The Best Small Camping Stove For 2024

Sarah Combs By, Sarah Combs
Updated
Best Small Camping Stove
Best Small Camping Stove

Our Top Picks

1. Best of the Best: Coleman Gas Camping Stove Classic Propane Stove

Two adjustable burners provide precise temperature control to cook delicious meals in all weather conditions. The wind-blocking panels shield the burners from wind and our pressure regulator ensures consistent performance even in extreme conditions. Read Review

2. Runner Up: Gas One GS-3400P Propanel Portable Camping Stove

This portable stove features an adjustable heat dial and automatic Piezo-electric ignition for easy use. Plus, with the built-in pressure sensor cartridge ejection system and gas flow cut off mechanism for safety. Read Review

3. Best Compatible: Coleman Portable Butane Stove with Carrying Case

The adjustable burner gives you precise temperature control, while the large base offers stability for easy stirring. The durable porcelain-coated grate is easy to clean and the aluminum burner is rust-proof for years of use. Read Review

4. Best Reliable: Coleman Gas Stove Portable Bottletop Propane Camp Stove

With its pressure control for consistent performance and PerfectHeat Design, you'll get a perfect flame every time. The wind baffles help protect your flame from the wind, while the space saver design makes it compact and easy to transport. Read Review

5. Best Design: Coleman Triton—2 Burner Propane Camping Stove

Its easy to open and keeps the stove closed when not in use. The durable, chrome-plated grate is removable for easy cleanup. Read Review

When it comes to camping, you need to be prepared. Camping can be a great experience, but only when you are prepared. Preparing means having the right gear and, of course, a good set of outdoor cooking tools like a camping stove.

Whether you plan on just hanging out in your favorite camping spot for the day or if you hope to have enough space to house all your friends and family for several days, it’s important that you know where to go and what to do. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the best small camping stoves. These are the perfect set of cooking tools if you want to enjoy some lovely meals while spending as much time outside as possible.

Our team spent about 19 hours researching, sifting, and selecting many high-quality models. As outcome, We think the best small camping stove is Coleman Gas Camping Stove Classic Propane Stove. This stove comes with two adjustable burners and wind-blocking panels to shield the burners from any strong winds. In addition to the other suggestions on this list, which are equally deserving of your consideration, we have also compiled a helpful buyer's guide to assist you in making your decision.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Coleman Gas Camping Stove Classic Propane Stove
Our Score:
9.9
Coleman

Pressure regulator: Pressure-control technology for consistent performance, even in extreme conditions

Runtime: Up to 1 hour on high on one 16.4 oz. Propane cylinder (sold separately)

2 adjustable burners: For precise temperature control

Wind-blocking panels: Shield burners from wind

Cooking power: Up to 20,000 total BTUs. Fits a 12-inch and 10-inch pan at the same time

3-year limited warranty

TOP Choice #2 Gas One GS-3400P Propanel Portable Camping Stove
Our Score:
9.8
Gas One

Easy To Use - Our Gs-3400P Is Easy To Use With Adjustable Heat Dial And Automatic Piezo-Electric Ignition

Safety Features - Built In Pressure Sensor Cartridge Ejection System And Gas Flow Cut Off Mechanism (Butane), Will Eject Cartridge When Irregular Pressure Is Detected

Duel Fuel - Compatible With Both Butane (Fuel Not Included) And Propane Fuel (Fuel Not Included), Operates On A Single Butane Cartridge 8 Oz Or A Propane Cylinder 16.4 Oz , Propane Converter Regulator Included

Automatic Piezo Electric Ignition - Piezo-Electric Ignition That Eliminates The Use For Lighter/Matches In Order To Ignite Flame, No Need For Lighters Or Matches With This Stove

TOP Choice #3 Coleman Portable Butane Stove with Carrying Case
Our Score:
9.6
Coleman

Instastart ignition for matchless lighting; 7,650 total BTUs of cooking power

1-year limited warranty

Lasts up to 1.25 hours on high on one 8.8 oz. butane gas cylinder (sold separately)

Fits up to a 10-inch pan

Durable porcelain-coated grate is easy to clean, and aluminum burner is rust-proof for years of use

Adjustable burner gives precise temperature control, and large base offers stability for easy stirring

Carry case included

3-year limited warranty

PRESSURE REGULATOR: Pressure control for consistent performance, even in extreme conditions

SPACE SAVER: Burner and base separate from propane bottle for compact storage

COOKING POWER: Up to 10,000 total BTUs

WIND BAFFLES: Shield burner from wind for maximum heat

PERFECTHEAT DESIGN: More efficient cooking with less fuel

1 ADJUSTABLE BURNER: For precise temperature control; fits an 8 inch pan

RUNTIME: Up to 2.5 hours on high on one 16.4 ounce propane cylinder (sold separately)

POWERFUL STOVE: 22,000 total BTUs of cooking power

SIZE: Fits 12-inch and 10-inch pan

BURN TIME: Up to 1 hour on high on one 16 oz. propane cylinder (sold separately)

PORTABLE: Easy addition to the campsite, picnic, roadside, and more

IMPROVED KNOB ROTATION: For precise temperature and simmering control of two independently adjustable burners

TWO WIND GUARDS: Help shield and protect burners from wind

EASY TO CLEAN: Durable, chrome-plated grate is removable for easy cleanup

HEAVY-DUTY LATCH: Easy to open and keeps the stove closed when not in use

Powered by FluxRing technology, the Zip's easy-to-use cooking system boils water in just over two minutes with half the fuel consumption of traditional systems.

