Our Top Camp Stove Picks
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► Best Picnic Table Camp Stove Coleman Classic - Propane Camping Stove |
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► Premium Overlanding Stove Coleman Triton™+ Propane Stove |
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► Best Backpacking Stove Jetboil Flash Camping and Backpacking Stove |
Calling all camp chefs: your portable picnic-table stove is ready! We break down the best camping stove for Overlanding, backpackers, and hikers, from all-in-one models for boiling water to the two-burner camp stove for your overnight trips and alternative-fuel options. To get your mind off the tons of camp stoves available, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best Overlanding Stoves available on the market. Stoves that are easy to operate and are sturdy enough to withstand being tossed in and out of the car repeatedly. This gear is fuel-efficient, which adds to its long-term value and saves you money.
How we Pick the Best Camping Stove
For this review, we will go over the specs and some common questions so that your search can be simple, concise, and stress-free.
- We look at how they would work under sustained winds in a public park to prepare a full meal. The stoves in our review have a significant difference in cooking time on a calm day or a windy day, but not the Coleman Classic.
- Then we looked at how quickly the stoves could boil water to get a sense of how well they worked in general. Though we understand that speed isn’t as crucial as overall general performance. However, most of the stoves we review could boil 6 cups of water within a few minutes of each other.
- What surprised us the most was the stove’s ability to sustain a tiny, steady flame, which you’ll need if you value the precision required for specific recipes like pan-fried fish and soft scrambled eggs.
- We also consider how durable, convenient, simple to pack and carry the stoves are, and we found that most stoves and top stoves like the Camp Chef Everest can’t handle the rough rides. We prefer does that have a much chance of not breaking and have a modest smallest of parts for easy maintenance.
Our Favorite Camp Stoves of 2024!
Coleman Classic - Propane Camping Stove
- Classic time-proven design
- 2 adjustable Burners
- Generates up to over 20,000 BTUs
- Attaches to standard propane canisters
Coleman classic Camping Stove is a 50-year-old straightforward and rugged stove that cooks quickly and evenly without a strain to your wallet. It offers solid cooking power, convenience, and reliable performance to make it stand out. Though it has shortcomings, some reviewers stated that the dials on their stoves could feel sticky or unresponsive, but you can fix the issue with the application of silicone lube in less than 10 minutes of work.
That said, it is a trustworthy stove with excellent simmer control for cooking diverse meals, easier fuel adaptor threads than other stoves, and a well-made design. But the most crucial feature of this picnic-table stove is that after getting tossed in and out of the car repeatedly, it will not break. It also has minimal pieces, which means quick setup and easy maintenance.
You get two large burners that pump out plenty of heat. It’s perfect for group camping and allows you to cook for five or more people quickly. Simple to pack and easy to carry. They’re built to fit in all kinds of vehicles—under a pile of camping gear, pulled out after a long drive, and set up on the ground or a table to cook dinner without worry.
Pros:
- Affordable and gets the job done.
- Lightweight and compact dimensions
- Adjustable windscreens
- The fuel adaptor is easy to attach to body.
Cons:
- lower BTUs
- No auto-ignition
At just $44, the Coleman classic Stove is the better investment for the casual outdoors person that needs something to boil water for tea, coffee, hot cocoa, and scramble eggs, saute veggies, or heat soup.
Coleman Triton™+ Propane Stove
- Modern Case Design
- Push-button Starter
- 2 Adjustable Burners
- Generates up to 20,000 BTUs
Many campers know Coleman for their top-notch camping cookware set and accessories, and the Triton does not fall short of it. The Triton features easily adjustable controls, simmers reasonably well, and is easy to care for. It’s practically the same as the Classic, except that its ignitor is a push-button, and it has a more modern case. It’s a bit more expensive, but this is a viable option if the Classic is not available.
It is sensitive, but that seems like a standard on many outdoor gas stoves. Once you get the hang of the lo-hi setting, there is no problem with performance and cooking low and slow. Although, when stacked against some other more expensive stoves. This one simply didn’t boil water the fastest. It struggles with the wind and offers a couple of inches less cooking space. However, we decided it just didn’t matter. Despite the stove’s lower BTUs, it’s reliable and seems to cook quite fast.
Pros:
- Excellent price
- Efficient, durable, and good packed size
- Very easy to clean and maintain
- Perfect for cooking for small groups of people.
