, and designed for portability. They usually have a single burner and are optimized for efficiency and ease of use in the backcountry. The focus is on minimizing weight and bulk while still providing adequate cooking capabilities for solo hikers or small groups.

How many BTUs do I need for my camping or backpacking stove, and what factors should I consider?

The number of BTUs (British Thermal Units) you need depends on your cooking activities, group size, weather conditions, and portability requirements. For simple tasks like boiling water, a stove with 5,000 to 10,000 BTUs is sufficient. For general cooking such as frying or simmering, opt for 10,000 to 20,000 BTUs. For cooking for larger groups or more complex meals, 20,000 BTUs or more may be necessary. High BTU stoves offer faster cooking times and better performance in cold weather but consume more fuel and are typically larger and heavier. Consider your specific needs to find a stove that balances cooking efficiency, fuel consumption, and portability, ensuring a comfortable outdoor cooking experience.

Is push-button ignition worth it for camping and backpacking stoves, and what are the benefits and drawbacks?

Push-button ignition, also known as piezo ignition, is a convenient feature in camping and backpacking stoves that allows you to start the stove with a simple button press, eliminating the need for matches or lighters.

Benefits:

Convenience: It makes lighting the stove quick and easy, especially in windy or wet conditions where matches or lighters might struggle.
Safety: Reduces the risk of accidental burns as you don't need to hold a flame near the fuel.
Reliability: Generally reliable and reduces the need to carry extra fire-starting tools.

Drawbacks:

Durability: The ignition mechanism can wear out or fail over time, especially with heavy use or in harsh conditions.
Cost: Stoves with push-button ignition can be slightly more expensive than those without.
Weight: Adds a small amount of weight and complexity to the stove, which might be a consideration for ultralight backpackers.

Recommonded Stove for Camping Beginner

FIREMAPLE Saturn Gas Stove: Highpower output & reliable, perfect for camping or motorhome.

FIREMAPLE FMS-300T Titanium Stove: World Lightest titanium hiking stove, boil 1 liter water in 3min50secs yet only weight at 45 grams.

MOBI GARDEN Jisheng Folding Fire Pit: portable Fire Pit, A must have for yuur camping trip to enjoy fire during the night.

MOBI GARDEN LiaoLie Firewood Stove: Advanced stove for your intent stove set up. Perfect for cold season.

FIREMAPLE Star X2 Cooking System: Our Best selling cooking system, all you need for your hiking cooking in one pot.

Camping Stoves

50 products

FIREMAPLE Saturn Gas Stove

FIREMAPLE Foldable Windshield

FIREMAPLE Star X2 Cooking System

BLACKDEER IGT Stove 7.8KW

FIREMAPLE Saturn X Gas Stove

FIREMAPLE FMS-300T Titanium Stove

FIREMAPLE FMS-105 Portable Gas Stove

FIREMAPLE FMS-125 Stove

Disposable BBQ Camping Kit (with Non-Stick Fry Pan)

FIREMAPLE Petrel Ultralight Cooking System

FIREMAPLE Sunflower Gas Camping Stove & Grill Pan

MOBI GARDEN Multifunctional Gas Stove

Camping Stove

Hiking Stove

Gas Camping Stove

How to pick your stove

Fuel Type and Efficiency

Size and Weight

Cooking Power and Versatility

Ease of Use and Maintenance

Integrated Cooking Systems (All-in-One Systems)

Alcohol Stoves

Multi-Fuel Stoves

Gas Stoves

Wood Stoves