The bottom cover doubles as a measuring cup and a bowl, saving space in your pack for clothes, gear, and food.

Includes fuel canister stabilizer and drink-through lid with pour spout and strainer; easy to pack and carry at only 12 ounces. One-year limited warranty.

Compatible Jetboil accessories, such as a coffee press, hanging kit, pot support, skillet, FluxRing cooking pot, and utensils make this a necessity for your next backpacking adventure.

Jetboil's 0.8-liter FluxRing cooking cup with insulating cozy makes boiling water—and keeping it warm—a breeze.

For any adventure—from alpine expedition to a weekend trek—Jetboil offers a stove that will keep you fueled. When exploring the backcountry, a compact and efficient stove is fundamental, no matter the level of cuisine you want to create.

Pressure-control technology delivers consistent heat in outdoor conditions

Runs over an hour with both burners on high on a 16.4-ounce propane cylinder (sold separately)

Portable 2-burner propane stove ideal for cooking at campsites, picnics, and more

Matchless InstaStart ignition lights stove with the push of a button

Fits 2 pans (up to 10 inches each) and produces 20,000 total BTUs of cooking power

PATENTED DESIGN, LESS SMOKE: The patented design features a unique double wall that creates ultra-clean gasification and a secondary combustion. This allows fuel to burn more completely and with less smoke.

COMPACT SPACE SAVING DESIGN: The compact Solo Stove design nests inside the companion Solo Stove Pot 900 (not included) leaving you with more room in your backpack.

LIGHTWEIGHT & FAST BOIL TIME: Boils water in 8-10 mines (34 flu oz. water). 4.25" Diameter, 3.8"/5.7” tall (packed/assembled). Solo Stove weighs only 9 oz. Made of premium stainless steel and chrome wire. Nylon stuff sack included.

GEAR OF THE YEAR WINNER: The original super-efficient, ultralight Solo Stove.

FUEL IS FREE: No more spending money on white gas or expensive liquid canister fuel.

BOILS FAST: Boils water in 2-4 mins (34 fl oz. water). 7" Diameter, 6.7"/9.25" tall (packed/assembled). Weighs only 2.2 lbs. Made of premium stainless steel and nichrome wire. Nylon stuff sack included.

PATENTED DESIGN: With patent #D701,721, our backpacking stove features a unique double wall that creates ultra-clean gasification and a secondary combustion. This allows fuel to burn more completely and with less smoke.

THE #1 WOOD-BURNING CAMP STOVE: The Solo Stove Campfire has been recommended by Backpacker Magazine and serious survivalists including Discovery Channel's very own Matt Graham.

FUEL ECONOMY: A lightweigh stove which uses twigs, leaves, pinecones and wood as fuel. Eliminates the need to carry heavy, polluting and expensive canister fuels.

COMPACT DESIGN: Nests inside the companion Solo Stove 2 Pot Set (sold separately) leaving you with more room in your backpack.

COMPACT, PORTABLE, COLLAPSIBLE: The portable design of our camping stove is perfect for camping. Folds down into a case with handle for extremely easy storing, carrying, and travel. Dimensions are as follows: 18.5" L x 11" W x 3.5" H - The cooking surface is: 15" L x 9.5" W

100% RISK FREE WARRANTY: 1-year limited warranty, so you can feel secure and confident in your purchase. You can count on us and our amazing customer service team to take care of you, and to get you back outdoors and Outbound

STURDY DESIGN WITH WIND BLOCK PANELS: The wind block panels shield burners from wind, and the sturdy steel design can easily handle extreme outdoor conditions. Comes with propane attachment

DURABLE CHROME PLATED STEEL: Our double burner propane stove is made from steel that can withstand high temperatures and weight, also includes a stainless-steel drip tray making it ideal for campsite cooking

ADJUSTABLE BURNER: 2 Adjustable control valves give you precise temperature control for 2 temperature zones. Offering up to 20,000 BTUs both sides heat up quickly and efficiently and supply even heat distribution

A Simple Way To Choose The best small camping stove For You

Would you like to know how to select the best small camping stove to purchase in 2024? We have a straightforward solution for you. First, consider your own requirements. For instance, should you need something that could be used during workouts, look for products that are made of high-quality materials and are resistant to water.

Consider the price range next. Some people prefer low prices, while others prefer to invest additional money on better quality items, so weigh both choices once making a decision.

Eventually, reading reviews is a simple way to select the best small camping stove to buy. Please read our research below before purchasing anything and follow that guide to select your best small camping stove.

