Cooking while you’re camping can be a challenge, but it doesn’t need to be. If you want to prepare meals for your family in the wilderness and you’re hoping to avoid cooking over a campfire, a camping stove is a great option. It’s safe, reliable, and you don’t need to worry as much about the weather conditions as you do when you are cooking with a campfire.
So how do you choose an excellent camping stove?
First, think about how you’ll use the stove and how many people need to rely on the stove.
A single camper or a couple doesn’t need the same thing as a family of eight. Also, consider the style of meals you’ll be making. Do you want something simple that allows you to boil water, or are you looking to make elaborate meals for a larger group of people while you’re camping? Either is fine, but your intentions with the stove will affect the type of oven you need.
Next, you’ll need to consider what you want to spend.
You don’t want to opt for the cheapest or most expensive option based on price alone. What you’re looking for is a good value. What gives you the features you need in a durable stove for a reasonable price? There are plenty of affordable camping stoves out there. You need to think about what is important to you and what stoves with these features fit your budget.
Time to boil is also another essential consideration.
If you are comfortable camping and don’t want to rush anything as you relax, time to boil might not be that important. However, even the most relaxing morning can be frustrating if you have to wait 10 minutes for hot water for your coffee. The same is true if you are trying to prepare a few dishes at once for a single meal. A shorter time to boil means you’ll be able to serve mains and sides simultaneously.
Next up, check out wind resistance.
One of the main reasons people opt to cook on a stove instead of a campfire when camping is because of the wind. You need a stove that’s reliable in high wind conditions. This can also be a matter of safety, so make sure you think about how you’ll be protected from the wind when cooking.
Ability to Simmer
Cooking tends to be simpler when you’re camping, but some people like to try their hand at more elaborate meals. If you’re up for more than just boiling some hot dogs and heating beans, you’ll want a stove that allows you to adjust the temperature and recognize food that’s cooking to simmer.
Set-Up
It’s important to consider how easy and quick it is to set up and break down a camping stove. Even if you’re in no hurry, nobody wants to spend a bunch of time dealing with setting up cooking equipment.
Ease of Care
The more comfortable a camping stove is to care for the happier everyone will be. You want something comfortable to clean, and that doesn’t need a bunch of replacement parts or extra accessories.
Portability
Whether you’re hiking to your site or you’ll be driving up, you still want something portable when it comes to a camping stove. You’ll be carrying it with other gear, and you’ll likely have a limited amount of space at your campsite. Many of the ovens on our list are smaller and lightweight, but still sturdy enough and large enough to be able to accommodate cooking for a family.
Campingaz Camp Bistro
This is a simple stove that comes at an affordable price point. It’s a gas stove that is suitable for smaller groups of people. It would also be great for camping singles or couples.
If you’re looking for something that is just as high-quality but can offer the ability to camp for a bigger group, consider the Campingaz Camping Chef Stove. It’s lightweight and easy to pack up, but it does allow you to cook a decent meal for a family of five or more. There’s also a grill under the stove that makes it easy to toast bread or make hot dogs. This stove comes with a windbreak screen that can help cut down on issues when there are mild to moderate winds.
Check it out on AMAZON.
Camp Chef Everest
The Camp Chef Everest performed well in windier conditions and has a mighty flame. We also noticed there weren’t any hot spots, so it offered consistent cooking. It’s long been one of the favorite stove options among campers, and the quality of this brand continues to be consistent. It’s a sturdy stove that lasts a long time and offers reliable cooking.
Check it out on AMAZON.
Coleman Classic
This stove isn’t as powerful as some on our list, but it’s a high price and, in most cases, satisfies the needs of campers. There is no auto-ignition, so if that’s important, it won’t be the right stove for you. We found it convenient to pack, and the adjustable windscreens cut down on frustration when lighting the burners. This camping stove isn’t anything flashy or a standout for being unique. However, it offers consistent and reliable cooking for families.
Check it out on AMAZON.
Gas One GS3000
This is a decent lightweight stove that is sturdy and is available at a very reasonable price. It offers excellent flame control and faster heating times that some other similar ovens. It lacks a windscreen, which can be a problem, but it’s easy enough to fashion on your own. We also found it to be a great option if you are cooking for a considerable group, and you need a supplemental heating system.
Check it out on AMAZON.
Finding the best camping stove for your family doesn’t need to be a hassle. Start by figuring out what it is you need in this essential piece of equipment. Then, take a look at the options that are available in your price range for your family.