Cons:
- Lower BTUs per burner
- Smaller than average cooking space
The slim profile and weight of the Triton stove made it easy to store and carry. It sits even on any flat surface, the propane attachment screwed in firmly, and the wind-deflector slid into place with ease, giving you the confidence that it’ll get the job done cooking a damn good meal.
Jetboil Flash Camping and Backpacking Stove
- Simple Design and Small Footprint.
- Perfect for hot water meals and coffee.
- Boils 2 Cups of Water in Under 2 Minutes
The Jetboil Flash is a “tried and true camp stove” recognized among backpackers and campers for its reliability, convenience, and ridiculously fast boiling speed. It’s faster than any other stove we’ve reviewed. Among integrated canister stoves, the Jetboil Flash is one of the most affordable and best buys with lots of excellent extra features that make it very attractive for backpacking, overland camping, and camping trips.
The Flash can boil 16 ounces (2 cups) of water in just 100 sec, which is amazingly fast and convenient when you want a meal or a hot drink in the backcountry or at alpine altitudes — as long you only require boiling dehydrated or instant food. It is one of the most fuel-efficient stoves when the wind isn’t a factor, so consider finding a sheltered spot.
Pros:
- Well-designed Lid
- Use Fuel Efficiently
- Boils Water Extremely Quickly
- Sturdy, compact, and Lightweight
Cons:
- No simmer controls
- Small pot size
It comes with lots of great features include a one-liter insulated pot, color-changing heat indicator, reliable push-button ignitor, and a secure connection between burner and pot. The system packs up just easily. Once assembled, the entire system can be lifted as a single unit which is helpful for those of us who tend to misplace items around camp. We think the Jetboil Flash is the best of all the integrated canister camping cookware set and a good value overall since it will last for a very long time.
AOTU Portable Backpacking Stove
- Perfect for your morning coffee or hot chocolate
- Compact design takes up very little space.
- Incredible Value for Under $20.
The AOTU is, as far as we can tell, the best overland cookware canister stoves for butane and butane-propane mix fuel canisters. Additionally, it is very lightweight and packs small making it ideal for backpackers. It’s perfect for anyone looking for something quick and straightforward. Once you turn the gas valve off, it cools within minutes to be able to touch/pack away. The base, canister, and stovetop take up about the space of a grapefruit!
This little camping stove is all you’ll ever need! Could feed up to 4 people. It’s decidedly basic, but it’s durable, easy to use, and the piezo igniter works like a charm! Though it will dry out if it gets wet, the lighter does not work when water enters the mechanism. It also seems slightly unsteady when stirring food, so operate with caution.
Pros:
- The flame dial is easy to adjust
- Lightweight and compact
- Excellent for rainy and windy seasons
- The fuel lasts longer than most
Cons:
- The carrying case is bulky
- Smaller stoves have a higher chance of knocking over your pot.
At first, I was skeptical because of its price, thinking it can’t be all that for the price. But no! This stove truly delivers! It boiled water in the percolator very fast and cooked breakfast, lunch, and dinner for several days like a champ!
Coleman Portable Butane Stove with Case
- Tried and true single burner design.
- A great compliment to an existing dual burner setup.
- Great for your ‘just add hot water’ instant meals
Let’s start with the obvious: this Coleman Stove isn’t for serious camp chefs. But the solid stand-alone stove is an affordable single burner that performs well for limited use or in addition to your current setup if you need an extra burner. This stove is portable and can go anywhere with you. Though it’s not a stove to take backpacking, it works great for car camping because it’s relatively small and flat.
Despite its smaller size, it can hold one pan up to 10 inches. It is effortless to light with auto ignition, which allows you to light it without a match. This portable Coleman stove is not a powerhouse (It has one burner that gives you 7,650 BTUs of power) and doesn’t have any fancy features, but not everyone needs that. There’s no reason to spend much on a complicated setup for campers who dig simple camp meals like soup, oatmeal, or macaroni and cheese.
Pros:
- Least expensive model
- Functions well for simple meals
- Butane cylinders are sold separately
- Lightweight, portable, and Includes a carrying case
Cons:
- Struggles with the wind
- Butane doesn’t do well in the cold
While it’s not the best for boiling water the fastest or combating the wind like the other Coleman Stoves, we review. The rotating dial gives you ultimate control over the temperature, making cooking easy. Its large base provides stability for your pots, so you do not have to worry about knocking them over. The Coleman Butane Instastart also sets up pretty easily and quickly, simple to care for, simmers well, and cooks evenly. Overall, it’s a great product at a sweet price.