Fuel Types And Capacities

As you can see, the majority of stoves in this article use propane canisters up to one-pound. Some stoves use butane as an alternative fuel. It all depends on the time it takes to cook meals, and on what temperature your burner is set. A one-pound canister usually lasts three to four meals.

Simmer Control

Because boiling water doesn't always work, we did extensive testing on the simmer control. You need to not only be able boil water, but you also have to cook, bake, stir fry, stew, or grill in order to make a camp meal that is chef-worthy. To see the stacking of the burners/stoves, we measured their simmering temperatures.

Time To Boil

Camping is a great way to get out and enjoy nature. Yes, camping also involves enjoying the outdoors and good food. A camp stove must be able to boil water.
While some stoves boil in three minutes, others can take up to 10 minutes. A stove with the highest boiling time is considered a good stove. However, it doesn't always mean that the stove will be the most efficient. You may need to give up some boiling time if you want certain features like a lighter stove or an igniter.
The stoves that we tested were all able to light/start and heat the water in less than 8 minutes.

BTUs

BTU is the British Thermal Unit. It's basically a measure of heat and energy. On average, a gas stove that you would find in your home uses 6,000 to 8,000 BTUs.
Lower BTUs are good for light and simmering cooking. Higher BTUs, which are above 10,000, indicate high heat cooking. This is great for longer cook times as well as for quick boiling of large quantities of water.

Number Of Burners

A two-burner camp stove is a good choice if you plan to spend at least 2-3 months camping each year, even if your household is small. You can cook with two burners, so you have both the option to use a pan and a pot, or make one main dish while cooking for a family of four.
Two-burner stoves remain the norm. There are many options for single-burner stoves, as well as a handful of three-burner models.

Performance In Wind

Consider how frequently and in what circumstances (such as cold weather) your stove will be used. You will have more chances to experience wind and harsh weather if you travel further.
It's not something that you should learn while on a 10 day camping trip along the New England coast. You can check the specifications, find out if your stove offers windscreens, and review customer experiences.
You can make your stove more efficient in colder areas by purchasing extra BTUs if you live in windy regions.

Weight And Packed Size

The biggest difference between stoves in this category is their weight. These stoves can be carried around in your car, but they are designed for camping. Weight might not be as important if you are looking for a strong and reliable two-burner.
Packing size is what matters more. You have a limited amount of space at your campsite or in your vehicle. You should check to make sure the stove can fit into a bag, is covered, and where the grill and fuel lines are stored. Are all the pieces stored in one place? Are accessories taking up more space than the main item? All these factors should be considered for your individual preferences and needs.

Ignition: Strikers Vs. Matches

Sometimes called piezo incendiers, or auto-igniters, strikers are buttons that use electricity to excite a spark and ignite a stove. It's similar to the button that lights up the pilot light in your home stove.
Metal and flint are other options for sparking. A camp stove with an integrated igniter is my preference. As long as it works well, I will always use this option.
A match is your last choice for lighting your camp stove. Matches can prove to be wasteful and fragile. They also don't all hold up well in harsh weather. As an alternative, you can always take flint and some matches.

FAQs

What is a small camping stove?

A small camping stove is a portable cooking device designed to be used in outdoor settings such as camping and backpacking. It typically consists of a fuel source, such as propane or white gas, a heat source, and a small cooking surface.

What types of small camping stoves are available?

There are several different types of small camping stoves available, including canister stoves, liquid fuel stoves, wood burning stoves, and solid fuel stoves.

What are the benefits of a small camping stove?

Small camping stoves offer a variety of benefits, including portability, convenience, and versatility. They are lightweight and can be easily transported from one location to another. They are also easy to use and can be used to make a variety of meals.

What should I look for when selecting a small camping stove?

When selecting a small camping stove, you should consider the type of fuel it uses, the size and weight of the stove, the number of burners it has, and the features it offers. You should also consider whether the stove is suitable for the type of camping you will be doing.

How should I care for my small camping stove?

To care for your small camping stove, you should make sure to clean and maintain it regularly. This includes cleaning the burner and fuel tank, and checking the fuel lines for any blockages. You should also ensure that the stove is stored in a safe, dry place when not in use.

Conclusion

We hope this blog has provided you with useful information about selecting the best small camping stove to buy. If you're still unsure, consider why you're purchasing a product in the first place.

Here you can select the FineFlame 3 Burner Propane Portable Gas Stove if you are unable to select one of the available items above. Consider whether any of our suggestions aided you in deciding which products to purchase. Please do not hesitate to contact us at any time!


1 ratings

About Sarah Combs

Sarah Combs
Sarah Combs is a visual editor who loves to travel and hike. She enjoys taking photographs of her journeys, which help her to remember the beautiful places she's been to. Sarah is grateful for the opportunities that she has had to see the world and looks forward to continuing to explore new places in the future. Sarah is the editor of CampfireHQ since 2021 and has written on a variety of topics, from camping, and hiking to other outdoor guides.

Read Sarah's full bio