Camping Stoves: Choosing the Right One
Going camping with your family, friends or by
yourself is truly an experience you will never forget.
One of the most important choices you make in camping gear
involves what stove you should buy.
There are camping stoves for different seasons and several
factors go into making this critical decision.
The important things to take into
consideration are: the location of your campground and how many
people you need to cook for.
Size and weight
Camping stoves can weigh from a couple of ounces to many pounds.
Stoves carried for backpacking are completely different from the
stove used while car camping. Keep in mind that the weight of the
lightweight burners do not include the fuel (either a fuel cartridge
or tank).
Automatic push button ignition
Many lightweight burners come with a push button ignition. You still
need to always carry matches in case the ignition becomes defective
and does not light the burner. The larger stoves have two burners
for cooking two items at the same time.
Carrying case
Most lightweight burners come with their own bag to protect the
burner from becoming damaged. If the burner does not have a bag, you
can purchase a padded bag for protection.
Available Fuel
Different stove fuels include Propane, Butane, Isobutene, and White
Gas, so be sure that the places you intend to camp have access to
your chosen fuel in case you need extra fuel.
A flame that is adjustable makes cooking much
easier.
Wind screens
A wind screen not only blocks the wind, but also helps to heat the
water and food faster.
Canister Fuel
Propane, butane and isobutene are the easiest fuels to use.
You just have to turn the gas on and push the ignition for the stove
to light. Keep in mind that you have to dispose of these canisters
properly.
Liquid Fuel
Liquid tanks can be refilled, work better in colder weather and burn
hotter. They tend to be more expensive than the lightweight burners,
larger and heavier.
Depending on how many people you have to feed, you might consider a small camping stove that is lightweight and can be easily assembled and disassembled.
A stove that has tipping protection is a must. You don’t want to tell a bunch of tired and hungry campers that you spilled their food while you were cooking it. You should choose one that will not tip or fall over even if it has a big pot on top of it.
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